A Digital Nomad Guide to London

London Visa

The kind of visa you require to stay in London will vary based on your country of origin, your length of stay as well as whether you need a work permit or not. For starters, if you’re from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you will not require a work permit to work in the UK. However, you still need to apply to stay in the UK according to the EU Settlement Scheme. 

If you are not from the above countries mentioned, then you should apply for a work visa or temporary residence to be eligible to work in the UK. Usually, a work permit will be processed by a UK based company and will allow you to work in a specific location with a specific job. However, it is almost impossible to get as an individual and could take up to 3 months to get the visa. 

As a digital nomad, your best bet would be to apply for a UK Self-employment Visa. While several options are depending on the kind of job you do as well as how long you plan on staying in London, most will require the same documents: 

• A valid passport or travel ID
• Financial proof to support you
• Proof of healthcare insurance
• TB test if you’re staying for more than six months for some countries. 

The cost will still vary based on each individual. As a digital nomad, you could also enter the city as a tourist and stay for a period of 6 months. 

Culture and Food in London

While British cuisine isn’t fancy, there are a few British dishes that are a must-try. The British take breakfast very seriously and have a few dishes that are quite tasty. A traditional English breakfast includes sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes and black pudding. Combine this with coffee or tea and you’ve got a full English breakfast. 

Fish and chips is one of the most common meals to try in the UK. Fried fish with potato chips on the side can be found all around London and is a must-try. As for typical British dishes to taste, Shepherd’s pie is the kind of dish you’ll find at any dinner. This dish is a ground-meat pie topped with mashed potatoes and a crust. There are many different variations and additional ingredients that make this British dish a masterpiece. Sunday roast, steak and kidney pie are also a part of the British cuisine that is worth trying. 

You’ll soon come to realize the importance of tea in British culture. Tea isn’t just a beverage that is accompanied with breakfast but also has become a social activity and part of the culture to the extent that it has its very own timing. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited over for tea or to a tea party as this is a way for Brits to connect, socialize and enjoy a cuppa while chitchatting. Tea Time in the UK is usually a light meal which is typically after lunch and before dinner. This snack could be between 3.30-5 pm. This meal can include tea with biscuits or cake. However, because tea is such a strong part of the culture, it can be drunk at any time of the day. 

If you’re ever invited over for dinner, it is customary to bring a bottle of wine or some sort of gift for the host. It is also expected to wait until everyone is seated and the host starts eating before starting to eat. Also, remember that the British are very high on manners and etiquette and therefore take using the right utensils quite seriously, especially during a formal dinner. When eating a several course meal, always remember that you start with the utensils on the outside and make your way inwards with each course. 

London Nightlife

London is home to some of the best clubs and always has exciting nightlife to suit different tastes. For starters, you’ll find some night tours and attractions in London by bus, boat, bike or even on foot. When the city gets dark, London lights up and can be a fascinating place to take a stroll. From open bus tours to night walking tours, or cruises on the River Thames, it can be a magnificent experience. 

Brits really enjoy drinking and so pub crawls are a huge thing in London. One of the most common areas for pub crawls can be in Camden as it has its own brewery and various pubs offering a vibrant nightlife. 

As for pubs and bars, you’ll find a variety of rooftop bars, cozy pubs, traditional pubs and other bars that will suit your taste. While there are endless options in every neighbourhood, here are some of the best pubs you can find in London:

Best Pubs in London

• The Churchill Arms – Notting Hill 
• The Angel – Bermondsey 
• The Harwood Arms – Fulham 
• Southampton Arms – Kentish Town 
• The Mayflower – Rotherhithe 
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – Fleet Street 
• The French House – Soho 
• The Coach & Horses – Soho 
• The Guinea Grill – Mayfair 
• The Harp – The Strand. 

Best Bars in London

• Kwant – Mayfair 
• Murder Inc – Hanway Street 
• The Berkeley Bar & Terrace – Wilton Place 
• The Laughing Heart – Hackney 
• Hide Below – Piccadilly 
• Satan’s Whiskers – 
• The Lost Alpaca – 
• The Parrot – Covent Garden 
• Passione Vino – Hackney 
• The Bar at China Tang – Mayfair 

Best Clubs in London

• Fabric 
• Heaven 
• XOYO
• Electric Brixton 
• Cargo 
• Ministry of Sound 
• Pintworks London 
• Corsica Studios 
• Egg London 
• Studio 338 

You’ll also find stand-up comedy, underground music gigs, concerts, art galleries, exhibitions happening constantly in the city. 

Things to do in London

London is filled with different activities and things to do ensuring that regardless of your idea of fun, you’ll find something to do. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, historic experience, entertainment or relaxing things to do, you’ll find it all in London. Here are the top things for a digital nomad to do to experience London at its best: 

• Hyde Park

  One of the most famous parks in London is no other than Hyde Park. Here, you’ll find open green spaces where you can go for a picnic, sit back and read or play with your kids. The river also has many ducks which people like to feed, although it is advised against it. Spending a day here when the weather is sunny is something lots of Londoners like to do. 

• Buckingham Palace

  Visiting the Queen’s palace and residence is an extraordinary experience. If you decide to take a tour, you will be able to during the summer but it is always recommended to book your tickets in advance. The audio guide is no other than the Prince of Wales, heir to the throne making it quite a unique experience. However, if you choose to skip the tour, attending the change of guards is such an entertaining aspect that you just cannot miss. For 45 mins, you’ll see a show that will make you fall in love with London and really enjoy the normal tasks that happen on a regular basis in the Queen’s world. 

• South Bank and London eye

  South Bank isn’t just an area that overlooks the River Thames, but is also where you get to experience a panoramic view of the entire city by taking a ride on the London eye. The beautiful district is great for a relaxing view or grabbing a bite or a drink on one of the cute restaurants or bars overlooking the river. Don’t forget the street performances that attract tourists from all over the world on the weekend making it an exciting place to be. 

• China Town

  While China Town used to be known as the home to immigrants from China, it is now a popular tourist destination in London. This area is different from the rest of the city and where you feel like you’ve fled from London and set foot literally in the heart of China. The Chinese culture is evident across the entire area in terms of decor, restaurants, scent and stalls. China Town Food Street is the place to get the best Chinese food in the city, but in this area, you’ll also get to experience the Asian culture through the China Town Heritage Center as well as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. 

• Big Ben

  You probably already know that one of London’s most iconic landmarks is Big Ben, which is actually the clock tower’s largest bell. What makes Big Ben so famous is that it is considered the most accurate clock on the planet. You can even take a tour inside the bell tower when it chimes to the hour. 

• London Zoo

  London Zoo isn’t just a place for kids, but is an educational and an interactive experience for both adults and children alike. Here you’ll find penguins diving for their food, monkeys playing around and even get to see live tigers. The animal shows are really interesting and you can even sign up to be a zoo-keeper for the day. 

• Camden

  Walking into Camden market is like walking into another universe. You easily forget that you’re in London and get to marvel at hundreds of stalls filled with pop-culture, arts and crafts, clothing and fast food where you can eat some oft he best cuisines from all over the work for less than £5. While Camden market itself is one of London’s top attractions, Camden as an area offers so much more. Here, you can take a stroll along the canal, visit the Jewish museum, enjoy live music from some of the best underground musicians and street performers or even just drink the night away in some of its most famous pubs. 

• Portobello Market

  You cannot be in London and not experience it through its markets. While there are markets around every corner in London, there are some markets that are a vital part of experiencing London in its truest forms. One of these is Portabello Market in Notting Hill. Here, taking a stroll in this famous street is an enjoyable act alone, but seeing what the stalls have to offer from vintage clothing, unique items and arts and crafts will never disappoint. You’re bound to find some of the best picks you’ll ever encounter. 

• Covent Garden

  Covent Garden is not only famous for its fruit and vegetable market but also is one of the best places to be on the weekends due to the large number of people who flock there to enjoy the street performances while sitting on the steps. The area itself is home to the Royal Opera House and also offers fashion boutiques, restaurants and bars and a whole lot of entertainment. Here you’ll find the London transport museum. 

• Soho

  If you’re looking for a vibrant area filled with entertainment, Soho is the place to be. Especially at night and during the weekends, this area comes alive and becomes one of the coolest places in the city. Here, you’ll find some of the coolest cocktail bars, traditional pubs and restaurants in London. And if you’re a Potterhead, be sure to visit the House of Minalima where there’s a huge collection of art dedicated to Harry Potter and the wizarding world. 

• Museums

  Museums can be a tad boring anywhere else in the world except in London. While there are so many museums to look forward to, there are a few that make the entire experience worthwhile. The British Museum is home to some of the most famous artifacts of the world such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Marbles, Ancient Egyptian mummies as well as Renaissance and Medieval objects. Next on your list of museums that will not disappoint is the Natural History Museum. Not only does it exhibit a wide range of specimens, but it also contains an entire section on fossils of dinosaurs and other extinct species. Whether you have kids or not, the Science Museum is also an absolute must as it is all built on interactive experiments and installations that make it fun for children and adults alike. 

• Thames Cruise

  The River Thames is one of the most iconic physical features of London and taking a cruise on it is a breathtaking and relaxing experience. Some cruises offer a gorgeous view, while others also offer dining options or activities such as kayaking to canoeing. 

• Piccadilly Circus

  A famous part of central London is Piccadilly Circus as it is within walking distance to Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street and Leicester Square. However, that’s not only what makes Picaddily Circus famous, but the Picaddily lights which light up the entire area at night. Here, you’ll also find a lot of beautiful theatres where you can see some of the most popular musicals and shows in the world.

• Oxford Street

  One of the most prominent streets in London is no other than the famous Oxford Street known for being the best shopping street in the city. The 1.9 km street has over 300 shops, restaurants and bars, making it the place where you can find pretty much anything you need. 

• Art Galleries

  London is one of the biggest art and design capitals of the world. That’s why it comes as no surprise for visiting art galleries to be an absolute must when in London. You’ll find events, exhibitions and phenomenal artists displaying their work regularly with something always exciting to look forward to in the art scene in London. 

• Platform 9 ¾

  It’s known that King’s Cross station is where Harry Potter got on the Hogwarts Express to be a part of the Wizarding world. Since the success of the books and movies, King’s Cross station has become a popular destination for all fans as it is where parts of the movie were shot as well as where there is a current Platform 9 ¾ stationed with half a trolley going through the wall. Here, you can queue up to take a memorable photo entering the platform as well as visiting the Harry Potter store filled with merchandise you’ll fall in love with. 

Best Time to Visit London

If London is known for anything, it is its cold and gloomy weather making it not that popular amongst many. However, when you live in London, you start to understand the concept of layering up and expecting the changes in the weather during all seasons. 

London’s weather is moody and feels like it is indecisive and hormonal, to say the least. On any given day, you should be prepared to experience the four seasons in one go. While the weather might start as sunny, it is expected to rain, get super cold and cloudy and even experience thunderstorms all in the same day. 

The saying ‘ When it rains, it pours’ is an accurate way of describing London’s weather and that’s why some of your greatest investments will be rain boots, a waterproof jacket, a windbreaker and an umbrella. You should always have a raincoat on you even in the summer and that’s why London’s fashion offers seasonal raincoats that are lightweight and packable in the summer, thick and padded in the winter. 

Winter

If you’re wondering how cold it can get in the winter, expect it to be highs of 9 degrees Celsius and lows of 5 degrees Celsius during the months of December – February. However, with a high wind speed, especially in areas near the Thames it feels like it is a lot colder. During the winter, snow is also expected to fall several times a year making London a cold, gloomy winter with short days and rarely any sunlight. 

Spring

Spring is a lovely time to be in London with flowers blossoming all around you and the weather starting to slightly get warmer. During the months of March-May, the temperature is around highs of 12-18 degrees Celsius and lows of 6-10 degrees Celsius. However, just like any other season, rain is expected to fall at any time. 

Summer

While summer in London can be great, when a heatwave strikes it becomes impossible to stay at home. As homes are equipped to hold in the heat and rarely ever have AC or fans, it can get quite stuffy. Luckily, this only happens for a few days a year. During the summer months of June-August London expects highs of 21-23 degrees Celsius and lows of 13-15 degrees Celsius. However, during the summer the days are so long that the sun could set at around 9 pm.

Autumn

One of the best seasons to be in London is arguably during Autumn as the leaves start to fall and a yellowish-golden colour takes over the city. During the months of September-November, the temperature is expected to offer highs of 20 degrees Celsius to lows of 7 degrees Celsius. And of course, rain is inevitable. 

London for Families

Regardless of your nationality, if you’re a resident in London, you’re entitled to be part of the public education system offered by the country. You can check for your right of abode in your visa status to make sure your children are eligible for free public education. Schools in the UK are based on your home address which allows children to apply in schools only within their district. This makes it difficult to apply to good schools and usually mean that the good schools have a long waiting list of other residents trying to get into the school. In order to do this, you should apply for a state-funded primary school online or by going to your local council and filling in an application form. 

While most people apply for state-funded schools, private schools are available in London, too. However, they do come with quite a price-tag even though their educational systems are actually worth it. Here are some of the best private schools in London: 

• St. Paul’s Girls Schools – Hammersmith 
• West minister School – Westminster Abbey 
• Paul’s School London – Barnes 
• North London Collegiate School – Edgware 
• Go dolphin & Latymer School – Hammersmith 
• King’s College School – Wimbledon 
• London School for Boys – South Bank 
• City of London School for Girls – Farringdon 
• South Hampstead High School – South Hampstead
• Latymer Upper School – Hammersmith 

As for daycare, All 3-4-year-olds are entitled to 570 free hours per year which is usually translated into 15 hours per week for 38 weeks a year. If you need to send your child to a full-time daycare or nursery, the average cost is around £280 for a child younger than two-years-old and gets a bit cheaper as the child gets older. 

When looking for things to do in London as a family with kids, you’ll find a lot of outdoor activities, parks with playgrounds or open spaces in pretty much every area. As mentioned above, the museums in London are an absolute blast for kids and something to definitely be enjoyed as a family. But if you’re looking for other things to do in London with kids here are a few ideas: 

• London Zoo
• Madame Tussaud’s 
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium 
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour 
• Shrek’s Adventure! London 
• KidZania 
• HMS Belfast 
• London Transport Museum 
• The London Dungeon 
• Chessington World of Adventures 
• Legoland Winsor 

Living in London

London Transportation

If you ever think of driving in the UK, just remember that Brits drive on the other side. That can take a little while to get used to. Otherwise, transportation in London especially is very well-connected and offers several options to easily move from one area to another. To move around in the UK, a digital nomad can use the underground, overground National railway service, buses, taxis or bikes. To make public transportation easier, you can buy an Oyster card for £5 from any newsagent, at the airport or main stations and recharge it at any underground station. This will allow you to use the buses, the tube or railway. 

The underground system most commonly referred to as the ‘tube’ in London is the most common form of transportation as it connects London and Greater London together and is the fastest form of transportation to get around. However, it can be a bit costly. 

Children under 11 years old travel for free and those under 16 years of age get discounted fares. However, for adults the fares are as follows: 

For single tickets, the price varies depending on the zone. Most people living close to central London only use Zones 1 and 2. A single ticket in this area costs £2.40-2.90 on your oyster card. However, if you move around a lot in this area, you could purchase a  weekly 7-day travel card for £36.10. The more zones you include, the more expensive it becomes. 

Travel cards or Oyster cards also allow you to get on the bus. You cannot purchase a ticket on the bus, but you can use the previous transportation cards or a contactless debit/credit card. The fare costs £1.55 or a whole day of bus-only transportation costs £4.65. 

There are also peak fares and off-peak fares. Peak fares are charged on Monday-Friday from 6.30-9.30 am and 4:00-7:00 pm. 

As for bikes, you’ll find bike-sharing is quite common in the UK, too. From stationed bikes that you can find quite commonly in London, or using one of the bike-sharing apps such as Ofo and Mo-bike where you can locate them through the app. Just keep in mind, that while there are bike lanes in a lot of areas, you sometimes have to ride in the streets and need to be aware of the British driving rules to avoid accidents from occurring. 

Fitness and Health

Looking for a gym in London won’t be difficult to find, but memberships can vary greatly based on the location and facilities being offered. Gyms in London can cost anywhere between £15-80 per month.

But if you’re looking for something else to do and are interested in getting fit for free around London there are several options that can help you reach your goals, meet new people and enjoy being active. Here are a few options: 

Running

Because London is filled with open spaces and greenery, it’s quite easy to find an interesting and beautiful path to become your new running route. If that doesn’t cut it out for you, you’ll find several organised runs you can take part in for free such as ASICS Running Club.

Cycling

Whether you choose to use one of the stationed bikes, use a bike-sharing app or own your own bicycle, cycling through the large parks can be an excellent way to reach your fitness goals while shedding a few pounds. Be sure to check out the Go Sky ride for freecycling meet-ups happening close by. 

Outdoor gyms

In most big parks, you’ll find an outdoor gym available that anyone can use. Not only will these help you stick to a fitness routine without paying an arm and a leg, but will also give you the chance to meet other fitness fanatics who come to these areas to workout, too. 

Sweaty Betty

It’s no secret that Sweaty Betty offers several fitness classes for free across their locations. However, they tend to fill up quite quickly as there are limited spaces available, so be sure to book ahead. 

London Friday Night Skate

Every Friday night at 8 pm, you’ll find a bunch of skaters at Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner ready to kickstart the weekend with an amazing skate. It’s a great way to get fit while skating along the green pathways with some of the coolest people in London. 

Project Awesome

Three times a week, Project Awesome get together at 6.30 am with an awesome exercise routine. The feel-good vibes and the early risers looking to start their day with positive energy can really turn your day around and make getting fit a whole lot of fun. 

But if these still sound boring, remember you’re in London and there must be other fun and quirky ways to get fit that you absolutely must try: 

• Disco Yoga
• Kayaking on the Thames
• Oxygen Freejumping Trampoline 
• Paddle and Litter pick 
• FloatFit wobble on water 
• Hula hoops with HulaFit
• Dancing at Seen on Screen
• Parkour Generations Academy 
• Date-Ercise at Right Path Fitness
• Line Dance 

London People

For starters, one of the things that makes London special is that it is a multi-cultural city with so many different people from all over the world with different cultures, beliefs and traditions. This makes talking about the people a bit difficult to narrow down. However, if you’re wondering about how the Brits are, there are a few things you need to know. 

For starters, Brits are known for being quite reserved. They will build a wall that won’t be very easy to get through. However, the British are known for their manners. More often than not, their bluntness and straightforwardness are mistaken for being rude, but once you get used to the honesty, you will understand that it is in their nature to speak their mind and it is not something to be taken personally. In general, Brits are very well-mannered and will follow a specific etiquette as well as what is expected of them. 

If there’s one thing to be extremely alert to and will really make a huge difference with Brits, it is punctuality. If you’re given an appointment or meeting at a specific time, expect a Brit to arrive 10-15 mins in advance and start literally on the dot. Punctuality is not only a way of life for a Brit, but is also a form of respect and can be considered rude to arrive late to a business meeting or even medical appointment. 

While many people find Brits as stuck up or reserved and sometimes even snobbish, once you get to know them, you will start to understand their incredible sense of humour and the sarcastic ability that makes them genuinely funny. However, their humour isn’t something that everyone finds appealing and needs a lot of work to be able to see the sunny side up. 

Because of their reserved nature, when you meet someone for the first time make sure you do not cross your limits. A handshake will be the only acceptable form of greeting until they get to know you on a more personal level and start allowing more intimate greetings such as a peck on the cheek or a hug. Personal space is highly valued by Brits and they will not shy away from making that clear. 

When it comes to work, Brits tend to shut down completely after working hours and business is never conducted on weekends. In fact, the weekends are quite sacred and should not be interrupted unless you’ve been approached by them. On a Friday night, you’ll find most Brits enjoying a pint or two at the local pub and getting absolutely wasted. On the weekend, Brits enjoy spending time with their families, going for walks and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible when the weather permits. 

London Insurance and Medical Care

The UK provides one of the best healthcare systems in the world. If you’re a resident in London, you’re most likely entitled to free healthcare by the NHS.  You can get free NHS healthcare if you have: 

• A valid visa and have paid the immigration health surcharge. 
• A valid visa and are exempt from paying the immigration health surcharge.
• Permission to stay as a family member of an EEA citizen who has been living in London before Brexit. 
• Have an EHIC insurance card. 
• If you’re from Norway, Iceland or Switzerland. 

NHS treatment offers the following: 

• Visiting a GP in your local area. 
• Getting treatment in a hospital for accidents or emergencies. 
• Family planning services 
• Treatment for chronic or infectious diseases 
• Referrals for doctors by your GP
• Compulsory psychiatric treatment. 

While other benefits can be provided by NHS treatment, your entitlement to them will differ according to your visa and how long you plan on staying in London. 

If you are not an ‘ordinarily resident’, you might be required to pay for NHS services or be required to access private medical care in the UK which could be quite expensive. In this case, it is advised to have international health insurance from your home country that allows you to be covered for any healthcare issues or accidents that could happen during your stay.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in London

Depending on the visa you’ve applied for, you may not be eligible to work in London, but if you’ve got your documents in order then London has a lot of jobs you could do: 

• Sales Assistant 
• Delivery Driver 
• Store Manager 
• Customer Assistant 
• BarTender 
• Waiter/Waitress 
• Babysitter 
• Nanny 
• Paid Survey Taker 
• Secret Shopper 
• Online Tutoring 
• Translation 
• Walking tours guide
• Ushers
• Dog walking

If you’re looking for a job with more skills, then it is best to search within your field on some of these job portals in London: 

• LinkedIn
• Reed
• Jobsite
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Adzuna
• CV-Library
•  Monster UK
• Total jobs

It is also worth highlighting that London is one of the best places in the world to be if you’re in the design field. While the competition is intense and the jobs are limited, if you’ve got extreme talent, you can really thrive by working in London.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.