Happy to Wander

The Ultimate FREE London Tourist Map (Things to Do, Photo Spots & More!)

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Looking for a London tourist map that covers all the main sights?

Great news! Hi – I’m Christina, a shameless travel nerd who has already made one. WITH cute stamp icons… that are colour coded.

So yes, below, you’ll find a handy Google Map that you can use on your phone that includes…

  • Top London museums & sights
  • The prettiest photo spots and views in London
  • The nicest parks in London
  • London food, drink & pub recommendations
  • Fun shopping spots to visit in London

I hope you find it helpful!

london tourist map app

Save this Free London Map for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

My Free London Tourist Map

On mobile? Click this link here and the map should automatically open on your Google Maps app.

NOTE: Free sights are marked with a green background – be sure to expand the Map Legend to see the different layers and categories I’ve included!

London Travel Tips Video

First time in London? Here’s a video that explains some of the important must-knows to keep in mind before your trip.

More London Travel Resources

Finally, if you’re a bit more old school, then here are some articles and blog posts to help you out with your London planning!

  • London Travel Tips
  • How to Spend Three Days in London
  • The Best Historic & Unique Pubs in London
  • The Best Christmas Things to do in London
  • London Mistakes to Avoid
  • London Harry Potter Bucket List
  • England Travel Tips
  • The Best Places to Visit in England (Besides London)
  • How to Take Trains in the UK (Step by Step)

london tourist map app

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Thrifty Londoner

41 Best Must Have London Apps- For Tourists & Londoners!

Whether you’re a born and raised Londoner, or you’re a tourist just visiting for the weekend, you’ll need this list of best London apps to help you navigate the city, and perhaps even save some money in the process.

From travel and transport (we’ve got a hot tip that will save you 1/3 off your tube journeys at the weekend!) to entertainment, food, groceries and daily living. You can bet that your life will be made that little bit easier with these apps. Most of the apps are free to use, and so there’s no excuse not to use them.

You might even find that you impress your friends with your new found knowledge! Let’s get into it…

london-transport-bus

Page Contents

London Travel Apps

1) citymapper.

Citymapper is a must-have app if you’re a Londoner OR if you travel frequently. It is compatible with citites all over the world, and it’s especially good for anyone who is using public transport in London.

Use the app to find available routes to your destination. Citymapper will show you different route options, how long they take and how much they cost.

If you are in London, you’ll most likely get shown a couple of routes on The Tube, a bus route, walking, cycling, and possibly even a cab. It’ll break down the most cost efficient and time efficent options- all you have to do is pick one!

2) Tube Map

Tube Map does what it says on the tin, and is an app you can use to plan your journeys in London on the London Underground. I really like it because the app allows you to map journeys even when you’re offline. It’s super helpful when you’re already underground and the train decides it’s going to terminate half way through your journey!

When you ARE connected to the internet, it’ll estimate the real time of your journey, how long it will take you to transfer between stations, and also if there are any delays, distruption or strikes on the tube lines.

I’m sure most of you reading this will already have Uber downloaded on your phone, but if you don’t and you’re visiting London, I’d recommend it! Not only is Uber (usually) cheaper than a black cab, your driver will come to you.

That means you don’t have to find a taxi rank or go into a town centre to get a taxi. It’s super convenient, and in London a driver is usually with you within 5 minutes.

For £5 off your first 5 Uber trips, use my referral code hqms13svx1v8 when you download the app.

Bolt is very similar to Uber. As a Londoner, I’ll always check both apps to see which one is cheapest for my journey. You will also find that Bolt frequently offer deals like “20% off your next 5 rides” which make the pricing very competitive when compared to Uber.

From my experience, there’s not always as many drivers listed on Bolt, so you may need to wait for up to 10 minutes for a driver. However, the Bolt app will tell you the wait time before you go ahead with the journey, so you can check this and make a decision beforehand.

Download Bolt using my link to get a discount off your first ride.

5) TFL Oyster and contactless app

This is a true must-have app for London. If you’re living in London or visiting London, always pay with either Oyster or contactless payment when you travel- it saves you SO MUCH money on your journeys.

And if you’re using Oyster or contactless payment, you’ll want to download this free app from TFL . Not only can you top up your Oyster card on the go, but you can also view your travel history, flag any incomplete journeys, and make sure you haven’t been overcharged (it happens more than you think).

Another little known bonus of using an Oyster card, is that you can get a third off, off-peak travel on TFL (including the London Underground) if you have a rail card . All you need to do is ask a station attendant to add your rail card to your Oyster card for you.

vintage-london-bus

6) London live bus countdown

If you’ve ever taken a London bus before, you know how unreliable the bus times can be! Sometimes you can be left wondering if your bus is ever going to come… especially if there are road works or diversions in place.

Enter London Live Bus Countdown . It’s a free app that allows you to see exactly when your next bus is coming via live data received from Transport For London (TFL). If you ever catch the bus, or plan on taking the bus in the future- you need this app on your phone.

7) Santander Cycles

Previously known as ‘Boris Bikes,’ Santander Cycles are such a fun way to get around in London. You pay just £1.65 for a journey up to 30 minutes, so it’s affordable too.

There are more than 800 docking stations around London- and the free app can tell you where your nearest docking station is with available bikes. Very important to avoid disappointment! There is also a map so that you can plan your journey.

8) Trainline

Trainline is essential for anyone booking trains out of London to different towns and cities across the UK. Not only can you pay for your tickets easily, you can also add your rail card and get the cheapest price (they use SplitSave to get you the cheapest combination of tickets).

The app will also tell you which platform to get your train from. But, for the most accurate information on train platforms, you’ll want to head to realtimetrains.co.uk , a website that forecasts train platforms. It’s invaluable to get ahead of that scramble as soon as the platform is announced!

Have you seen those cool electric scooters in London? They are provided by a company called Lime. It’s easy to use and hire the scooters when you have the Lime app . You can also hire e-bikes, for greener travel around London.

Use the app to discover a nearby ride (Lime isn’t yet available in every London borough, but is very prevalent in Central London), pay, and then unlock the ride!

10) Appyway parking app

Use appyway  to find free parking in London . You can use their kerbside maps to help you plan your journey and find free parking spaces.

The parking app can also help you to navigate congestion, and understand any street parking rules, including meters, permits and more.

cocktails-in-london

Food & Drink Apps In London

No, Dojo isn’t about local martial arts gyms, it’s actually about restaurants! More specifically, it’s about queuing for those ‘no reservations’ restaurants (which, let’s be honest, is many of the restaurants in Central London).

So how does it work? The Dojo app allows you to join a ‘virtual queue’ once you’re within throwing distance of your chosen restaurant. Instead of queuing in the rain for half an hour (we’ve all done it!) you can instead pop to a nearby pub to wait your turn for a table to become available. It’s definitely one of the best London apps to have in your toolbox whether you’re a tourist or a local.

12) OpenTable

OpenTable is a restaurant reservation service. Often, restaurants will already be partnered with OpenTable on their own websites, so it’s just a matter of inputting your details online to reserve a time.

The app on the other hand, makes reservations even simpler, and it’s the perfect way to search for new restaurants. You can simply search by location, cuisine, and read reviews and menu options.

13) The Pub Finder

Brits love the pub. So if you’re visiting London, you’ll want to experience a couple of them while you’re in the city! And if you’re a Londoner? You can use the app to find the highest rated pubs, with customer reviews and ratings.

The Pub Finder is a free app with over 26,000 pubs listed! It’s so simple to use- the brighter the colour of the pub on a map, the better the rating. You’ll never have to drink in a shoddy pub again.

14) DUSK app

DUSK is a drinks app that allows you to accrue points to redeem against free drinks. All you need to do, is link your card and earn DUSK points every time you spend at your favourite bars.

While using the app, out for the ‘free drink button’ in the bars list or the free drink pin on the map. Once you arrive at the venue, simply tap the free drink button. You must show the bartender the drink confirmation screen in order to claim your drink.

15) Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is an app that is fighting food waste- and it’s particularly popular in London. The app lists foods from eateries- from big supermarkets to local bakeries. You can pick up a bag of food for about £4.

The small downside of Too Good To Go is that you don’t know exactly what you’re getting in each bag. You may end up with lots of sweet treat, but hey, that’s not always a bad thing!

Olio  is another app that’s fighting waste. It’s a community app where users can list items, or pick up food or other items from neighbours or stores for free.

Luckily, in London there are plenty of users. That means you should find people in your area with unwanted food, and likewise you can probably find someone to pick up your unwanted food. Perfect if you’re about to go on holiday for a while.

17) Uber Eats

We already mentioned Uber on this list, but Uber Eats also deserves a mention as a food delivery app. Once you download Uber, you’ll have access to Uber Eats too.

You can order from restaurants and takeaways all over London with Uber Eats, and you can even get shopping delivered from the supermarket too. Perfect for those days when you just can’t get to the supermarket!

18) Deliveroo

Deliveroo is another food delivery app where you can order food from all over the city (within reason). You’ll have access to a ton of restaurants and fast food outlets in your local area, and a few neighbourhoods over too.

Like Uber Eats, Deliveroo also gives you the option to order grocery shopping from local stores. It’s great if you don’t want to walk in the rain, or it’s late at night.

london tourist map app

London Money Apps

19) splittr.

Splittr is an incredible app for anyone who often dines out with groups of friends, or anyone who lives in a house share. It’s even great if you want to split costs with your partner, or on a group holiday.

The idea behind Splittr, is that it makes it easy to split a bill or a cost. You’ll never need to chase anyone for payment again! Simply add expenses as you go and Splittr will tell you who is next to pay and who owes whom how much.

All currencies are supported on the app, and best of all, it’s free to use!

If you’re living in London, you’ll most likely need to be abreast of your money management due to the high cost of living in the city. One way to easily keep on top of that? An automated app.

I love using  Snoop  as a money management and budgeting tool. It’s free to use, and you can view all of your accounts in one place, and track your spending accordingly. In my opinion, it’s one of the very best London apps for Londoners on a budget (or anyone on a budget, to be honest!)

Snoop tracks all your spending for you, and allocates everything into categories. It means that you can take a pretty laid back approach to tracking spending, while still getting the data you need to stay on top of your money.

london tourist map app

21) Apple Pay

If you’re an iPhone user, you need to set up Apple Pay. Not only does it mean you can easily tap into The Tube using your phone, you can also pay for most things from your phone.

There is a problem with pickpockets in Central London, and so if you can, it’s always good to have a back up plan for making payments if your wallet gets stolen.

Wise , formerly known as TransferWise, is a fantastic way to transfer and exchange money internationally. It’s super easy to do via the app, and you save a heck of a lot on feeds when sending money abroad.

If you’ve moved to London from abroad and you want to send money back home? You need to download Wise asap. Trust me, you will love it.

london tourist map app

Now, Monzo isn’t necessarily a total must have app as a Londoner. It does come with a little consideration because Monzo is an actual bank account.

However, there are SO many people in London who bank with Monzo, and therefore, whenever you are out with friends, one person will usually ask “can I Monzo you the money?” This is because Monzo make it super easy to send money to friends, just by using their phone number.

Monzo also has some great budgeting features like saving pots, and automatic expense tracking, so it’s worth checking out if you think you could benefit.

24) Topcashback

Topcashback  is an app (and website) that you can use to get cashback on your everyday purchases. It works on the basis that whenever you click through to a retailer website via  Topcashback , the retailer will pay Topcashback a small commission (also known as an affiliate payment) for referring you to their website. Topcashback will keep some of that commission for themselves, and then pass on the rest to you.

I use the app for absolutely everything that I buy online. I have received hundreds of pounds back in cashback over the years, and it’s totally worth using to get some extra money while living in London.

london tourist map app

25) Jam Doughnut

Jam Doughnut  is another excellent way to get cashback on your everyday spending. The basis of the app is that you buy a voucher first to cover the amount of your spending. For example, you buy a voucher worth £100.

You’ll then receive cashback on your shop which is instantly added to your wallet on the app. For example, when you shop at Tesco, you can receive 3.5% cashback currently. If your grocery shop costs £100 per week, you’ll get back £3.50 per week, or £14 over 4 weeks. Over the course of a year that’s £182!

 📱 Download the app for free   and use my code YVVR to get a £4 bonus when you use the app for the first time

26) Airtime Rewards

Yet another way to get cashback! Use  Airtime Rewards to get cashback on your purchases and offset this against your phone bill. You can receive cashback from retailers such as Boots, Wilkos, Waitrose, Matalan and many more.

You can connect your debit card to the Airtime Rewards app, and instantly receive cashback. There’s no need to complete your purchase within the app itself. Use my referral code  9F333XJG , to get 50p to get started.

groceries-in-london

Apps for groceries in London

Sign up for a Tesco Clubcard and manage your account through the Tesco app . If you regularly shop at Tesco, this is an absolute must due to the prevelance of Clubcard Prices where you can often make big savings on your groceries.

You’ll also accrue Clubcard Points which you can then redeem against your shopping or other experiences or purchases.

If you live near a Co-op store in London, you need the Co-op app . Each week you will get a choice of two vouchers which you can redeem in store.

Often, these are vouchers like ’50p off Nestle chocolate’ or ’50p of bakery items’ which goes a long way for a little treat once a week! The best way to use these vouchers? Use them against a ‘yellow sticker’ reduced item to get the most out of your voucher.

29) Waitrose

Similarly to the Co-op, Waitrose Card members can select two vouchers per week from the Waitrose app to redeem against their shopping.

Annoyingly, these vouchers are usually on specific items, so you don’t get the same choice that you do when you shop at the Co-op.

However, the vouchers are usually based on what you’ve previously bought. So, you might find these useful. Plus, you can get free coffee with a purchase, and a free magazine as a Waitrose member.

30) Shopmium

Shopmium  is a free and fun app that you can use to to pick up free food items from supermarkets. The reason the items are available is usually due to a new product launch.

As well as freebies, you can also get significantly reduced food items from the app. All you need to do is scan your receipt to be credited with the difference! Use my referral code  TU4U38  to get a free bag of Cadbury’s chocolate buttons when you  sign up and can your receipt.

31) Chop Chop

Chop Chop is a fantastic food delivery app from Sainsbury’s. You can do a small Sainsbury’s shop from within the app, and an hour later have the food delivered to your door!

The prices are a little more expensive than the in-store prices, but this is super handy if you’re not able to get out of the house to do a food shop for whatever reason.

And if you regularly shop at Sainsbury’s? Make sure that you register for a Nectar Card to access Nectar Prices and scoop up those savings!

Gopuff was founded in America, but it’s made its way across the pond to London. With Gopuff you can get food, drink, and everyday items delivered to your door in 30 minutes.

It’s another app to have in your phone for those moments when you just can’t leave the house! Whether it’s late at night, you have a baby, or you are feeling under the weather.

Event and ticket apps for London

33) tiqets app.

Tiqets is a free app that links to hundreds of different attractions and events in the city, all in one place! You can use the app offline to view your tickets, so you don’t need to be connected to the internet to get your ticket scanned (a bonus if you’re travelling to London from abroad!)

You can also access guides within the app, as well as reviews from other visitors.

Fever puts the coolest events and experiences (ever heard of those Candlelight Concerts?) in London at your fingertips. Use their app to search for upcoming events and book tickets (some events of which are exclusive to Fever).

On the app you’ll also find a map showing the locations of all of the events, reviews and user recommendations, and even have access to Fever Club. Fever Club is a reward system on all ticket purchases.

london tourist map app

35) TodayTix

Use the TodayTix app to access the best prices and availability for London performances such as West End shows, opera and dance. You can filter your search based on genre, price and date. Checkout is quick, and your tickets are easily accessed digitally. It’s definitely one of the best London apps for theatre buffs.

When you download the TodayTix app , you also get access to ticket lotteries for West End theatre tickets. Use the Lottery and Rush filters to find the lotteries in London. If selected, you’ll be notified by the app and by email, and you’ll have 30 minutes to claim your tickets.

36) Seatplan

SeatPlan  is app that you can use to see the ‘real life’ view from seats before you book tickets to a production. For example, if the only seats left say ‘restricted view’ you can find out just how good or bad the view is, instead of taking a chance on the booking.

You can also use the app to build up points to redeem against theatre tickets. If you’re a big theatre fan, you can upload photos of the view from your seat, and build up points. Build up enough points, and you could score a f r ee theatre ticket !

37) Eventbrite

I love using Eventbrite to discover new and interesting events, talks, and shows across London. You’ll find niche performances, classes, and even some free stuff too.

Use the Eventbrite app to browse events based on location, price, and date. You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll be able to find an event for everything. From free dance classes , to pottery schools.

Helpful apps for London

38) accessable app.

AccessAble is your accessibility guide, that you can use in London. The app includes 75,000 Detailed Access Guides that tell you all about a venue’s access. They are 100% facts, figures and photographs.

The information is trustworthy, and even includes photos and measurements, so that you can be prepared with the knowledge you need before you start your journey.

39) Toilets4London

Toilets4London is revolutionising toilet access in the city. No more buying things in cafes or bars just so that you can use their loos! The app is best way to find publicly accessible toilets in London.

And it’s not just any toilet-finding app. Toilets4London work closely with local authorities, community groups and local businesses to encourage more clean and open toilets in London.

london tourist map app

40) Refill App

The refill app isn’t just a water app (although it is very handy to show you where you can refill your water bottle in the city!) It also shows you a variety of places to reduce, reuse and refill.  The app lists over 300,000 refill stations- offering refills for water, coffee, food containers and plastic-free shopping.

If you’re on a mission to reduce waste and your impact on the environment, this is a helpful London app for you to have in your back pocket.

41) Met Office Weather

If you’re a Brit, or you know a Brit, you’ll know that we love talking about the weather. Namely, whether it’s going to rain or not.

The weather can be very changeable in London, so it’s a good idea to download the Met Office Weather app so that you are always prepared with an umbrella if needed. Alternatively, sometimes it will be cold in the morning and you’ll need sunscreen by noon. It’s a lottery! Which is why making good use of a weather app will stand you in good stead in the city.

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girl gone london

21+ Best London Apps 2024 (for visitors)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Wondering what the best apps for London and the most useful apps in London are?

From public transportation apps to event apps to informational apps, there are so many London apps that you can use as an important tool for getting around London and having the best time in London.

Here are some of my favorite apps in London to recommend to visitors to help you make the most of the city.

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Start your planning with this “Intro to London” guide and access to my London planning Facebook group!

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The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)

  • 😍 Cheapest Way to See it All: Get the London Pass here (yes, it’s worth it)
  • 🎭 Cheapest site for West End theatre tickets: London Theatre Direct
  • 🚕 Cheapest and most reliable airport transfer service: Welcome Pickups
  • 🚉 Cheapest Way to Book Train and Bus Tickets: Omio
  • 🔌 Most Reliable Adapter for UK Plugs: This one

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Check out the YouTube channel for more London tips

1. Visit London App

This is the official Visit London app which has both articles on things to do, events going on during your stay, and sometimes offers and deals across the city.

london tourist map app

It’s particularly good for if you want to know what events are happening around you on a particular weekend, which is something you sometimes can’t plan for super far in advance if it’s just a pop-up market or something like that.

Use it to scroll through ideas while waiting at a bus stop or just to keep you updated on local events, but have it downloaded.

london tourist map app

🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in London?

My favorite hotel in London for all visitors is the Strand Palace ( click here to check prices ). ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. CityMapper: one of the best apps for London

This is the ultimate in London navigation.

london tourist map app

Plug in anywhere you want to go and it will give you lots of different options on how to get there, including the price and how long it should take.

Easy to understand icons make it easy to figure out what you’re doing, and when it tells you to take a bus or the tube, it will tell you what number/line and how long you’ll need to wait until the next one.

This is a favorite of not just visitors, but Londoners, so download CityMapper before you leave and get familiar with it so you can just plug, pick a route, and go, once you’re in London!

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

  • Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
  • International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

3. Tube Map – London: best travel apps in London

london tourist map app

This app is specifically for the tube.

You’ll get tube maps galore, easily navigated so you can check it without carrying a paper map around, as well as a section where you can see the first and last tube times for any stop and live departure information.

What more can I say?

This map is invaluable for anyone taking the tube in London , which is almost everyone!

london tourist map app

4. London Live Bus

london tourist map app

London’s bus system can be confusing for a new visitor, but it’s easily figured out with an app like London Live Bus that will help you figure out the route and options for each stop you’re at.

You can also type in your location and it will show you the bus stops nearest you (each bus stop is lettered, making it easy to find by looking at the letter on top of the bus stop and comparing it to which letter bus stop you’re supposed to be at!)

You can also see the live times of when the next bus is coming to your stop and where it’s headed.

Seriously, this is one of the best apps to visit London!

5. Google Maps

This is a basic one, but I sometimes prefer Google Maps to CityMapper for walking directions, and you’ll do a lot of walking in London.

You can also use it for public transportation directions by choosing the icon that looks like a bus/train. 

It’s likely that you’re already familiar with Google Maps and use it in your daily life, so make sure to keep using it while in London.

6. Rome2Rio

london tourist map app

When you’re thinking about taking London day trips or going a bit further out like Hampton Court Palace or Windsor Castle , Rome2Rio comes in handy!

This transportation app will help you figure out your journey including buses and trains outside of London – the London bus and tube app will obviously work for inside the city, but once you’re out of the city limits, those apps can’t help you!

With Rome2Rio, you can see all of your transportation options for outside of London, and it will also give you the comparisons when it comes to drive time and the time it will take on public transportation, for example.

7. Globe Convert

london tourist map app

When you’re making transactions in a foreign currency, it can be helpful to have a currency converter on hand to figure out how much money you’re spending in London so you don’t get hit by crazy shocking figures when you get home!

This is a great and easy to use currency converter app, though there are plenty more – just make sure to download one before you go.

Many will work offline, so you don’t need to be connected to plug in the amount and let it do the work for you based on the current exchange rates.

london tourist map app

Uber operates the same in London as it does anywhere else, and many people find it useful and prefer to get the cheaper prices of Uber instead of using a London taxi.

If you’re not familiar with Uber in your home city, play around with it before you go to make sure you understand how to order a ride when you’re in London, but if you’ve used it before, no practice needed!

You’ll just be taken to the Tower of London rather than your local neighborhood restaurant, and that’s something to smile about!

9. Met Office Weather

london tourist map app

If you don’t already have a weather app on your phone that you like, try Met Office Weather.

The weather in London is constantly changing, and it could be super sunny in the morning and grey and foggy later in the day.

I always check my weather app before getting ready for the day to see what is coming up, as well as checking it when I’m out and about to see if I need to change plans or head indoors.

It’s one of the best apps for London tourists.

10. Addison Lee: one of the best apps for visiting London

london tourist map app

One of the best apps in London for people who want to preorder car transfer services/taxis is the Addison Lee app.

I recommend Addison Lee to all London visitors, as they’re cheaper than hailing a black cab while also being more professional than Uber.

The great part is you can prebook a ride in advance, unlike Uber or a taxi where you basically need to try for it right when you need it.

So if you know that you need to be picked up at 5pm to get to the airport in time for your flight, you can preschedule it in the app and know that the driver will arrive at 5pm and not be desperately trying to hail a taxi at that time.

11. London Theatre Direct Tickets: one of the best London apps

london tourist map app

London Theatre Direct is a legitimate and trustworthy website selling theatre directs in London, often at discounted prices.

The app will help you see what’s on sale, what is currently playing in the West End, and how many tickets are available.

The other way to purchase London theatre tickets is to go to each theatre’s website individually, which means you may miss what else is on or not get the best deals.

Download the London Theatre Direct app and then, even if you’re out and about, you can still purchase theatre tickets and get them send straight to your phone.

12. Voice Map

london tourist map app

Want to explore London with a guided tour, but don’t want to be following another gaggle of tourists around?

Enter: Voice map!

This app will let you take tours of various places across London, narrated by helpful experts and locals, so that you can learn more about the place you’re visiting without needing to prebook onto a guided tour.

This is also fantastic for solo travelers who don’t want to join big tours, as well as those looking to save a bit of money while in London.

13. First Table

london tourist map app

Restaurants book up quickly in London, particularly during peak times of the year. While it is possible to find reservations and to eat last minute, if there are certain places you have your heart set on, booking is a must-do.

Use an app like First Table to see what’s available and to make multiple restaurant bookings through one app rather than having to use each of their separate platforms.

The beauty of this app is that you can also see other availability, so if your reservation time isn’t available on one day, it’ll show you which ones it is available on.

It’s one of the best apps to download for London foodies, for sure!

london tourist map app

Cheaper than Uber, but with a similar concept, Bolt helps you hail “Bolts” in London to get you where you need to go.

This app is known for offering more discounts, but with longer wait times than Uber, so download both and see which one you like better.

15. Ticketswap

london tourist map app

Many visitors come to London for specific events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

If you’re looking to snag last minute tickets to an event or can no longer use your ticket, use an app like TicketSwap to securely sell your tickets or to purchase them from people who can no longer go.

16. Toilets4London: must-have apps in London

london tourist map app

This is probably one of the most important apps for London in this list!

When you’re out and about during the day, what do you usually need the most after awhile?

That’s right, the toilet!

Particularly in large cities, it can be hard to find free toilets that aren’t gross, if you can even find them at all.

This app will help you locate the nearest bathrooms so that you can build it into your itinerary or know where you need to make a mad dash to.

17. FreeNow

london tourist map app

Another ride sharing app, Free Now is used in Europe and offers the ability to book private vehicles (like Uber or Bolt) or a black cab.

This is a great feature, as you don’t have to stand on a street corner waving down a black cab if you’d prefer to ride with a London cabbie, and you can also see the price comparisons between the private rideshares and the taxi.

It will also show you other options it picks up, like e-Scooters if they’re around.

18. Rick Steves Audio Tour

london tourist map app

Rick Steves is known for being one of the travel gurus of Europe, and you can carry him and his guides around in your pocket with this helpful London app.

He’s got specific tours on places like the British Museum, or more general information regarding culture, currency, and more.

I prefer this app specifically for the tours available, as you know they’re coming from a trusted source and it’s easy enough to do a search for a tour if you find yourself in a museum or area of London you’d like to learn more about, but don’t have time for a full, official guided tour.

19. Open Table

london tourist map app

Another dining app for London, Open Table gives you the chance to book restaurants from the comfort of wherever you are in London using your cellphone.

It’ll give you suggestions, so you can see what’s available at the time you’re wanting to eat, or you can search for a specific restaurant to see the options.

Open Table is used around the world, and it is definitely one of the more popular reservation apps used in London town.

20. Tube Exits

london tourist map app

Whether you’re a transportation nerd or you just really like to be efficient, the Tube Exits app is a wonderful idea.

It will tell you exactly which carriage and door to stand on to most efficiently leave the train and depart the tube station, and if you don’t know why that’s a good idea, you probably haven’t traversed one of the tube platforms at Oxford Circus Stations during rush hour before.

It’s not a must-have for the average traveler, but it’s definitely something to impress your travel buddies with and can be fun to use (and a lifesaver during peak travel season and rush hour!).

21. Trip Advisor

london tourist map app

You know it, you love it, and now you can have it in your pocket.

The TripAdvisor app is a great way to be able to check ratings for attractions, restaurants, parks, and more while you’re in London.

We use it when we find a restaurant randomly and want to see what the reviews are like, as sometimes looks can be deceiving (and this goes in both directions).

What else should I not miss in London?

If you’re visiting London soon, here’s a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything!

  • Hidden London Walking Tour – this tour is the absolute best if you want to see London in a different light and uncover hidden nooks, crannies, and histories that you won’t get on your normal, run-of-the-mill London walking tour. Click here to check prices and book.
  • Historical Westminster Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms – if you’re a history buff or even mildly interested in all of the insane things that have happened in London, particular during the wars, you have to book this tour which is an absolute bargain for the tour + entry to the Churchill War Rooms (basically two must-dos in one). Click here to check prices and book .
  • Cutest London Afternoon Tea on a Bus – want to see the sights and enjoy afternoon tea at the same time on the upper deck? Yes, absolutely you do. This afternoon tea is a real delight and helps you get out and about while also putting your pinkies up. Click here to check prices and book.

Want more helpful London guides? Check these out!

  • 45 Things to Do in London at Night
  • 53 Things to Do in London for Couples
  • 57 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in London
  • 11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London
  • 23 Best London Tours
  • 41 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
  • 21 Best Castles Near London
  • 15 Best London Hotels
  • 17 Best Street Food Markets in London
  • 15 Best Areas to Stay in London
  • 23 Best Afternoon Teas in London
  • 25 Best London Museums
  • 33 Free Things to Do in London
  • 21 Best London Markets
  • 23 Best Pubs in London
  • 35 Best Restaurants in London
  • 21 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
  • 35 Things to Do in London in the Rain
  • 25 Best Art Museums in London
  • 17 Famous London Filming Locations
  • 25 Best Places to Shop in London
  • 35 Best Day Trips from London
  • 31 Best Parks in London
  • 41 Most Instagrammable Places in London
  • 27 Best Views in London
  • 27 Best Birthday Ideas in London
  • 29 Best London Cinemas
  • 29 Best Things to Buy in London
  • 41 Things to Do in London Alone
  • 16 Best London AirBnbs

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

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13 Essential Apps for Travellers Visiting London in 2023

London, oh what a dazzling maze of history and culture it is! And boy, can it be overwhelming, right? But don't sweat . I've got the digital toolkit that will turn you from tourist to local in no time. Here are my absolute go-to apps - the real deal in 2023 - that help me nail every London visit. Whether you're weaving through that massive public transport web, seeking out secret spots, or snagging those theatre tickets at the eleventh hour, these apps are your London survival kit.

map showing a pin in London

Our 13 Best Apps for London in 2023

In no particular order...

1. Citymapper London App

2. santander cycles app, 3. tfl oyster app, 4. google maps, 5. urbs travel app, 6. tiqets app, 7. visit london app, 8. london pass app, 9. opentable, 10. the pub finder, 11. stagedoor, 12. todaytix, 13. met office weather.

Keep reading for more info on these top London apps.

Navigating London with Ease

Navigating a bustling city like London can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors. But with the right apps at your disposal, you’ll be able to explore London like a pro. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the top apps for getting around London, including public transportation, bike rentals, and walking directions. With these apps in your arsenal, you’ll be able to confidently navigate the city and make the most of your time in London.

Let’s dive into the details of each app and see how they can enhance your London experience!

screenshots of citymapper app

Citymapper London App, also known as the Citymapper app, is the ultimate navigation tool for exploring London. It offers an integrated travel experience by combining multiple transportation options, live timings, and route suggestions. This must-have app for visiting London also includes the London bus app feature.

Saves journeys for offline use

Displays transport options with live timing between any two locations in the city

Estimates the time needed for different transport methods

Calculates the calories burned when walking

It also provides real-time departures and disruptions and advises the best carriage to choose on the tube for quick exit at the destination. Available for both Android and iOS, Citymapper’s offline maps make navigating London a breeze, even without an internet connection.

Download from Google Play or Apple App store .

screenshots of Santander Cycles app

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore London, and the Santander Cycles App makes it easy to:

Rent bikes and plan your cycling journey

Receive release codes directly to your phone for expedited bike hire

View real-time cycle and docking space availability

Review recent activity, hires, and charges

Plot routes

Save preferred docking locations

By using the Santander Cycles App, you’ll be able to swiftly locate nearby docking stations with available bikes and spaces, ensuring a seamless cycling experience in London.

screenshots of tfl oyster app

Managing your Oyster card and using London’s public transportation system is a breeze with the TfL Oyster App. This essential app lets you:

Top up your pay as you go credit

Purchase adult rate Travelcards

View your journey history and cost

Check your pay as you go balance

With the TfL Oyster App in hand, you’ll be able to easily move around London, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring the city’s countless attractions.

screenshots of google maps app

When it comes to walking and public transportation directions in London, Google Maps is a reliable ally. This popular app provides directions, real-time traffic updates, and other location-based details to help you easily explore the city. With features like toll prices, mall and airport directories, eco-friendly routes, and real-time traffic conditions, Google Maps ensures you have all the information you need to navigate London confidently.

Download from Google Play or Apple App store.

Exploring London's Attractions

London is a city packed with world-famous attractions, but it’s also home to many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the best apps for exploring London’s attractions, events, and itinerary planning. These apps will help you uncover the city’s must-see sights and lesser-known treasures, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

These travel apps offer comprehensive information on attractions, events, and itinerary planning, making it easy for you to plan your trip and discover the city’s most exciting offerings.

Screenshots of Urbs app

Our Urbs Travel App is a personalized travel guide offering curated recommendations for attractions, events, and experiences in London. With the Urbs Travel App, you’ll receive tailored suggestions based on your interests and preferences, ensuring you make the most of your time in the city. It offers:

Original Audio Content : The app includes a library of over 700 engaging audio descriptions written by cultural experts and narrated by professional voice-over artists.

Local Recommendations : Discover over 1,500 restaurants, bars, and shops recommended by local writers.

Customizable Routes : Users can create their own city routes based on their preferences, either from scratch or by modifying curated routes to suit interests, schedule, and budget.

Ticket Booking : The app allows users to find out which locations require tickets and book attractions and activities in advance to avoid queues.

Curated Information : The app provides curated and specific information about important points of interest in a city.

Self-Guided Audio Tours : Urbs offers immersive self-guided audio tours , offering a rich travel experience.

GPS Guided Tours : The tours and guides provided by Urbs are GPS enabled, ensuring easy navigation.

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Urbs will help you uncover the best that London has to offer.

Screenshots of Tiqets app

Say goodbye to long lines at cultural landmarks with Tiqets , the app that opens doors to culture. With instant ticket delivery and Skip the Line options, you'll never miss out on your dream London destinations.

The app is your trusted guide, offering a comprehensive list of London's must-see attractions and hidden gems. From planning your itinerary to flexible booking options, Tiqets ensures your London trip is hassle-free and enriching. With Tiqets in your pocket, you'll feel more prepared and connected to the vibrant culture of London.

Download Tiqets app .

screenshots of visit london app

The Visit London App is your ultimate companion for planning your trip to London. It offers:

Insider tips

Must-see sights

Free activities

Information on accommodation, tickets, and offers

This comprehensive app empowers you to make the most of your London experience, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned London explorer, the Visit London App is essential for discovering the city’s top attractions.

Screenshots of London Pass App

The London Pass App offers the following features:

Access to over 80 attractions

Fast track entry

Exclusive deals and discounts

Easy planning of visits to London’s top attractions

Special discounts on a variety of experiences

With this app, you can make the most of your time in London and enjoy a seamless sightseeing experience.

From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, the London Pass App is your key to unlocking the best of London.

London Dining and Nightlife

London’s dining and nightlife scene is diverse and vibrant, offering something for everyone. In this section, we’ll introduce the best apps for finding the top dining and nightlife options in London, including restaurant reservations, pub recommendations, and coffee shop suggestions. With these apps in hand, you’ll be able to indulge in the city’s culinary delights and enjoy its lively nightlife.

These London apps offer a range of features, such as restaurant reservations, pub recommendations, and coffee shop suggestions, making it easy for you to discover the best dining and nightlife options in London.

screenshots of opentable app

OpenTable is a popular dining app for London visitors, allowing you to book restaurants, browse menus, and read reviews with ease. With a network of over 52,000 restaurants worldwide and a loyalty program that rewards users with points for free meals, OpenTable makes finding and reserving a table in London a breeze.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch, OpenTable has you covered.

Screenshots of Pub Finder app

Locate and rate the best pubs in London with The Pub Finder app, which features local and visitor recommendations. This app provides a comprehensive map of all pubs in London, with submissions made by both locals and visitors. Users can rate pubs they’ve visited, contributing to an overall score that helps you find the perfect spot for a pint.

With The Pub Finder in hand, discovering London’s best pubs has never been easier.

London Theater and Entertainment

London’s theatre scene is world-renowned, offering an incredible array of performances and experiences. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the best apps for experiencing London’s theatre and entertainment, including show recommendations, discounted tickets, and exclusive access to performances. With these apps, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant theatre scene and enjoy unforgettable shows.

To make the most of your London theatre experience, we recommend the Stagedoor and TodayTix apps. These apps offer show recommendations, discounted tickets, and exclusive access to performances, ensuring you’ll be able to experience London’s theatre scene to the fullest.

Screenshots of stagedoor app

Stagedoor is an app designed for theatre enthusiasts, helping you discover hidden theatre gems, read reviews, and book tickets with ease. Focusing on lesser-known venues and newly-released shows, Stagedoor organizes plays according to different criteria, such as reviews, most acclaimed, near you, and more. With the ability to follow other users and critics, you can gain valuable insight into a production before booking your tickets.

Stagedoor is the perfect way to uncover London’s thriving theatre scene. With its comprehensive selection of shows and venues, you can easily find the perfect show for you.

Screenshots of TodayTix app

Finding affordable theatre tickets in London is a breeze with TodayTix, an app that offers exclusive deals, last minute offers, and a wide selection of shows. Available for Android and iOS, TodayTix provides users access to discounted theatre tickets and deals, ensuring you can experience the best of London’s theatre scene without breaking the bank. With the convenience to purchase tickets in-app, you’ll never miss out on the excitement of live performances.

London Weather

London’s weather can be unpredictable, which is why it’s essential to stay prepared with an accurate and reliable weather app. This section introduces you to the Met Office Weather app, a trusted source for hourly and daily weather forecasts, warnings, and estimated rainfall in London.

With this app, you can plan your activities and ensure you’re always dressed for the weather.

Screenshots of Met Office app

The Met Office Weather app is an essential tool for staying updated on London’s weather conditions. Providing hourly and daily weather forecasts, warnings, and estimated rainfall, this app ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information at your fingertips.

With the Met Office Weather app, you can confidently plan your London adventures, knowing you’ll be prepared for whatever the weather has in store.

In conclusion, these apps will help you make the most of your London experience, from navigating the city and discovering hidden gems to finding the best dining and entertainment options. With the right apps at your fingertips, you’ll be well-equipped to explore and enjoy everything London has to offer. So, why wait? Start planning your unforgettable London adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best london underground map as an app.

For the best London Underground map app, Tube Map - London Underground is the obvious choice. It’s easy to use and works both on and offline. It includes the official TfL iconic Harry Beck London Underground map design as well as additional map views for the TfL Night Tube and Rail Network.

What is the best app for navigating London's public transportation system?

If you’re looking for the best app to help you navigate London’s public transportation system, the Citymapper London App is an excellent choice. It provides an integrated travel experience with multiple transportation options, live timings, and route suggestions.

Which app is recommended for finding the best pubs in London?

With its comprehensive search options and impressive rating system, the Pub Finder app is your best bet for finding top-notch pubs in London.

It’s easy to use, with a simple interface that makes it easy to find the perfect pub for any occasion. It also offers detailed reviews and ratings from other users, so you can be sure you’re getting the best experience.

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There may be affiliate links on this page! That just means if you click on a link, find a ticket you like and buy it, we might make some cash. Don’t worry, you won’t pay any extra – sometimes you might even get a tasty discount. It’s a win for us and a win for you too!

Download the app and start exploring

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Urbs app today and bring your travel dreams to life.

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Visiting London? Download These 8 Apps Before You Go

From Banksy to Bikes, and Much More

london tourist map app

Planning a trip to London? Forget guidebooks and paper maps, out-of-date brochures and visiting the same boring "attractions" as everyone else.

Instead, install a bunch of these useful apps and be better informed, save money and have a more enjoyable time in the UK capital!

London Official City Guide

Start off with the city's official guide, crammed full of local tips for restaurants and bars, attractions and things to do. The app works offline, so you don't need to worry about expensive roaming charges, and includes step by step public transport directions.

You can create your own itineraries, and there's a full list of amenities like pharmacies and currency exchange outlets.

Free on iOS and Android

There's no shortage of free navigation apps out there, but for London, CityMapper is one of the best. You'll get detailed transit options for all available modes of transport, including city bikes, Uber and more – and exact or estimated prices for all of them.

Service disruptions are factored in, in real time, and you can get a live ETA at a glance.

National Trust

Britain's National Trust administers over 500 sites throughout the country, including historic houses and buildings, archaeological sites and monuments, and much more. You can search the entire database, or just see what's nearby.

It works offline, and you can create a wishlist to ensure you don't miss anything. With around 20 sites in Greater London and plenty of others within an easy day trip, you'll run out of time before you run out of places to visit!

MetOffice Weather

The weather in London is infamously fickle, regardless of the time of year. You can't do anything to change it, but at least you can be prepared with the MetOffice app. It includes hourly forecasts for the next two days, extended forecasts for a week, and push notifications for severe weather.

Oh, and if you don't want to deal with your temperatures in Celsius while you're in the UK, the app lets you switch to Fahrenheit to make life easier!

London is massive, with something for every taste – but just getting a handle on your options for any given day can be an overwhelming challenge. The companion app for the city's venerable Time Out magazine helps you narrow things down with up-to-date listings for concerts, food and drink, theatre and events and much more.

Search and filter to your heart's content, book restaurants, and tickets, and save favorites for later use.

London Theatre Direct

The UK capital is rightly famous for its theater scene, with world-class shows every night of the week. While the most-popular can be sold out months in advance, it's often possible to pick up seats for other great performances with little notice – sometimes, even the same day.

The London Theatre Direct app lets you browse and purchase seats for a wide range of shows, and (usefully for travelers) gives you the option of collecting tickets at the box office.

Santander Cycles

When the weather's nice, cycling around London is a fantastic way to see the city at its best and get some exercise into the bargain. The shared city bike service is a flexible and inexpensive way to get on two wheels – paying two pounds gives you unlimited half-hour journeys within 24 hours.

After registering your payment card, the official app shows you bike availability at nearby docking stations and sends an unlock code to your phone when you decide to rent one. Just walk up to the docking point, enter your code and ride away. Easy!

Street Art London

For fans of good street art, look no further than this dedicated London app. You can filter by your favorite artist, or just see what's nearby and follow the map to track them down. Sure, Banksy's works are included – but so are those from hundreds of other, lesser-known artists across the city.

You'll get detailed information about both the artist and their art, and there are interviews and other features in the app to help you learn more.

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London in Real Life

The Best Navigation App for London: A Beginner’s Guide to Citymapper

The best navigation app for London is a contested topic. Some prefer Google Maps, some like using TFL’s own navigation maps, and some prefer Citymapper.

In my personal experience of navigating London over the last 10 years, Citymapper is the best navigation app for London. 

If you’re new to the city or it’s your first time visiting, getting around is the biggest obstacle. Do you take the bus? The tube? What do all the little icons mean? It can be confusing. 

Using the London Citymapper app makes it super simple.

the best navigation app for London: citymapper

Let’s get into why you should use Citymapper and how to use it, step by step. It’s not as confusing as you might think, and it actually makes getting around London super easy and simple.

I’ll also show you how to use Citymapper offline for those underground adventures. Let’s dive in and discover the features of the London Citymapper app!

How to Use Citymapper in London: A Beginner’s Guide 

1. install the citymapper app.

Start by installing the Citymapper app on your smartphone. Head to your device’s app store, search for “Citymapper,” and download the app. It is available for both iOS and Android devices .

You can also use Citymapper on your desktop , as I’ve done for parts of this post to make the images bigger and easier for you to see. 

2. Enable Location Services on Your Phone

To ensure accurate navigation, make sure your phone’s location services are turned on. Access your device’s settings and grant location access to the Citymapper app.

3. Launch Citymapper

Once installed, open the Citymapper app on your device. The app will display a map centered around your current location, indicated by a blue dot. This dot represents your real-time position in London.

If you’re navigating to somewhere from a future destination, you can also choose your starting point if it’s not where you currently are.

4. Search for Your Destination

chart: how to use citymapper in london with screenshots of maps and routes

To search for a specific destination, tap on the search bar at the top of the screen. Enter the name of a place, an address, a postcode , or even a general category like “restaurants” or “museums.” Citymapper will provide relevant suggestions as you type.

5. Get Directions

chart: how to use citymapper in London: routes and times

After selecting your desired destination from the search results, tap on it to view its details. To get directions, tap on the “Go” button next to your chosen mode of transportation: “Public Transport,” “Walking,” or “Biking.”

What I like about Citymapper is that it tells you exactly how much your route will cost, unlike Google Maps.

Check Out My Simple Guide to London

teal background with graphic of London travel guide on ipad. Text says "Planning your london trip? The easiest way to do it is right here." Button graphic with "learn more"

6. How to Use Citymapper in London: Explore All the Different Routes

Citymapper will present you with multiple route options to reach your destination. You can view these routes on the map, along with estimated travel times and any disruptions or delays. Compare the routes and choose the one that best suits your needs.

How to Use Citymapper in London for Tube Routes

chart: how to use citymapper in London: tube, what the different lines mean

This is where Citymapper can get confusing. For tube routes, it may show several icons. If two tube icons are in a block together, it means you can take either line (like with the yellow and green icons above). In this instance, you can take either the Circle or District line; just take whatever train comes first.

If it shows a tube icon of one color, then another after a dot, it means you take the first line then transfer to the second line. In the example above, you’d take the Metropolitan Line (purple) first, then transfer to the Victoria Line (light blue).

How to Use Citymapper in London for Bus Routes

chart: how to use citymapper in London: bus routes

The same confusion can happen with the bus routes suggested by Citymapper. Sometimes it will only suggest one bus route, and that’s simple. But if it suggests two different routes divided by a dot, that means you take one bus and transfer to the other. If it suggests two routes divided by a slash, it means you can take either of those two bus routes.

In the first example above, you would take the 133, then get off where it tells you to, and transfer to the next bus: the 148.

In the second example, you would take the 35 then transfer to EITHER the 12 OR the 453.

7. Use Real-Time Navigation 

Once you’ve selected a route, tap the “Start” button to begin navigation. Citymapper will guide you with turn-by-turn directions, both visually and audibly (if you switch on audio directions). Follow the directions closely, and stay attentive to upcoming turns or instructions.

How to use Citymapper offline? It’s easy. You can download your route for use offline by pressing the star button, and it will still give you accurate turn-by-turn directions and save your route. Access your downloaded route by locating it on your homepage.

8. Stay Updated with Live Transport Information on the London Citymapper App

chart: citymapper app london travel alerts

Citymapper is known for its real-time transport updates. It provides valuable information on train times, bus schedules, and potential disruptions . Keep an eye on the app during your journey to stay informed about any changes or delays.

If a route is obstructed or closed, you will get an alert and it will suggest alternatives for you.

9. Discover Nearby Points of Interest

Citymapper offers a wealth of information about nearby attractions, eateries, shops, and more. It doesn’t have Google Maps levels of reviews for attractions, but it does give you suggestions and accurate directions if you want to add a stop to your route.

To explore the area around your current location, tap on the map and zoom in. Icons representing various points of interest will appear. Tap on an icon to view more details and user reviews.

10. Save Your Favorite Locations

As you uncover interesting places in London , Citymapper allows you to save them as favorites within the app. Simply tap on the location you wish to save, and then tap on the “Save” button. This feature makes it easy to access your preferred spots in the future. You’ll have to be logged in to use this feature so Citymapper can remember you.

You can also pre-load all of your destinations in your itinerary to make navigating London even easier.

How to Use Citymapper Offline 

chart with screenshots: how to use citymapper offline

How to use citymapper in London when you don’t have a signal or wifi? It’s easy! One big reason why Citymapper is the best navigation app for London is that you can download any route to use offline.

Within every route, there will be a star icon at the top. Press the star, and it will automatically download the route so you can use it offline at any time. To locate it again, go to your home screen and scroll down to “Recent Trip.” Now you have any route at your fingertips, whether you have cell reception or not!

London Citymapper App Tips & Functions

how to use citymapper offline: the best features of citymapper

Some of my favorite features of the London Citymapper app are a bit hidden, but once you find them you’ll be hooked. The first is that in every route, if air conditioning is available, it’ll tell you exactly which route to take to stay cool. The underground gets unbearably hot in the summer , and finding an air conditioned route is key.

The second is that it shows you routes and prices for renting bicycles, scooters, and cabs, along with how long it’ll take you. You can also find your stats within your account, where Citymapper shows you how much money, calories, and carbon dioxide you’ve saved using your transport methods!

Citymapper is the Best Navigation App for London

Citymapper is an invaluable tool for navigating the vibrant streets of London .

By following these simple steps, you can unlock your full London navigation potential and live your best tourist life!

More on Visiting London: 

How Big is London? What Tourists Need to Know

Ultimate Guide: 49 Brilliant Apps for London Everyone Should Know

Where Can I Charge my Phone in London? Local’s Ultimate Guide (2024)

Your Ultimate Guide to a Family Trip to London on a Budget

33 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

Printable London Packing List to Save you Money

How to Get Cheap Train Tickets to and From London

Where to Stay your First time in London

15 Things to Buy in London

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UK Travel Planning

17 Best apps for London and UK Travel

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

If you want to find the best London apps and great apps for UK travel, this guide lists 17 of the finest. Whether you need the best app for London transport or want to find a great vegan restaurant nearby, these apps will make life on the go so much simpler.

From the cheapest train or theatre tickets to the closest public toilet facilities or a great deal on a hotel room , accessing the best London travel app can help you pin them all down – and many even work while you’re off-grid too.

If easy access to live transport updates and route planners for walking, hiking, cycling and mountain biking appeal to you, then don’t miss this quick reference guide to all the top apps for UK travel.

The following apps for London and the UK can also help you check the weather forecast at your destination, find an accessible route, choose an attraction to visit or tour to take and even transfer cash as quickly, easily and cheaply as possible. 

Read on to discover all the best London apps and top UK travel tips.

Not sure about how to use your mobile phone in the UK? Read our complete guide to the options available for accessing Wifi during your trip.

Best Transport Apps

Best apps for london and uk tickets and tours, practical apps for london and uk travel, best uk and london app for accommodation, best uk apps for outdoor adventure, best london and uk apps for foodies, which are the best london apps and uk travel apps for you, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

UK AND LONDON TRAVEL PLANNING

17 of the best apps for London and UK travel apps

Citymapper app.

CityMapper1

The Citymapper App describes itself as meeting all your transport needs on one app. Indeed the app will give you step-by-step directions for getting around by bike, public transport, car share, scooter and on foot. The perfect app to help you navigate London.

The CityMapper London app can also compare prices via partners such as Uber and Santander Cycles (for-hire bikes) and let you see live waiting times for trains, buses and trams. 

You can even select the ‘main roads’ option to ensure your way is well-lit at night, as well as sharing your journey details and your ETA with friends. 

The Citymapper app is a must-have if you are planning a London trip!

Google Maps

We all use Google Maps, and their coverage of the UK is pretty much unrivalled. You also use this app for satellite navigation, making sure you can find your way anywhere in the land. The app will also pinpoint the most efficient route to take.

Real time live updates mean you can keep ahead when it comes to road conditions and closures, as well as public transport times. With Live View, you can always see exactly where you are too, while Street View lets you look around at any area.

There are even offline maps for when you’re without a WiFi connection . Definitely one of the best apps out there!

TfL Go: Live Tube, Bus & Rail

TfL

Navigating the London Transport system isn’t always easy for beginners, but the official Transport for London app will give you a good head start. It will also help you find the nearest toilets. 

The best app for London buses, trams and trains can keep you updated regarding overground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) trains, and the route planner can also be used to plan cycling and walking routes.

A great feature of the best London tube app is the step-free tube map, which is ideal for anyone using a wheelchair, buggy or mobility scooter. You can switch to the step-free option at any time while using it.

App store and google play 200 x 100

Trainline 

TrainLine

Popular across the whole of Europe, the Trainline app works just as well for coach travel as it does for rail.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, it’s simple to compare fares, find discounts and book your travel all in one place. 

The Trainline app also shows live information, and can also help you skip the queues and locate a carriage with vacant seats.  

Planning to travel the UK by train? Our Essential Guide to UK Train Travel contains everything you need to know to plan your rail adventure including 12 done-for-you itineraries plus practical tips, information and resources to remove the stress from planning your trip.

Graphic of updated UK Train Guide

  • National Rail Enquiries

National Rail Enquiries one of the best apps for London.

Savvy Brits have trusted National Rail Enquiries for decades to get them from A to B, and this useful public transport app also gives you the latest train info for the London Underground. 

The free app will allow you to plan rail journeys, see timetables, track trains and even save frequent journey or station details. 

A clever feature is the pin that you can add to a map, from then on tracking its progress. You can also set up alerts so you’ll be the first to know about any disruption to services.

Foodie app 4

Parkopedia is an excellent app for those of you planning to drive in the UK. It gives a list of car parking by city, place or postcode.

It is possible to search by price, distance, rating and availability.

Get Your Guide

GYG

Using Get Your Guide is the easy way to find out about all the top sights to see and things to do while you’re in the UK. 

You can even book tickets via Get Your Guide to avoid queuing at popular attractions, which is potentially a huge time saver. 

The app will also pinpoint the highest rated activities, tours and attractions so you can make the most of every moment – and offers flexible cancellations too should your plans change.

London Theatre Direct

LTD

Seeing a West End show is a must for many when in London, and London Theatre Direct can ensure you do this as cheaply as possible. You can also book last-minute tickets and purchase tickets in app.

In fact tickets can be purchased up to an hour before showtime, and can be collected there at the theatre. The app is also user-friendly and fully secure. 

National Trust  

National Trust 2

The National Trust (NT) is a British institution, and their app gives you easy access to the abundance of historic, cultural and natural sights the country is famous for.

From city to coast to countryside, the NT app will allow you to discover some very special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

You can even search when off grid, and browse current or future events. Audio files, maps and  trails can also be downloaded to help make the most of your visits. 

Wise card UK currency

Formerly known as Transferwise , the Wise app is adored by those who regularly receive or send international payments, as its fees are far lower than those charged by competitors.

It’s not only the lower fees that will save you cash – the exchange rates are far more favourable too. You can even order a Wise debit card to pay directly from your account.

We use our Wise debit card when we travel as we have found it one of the cheapest ways to pay around the world – it lets you send and spend money at the real exchange rate avoiding fees or exchange rates charged by ATM machines.

The card is accepted wherever Mastercard is accepted and can hold multiple currencies (on our last trip we had Australian $, Hong Kong $, UK £ and Euros € on our card. On our return, we simply converted all our currencies into $ and deposited the total back into our bank account.

Weather app

Brought to you by the UK’s official weather department, the Met Office app gives users the latest and most up-to-date weather forecasts around. 

You can check the forecast from an hour to a week in advance, and the app will also alert you to any Severe Weather Warnings that could affect your travel plans. We recommend checking the weather the week before you arrive so you can adjust your packing accordingly!

There is also an interactive rain map so you can see the likelihood of rainfall – something that’s frequently important in the often wet British Isles!

Toilet app Flush 1

Why Flush? Because it’s the quickest and easiest way to find the nearest public toilet! Which isn’t always simple when you’re in a strange city, especially as they’re not that often signposted.

The app can also let you know if there is any charge to use the bathroom or whether it has disabled access. If this is the case, it can also tell you whether a key is required.

Users can also help improve the app by rating the facilities and adding new ones they come across to Flush’s list.

Booking.com 

Booking 3

Even when you make last-minute plans, the Booking.com app can come to the rescue by helping you book a great value and highly rated place to stay.

The interface allows you to search in the way that suits you – whether that’s by name, location or a nearby attraction. 

Free cancellation is often included, and the app also gives you access to a range of daily deals across all price levels. 

All Trails App

With its mild climate and varied landscape, the UK is a great destination for lovers of outdoor life, and the All Trails app will help you make the most of this.

This travel and fitness app is ideal for activities such as walking, hiking, climbing, biking and even winter sports.

The trail maps are great and even include images and reviews from other real life app users.  

Kamoot App

Active UK residents love Kamoot, because it makes route planning so much simpler. Whether you want to walk, cycle or hike the city streets or off-road terrain, Kamoot will help you find the right roads, paths or trails to follow. 

The voice navigation feature is ideal for when you’re not in a position to keep checking the screen, such as in busy places or when cycling. 

Happy Cow 

Foodie app 2

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian – or simply a committed carnivore with a craving for a healthy meal – the Happy Cow app will help you track down a great place to chow down on nutritious, delicious food.

As well as cafes and restaurants, the app will also help you find local food markets, grocery stores and health food shops.

The Happy Cow community is also a great place to share images, reviews and advice with fellow app users. 

Opentable 

Foodie app

Not sure where’s good to eat during your UK stay? Opentable will help you find all the hidden foodie gems, wherever you are.

With this free app you can take advantage of special deals and discounts, check out the menus and see other people’s reviews and recommendations before booking a table.

An RSVP invite can even be sent to your friends, directly from the Opentable app. 

LONDON-ITINERARY

Whether you’re more interested in where to stay and eat, what to do in London or how to plan your travel via the likes of a London bus app or London tube map app, I hope this guide has helped you decide which apps to download for your trip to this fabulous destination.

Our top 3 choices of London apps are

  • The Citymapper App

Plan your visit to London

  • London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip and explore London with confidence
  • Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
  • First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
  • How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s main train stations
  • What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
  • How to puchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions
  • Visiting on a budget? Read our budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
  • Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
  • Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
  • Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London

London Travel Guide and itinerary planner.

london-apps

12 Best London Travel Apps for Tourism & Transport

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London is a massive city, and for those new to the City, it can be a little overwhelming.

But with the right applications downloaded onto your iPhone or Android device, your trip can be made a lot more comfortable.

Apps are a great additional for exploring a city and can make sure that you don’t get lost.

They can assist you in finding the most popular tourist spots to visit, or help when you travel on the tube – something that most non-Londoners have difficulty with (and even some Londoners if we’re being honest).

Fortunately, most of the useful apps are free when you visit London, and although some are paid, they can still be worth downloading.

Here are some mobile apps available for iPhone and Android that you’ll need to download on your next visit to the UK’s capital.

London is well known for its public transport, but there are various different ways to get around the city.

This includes the tube, the train, London buses, black cabs, cycling routes and more. We’re going to run through all of the must haves for the average person when visiting London.

12 Apps for Getting Around London

Londons public transport is amazing and varied, with the Tube being the best way to travel through the city for most people. \Here’s a few of the best apps to download if you plan on getting the Tube in London.

Tube Map – The best London underground app

The first app that you should download when visiting London is the Tube Map app.

This is an interactive map that allows users to quickly learn the Tube maps of London without getting overwhelmed.

It’s an award-winning navigation application to the London Underground, and the app shows the arrival times, prices on different routes as well as live departures from each tube station too.

You can also use this app to check for delays and closures of certain lines. One of the best things about Tube Maps is that it can be used offline.

Offline maps means you don’t need to worry about phone signal (something that’s few and far between on certain tube lines (looking at you, Jubilee line).

TfL Go (The TFL app)

If you want to download the official app for those wanting to access London via Tubes, you need to download TfL Go.

It’s worth downloading the TFL app as the map includes a tube map, as well as live bus and trains times to all stations too. It also features the quietest hours to travel if you want to avoid rush hour.

This is a useful app to download if you plan to walk/bike around London on your trip too. You can download the app on iOS or Android to help you find the easiest route around London.

London Tube Live App

This is an official London Underground map that has sections for each train line with live arrivals, and it’s really useful for keeping up with live times.

Though it doesn’t have much more information than the two previously mentioned apps, it gives a unique view of the iconic tube map that many users prefer.

It’s available on both iOS and Android devices, and it’s worth downloading this award winning navigation app when exploring London.

London Bus Live Countdown

The bus is one of the most convenient transport methods when you’re travelling in London.

And if you plan to travel by bus, the London Bus Live Countdown app works well when showing the entire route for buses.

It also shows the arrivals and departures of all the buses across London, as well as well as the delays and cancellation details if there’s any issues.

The London Bus app also has an online travel planner that can give you information about where and how to go.

You can easily put your bus names into the favourites section within the app too if you plan on making the same journey more than once.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Though river transport isn’t as well known in London as other major cities, London does have a large river running through it, making boat the best option in certain circumstances.

Uber Boats by the Thames Clippers service is a river transport system that runs exclusively on the Thames.

You can use their mobile phone app to make a booking, and there’s also a website that you can use to find the stops and plan your route .

The app lets the user book tickets, but you can also view departure schedules using the app too.

It’s worth making this part of your trip to London, as travelling across the river Thames will allow you to see London in a different light.

Not a common app used across other cities, Virtuo has become more popular over the past year or so.

Virtuo basically helps you to rent your car easier, so you can both rent your car out and rent cars from others too.

It is the most popular phone-less rental vehicle service in the UK – it allows people to rent a luxury car in London without having to pick up keys, as you can unlock the car from the convenience of their smartphones.

Because Virtuo’s apps are essentially digital keys for the vehicle, you can easily pick up your car with just the phone.

It’s a handy app to download, with the only downside being a high charge for any additional mileage that you do.

Uber is the most popular ride sharing app in London, and it’s an essential download if you can’t access public transport.

Though not as useful when you’re in Central London, it becomes increasingly important when you go outside of Zone 1 and Zone 2.

There’s not much to say about Uber – it’s a great app that’s essential for route planning.

You can also check out some alternative taxi apps for London if you want to get a black cab whilst you’re visiting the city.

AccessAble for Disabilities

As with most major cities, London is trying to become more accessible for those with disabilities.

AccessAble is an ideal mobile app to download if you plan to travel around London with someone in a wheelchair, or even those that may struggle with stairs.

This mobile app will provide you all of the precise information needed when it comes to accessibility, and its workforce is trained surveyors that actually evaluate the area.

It’s a must download for those that want to visit an accessible London.

Citymapper London app

If you plan on visiting London attractions on your bicycle, Citymapper is the best app for cycling when it comes to identifying London routes.

The Citymapper app has the most data when it comes to cycle paths, which is really important when it comes to a route planner.

The city is becoming more and more cycle friendly in a plan to combat high pollution.

Citymapper is more than just a cycling app, and it has information on a lot more than just cycle routes.

Though, it’s the best journey planner if you need the ability to navigate London overground on your bicycle – you may also want to download Santander Cycles too.

The Santander cycles app will allow you to rent bicycles short term in London, which can be much quicker than walking.

All you need is the bike release code and you’ll be able to rent the bike, and return it to another Santander cycles stop later in the day.

Natural History Museum App

The Natural History Museum App is an excellent resource for visiting many of the finest museums in the city.

There are both free and paid versions of the app, but the free app is definitely worth downloading if you want to explore the NHM.

The app provides a guide which walks you through your journey around the National History Museum, and it gives you a map of each section of the Museum. There are also some free tour options you can use within the app too.

The app has a lot of information about many London landmarks and features, and you’ll find a ton of information in this section that’s devoted not just to the Natural History Museum but all of the museums around London.

When you explore London, this is undoubtedly one of the best London apps to download if you want to make the most of your time in the capital.

Stagedoor App

London isn’t London without a visit to the theatre, and if you plan to take in a show then Stagedoor is the best app for booking theatre tickets in London.

You can buy tickets directly via the app – it’s a mix of musicals and plays, and though many of them are well known at big venues in the West End, there are some hidden gems in amongst them too.

It’s an excellent app to download if you want to watch the Lion King or the Book of Mormon on your London trip .

London Architecture Guide

London is one of the best places in the world for sightseeing, but few people really know the history of the City.

If you’re interested in the history of London’s buildings, then the London Architecture Guide app is worth downloading.

Within the app you’ll find features of contemporary and historical buildings which you can then explore you can view buildings according to periods, style and architecture – there are also essays about British architectural history within the app too.

You’ll find commentary from some of the most well known and famous architect critics in the app too, so it’s worth downloading if London history is interesting to you.

We’ve tried to include all of the best apps in the UK when it comes to getting the tube, travel and tourism in general. These apps can help to make your visit a little easier.

Downloading the right travel apps when you’re in London is essential, and hopefully this guide will make your trip through London that little bit easier.

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Edward brings years of experience in a variety of different fields including online marketing & No-code app development, and he's been investing in stocks and cryptocurrency since 2016. Outside of work you'll usually find him watching movies at the local cinema or playing games in the Apple Arcade.

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The 18 best apps for London

London is a big city and sometimes even locals need a helping hand to navigate the city. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best apps for London.

Apps are a great way to make the most out of the city and can help with everything from navigating the London Underground to finding the best coffee.

Many of the useful apps listed below are free but there are a couple that you need to pay for. The majority of the mobile apps included are available for android devices and iOS.

All you need to do now is download them to your phone and you’re ready to explore London!

This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.

Best apps for London

The best London travel apps

Table of Contents

The majority of the following London apps are available for iPhone and Android devices. Most of these apps are free although watch out for any in app purchases.

For more ideas on exploring London with kids, take a look at my London guide and join our London with Kids Facebook group. 

Best Apps for London

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  • 40+ fun things to do on rainy days in London
  • 28+ of the best things to do in London in May (2024)
  • 44+ fantastic FREE things to do in London with kids (2024)
  • The best Premier Inn in London for families

The first app you should download when you arrive in London is the Citymapper app . This really is the best app for London if you plan to use public transport. Citymapper helps you navigate London using all transportation options available including cycling, Zipcar, black cabs and Uber. It now even includes Lime, the electric scooter service.

The Citymapper London app tells you the fastest and cheapest route as well as any delays taking place on routes. One of the best things about the app is that it tells you the best carriage to choose on the tube so that you can exit quickly once you’ve arrived at your destination. Don’t miss seeing  London’s most famous streets  while you’re here!

CityMapper is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Oyster Card App

This is another must-have app for exploring London. The free TFL Oyster card app is a really handy app for managing your Oyster card. Available for Android and iOS, the TFL Oyster app allows you to do a number of things. You can top up pay as you go credit (no more queuing at ticket machines), you can buy travel cards, view your journey history and cost, and check your pay as you go balance. 

The TFL Oyster App is available free on Android and iOS .

If you’re wondering whether when the next bus will turn up at the bus stop, take a look at the London Bus Live Countdown app . This London bus app is linked directly to live Transport for London data meaning that you get live updates and know exactly when your bus is supposed to arrive. The app also gives live status updates on the London Underground lines.

London Bus Live Countdown app is available free on  Android  devices and  iOS .

Tube Map 

Even Londoners sometimes need a little help using the underground which is why you should have Tube Map on your phone. This london underground app includes the official TFL (Transport for London) Tube Map. It also offers offline maps.

Tube Map is available free on  Android  and  iOS .

London Tube Live

London Tube Live is another one of the best apps for London. It includes up-to-the-minute real time departures information for all tube lines including DLR and London Overground and will let you know if there are any delays or engineering works taking place.

Other features include the best carriages to board so that you’re at the right exit when you get off the tube and information on station facilities such as parking and lifts.

London Tube Live is available on Android and iOS

Station Master

This is not a free app but if you’re spending a significant amount of time in London – or you’re a London Underground geek – then you may want to invest in this. Station Master is not a route planning App, rather it tells you all you need to know about London’s famous tube lines.

There are 3D Maps showing you the facilities and layouts of all 270 tube stations , accessibility information such as step count and elevators and transport links. The app also features travel tips, history and fun facts for every tube station.

Station Master is available on iOS .

Santander Cycles

If you feel like exploring London on two wheels then download the free Santander Cycles app from Transport for London. Originally called Boris Bikes after former London Mayor Boris Johnson, Santander Cycles is the self-service, bike-sharing scheme for short journeys in central London.

The App receives bike release codes straight to your smartphone so that you don’t have to deal with the docking station terminal when you want to borrow a bike.

The App includes information about finding your nearest docking station and which docking stations have bikes available. A map is included in the App for planning your journey.

Santander Cycles is available on Android and iOS .

E-Scooter Rentals

In early June 2021 electric scooters became available to rent in a handful of London boroughs. Currently, this is the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or in other public places in London. Riders must be  18 or over  and have a full or provisional driving licence to rent an e-scooter.

There are three different operators offering e-scooter rentals:

Lime: available on Android and iOS

Dott: available on Android and iOS

Tier: available on Android and iOS

Uber boat by Thames Clipper

One of the best ways to see London’s most famous landmarks is on board one of the Thames clippers that sail up and down the River Thames. This is a particularly fun way to explore the sights with kids. Download the official app and you can skip lines, print tickets and have access to the best deals.

Uber boat by Thames Clipper is available on Android and iOS .

Ride-hailing Apps

You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to taxi hailing apps in London . The big one is  Uber  but there are other ride hailing apps out there. 

These include  Bolt , which promises lower fares for passengers and better pay for drivers. They also offer an in-app “panic” button for passengers and drivers, which contacts the Metropolitan Police directly when activated.  Free Now  is another cab hailing app. 

There are a handful of black cab-hailing apps such as  Gett UK  and  TaxiApp UK . Addison Lee is one of the most established taxi brands in the city and has its own app.

Uber is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Bolt is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Free Now is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Gett UK is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Addison Lee is available on iOS

The best London apps for food and drink

Best Apps for London

The best food delivery apps are Deliveroo and UberEats.

My favourite restaurant app for London is definitely OpenTable . The free app allows you to search by location, cuisine type and budget. You can also see menus and reviews.

OpenTable is available free on Android and iOS

London’s Best Coffee

Coffee can make or break a family holiday so I recommend that you download the Best Coffee app to your smart phone sharpish! There is an excellent London coffee network and that’s what this app focuses on: good independent coffee shops.

Each coffee shop listed comes with a detailed review as well as the type of coffee offered whether that’s cold brew, decaf or just regular filter coffee. The listings also offer handy details such as whether or not there’s a baby change space and seating available.

If tea is more your things, take a look at the  best afternoon teas in London for kids .

The Best Coffee app is available on  Android  and  iOS

Best London apps for information, events and tickets

Best Apps for London

Visit London 

The official Visit London app is an excellent app for helping you plan your family trip to London. It includes offers, must see sights, current events and plenty of insider tips a such as things to do in London for free . There are shopping ideas, theatre reviews and restaurant recommendations. It’s a very handy app to have on your phone when you visit.

For more ideas on things to do in London, take a look at our list of  32 free things to do with kids !

Visit London is available free on  Android  and  iOS

The Tower Bridge Family Trail App

If you’re visiting Tower Bridge then you must download the free Family Trail app . This fun app allows you to turn your mobile phone (or tablet) into a working wrench and tighten the bolts of an engine, shovel coal into the boiler to power the bridge and steer your boat along the thames by moving the phone from side to side.

It’s a fun way to discover the history of Tower Bridge as well as some of its functions.

The Tower Bridge App is available on Android and iOS

Secret Stories

Recently launched by the Ordnance Survey are these excellent self-guided interactive tours around London . The tours are bite-sized, tongue-in-cheek stories that make exploring London with kids a lot of fun. Think Horrible Histories and you’ll get the picture! Some of the London tours available include Hyde Park’s Robbery & Riot Tour , a Haunted Highgate Tour and a guided tour of Literary London .

Each walk is includes a map, details on the distance and duration of the walk, an age rating and information on, for example, whether the terrain is pushchair-friendly. Some of the walks are free, others are paid for.

Secret Stories is available on Android and iOS .

If you’re planning to see a show when you’re in London then take a look at the Stagedoor app . This app offers detailed reviews from both critics and visitors, shows current offers and allows you to book tickets as well. It’s a must for anyone who loves going to the theatre, particularly to lesser-known venues and recently opened shows.

Stagedoor is available on  Android  and  iOS

The TodayTix app gives you access to the best of theatre around the city as well as some of the best deals . You can purchase tickets in-app, including last-minute tickets, and you can even choose the best seats. It’s the perfect app for theatre lovers.

TodayTix is available on Android and iOS

London Pass

The London pass is an “interactive guidebook” that works in tandem with the London Pass itself. The London Pass allows you to visit a number of attractions and tours around the city, often with fast track access. Passes are available for 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 days and can be good value.

The app includes an interactive map that locates attractions closes to you and includes passholder offers . You can also use the app to scan your digital ticket at each attractions.

Even if you don’t purchase a London Pass, the app is handy for information about local areas , information on public holidays, ideas for days out and more.

London Pass is available on Android and iOS

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About the author.

london tourist map app

Katja Gaskell

6 thoughts on “the 18 best apps for london”.

london tourist map app

I would never have thought of putting together a list of apps for a place. This is great!

london tourist map app

Thank you so much, I’m glad you found it helpful!

london tourist map app

Wow, what a great resource for visiting London! I haven’t been yet and would love to have some of these available when I make it there, especially Open Table, Street Food, and Time-out.

Thank you! Open Table is a lifesaver!!

london tourist map app

Awesome tips – thanks for this! I’m pinning the post and will download the apps before our next trip to London.

Thank you! Hopefully it won’t be too long before you can visit again.

Comments are closed.

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Queue of black cabs

More than 10,000 London black-cab drivers launch £250m Uber lawsuit

Individuals could win £25,000 or more if they are successful in claim Uber broke taxi booking rules

More than 10,500 of London’s black-cab drivers have launched a £250m legal case against Uber, accusing it of breaking the capital’s taxi booking rules and deliberately misleading authorities to secure a licence.

The case, which has been filed in the high court in London by the litigation management firm RGL, resurrects a claim first raised five years ago, related to the way the ride-hailing app operated in London between 2012 and 2018.

Cabbies allege that Uber allowed drivers to take bookings directly from customers rather than through a centralised system such as those used by minicab services, in a direct breach of private hire rules.

They allege Uber was aware of the rules and deliberately misled Transport for London (TfL) about its booking model in order to obtain an operating licence and take business from black-cab drivers.

Uber has denied the allegations and says the claim is unfounded.

The drivers, who are being advised by the law firm Mishcon de Reya, argue in their suit that they faced unfair competition, and lost out on customers and income, as a result.

Garry White, a black-cab driver of 36 years, said: “This claim seeks justice and fair compensation on behalf of cab drivers across London. Uber seems to believe it is above the law and cabbies across London have suffered loss of earnings because of it. It is time they were held to account.”

RGL said that if the cabbies were successful in their claim they could secure more than £250m, with individuals potentially winning £25,000 or more.

An Uber spokesperson said: “These old claims are completely unfounded. Uber operates lawfully in London, is fully licensed by TfL , and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital.”

It marks the latest bout of legal trouble for Uber. In March, the San Francisco-based company reached an A$272m settlement (£142m) to compensate taxi and hire-car drivers who said they lost out when the company “aggressively” moved into the Australian market.

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That class action, which was launched five years ago, was filed on behalf of 8,000 taxi and hire-car owners and drivers, who argued that Uber X launched in Australia with the intention of hurting their business. The suit also alleged that the company used unlicensed cars with unaccredited drivers in a “conspiracy by unlawful means” and misled regulators.

Dale Forwood, a black-cab driver of 12 years, said he hoped the London case would bring justice for local cabbies. “I am delighted to see this claim being filed today and that we will finally have our day in court,” he said. “Having seen for myself the harm that Uber’s unlawful behaviour has caused to hard-working cabbies, I look forward to justice being served.”

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Jinan Subway Map 4+

Jinan metro map, yaroslav mykolaienko, designed for ipad, screenshots, description.

Effortlessly navigate Jinan metro: Get quick route planning, station details, and fare information all in one convenient app Introducing the innovative "Explore Jinan Metro" app, your indispensable companion for navigating Jinan's public transportation system. This app is designed to meet the needs of both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of features and capabilities for convenient and comfortable travel in the dynamic city of Jinan. We understand that both residents and tourists have unique needs when it comes to public transportation, and our app caters to them all. For locals, it offers a reliable source of real-time information, helping you streamline your daily commute and save time. For tourists, it provides a tourist-friendly interface, highlighting nearby attractions and ensuring that you make the most of your visit to Jinan. "Jinan Metro Map" is not just an app; it's your dedicated travel companion, ensuring that your metro experience is seamless, efficient, and enjoyable. Whether you're heading to work, exploring the city's cultural landmarks, or visiting friends, our app will be there to guide you every step of the way. Key Features: - Detailed Station Information: Get all the details about metro stations, including accessibility for mobile devices, the presence of elevators, nearby attractions, and much more. This is useful for both local residents and newcomers to the city. - Schedules and Fares: Access the full train schedule and up-to-date fare information. You can find out the cost of your trip and the exact departure time of the train. - City Map Integration: Seamlessly switch between the metro map and the city map. Understand how the metro lines connect with the streets and neighborhoods of Jinan, making it easier to plan your overall journey and explore the city. - Tourist-Friendly Interface: If you're a tourist, the app offers special features to meet your needs. You can quickly find tourist attractions and interesting places conveniently located near metro stations. Why Choose "Explore Jinan Metro"? - Ease of Use: Our app features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to everyone. - Reliability and Accuracy: We provide reliable and up-to-date data, so you'll always stay informed. - For Everyone: Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, our app provides you with the necessary information for comfortable travel. - Offline Use: After downloading data, the app can work offline, making it available everywhere and at all times. - Time and Money Savings: Travel more efficiently and effectively manage your expenses.

App Privacy

The developer, Yaroslav Mykolaienko , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

  • Developer Website
  • App Support
  • Privacy Policy

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COMMENTS

  1. 9 best London transport and travel apps

    4. Citymapper London app. Navigate London transport with Citymapper. Image courtesy of Citymapper. The Citymapper app simplifies public transport in London by providing live, up-to-the-minute information and multiple route options. Features include disruption notifications, offline maps, transport ticket prices, taxi fares and even calorie burn ...

  2. The Ultimate FREE London Tourist Map (Things to Do, Photo Spots & More!)

    My Free London Tourist Map. On mobile? Click this link here and the map should automatically open on your Google Maps app. NOTE: Free sights are marked with a green background - be sure to expand the Map Legend to see the different layers and categories I've included!

  3. 41 Best Must Have London Apps- For Tourists & Londoners!

    5) TFL Oyster and contactless app. This is a true must-have app for London. If you're living in London or visiting London, always pay with either Oyster or contactless payment when you travel- it saves you SO MUCH money on your journeys. And if you're using Oyster or contactless payment, you'll want to download this free app from TFL.

  4. Ultimate Guide: 49 Brilliant London Apps Everyone Should Know

    This is the #1 essential app for London I tell everyone to download and set up before you arrive. Best Travel Apps for London: Public Transport . Note: If you want a map of just the most popular London attractions, I made one! ⭐️ Citymapper. Simplified, real-time urban navigation integrating various transport modes. This is the best app for ...

  5. ‎Visit London

    - All the key London sights and attractions, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Coca-Cola London Eye and many more, as well as plenty of hidden gems. - Explore London like a local with insider guides. - Easily navigate using our transport maps. - Check how the Tube is operating with our travel status updates.

  6. 21+ Best London Apps 2024 (for visitors)

    Tube Map - London: best travel apps in London. This app is specifically for the tube. ... Seriously, this is one of the best apps to visit London! 5. Google Maps. This is a basic one, but I sometimes prefer Google Maps to CityMapper for walking directions, and you'll do a lot of walking in London.

  7. ‎Visit London

    ‎Explore the best of London with the official Visit London guide and offline map, in partnership with Mastercard. ... visitlondon.com is London's official tourism website. Plan your perfect trip by searching the website for hotels, attractions, travel and events. ... Visit London App Team. fnu mohan , 06/01/2020. Brilliant App!

  8. Visit London Official Guide

    - All the key London sights and attractions, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Coca-Cola London Eye and many more, as well as plenty of hidden gems. - Explore London like a local with insider guides. - Easily navigate using our transport maps. - Check how the Tube is operating with our travel status updates.

  9. 13 Essential Apps for Travellers Visiting London in 2023

    Download from Google Play or Apple App store. 4. Google Maps. When it comes to walking and public transportation directions in London, Google Maps is a reliable ally. This popular app provides directions, real-time traffic updates, and other location-based details to help you easily explore the city.

  10. Visiting London? Download These 8 Apps Before You Go

    The companion app for the city's venerable Time Out magazine helps you narrow things down with up-to-date listings for concerts, food and drink, theatre and events and much more. Search and filter to your heart's content, book restaurants, and tickets, and save favorites for later use. Free on iOS and Android.

  11. Citymapper

    The ultimate transport app - iPhone / Android / Web

  12. 19 Essential London Apps to Simplify Your Trip

    5. Tube Map. With the Tube Map app, you'll never have to fear not understanding the Tube map again. This award-winning navigation app includes the iconic Harry Beck London Underground map design. Like other apps, this one shows you arrival and departure times, the cost of different routes, and real-time routing.

  13. The Best Navigation App for London: A Beginner's Guide to Citymapper

    How to Use Citymapper in London: A Beginner's Guide. 1. Install the Citymapper App. Start by installing the Citymapper app on your smartphone. Head to your device's app store, search for "Citymapper," and download the app. It is available for both iOS and Android devices. You can also use Citymapper on your desktop, as I've done for ...

  14. 17 Best apps for London and UK Travel (iPhone & Android)

    CityMapper App. The Citymapper App describes itself as meeting all your transport needs on one app. Indeed the app will give you step-by-step directions for getting around by bike, public transport, car share, scooter and on foot. The perfect app to help you navigate London. The CityMapper London app can also compare prices via partners such as ...

  15. London Travel Guide

    This London guide is our reliable and easy-to-use travel companion. Find directions with detailed offline maps, in-depth travel content, popular attractions and insider tips with this London city guide. Plan and have the perfect trip! Book your hotel and enjoy restaurant reviews and shared user content. Here is why 15+million travelers love ...

  16. TfL Go app

    Or call 0343 222 1234 ( charges may apply) or textphone 0800 112 3456. We'll share our open data with other transport apps that you might already be using. Plan your London journey safely and securely. See maps and live times for London Underground, London Overground and other rail and bus services, plus check cycling routes.

  17. Booking London & Travel Map 4+

    Download Booking London & Travel Map and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. ‎Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of London with our comprehensive travel guide application. This meticulously designed app offers you the full London experience right at your fingertips. From premier hotels offering luxury stays to historic ...

  18. 12 Best London Travel Apps for Tourism & Transport

    TfL Go (The TFL app) If you want to download the official app for those wanting to access London via Tubes, you need to download TfL Go. It's worth downloading the TFL app as the map includes a tube map, as well as live bus and trains times to all stations too. It also features the quietest hours to travel if you want to avoid rush hour.

  19. The 18 best apps for London

    The first app you should download when you arrive in London is the Citymapper app. This really is the best app for London if you plan to use public transport. Citymapper helps you navigate London using all transportation options available including cycling, Zipcar, black cabs and Uber. It now even includes Lime, the electric scooter service.

  20. Tube Map

    Tube Map is the award-winning navigation app that includes the official TfL (Transport for London) Tube Map. Tube Map - London Underground works both on and offline and is the #1 Tube Map with over 22 million downloads! Uses the official TfL iconic Harry Beck London Underground map design. Includes additional map views for the TfL Night Tube ...

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  22. ‎London Subway Map on the App Store

    - City Map Integration: Seamlessly switch between the metro map and the city map. Understand how the metro lines connect with the streets and neighborhoods of London, making it easier to plan your overall journey and explore the city. - Tourist-Friendly Interface: If you're a tourist, the app offers special features to meet your needs.

  23. More than 10,000 London black-cab drivers launch £250m Uber lawsuit

    Individuals could win £25,000 or more if they are successful in claim Uber broke taxi booking rules More than 10,500 of London's black-cab drivers have launched a £250m legal case against Uber ...

  24. ‎mapNGo

    - With the Map view, you can easily navigate your destination and see exactly where the activities are - Receive helpful reminders, from passports to essential details for a smooth journey Intelligently, mapNGo creates tailor-made itineraries, indicating the best tourist attractions in the city, the distance between them and suggesting the ...

  25. ‎Jinan Subway Map on the App Store

    - City Map Integration: Seamlessly switch between the metro map and the city map. Understand how the metro lines connect with the streets and neighborhoods of Jinan, making it easier to plan your overall journey and explore the city. - Tourist-Friendly Interface: If you're a tourist, the app offers special features to meet your needs.