London is busy, vibrant and exciting. It is the type of place where everyone can feel instantly at home, connecting with people from their own and other countries and cultures and sharing common experiences. There is so much to do in London that a long weekend just won’t cut it, which is why so many people come back time and again to dive deeper into what London has to offer.
Regularly at the top of travel surveys for shopping, eating out, nightlife and culture, the city boasts a varied and multicultural feel which is loved by visitors from around the world.
Getting Around
London has phenomenal transport links – the city is incredibly well served with highway access for road travel, rail links both into, out of and within the city, plenty of taxi services and of course, those famous red buses. For visitors who enjoy walking and cycling, the sidewalks and cycle paths through the city and parks are well maintained and safe crosswalks are easily identifiable.
The London Underground allows visitors to travel quickly, efficiently and cheaply around the city, exploring all of its attractions and with the purchase of an Oyster Card or Travelcard, the price of this travel can be capped], allowing visitors to move around the city as much as they like for a guaranteed maximum price. Oyster Cards and Travelcards are also accepted on most buses and overground trains.
Amenities
London offers many public amenities including ATMs, bureau de changes, public toilets, internet cafes, water refill stations and public parks where travelers and locals alike can withdraw or convert money, use the bathroom (spend a penny to coin a very British phrase – although using a public toilet in most rail stations is free), top up their water bottles or simply relax and watch the world go by for a while.
Experiences and Attractions
London is most famous for its landmarks which are often seen in popular television programs and films, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament but many people visiting London for the first time get distracted on their way to these landmarks by lesser-known attractions and activities such as spending time exploring the boutique shops around Covent Garden with its array of color and live entertainment or watching the Household Cavalry exercising their horses in Hyde Park on a Sunday morning.
Whilst it is sensible to plan ahead and create an itinerary of what you would like to see and do whilst in London, it really pays to be flexible as you never know where the day or mood will take you and it is a delightful city to lose track of time in.
Eating Out
With people from more than a hundred nationalities living and working in the city, it should come as no surprise that the culinary culture is extensive and authentic. From traditional British “pub grub” to the most exotic dishes from Asia and beyond, you can experience it all in London.
Whether you’re looking to eat at a quaint hole-in-the-wall establishment or plan to descend on one of Mandoe Media’s most instagrammed restaurants with the hope of spotting a celebrity or two, you are sure to find exciting dishes to tantalize the taste buds as well as an unforgettable experience when you dine out in this vibrant city.
Shopping
No trip to London is complete without a bit of shopping. After all, friends and relatives back home won’t be content with photos and social media updates alone, they will definitely want to see evidence of a Harrods bag or a Union Jack teddy bear which can be purchased from one of the numerous souvenir stalls dotted about the city. London is also home to the world’s largest candy store and a visit to the 35,000 square feet M&M store is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Helpful information
Visit London is a one-stop shop for all of the information you will need to plan a visit to England’s capital city. It offers information about accommodations, sightseeing, offers and attractions, as well as travel maps and guidance on how to stay safe in the city.