I recently visited London and watched most of your videos and they were very useful and I was not robbed or scammed. Your videos are a comprehensive and complete guide for visitors. I wish you would talk about the laws that are hidden from tourists and clear to you, such as the smoking law and how they treat smokers ,ect..
Great to see you back Jess. Never underestimate how much you bring to this channel, along with the content, your engaging and enthusiastic style is the main reason people subscribe to this channel…
Spent 2 weeks in England in 2018. About 5 days with friends who live there. They took us to places that locals go to and we’re great showing us London. They brought us to Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurante. If u ever get a chance go there. Fantastic. Giuseppe was an amazing host. Also The Crypt was interesting.
Besides youtube, I don‘t have social media. So I‘m not the kind of person, who is chasing after the big pic. But I love baking and I have a baking book from Peggy Porschen without knowing, she has shops in London. When I was in London and found out about the shop, I went there. It was a really good lunch and a very delicious cupcake in a new flavour, which wasn‘t in my book. So it was a really good experience for me ❤
I have been travelling to London from Australia on and off for more than 30 years, split between work and leisure, so I kind of feel somewhere between a tourist and a local. Some really good tips on this channel, but you shouldn't feel pressured into not seeing the things you might have have always wanted to see. If you want to go to Madame Tussauds, do it (actually that is one I probably would recommend to a wide range of ages). Or if you want to do the London Dungeons, do it (there is actually some decent education provided throughout). Taking kids here will be much more enjoyable for them (and therefore you) than a museum. Not everyone needs to have a cultural experience on their holiday. Mind you, I do fully support Jess's opinion on Leicester Square. The place is a trash. IMHO.
You give the best advice, Jess, and I love your videos! Bingeing on as many as we can beforehand we visit London this Christmas. We changed our accommodation from Leicester Square to St James (the more we thought about it, the more it made sense), and we are so glad we did! Thank you so much!
We've been updating all our articles for the 2024 festive season, check them here to prepare for your Xmas trip: loveandlondon.com/category/festive-season/
Some immersive places are a no go but London Dungeon has historical education in it & can be fun or kids & teens. Keep in mind not everyone is traveling to London solo or childless. Many have families & although your tips are spot on-not all of it can apply to those with kids esp younger ones. 👍🏻
As a fellow RUclipsr, I appreciate your work, but I think it’s not that simple when it comes to London’s food scene. While some places may not value social media promotion, many do understand its importance. But, it’s crucial not to judge food solely by how it looks on Instagram. Take EL&N, for example - it may be pricey, but I personally know people who absolutely love it. And regarding Peggy Porschen, have you tried their cupcakes? They’re heavenly! Bold statements like this can lead people to miss out on genuinely great spots just because they’re popular on Instagram. Everyone has different tastes, and it’s a shame if they skip places that might actually be a perfect fit for them.
You're welcome to feel that way, we're welcome to have our opinion too! And it's not like if people avoid the viral spots, they won't be able to eat well, as you know, there are tons of other amazing food options that aren't "made to go viral". Thanks for watching !
I watched your videos before our trip to London in May of 2023. Thank you. We steered clear of all those places you mentioned in this segment. We preferred to immerse in local favorites and just walking around and taking in the energy. There's a Pub near Waterloo Station, under a bridge, behind the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (where we stayed) that became a home away from our favorite drinking place in California. We are planning to return in 2026.
That's great to hear! And yes, us Londoners tend to do the same thing, where we adopt the local pub and a 'second home' and spend a good amount of time with family and friends there 😊
London is such an awesome city but you are right, there are places to avoid as a tourist- you are ever so generous with information in your videos and the quality is awesome too!. ...I make travel and walking videos about less travelled places in London and Europe.
Thank u so much Jess. U’re so lovely and useful info sharing. I’ll watch all ur videos before I’m visiting London. Can u tell me how bout the fast food chain restaurants on the touristical spots? are they fixed price like everywhete or higher in the central restaurants ??
Good to see you back, Jess! A little sad for you that it seems necessary as it's apparent you've built a nice business. But yes to all! Especially the silly pseudo performance attractions! Go to the West End! We're back in November and thinking Six, which seems more appropriate in London than Manhattan. Probably a day trip to Oxford and need to find a new restaurant. Probably splurging on Gymkhana this time...
@Love and London - Hey Jess! Great to see you here again. 😊 We missed you. I’m happy to say that I’m finally visiting London at the beginning of 2025. ☺️✈️🇬🇧 Jess, keep up the great content! I’ve been a long time viewer and supporter since 2016! Take care Jess, and Happy Travels! ✈️🇬🇧 -Henry Orea
Interesting video. Like you say - I love London. But places like Leicester Square is not where to eat, or even the place to be. London is full of great places to eat, places to visit, places to see that really are authentic. Loved the video.
I already know those tourists traps that non Londoners out there always get wrong now a days. After I've heard about those stabbings over at Leicester Square which is close by Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square & even others there days ago! I'm avoiding Leicester Square when coming to London because it's so crowded and even Londoners who have lived there for over 25 or 30 years which I wish it was me here! Thanks so much for sharing good advice for over the years and stay safe Jess! ❤💂♂🏴ɢʙ
Is the London Dungeon a tourist trap? Absolutely. Did I still enjoy it? Also absolutely. But that's just me. I knew what I was getting into beforehand. Your mileage may vary.
Absolutely. So many of my friends who visited me have been to London dungeon; everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. Value for money is a very subjective choice. Some might call those Chinatown restaurants she recommends pretty overrated serving mediocre cuisine at triple price.
I like Peggy Porschen . Been there several times. If you go during the week it isn’t as crowded. It’s just fun. I had an amazing carrot cake on my last visit. Yes, there are people snapping their photos in front but I like people watching so it’s okay. I do avoid things like the wax museum, the re-enactments, the tower, and several others. But do visit the Sky Garden for a great view. And walk, just walk, and you’ll find hidden gems away from the tourist traps. I also avoid going to London during the summer when school is out .
I am planning a stop in London on my way home from Italy. I have always wanted to go to Peggy Porschen, it’s one of the reasons for my stop in London. I’m glad to hear you say you like it because I was so disappointed at first when I saw it picture as the lead into this video. I think it’s ridiculous that that’s what this person choose and then said nothing about it, making me first suspect if it was an absolute tourist trap. Very disappointed in this site.
@@NancyCole-e4r on the corner opposite Peggy Porschen is a very nice restaurant for dinner. That whole street is fun to explore. PP is crowded on weekends but I’ve never found it so bad during the week and even if it is, so what, it’s fun. Plus I like the people watching. Have fun on your trip
When I went to London last year I got up to some very individual things. On that first jet-lagged zombie day I went to the Bank of England to exchange some old banknotes from my last trip. It went uphill (downhill? 🤔) from there. My best meal was Nando's just around the corner from the hotel in Earl's Court. My worst was grabbing what I could get in Piccadilly Circus because I was too tired and hungry to do anything else.
Great video but as a local there's nothing wrong with the roast horse chestnut sellers, these have been a London thing for years - remember plenty of them as a kid in the 90s.
We actually enjoyed Happy a lot, a very nice restaurant lol and I think including the winter wonderland as a tourist trap is a bit weird. I'd go there again and again without thinking twice and met a lot of people from the UK when I was there. Other than that, good tips and I love your vids, thanks x
I've gotta say that the only thing i waited willingly on line for is getting a pic of me with the red booth and Victoria Tower(?)/big Ben(?). Other stuff were just general tourist stuff like the statues in Leicester square, globe theater, leadenhall market, etc. The guy selling nuts on the side of the bridge... Those were good nuts 😂 just what i wanted on a chilly day!
Our itineraries actually come complete with a toilet guide map that will give you the locations of all the free toilets in Central London. We'll link it here if you're interested: shop.loveandlondon.com/products/3-day-london-itinerary
I wouldn’t classify street vendors selling candied nuts as tourist trap. It’s pretty popular everywhere in Europe to have these street vendors especially during the colder months. I actually really like them and there isn’t many places where u can get them fresh.
I'd wholeheartedly add "Camden Market" and the entire area to this list. It was really something to see until the early 1990s, now it's as bad as Leicester Square.
Hi Jess, I like your channel but I hope you realize that YOU are one of the main reasons why people watch your videos - love your energy! good to see you back :) cheers!
@@loveandlondon it is true. You were and are irreplaceable. No other has your level of wit and natural irony against a backdrop of genuine well-researched advice.
I had been in London less than 4 hours when I had a guy on The Strand across from Charing Cross Station try to pick my pocket. Did the whole "Hey, Buddy..can you spare a dime?" rountine while putting his arm around my shoulder and trying to reach for my back pocket. Which would have been pretty impressive if he had managed it, seeing as I was wearing an ankle length trenchcoat at the time.. Fortunately he was so stinkin' DRUNK at the time the effort was comical. I actually laughed in his face and asked "Really?" Apart from the fact that I wear an across the chest sling bag under a zippered jacket that I keep my valuables in... Just keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.
Hey i'm looking for a specific video, It's a street tour video where a guys walking around streets in london and he passes a pub where a blonde girl in blue denim shorts is kneeling down stroking a dog, I forgot to save the video and now I can't find it, I think it was 2019 or before.
Avoid shiney and very bright places with big photos, look for chains names like Burger King Or Pizza Hut etc they will tend to be better value and quality. Do not buy from street venders, never buy food/drink, you will end up with food poisioning.
A more interesting angle is to show what the locals do for entertainment etc and perhaps emphasise that London is a large international capital, and not necessary very British at times
Sorry to say this but all the “traditional pubs” around London are kind of crappy. They all have the same menu and are basically the same as eating at a chain restaurant. If you’re there just for a drink, they are fine. If you want to eat a meal, just know the food won’t be unique.
Some are actually really great and well-known for their food! Our itineraries include a list of the best 👀 shop.loveandlondon.com/collections/itineraries
I recently visited London and watched most of your videos and they were very useful and I was not robbed or scammed. Your videos are a comprehensive and complete guide for visitors. I wish you would talk about the laws that are hidden from tourists and clear to you, such as the smoking law and how they treat smokers ,ect..
Great to see you back Jess. Never underestimate how much you bring to this channel, along with the content, your engaging and enthusiastic style is the main reason people subscribe to this channel…
I LOVE to see you back Jess ❤ That eSim card is really useful tip!
Spent 2 weeks in England in 2018. About 5 days with friends who live there. They took us to places that locals go to and we’re great showing us London. They brought us to Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurante. If u ever get a chance go there. Fantastic. Giuseppe was an amazing host. Also The Crypt was interesting.
Can a SIM card be purchased in the USA for usage in London ?
I’m going for 9 days in October with a friend any suggestions with are appreciated
Besides youtube, I don‘t have social media. So I‘m not the kind of person, who is chasing after the big pic. But I love baking and I have a baking book from Peggy Porschen without knowing, she has shops in London. When I was in London and found out about the shop, I went there. It was a really good lunch and a very delicious cupcake in a new flavour, which wasn‘t in my book. So it was a really good experience for me ❤
I have been travelling to London from Australia on and off for more than 30 years, split between work and leisure, so I kind of feel somewhere between a tourist and a local. Some really good tips on this channel, but you shouldn't feel pressured into not seeing the things you might have have always wanted to see. If you want to go to Madame Tussauds, do it (actually that is one I probably would recommend to a wide range of ages). Or if you want to do the London Dungeons, do it (there is actually some decent education provided throughout). Taking kids here will be much more enjoyable for them (and therefore you) than a museum. Not everyone needs to have a cultural experience on their holiday. Mind you, I do fully support Jess's opinion on Leicester Square. The place is a trash. IMHO.
You give the best advice, Jess, and I love your videos! Bingeing on as many as we can beforehand we visit London this Christmas. We changed our accommodation from Leicester Square to St James (the more we thought about it, the more it made sense), and we are so glad we did! Thank you so much!
We've been updating all our articles for the 2024 festive season, check them here to prepare for your Xmas trip: loveandlondon.com/category/festive-season/
Thanks jess for sending us safe travel advice always 🙏 😊
Some immersive places are a no go but London Dungeon has historical education in it & can be fun or kids & teens. Keep in mind not everyone is traveling to London solo or childless. Many have families & although your tips are spot on-not all of it can apply to those with kids esp younger ones. 👍🏻
Happy is a Bulgarian chain restaurant which does everything. It’s like their version of TGI Fridays or harvester
I am a Londoner and I agree with you, however, I recently went to eat to Happy London and the food was pretty good. I was impressed 🙂
Great vlogg jess great to see you back again a happyvhumble American lady always
Jess! I am so happy to see you again 😍 I am not even exaggerating but i love your energy so much 🥹🥹🥹
Thanks for your support ❤️
As a fellow RUclipsr, I appreciate your work, but I think it’s not that simple when it comes to London’s food scene. While some places may not value social media promotion, many do understand its importance. But, it’s crucial not to judge food solely by how it looks on Instagram. Take EL&N, for example - it may be pricey, but I personally know people who absolutely love it. And regarding Peggy Porschen, have you tried their cupcakes? They’re heavenly!
Bold statements like this can lead people to miss out on genuinely great spots just because they’re popular on Instagram. Everyone has different tastes, and it’s a shame if they skip places that might actually be a perfect fit for them.
You're welcome to feel that way, we're welcome to have our opinion too! And it's not like if people avoid the viral spots, they won't be able to eat well, as you know, there are tons of other amazing food options that aren't "made to go viral". Thanks for watching !
The snark is giving me life.
Jess totally rocks!
Peggy Porshen is so good thoooo, i didn't have a long wait either. IT's one of those that of course might seem touristy but it was a vibe still!
This tips also great for NYC, and any big tourist city in the USA as well. 👍🏻
Great video, Jess! Can't wait to get back to London.
I haven't commented here for a while Dear Jess I had missed You and London so much.🥰😍🤗
I watched your videos before our trip to London in May of 2023. Thank you. We steered clear of all those places you mentioned in this segment. We preferred to immerse in local favorites and just walking around and taking in the energy. There's a Pub near Waterloo Station, under a bridge, behind the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (where we stayed) that became a home away from our favorite drinking place in California. We are planning to return in 2026.
That's great to hear! And yes, us Londoners tend to do the same thing, where we adopt the local pub and a 'second home' and spend a good amount of time with family and friends there 😊
Was that a Poppie's fish & chips plate I saw? Hands down the best fish & chips I've had there.
London is such an awesome city but you are right, there are places to avoid as a tourist- you are ever so generous with information in your videos and the quality is awesome too!. ...I make travel and walking videos about less travelled places in London and Europe.
I love to listen to you talk about tourist traps 😁🤩
The best food item I tried last year in London was the sushi burrito. It was all over my TikTok for you page before my trip. It was really delicious!
Oooh yes, Sushi Dog!
Good seeing you again, Jess.
" When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford "
Samuel Johnson
Oh…I just noticed a lady falling down behind you around 4:47.
Loved your videos. They are very informative!
Thank u so much Jess. U’re so lovely and useful info sharing. I’ll watch all ur videos before I’m visiting London. Can u tell me how bout the fast food chain restaurants on the touristical spots? are they fixed price like everywhete or higher in the central restaurants ??
Usually fixed, but we'd only use them as a quick fix as there are so many better places to eat around!
Good to see you back, Jess! A little sad for you that it seems necessary as it's apparent you've built a nice business. But yes to all! Especially the silly pseudo performance attractions! Go to the West End! We're back in November and thinking Six, which seems more appropriate in London than Manhattan. Probably a day trip to Oxford and need to find a new restaurant. Probably splurging on Gymkhana this time...
Yes! Gymkhana should be high on the list 👀
@Love and London - Hey Jess! Great to see you here again. 😊 We missed you. I’m happy to say that I’m finally visiting London at the beginning of 2025. ☺️✈️🇬🇧 Jess, keep up the great content! I’ve been a long time viewer and supporter since 2016! Take care Jess, and Happy Travels! ✈️🇬🇧 -Henry Orea
How exciting! Thanks so much for your support ❤️
You are so right!I visited the EL N Cafe, and except the vice decorations the tastes were awful
The food in Chinatown is very good. You’re correct.
Interesting video. Like you say - I love London. But places like Leicester Square is not where to eat, or even the place to be. London is full of great places to eat, places to visit, places to see that really are authentic. Loved the video.
I already know those tourists traps that non Londoners out there always get wrong now a days. After I've heard about those stabbings over at Leicester Square which is close by Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square & even others there days ago! I'm avoiding Leicester Square when coming to London because it's so crowded and even Londoners who have lived there for over 25 or 30 years which I wish it was me here! Thanks so much for sharing good advice for over the years and stay safe Jess! ❤💂♂🏴ɢʙ
Is the London Dungeon a tourist trap? Absolutely. Did I still enjoy it? Also absolutely. But that's just me. I knew what I was getting into beforehand. Your mileage may vary.
Absolutely. So many of my friends who visited me have been to London dungeon; everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. Value for money is a very subjective choice. Some might call those Chinatown restaurants she recommends pretty overrated serving mediocre cuisine at triple price.
I really liked the Tokyo Diner in Chinatown. Quick service, and low prices for a sit down dinner in London.
The timing at 4:43 with the "cha-ching" sound & the person falling at the bottom left of the screen 😮
I like Peggy Porschen . Been there several times. If you go during the week it isn’t as crowded. It’s just fun. I had an amazing carrot cake on my last visit. Yes, there are people snapping their photos in front but I like people watching so it’s okay. I do avoid things like the wax museum, the re-enactments, the tower, and several others. But do visit the Sky Garden for a great view. And walk, just walk, and you’ll find hidden gems away from the tourist traps. I also avoid going to London during the summer when school is out .
I am planning a stop in London on my way home from Italy. I have always wanted to go to Peggy Porschen, it’s one of the reasons for my stop in London. I’m glad to hear you say you like it because I was so disappointed at first when I saw it picture as the lead into this video. I think it’s ridiculous that that’s what this person choose and then said nothing about it, making me first suspect if it was an absolute tourist trap. Very disappointed in this site.
@@NancyCole-e4r on the corner opposite Peggy Porschen is a very nice restaurant for dinner. That whole street is fun to explore. PP is crowded on weekends but I’ve never found it so bad during the week and even if it is, so what, it’s fun. Plus I like the people watching. Have fun on your trip
Great information
Wish I get someone to join when I’m London to avoid such scams.
Anybody else see that lady fall at 4:44 in the background? 😂
When I went to London last year I got up to some very individual things. On that first jet-lagged zombie day I went to the Bank of England to exchange some old banknotes from my last trip. It went uphill (downhill? 🤔) from there.
My best meal was Nando's just around the corner from the hotel in Earl's Court. My worst was grabbing what I could get in Piccadilly Circus because I was too tired and hungry to do anything else.
There's some great restaurants in the lanes around Piccadilly Circus (Soho), but some not so great ones too! You must have been unlucky that night 😭
Great video but as a local there's nothing wrong with the roast horse chestnut sellers, these have been a London thing for years - remember plenty of them as a kid in the 90s.
We actually enjoyed Happy a lot, a very nice restaurant lol and I think including the winter wonderland as a tourist trap is a bit weird. I'd go there again and again without thinking twice and met a lot of people from the UK when I was there. Other than that, good tips and I love your vids, thanks x
Thanks for your support ❤️
I am a London first time traveler!! The only international country I’ve been to is Mexico
I've gotta say that the only thing i waited willingly on line for is getting a pic of me with the red booth and Victoria Tower(?)/big Ben(?). Other stuff were just general tourist stuff like the statues in Leicester square, globe theater, leadenhall market, etc.
The guy selling nuts on the side of the bridge... Those were good nuts 😂 just what i wanted on a chilly day!
Welcome Back
anyone notice the woman fall @ 4:44?
Yes!!!! Came here just to see if it was only me lol. Poor lady almost hit her head on Westminster Bridge.
This is all good advice for any large city in any country. It's just sad that people these days need to be told this stuff. Should be common sense.
I wonder how to find toilet when self-guided tour in London at night. Is there public toilet nearby Big Ben or London eyes?
Our itineraries actually come complete with a toilet guide map that will give you the locations of all the free toilets in Central London. We'll link it here if you're interested: shop.loveandlondon.com/products/3-day-london-itinerary
Can you do a video and show the Latinos or Hispanic neighborhood and restaurants 😋🧡🙏🏽
I wouldn’t classify street vendors selling candied nuts as tourist trap. It’s pretty popular everywhere in Europe to have these street vendors especially during the colder months. I actually really like them and there isn’t many places where u can get them fresh.
I'd wholeheartedly add "Camden Market" and the entire area to this list. It was really something to see until the early 1990s, now it's as bad as Leicester Square.
agreed!
Hi Jess, I like your channel but I hope you realize that YOU are one of the main reasons why people watch your videos - love your energy! good to see you back :) cheers!
That's so lovely! Thanks for your support
@@loveandlondon it is true. You were and are irreplaceable. No other has your level of wit and natural irony against a backdrop of genuine well-researched advice.
I had been in London less than 4 hours when I had a guy on The Strand across from Charing Cross Station try to pick my pocket. Did the whole "Hey, Buddy..can you spare a dime?" rountine while putting his arm around my shoulder and trying to reach for my back pocket. Which would have been pretty impressive if he had managed it, seeing as I was wearing an ankle length trenchcoat at the time..
Fortunately he was so stinkin' DRUNK at the time the effort was comical. I actually laughed in his face and asked "Really?"
Apart from the fact that I wear an across the chest sling bag under a zippered jacket that I keep my valuables in...
Just keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.
It's the romas you don't see that will get you.
A dime? He actually asked you for US currency?
Coming over soon and I know my Chippie, where to get Two Pie and Mash and a greasy full English. I'm a simple man. Oh and Sunday Roast!
We've got heaps of recommendations for that in our London Itineraries: shop.loveandlondon.com/collections/itineraries 👀
Hey i'm looking for a specific video, It's a street tour video where a guys walking around streets in london and he passes a pub where a blonde girl in blue denim shorts is kneeling down stroking a dog, I forgot to save the video and now I can't find it, I think it was 2019 or before.
Don't think that's one of ours!
I really hated poppies, fish, and chips. Looked great in pictures but damn was it disappointing
0:32
Why do we avoid such souvenir shops?
Usually they are quite expensive!
If anyone tries it on walk on by don’t engage them they work in teams.
💕✈️
Avoid shiney and very bright places with big photos, look for chains names like Burger King Or Pizza Hut etc they will tend to be better value and quality. Do not buy from street venders, never buy food/drink, you will end up with food poisioning.
I thought 'The Clink' prison was great, no performers at all in that one, just a walk around at your own leisure to view and read about the history.
No ones going to mention the poor lady that fell over behind you when you were on the bridge 😢 🙃
Avoid central London and get yourself down to the best part of the whole city... Romford!
A more interesting angle is to show what the locals do for entertainment etc and perhaps emphasise that London is a large international capital, and not necessary very British at times
I brought nuts in a touristy area. They were nice. If they approach you then avoid them.
Sorry to say this but all the “traditional pubs” around London are kind of crappy. They all have the same menu and are basically the same as eating at a chain restaurant. If you’re there just for a drink, they are fine. If you want to eat a meal, just know the food won’t be unique.
Some are actually really great and well-known for their food! Our itineraries include a list of the best 👀 shop.loveandlondon.com/collections/itineraries
Oh wow, naming and shaming. They are not gonna like this one 🙃
Swings and roundabouts. Can't complain about a bad review online when you're going viral on TikTok.
eSIM is not so common
There's actually plenty around now! We love SimLocal: tidd.ly/3zFoRDC
@@loveandlondon yes but my phone Xiaomi Poco X5 5G does not support esim functionality