9 Best Apps to Use While in London

As a frequent traveler, these are the most useful London apps for safety, easy navigation and more.

Photo by Lina Kivaka

Traveling to London? Some apps work seamlessly in one country but disappear in another, leaving you scrambling for alternatives. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of the best London apps to help you navigate, book transport, find the best food (not to mention the best nightlife) and even take care of your wellness while exploring. Say goodbye to feeling lost on the Tube and hello to traveling like a local!

1. Citymapper – Your Ultimate Navigation Guide

Purpose: Public Transport & Route Planning

London’s public transport system can be overwhelming, but Citymapper makes it effortless. No more guessing which Tube line to take or getting lost on confusing bus routes. With this app, you get real-time updates on the Tube, buses, trains and even cycling routes—all in one place. It also shows multiple route options and alerts you to delays, so you’re always one step ahead.

Best feature? Offline maps! Even when you lose signal in the Underground, you’ll still know exactly where to go.

2. Trainline – Hassle-Free Train Booking

Purpose: Train Tickets & Travel Planning

Need to catch a train across London (or the UK) without standing in long lines? Trainline lets you compare and book train tickets from various operators with just a few taps.

  • Find the cheapest fares and book in advance

  • Get live train updates to avoid delays

  • Use the journey planner to compare routes, times and prices

  • Have a Railcard? Apply your discount directly in the app to save even more!

Photo by Matheus Bertelli

3. NHS App – Your Healthcare Companion

Purpose: Medical Assistance & Prescriptions

If you're staying in London for a while, downloading the NHS app is a game-changer for managing your healthcare. You can:

  • Access your medical records (especially useful for expats)

  • Book, view, and manage upcoming hospital appointments

  • Find nearby pharmacies, GP surgeries and healthcare services

  • Use built-in symptom checkers for quick medical advice

One time, I had a horrible cold while in London, and while calling NHS was helpful and efficient, this app would have made it easier to find the nearest pharmacy and book a consultation. 

4. Life360 – Stay Connected & Safe

Purpose: Location Sharing & Safety

My friends made me download Life360, and I’ve never looked back. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this app lets you share your real-time location with selected people.

  • Create private circles with family or friends

  • Send in-app messages and emojis

  • Get low battery alerts for your circle

  • Use crash detection for added safety

  • Receive landing notifications when someone arrives at their destination

Heads up: Life360 is a paid service, but they offer a free trial.

Photo by Cameron Gawn

5. Uber / Uber Eats – Your Go-To for Rides & Food

Purpose: Transportation & Food Delivery

We all know Uber, but here’s something you might not: Uber in London is often cheaper than in the U.S. Plus, it has an exclusive rewards program where you can earn British Airways Avios points for every ride!

  • 1 pound spent = 1 Avios point

  • Connect your British Airways Executive Club account to start earning

  • Uber Eats also works great for quick and affordable food delivery

If you’re using Uber a lot while traveling, this is a hack you don’t want to miss!

6. ClassPass – Affordable Fitness & Wellness

Purpose: Gym, Pilates, Yoga & Beauty Services

London’s fitness scene is amazing, but gym memberships can be pricey. That’s where ClassPass comes in! Instead of committing to one gym, you can:

  • Access a variety of fitness studios and classes across the city

  • Try everything from boxing to Pilates to cycling

  • Even use credits for spa treatments and facials

Plans range from £35 to £180 per month, and there’s currently a one-month trial for just £1—so you can test it out before committing.

7. Spotscan+ – Your Free Skincare Analyzer

Purpose: Skincare & Acne Treatment

London’s weather isn’t always kind to your skin, but Spotscan+ can help! This free app analyzes your skin using AI and recommends a personalized skincare routine based on 6,000+ scientific images.

  • Simply upload three selfies (front, left and right profile)

  • Get an acne grade (0 to 5)

  • Receive expert skincare tips and product recommendations

If your skin isn’t reacting well to the UK air, this app is a must-have!

8. Treatwell – Salon & Beauty Bookings

Purpose: Haircuts, Beauty Treatments & Wellness

Want a quick haircut or beauty treatment while in London? Treatwell makes booking salon and spa appointments easy.

  • Compare prices, reviews and availability

  • Book 24/7 with instant confirmation

  • Discover local salons, including hidden gems

  • Find exclusive discounts and last-minute deals

Whether you need a quick blow-dry, manicure or a spa day, Treatwell lets you book it all in one place—without calling around!

9. DICE — Concerts/ Nightlife/ Live Events

Looking for the best events in London? Whether you're after a free gig, an indie concert, a networking event or a fancy night outDICE has you covered. This app is a must-have for discovering and booking tickets to live events all over the city—from underground music shows to sold-out concerts.

I’ve used DICE to find last-minute solo adventures, date night ideas and fun nights out with friends, and it’s never disappointed. If you want to stay in the loop with what’s happening in London, this London app is an absolute game-changer. 

Final Thoughts About London Apps

Exploring London is exciting, but having the right apps can make your trip stress-free and seamless. Whether you're navigating the Tube, booking trains, finding great food or taking care of your wellness, these London apps have got you covered.

Save this list and make sure you download these apps before your trip—you’ll be glad you did!

Previous
Previous

Don’t Miss the Louis Vuitton X Murakumi Pop-Up in London

Next
Next

Everything to Know About Parklife 2025