The best apps to download for tourists visiting London
Planning a trip to London can be both exciting but also overwhelming. As one of the world’s busiest cities, London offers history, culture, and modern attractions. However, navigating its neighbourhoods and streets and making the most of your visit can be challenging without the right tools. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of apps designed to enhance your travel experience, making it easier to explore, dine, shop, and discover hidden gems. In this post, we’ll introduce you to the best apps for London that you can download before you arrive.
Whether you’re looking to streamline your transportation, find the best local eateries, uncover the city’s historical treasures, or simply manage your itinerary, the apps in this post are indispensable for any tourist. So, equip your smartphone with these must have apps for London and get ready to enjoy the city like a local!
Navigation and transportation
Navigating a city like London can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors. With its extensive network of buses, trains, and the iconic London Underground, understanding the city’s transport system is crucial for a seamless travel experience.
Fortunately, a variety of navigation and transport apps are available to help you get around efficiently and confidently. Here, we highlight the best apps to download to ensure you can travel around London with ease and make the most of your visit.
The best apps for navigating London on foot and by public transport
Google Maps, Citymapper and Tube Map are the Holy Trinity of apps for navigating London.
Google Maps
Google Maps is a must-have app for any tourist visiting London. It provides detailed maps and real-time navigation, making it easy to explore the city’s streets. Whether you’re walking, driving, or using public transport, Google Maps offers step-by-step directions and estimated travel times. The app also highlights key attractions, restaurants, and shops, allowing you to discover new places and plan your itinerary effectively. With features like offline maps, you can download maps for specific areas and use them without an internet connection, ensuring you never get lost.
The Google Maps app is best used when out and about on the streets to either work out what is nearby or to navigate on foot. REMEMBER: London With Littles creates Google Maps for each of the areas we provide guides on.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Citymapper
Citymapper is another must-have app for tourists navigating the transportation network of London.
Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive coverage, Citymapper offers detailed routes for various modes of transport, including the Tube, buses, trains, and even walking and cycling.
The app provides real-time updates on delays, service changes, and the quickest travel options, ensuring you can move around the city efficiently. Citymapper also includes features like step-by-step directions, cost estimates, and alerts for when to get off the bus or train.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Tube Map
Tube Map provides an easy-to-use, interactive map of the entire Tube network, making it simple to plan your journeys across the city.
You can quickly find the best routes between stations, check for service updates, and view live departure times to avoid long waits. Tube Map also offers offline functionality, so you can access the map and plan your routes even without an internet connection.
Although the adverts on the free version can be a bit annoying, once you get past them, Tube Map ensures a smooth and efficient experience while traveling on London’s iconic Underground.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
The best apps for travelling in London by taxi cab
Gett
Gett is a ride-hailing service that connects you with licensed black cabs, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey across the city. With Gett, you can easily book a taxi, track its arrival in real-time, and even pay through the app, eliminating the need for cash transactions.
Whether you’re heading to a landmark, dining out, or returning to your hotel after a day of sightseeing, Gett provides a hassle-free and efficient way to navigate London’s streets without the need to hail an available black cab on the street.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Uber
Uber is a must-have app for tourists in London, offering a convenient and flexible way to get around the city. With Uber, you can easily request a ride from your smartphone, track your driver’s arrival, and enjoy cashless payment options.
The app provides various ride options to suit your needs, from budget-friendly UberX to larger vehicles for groups. Uber’s transparent pricing ensures you know the estimated fare before you confirm your ride, helping you budget your travel expenses.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
The best app for taking mainline trains in the UK
Trainline is an indispensable app for tourists planning to explore beyond London’s city limits or those traveling to and from the city. This user-friendly app provides comprehensive information on train schedules, routes, and ticket prices for journeys across the UK.
With Trainline, you can easily search for the best routes, compare prices, and book tickets directly from your smartphone. The app also offers features like mobile tickets, real-time updates on train departures and arrivals, and seat reservations, making your travel experience seamless and stress-free.
Do note however that it may be a few pounds cheaper to book tickets direct with the train line operating your particular route due to booking fees added on by Trainline, so use it as a resource but bear in mind it may be marginally more expensive to book tickets with them.
Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.
Weather
The best weather app for London (and the rest of the UK)
The Met Office weather app is a vital tool for tourists visiting London (or anywhere else in the UK), helping you stay ahead of the famously unpredictable British weather.
This app provides accurate, real-time weather forecasts, ensuring that you are prepared for whatever the day might bring. From hourly updates to 7-day forecasts, the Met Office app offers detailed information on temperature, precipitation, wind speed, pollen and air pollution allowing you to plan your activities accordingly.
It also includes severe weather warnings, so you can avoid any unexpected weather-related disruptions.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Currency conversion
The best app for currency conversion calculations
XE Currency Converter is an amazing app for foreign tourists visiting London, helping you manage your money and understand costs in real-time, without the need to do mental maths!
With XE, you can quickly convert British pounds to your home currency, ensuring you always know how much you’re spending. The app provides live exchange rates and allows you to monitor multiple currencies simultaneously, making it easier to stay on top of your budget.
XE also offers offline functionality, so you can access the latest rates even without an internet connection.
Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.
Language and communication
The best app for translating to and from English
Google Translate is an essential app for tourists whose first language is not English. This app can help you understand and communicate in English more easily.
You can type text to translate, speak into the app for instant translation, or even use your phone’s camera to translate signs, menus, and other written text. If you find yourself in a situation where you need help or directions, Google Translate can quickly translate your words and the responses you receive.
This app makes it much easier to navigate the city, ask questions, and enjoy your trip without the stress of language barriers.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Food delivery apps
The best apps for takeaway food in London
Deliveroo
Deliveroo is an essential app for tourists in London who want to enjoy a wide variety of delicious food without leaving the comfort of their accommodation. With Deliveroo, you can browse menus from a diverse range of local restaurants, from popular chains to hidden gems offering international cuisines.
The app allows you to filter by dietary preferences, read reviews, and track your order in real-time. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a gourmet meal, Deliveroo delivers it straight to your door. Perfect for those nights when you prefer to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Uber Eats
Similar to Deliveroo, with Uber Eats, you have access to an extensive selection of local restaurants and international cuisines, all delivered right to your door. The app’s user-friendly interface allows you to easily browse menus, read reviews, and customize your orders to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Real-time tracking lets you monitor your order’s progress, ensuring you know exactly when your meal will arrive.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Just Eat
Just Eat is an alternative to Deliveroo and Uber Eats that might offer fewer big hitter restaurants than its competitors but which still offers a wide range of restaurants and takeaways, covering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine.
The app lets you filter options based on your dietary preferences, read reviews, and see ratings from other users.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
The best apps for same day grocery delivery
Zoom by Ocado is an excellent app for tourists visiting London who want the convenience of quick and reliable grocery delivery. For the geographic areas it covers, this app specialises in rapid, same-day delivery, often within an hour (or with the ability to choose a timeslot), making it perfect for travellers who need to stock up on essentials without the hassle of visiting a supermarket.
With a wide range of products, including fresh produce, snacks, beverages, and household items, Zoom by Ocado ensures you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to browse and order groceries, whether you want to prepare your own meals, have snacks on hand, or simply save time for more sightseeing.
Zoom by Ocado provides a solution for all your grocery needs, allowing you to enjoy your trip to London without worrying about shopping logistics.
Download on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Are there other apps that you found useful when visiting London? Tell us in the comments what you think are the best apps to download for London.