London is a huge city with a vast collection of must-see landmarks, places to go and things to do and it can be overwhelming for first time visitors. To make the most of your London city break it’s vital to prepare in advance and head into the bustling metropolis with a well thought out plan of attack.
London’s suburbs each have something different to offer the visitor and booking your accommodation in the ‘right’ neighbourhood is a must. Fans of the monarchy and British parliament may prefer to stay in Westminster, close to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, while keen shoppers may prefer a hotel in the fashionable suburbs of Kensington or Camden. For art enthusiasts, try South Bank or for a buzzing nightlife, Soho may be your pick.
Before you set out to explore, decide on which sights you want to visit. Get yourself a London map (and keep it with you!) so you can identify all the landmarks you’d like to see. Note where they are in proximity to each other, and to the London underground (tube) stations, then plan your venture accordingly. This will save you zigzagging back and forth over the city, and will also help determine what type of tube ticket you should buy. Alternatively, you could purchase a ticket on one of the ‘hop on, hop off’ bus tours, which should last you all day and is a great way to travel between attractions.
London has a good public bus system but it’s not always ideal for a quick journey across the city. A good practice is to use the buses if you are travelling around the same neighbourhood, but use the tube to travel between suburbs. If you get lost, which is easy to do, hail a cab to take you to your next destination. London cabbies know the city back to front, and although it may cost a bit more, it will save you precious exploring time trying to find your bearings.
London’s impressive theatres and music halls play host to shows from around the world and there is nothing quite like a London West End musical or an international music concert to top off your city break. Check online for upcoming events and book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
London is home to over 50 Michelin starred restaurants and boasts some of the best dining in the world. If fine dining is high on your agenda, then it is vital to book in advance, sometimes by weeks, particularly for weekends. If you turn up to, for instance, Nobu or Hibiscus on a Friday night without a booking, prepare to be red-faced.
With direct #London flights from all UK and European international airports, a city break in the UK’s cosmopolitan and stylish capital is easy to plan, and doing so in advance is vital to avoid stress and make the most of your stay in one of the world’s favourite city break destinations.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.
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