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Why Travel in Europe Should Always Start in London

May 30, 2025

Cheapest countries in Europe

Finding the best places to visit in London is fun! Honestly, there is a big list of good places you must visit, so you need a lot of time. And even if you complete your London trip, don’t stop there – this guide leaps beyond Britain too. We’ll highlight things to do in Porto, uncover hidden European gems, and serve up savvy tips for budget travel and getting around smartly. Pack your curiosity and let’s dive in!

Main Attractions in London

There are so many best places to visit in the UK and particularly in London. So, pack your bags and move through these places one by one: 

  • Must-Visit Landmarks: You should go to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. These are some of the places that have played a great part in London’s history.
  • Riverside Sights: The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben overlooking the Thames are a must-visit.
  • Museums & Art: The British Museum or the Tate Modern is a key destination for creative people, as it houses invaluable pieces.
  • Easy Transport: The Tube and buses make these main attractions all just minutes apart. It is a deal for ticking off a lot in a single day.
  • Science & Nature: For those interested in natural history and science, the Natural History Museum and Science Museum in South Kensington are fantastic, often featuring free exhibits.

Lesser-Known but Good Places to Visit in London

London’s parks and lesser-visited sites are treasures too. Hampstead Heath offers wild swimming and hilltop views above the city, and nearby Keats House is a romantic literary spot. The Sky Garden atop the Walkie Talkie building lets you wander in a glass-domed garden for free (just book ahead). Greenwich is perfect for maritime history – stand on the Prime Meridian line or visit the Cutty Sark ship. In short, besides the landmarks, these good places to visit in London give you a taste of neighbourhood life. They tend to be quieter and often free – ideal if you’re coming back or want a break from the crowds.

A Switch to Porto

If you are done with London, don’t waste even a second and step into Porto. There are infinite things to do in Porto that you would love. First, start with a stroll through the Ribeira waterfront. Once you come across pastel-hued houses, cafes by the river, and traditional rabelo boats, you can enjoy your time there. And then, if you cross over to Vila Nova de Gaia, take a tour of the Port. Wine enthusiasts sing the praises of Graham’s, Taylor’s, or Sandeman cellars; enjoying them yourself would bring you a great experience.

  • Stay connected across Europe with hassle-free eSIMs from eSIMCards – perfect for smart, budget-friendly travel.

Europe Travel Tips You Can’t Ignore 

Booking the tickets for the most amazing cities in Europe is not enough. You should also have these tips to make it through with conviction: 

  • Head East for Value: You might find the cheapest countries in Europe if you head towards the east. Think Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania. Your money stretches much further on food, lodging, and sightseeing here.
  • Historic Cities at Lower Costs: Culturally affluent cities like Krakow, Budapest, or Sofia showcase incredible architecture and history at very cheap prices.
  • Book Early & Be Flexible: Save big by booking flights and trains well in advance. Flexible travel dates help you grab off-peak deals, especially during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).
  • Travel Smart: Use budget airlines for quick hops between countries. Night trains or buses like FlixBus are not only cheaper, but also save you a night’s accommodation.

Getting  European Travel Spots Smartly

Once you’re on the move, smart travel means making life easier in transit. In London, get an Oyster or contactless payment card for quick rides on buses and the Tube. In other cities, download local transit apps (or use Google Maps offline) to navigate metros and buses. European cities are very walkable, and they also offer bike rentals. For point-to-point trips, rideshare apps are available.

Also, don’t overlook connectivity tools: getting an eSIM from eSIMCards ensures your phone works abroad without huge roaming bills. With eSIMCards, you can jump onto major European networks seamlessly as you cross borders. This means you can check maps, book trains, or translate menus on the fly, just as you would at home. Another tip: download offline maps (in Google or Maps.me) of your route before you go, so you’re never stranded by a dead signal underground. Also, consider a multi-country rail pass if you’ll be hopping between neighbours (it can be cheaper than separate tickets). Finally, keep photocopies or digital scans of your passport and insurance in cloud storage – it may sound techy, but it could be a lifesaver. A bit of preparation with cards, apps and data can turn chaotic travel into a breeze.

Conclusion

From the London skyline to the colours of Porto, Europe has a lot for every traveller. We’ve highlighted the best places to visit in London and their quieter cousins, shared must-see ideas in Porto, and even thrown in tips for seeing Europe without breaking the bank. Remember those good places to visit in London on your next trip – they’ll show you a side of the city most tourists miss. Safe travels and happy exploring!

  • Travel connected across Europe with eSIMCards UK — fast setup, full coverage.

FAQs

Q1. Things I must do in Porto?

Ans. You should not miss a walk along the riverside Ribeira and the Dom Luís I Bridge, tour Vila Nova de Gaia’s well-known Port wine cellars, and visit Livraria Lello.

Q2. Where are some lesser-known Best places to visit in the UK?

Ans. Hidden treasures are Neal’s Yard, the ancient Leadenhall Market, Camden Market for street life, and Little Venice’s canal area.

Q3. List the Cheapest countries in Europe to visit on a budget?

Ans. Eastern Europe is much cheaper than other places. However, it doesn’t lower the quality of cities it has. You can add countries like Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania and Poland to your travel list.

Q4. Where in European travel spots should first-time travellers go? 

Ans. Crowd favourites are London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Prague. These incredible cities in Europe have the public’s attention and excellent infrastructure for tourists.

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