There are few cities on Earth that leave you as inspired, curious, or just plain confused as London. Not only is there so much history to take in, but the city itself is a cultural melting pot with neighborhoods named after places from all corners of the globe.
So maybe you’ve always wanted to visit the city of London or finally decided to plan that dream vacation you’ve had in mind but didn’t know where to start. Either way, never fear; help is at hand with our guide on the essential things to consider when planning your trip.
Decide on a Time of Year To Go
London is an international city and attracts visitors from all over the world throughout the year. However, there are some times when it’s simply more enjoyable than others. For example, avoid visiting during major sporting events such as the Wimbledon, as these will likely cause traffic jams and overcrowding in popular tourist spots.
If visiting during the winter months (November-March), remember that temperatures will be cold, so pack warm clothing and blankets if staying at a hotel or Airbnb with no heating option.
If, on the other hand, you’re visiting during the summer months of June-August, remember that temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity so bring light clothing and plenty of water (oh, and suncream!).
Choose a Place To Stay
London is, of course, a huge city with many neighborhoods to choose from on visits, so there are various factors that you should consider when choosing where to stay. For example, if you want to be close to Buckingham Palace, staying in London Holiday homes in places like Westminster or The City (the financial district) would be best. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more central, then consider staying in Soho or Covent Garden.
Look Into Transportation Options
Transportation can be one of the biggest expenses when traveling in London. You should, therefore, consider how long your trip will last and what activities you’ll be doing during your stay in London. For example, will you be spending most of your time in Central London or traveling outside the city?
If you’re planning on spending most of your time in Central London, perhaps the best option would be to get an Oyster Card or an Oyster Visitor Card ahead of time. This way, you only have to worry about getting around and keeping enough money on your card at any given time.
Make a List of Places To See
Before arriving in London, ensure you have an idea of what you want to see and do during your stay. London has many beautiful attractions, from the famous Big Ben clock tower and Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. It’s helpful to get a guidebook and research each attraction before you visit, so you know what to expect.
If you’re only visiting for a few days, it’s best not to try and see everything. Instead, list must-see attractions and plan your trip around them. It will help you stay on track while saving time and money. You’ll also get more out of your visit if you focus on one or two things simultaneously.
Use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour To Get Around
The best way to see all the major sights in London is with the hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Using public transportation during your visit is one thing we highly recommend, and taking a bus tour is an excellent way of getting around town without having to deal with traffic or parking issues.
The buses stop at all major attractions, so you can easily get on and off during your visit without worrying about finding your way around town. You can even purchase tickets online ahead of time so that they’re ready to go right when you need to use them.
Work With a Budget
Now you know how to get around town, don’t forget to work with a budget. London is expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money while enjoying yourself in this amazing city. And when shopping for souvenirs, don’t forget to haggle!
Takeaway
There you have it: some of our best tips for visiting London. Whether you’re already familiar with the city or have never set foot here before, these tips will help avoid some common pitfalls that tourists encounter when visiting this cultural melting pot.
