London is one of the best cities in the world for tattoos. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or you just fell in love with the city and want to take a piece of it home permanently, getting tattooed while visiting London can be an unforgettable experience.

But before you walk into a studio on impulse (or worse… book something sketchy because it’s cheap), it’s worth knowing a few key things.

At Sacred Gold Tattoo Studio in Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross (N1C), we regularly tattoo travellers from all over the world. This guide covers everything tourists should know before getting inked in London, from timing and pricing to healing, aftercare, and travel tips. We'll also be sending you on your way with an after-tattoo goodie bag, of course!

Why London Is a Great City for Tattoos

London has an incredible tattoo scene, with artists specialising in every style imaginable--- from fine line and minimalism to realism to intense blackwork.

What makes London especially appealing for tourists is that you can combine your tattoo appointment with iconic experiences nearby: museums, markets, galleries, food spots, and nightlife. It’s a city where creativity is everywhere, and tattoos fit right into that culture.

1. Should You Get a Tattoo as a Tourist?

If you’re considering it, the answer is usually yes -- as long as you plan it properly or walk in spontaneously to a trusted studio.

A tattoo is one of the most meaningful souvenirs you can get. Unlike magnets or postcards, it’s personal, permanent, and tied to a moment in your life.

That said, tourists sometimes rush into tattoos without thinking about:

How much time healing takes
How travel affects aftercare
Sun exposure
Swimming plans
Long flights

If your schedule is packed with beaches, saunas, and 12-hour walking days, it’s worth timing your tattoo carefully.

2. When Should You Get Tattooed During Your Trip?

The best advice is simple:

Get tattooed early in your trip

If possible, book your tattoo appointment in the first few days of your visit. That gives you time to:

Monitor healing
Keep it clean
Avoid unnecessary irritation
Ask your artist questions if needed

If you get tattooed on your last day, you’ll be travelling immediately after, which can be uncomfortable -- especially on long-haul flights

3. Walk-Ins vs Booking Ahead in London

Can you get a walk-in tattoo in London?

Yes -- but availability depends on the day of the week, and tattoo size. At Sacred Gold Tattoos, we try our best to offer as many walk-in spaces as possible or have an available artist on site for this very reason.

When you should book ahead

Booking in advance is recommended if you want:

Realism tattoos
Portrait tattoos
Detailed black and grey work
Larger pieces

If you’re visiting London with a specific idea in mind, booking ahead ensures you get the right artist and the right time slot. You're always welcome ot message us and ask questions or check availability for your trip (07438780845)

4. How Much Do Tattoos Cost in London?

Tattoo prices in London vary depending on the studio, artist experience, and complexity of the design. We offer a studio minimum of £100 for the smaller and simpler ideas that remind you of your time and experience in London.

Be cautious of extremely cheap prices, especially in central London. A tattoo is permanent -- and fixing a bad tattoo usually costs far more than doing it properly the first time.

5. What Style Should You Get as a Travel Tattoo?

If you're visiting London, popular choices include:

Fine line tattoos

Perfect for elegant, subtle souvenirs.

Black and grey realism

A high-impact option that ages well when done professionally.

Small symbolic designs

Minimalist tattoos inspired by travel memories, landmarks, or personal meaning.

Custom London-inspired tattoos

Some clients choose designs based on:

Architecture
Florals
Ravens, lions, or mythical symbolism
Maps or coordinates
Personal “London chapter” themes

At Sacred Gold, we specialise in custom tattoo designs, meaning your tattoo can be created specifically around your trip and story.

6. Where to Get Tattooed in London (Location Matters)

When tourists search for tattoo studios, they often look at “closest” rather than “best”. But London is huge, and it’s worth travelling a little for quality.

Sacred Gold Tattoo Studio is located in:

📍 Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C

This is a prime area for visitors because it’s:

Central
Easy to reach by tube/train
Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and galleries and markets
Close to St Pancras International (Eurostar)

Meaning you can easily fit your tattoo appointment into your London itinerary.

7. What Tourists Should Bring to Their Tattoo Appointment

To make your session smooth, bring:

Valid ID (passport or driving licence)
Comfortable clothing (depending on placement)
Reference images if you have them

And if you’re getting tattooed after a long day of sightseeing: eat first. Tattooing on an empty stomach is a classic tourist mistake. We provide the water, canned sodas and snacks for during your tattoo, of course!

8. Can You Fly After Getting a Tattoo?

Yes, you can fly after getting a tattoo -- it'll only feel a little uncomfortable if:

Your tattoo is large
It’s on a spot that touches airplane seats (back, thighs)
Your flight is long

The key is to keep the tattoo clean and avoid irritation.

Pro tip: If you’re flying the same day, choose a placement that won’t be rubbed constantly.

9. Can You Swim After Getting a Tattoo in London?

This is one of the most important points for tourists.

No swimming for at least 2 weeks, preferably 4 weeks.

That includes:

Pools
Hot tubs
Saunas
The sea
Lakes

Swimming too soon is one of the fastest ways to cause:

Infection
Ink loss
Patchy healing

Moisture and bacteria are very closely linked; be mindful. Shower as normal, of course, just no submerging -- especially in communal places such as pools.

If your holiday involves swimming, get tattooed at the very end of your trip -- or wait until you’re home.

10. Can You Drink Alcohol Before or After Your Tattoo?

If you’re visiting London, you might be tempted to enjoy the pubs before your appointment.

But ideally:

Avoid alcohol the night before

Alcohol can thin your blood and increase bleeding, which makes tattooing harder and healing more difficult.

After your tattoo? Treat yourself to that pint! Just be awre that one pint often feels like two after getting tattooed.

11. Avoid These Tourist Tattoo Mistakes

Here are the most common mistakes travellers make:

Booking purely based on price

Cheap tattoos often lead to expensive cover-ups later.

Getting tattooed before a beach day

Sun + swimming + fresh tattoo = disaster.

Not checking healed work

A good portfolio should include healed photos, not just fresh tattoos.

Choosing the wrong placement for travel

A back-of-thigh tattoo sounds cute until you’re sitting on trains and planes all week.

Doing it on an empty stomach

Your body needs energy to handle tattooing.

Book a Tattoo Appointment While Visiting London

Whether you’re planning a small souvenir tattoo or a full custom piece, we recommend messaging us even just to discuss, so we can match you assist you in whatever way you need.

📍 Sacred Gold Tattoo Studio, Coal Drops Yard, N1C
📅 Walk-ins welcome | 💻 Booking info below
⠀
🔗 Book now: www.sacredgold.shop
📲 WhatsApp: +44 7438 780845
📧 Email: sacredgoldart@gmail.com

Getting a Tattoo While Visiting London: Everything Tourists Should Know (2026 Guide)