London - Blog
Why Visit London, UK?
London is a real world city – with some of the most famous buildings, museums and galleries in the world and 2000 years of history to go with them.
But it’s not just looking backwards, there’s always a new bar, play or concert to see.
London is also one of the most international cities, with people from all around the world making their home here, so it’s just as easy to get Indian street food as it is a roast dinner.
Yes, it might rain a lot and no people won’t smile on the Tube, but whatever you’re interested in – from museums to shopping, rock to opera, budget to luxury – there’s a London that will suit you.
Best Things To do in London, UK
Walk along South Bank: follow the Thames from the London Eye along to Tower Bridge and you’ll pass some of London’s most famous buildings, like the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern.
Get a great view: to see the city from above, you can climb to the top of the Monument and the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, and from February there’ll be a viewing platform at the top of London’s new tallest building, the Shard.
Visit the museums: the permanent collections at London’s museums are free so you can dip into as many as you like. Choose from big names like the British Museum and National Gallery, or check out some of the smaller museums like Sir John Soane’s Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms. Try this guided tour of the British Museum and National Gallery
Escape the city into the parks: London has plenty of parks and gardens, from the manicured gardens of Hyde Park and St James Park to huge, hilly Hampstead Heath and the hidden gardens tucked away in residential squares.
Walk through London’s history: London Walks run themed walking tours around London, from the haunts of Jack the Ripper and night-time ghost tours, to Harry Potter film locations and Olympic London.
Where to Stay in London
London’s not cheap, but you can find a few London budget accommodation options.
For a local and unique stay check out the properties available on Airbnb in London.
For a hostel, try the YHA London Central, about five minutes walk from Oxford Street, or the Safestay Hostel.
For a budget hotel, the Asian chain Tune have four hotels across the city from about £35 a night.
For high end, you can splash out on world-class hotels like The Savoy, The Dorchester or Claridges.
Markets & Shopping in London
London has a wide range of markets.
Some of my favourites are Borough Market for food and drink, Portobello Road Market for antiques and fashion, Camden Market for vintage and alternative clothes, and the Colombia Road Flower Market.
Oxford Street is the city’s most famous shopping street, but it’s mostly full of chain stores and big department stores.
For more interesting independent shops check out Carnaby Street, Covent Garden or the King’s Road.
Also worth seeing is Harrods, though more for its completely over-the-top décor – especially at Christmas – than for actual shopping.
Getting Around London
Central London is fairly walkable, but the city sprawls out so you’ll need to use the Tube or bus. Get an Oyster card to save money on transport – you load it up with money and touch in and out on the bus or Tube.
Also, try the riverboat services along the Thames for a scenic view of the city. But watch out for line closures on the Tube at weekends and it closes every night around 1 am, so you’ll need to get a night bus or cab after that.
Finding Wi-Fi in London
Free wifi access in London isn’t great but it’s getting better. There are free wireless hotspots in Islington and the City of London.
Otherwise, chain cafes like Pret a Manger, Starbucks and Coffee Republic give free wifi to customers...
Getting To London
London is a major international hub with five main airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Luton and Stansted.
But watch out as although they’re described as ‘London’ airports they’re often way out of the city, so you’ll need to get a train or bus into central London.
There’s also the international Eurostar train service which runs from Paris and Brussels right into St Pancras Station in the centre of town.
Plan Your Trip in London
Accommodation in London
Book your accommodation in London with our partner, Booking.com. They have over 2,800 properties in including hotels, apartments, and hostels. Get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.
Flights to London
Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, you book directly through the airline or agent (no extra fees).
* images taken from pinterest *
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