Most people have London sightseeing added to their bucket-list. With Big Ben, hustle and bustle, red phone booths and eclectic city life, you can easily see why! You are excited and thrilled as you have the opportunity to go on a tour to London. As you are visiting this iconic city for the first time there is some concern about how to avoid undesired commotion as well as make this trip hassle-free and memorable.
Prior you arrive
- London has 6 different airports, so decide which one you will arrive at and from there you can book accommodation.
- British pounds are possibly higher, so find out how much is it in your currency and plan a budget accordingly.
- Check weather, prior planning a tour and even check it before arriving, so you come prepared.
- Book West End theatre show tickets minimum two months in advance. [it’s expensive though]
- To watch London skyline free book week before at Sky Gardens one week in advance.
- A royal tour inside Buckingham Palace sounds exciting but book it ASAP.
- Find out about London Pass, its benefits and where to purchase it from?
- Many businesses except local cash, so be prepared.
- Look some travel videos to get ideas about London.
- Read tips on how to avert expensive food and transport.
Stay within Zone 1/2
Amongst the six transit zones in London. Zone 1/2 refers to the central part, where more than the top 10 free attractions in London are housed. It includes Big Ben, Changing of guards, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, St. James Park, museums, art galleries, markets, etc. Therefore, most of the time will be spent in this zone. London is two times bigger than NY, so if you book a hotel outside the city to save then transport cost will turn out to be expensive. So, it is sensible to stay in zone 1/2.
Buy Visitor Oyster Card
London transit card or an Oyster Card is recommended for tourists staying for more than two days. It can be bought at the nearest tube station or airport. Cheapest way to travel in the tube or a bus.
Carry an umbrella
During your London tour, you will experience dreary and rainy climate. It can rain the whole day, at times but often it sprinkles randomly. To avoid getting wet and cold, pack an umbrella to enjoy a healthy trip.
Tube is costly so take bus!
Single tube trip costs double in comparison to bus trip. Therefore, take a ride on the iconic double-decker red bus in London and absorb the scenic route around the city.
Keep right
When you enter or exit a tube station, stay on right side of escalator. Escalator laws don’t apply walking on sidewalks. In central London, sidewalks are crowded and people walk on any side, so watch your steps.
Weekend markets
Weekend markets are less known. The Portobello Market, is popular for antiques, Broadway market for vintage clothes and Columbia Flower market for flowers. At these markets, you get everything ranging from clothes to customized handbags and vintage cameras to fresh produce.
Hope the tips will be helpful to make your London trip as smooth as possible!
