For visiting sisters & friends
Welcome to London
To our sisters crossing the pond for the first time or returning to a city you love, our chapter is delighted to host you. Here's our local guide.
Stay Connected
Connect with an ADAO Sister
AKA members visiting London — share your dates and we'll do our best to connect.
London Recommendations
ADAO Approved
Sightseeing
- Buckingham Palace
- Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
- The London Eye
- Tower of London
- Westminster Abbey
Restaurants
- Dishoom (Indian)
- Sketch (Afternoon Tea)
- Roka (Japanese)
- Ikoyi (West African)
- The Ivy (British)
Shopping
- Oxford Street
- Covent Garden
- Notting Hill / Portobello
- Borough Market
- Brixton Village Market
Day Trips
- Stonehenge
- Bath
- Canterbury
- Brighton
- Oxford
- Cambridge
- Greenwich
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Restaurants
- Ikoyi — Michelin-starred West African
- Akoko — Modern West African
- Chishuru — West African tasting menu
- Tatale — Ghanaian at The Africa Centre
- Enish — Nigerian
- Old Jamaica Café — Caribbean
Shopping
- Brixton Village & Pop Brixton — independent makers
- Black-Owned Market London — pop-ups across the city
- Sevin London — luxury fragrance
- Fanm Djanm — headwraps & accessories
- House of Aama / Wales Bonner stockists
- Beam Editions — Black-owned bookshop online & pop-ups
Sightseeing & Tours
- Black History Walks — guided tours across London
- Black Cultural Archives
- The Africa Centre — exhibitions & events
- Sugar & Slavery Gallery — Museum of London Docklands
Local Transit
Underground/Tube, London buses, Black Cabs, Uber and Bolt. Contactless cards work on TfL, or grab an Oyster card.
Best Apps
CityMapper is unbeatable in London. Google Maps and TfL Go are excellent companions.
UK Visa Guidance
US visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Apply for your ETA →
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Do I need a visa to visit the UK?
Most US passport holders do not need a visa for visits up to 6 months but must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Apply at https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply.
+ What's the easiest way to get around?
The London Underground (Tube), buses, Black Cabs, Uber and Bolt are all widely available. Contactless payment works on TfL, but an Oyster card is great for visitors staying longer.
+ Which mapping apps should I use?
Google Maps works well, but CityMapper is exceptional for London — combining tube, bus, walking and cycle directions in one.
+ Best time to visit?
May–September offers the warmest weather. December has festive markets. Pack layers and a small umbrella regardless of season!
+ What's the local currency and how should I pay?
The Pound Sterling (£). Contactless cards and mobile wallets are accepted almost everywhere — including on TfL. ATMs are widely available; notify your bank before travel.
+ Do I need a power adaptor?
Yes — the UK uses Type G three-pin plugs and 230V. Bring a universal adaptor; most US laptops and phone chargers handle dual voltage automatically.
+ How much should I tip?
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Many restaurants add a 12.5% discretionary service charge — check your bill before tipping again. £1–2 per bag for porters, and rounding up for cab drivers is customary.
+ Is London safe for solo travellers?
London is generally safe, but use the same big-city common sense you would at home. Stay aware on public transit late at night and use licensed black cabs, Uber, or Bolt.
+ What should I pack for the weather?
Layers, a waterproof jacket and a compact umbrella in every season. Comfortable walking shoes are essential — Londoners walk a lot!
+ How do I connect with ADAO sisters during my visit?
Use the 'Connect with an ADAO Sister' form above with your travel dates. We'll do our best to coordinate fellowship while you're in town.
+ Are there AKA-friendly events I can attend while visiting?
Check our Events page for upcoming chapter activities. Many of our service days, Founders' Day events and HerStory talks welcome visiting sisters and guests.
+ What's the best way to call or text from the UK?
Most US carriers offer affordable international day passes. eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) and local SIMs (EE, Three, Giffgaff) are great alternatives for longer stays.
+ Returning visitor — what's new in London?
Ask us! The Elizabeth Line has transformed east-west travel, and new openings around Battersea Power Station, Coal Drops Yard and Outernet near Tottenham Court Road are worth a return visit.