Getting the most from your visit to London
Without doubt, London is one of the world’s greatest cities — the history, the culture, the shopping, the nightlife — but there is no denying that it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. It is a vast sprawling city, everything is fairly chaotic, and the locals aren’t particularly friendly.
In this article we wanted to give you a few hints and tips and a bit of guidance on how to get the most out of your visit to the capital of the United Kingdom.
Stay in the heart of the action
Accommodation options in London can be a bit expensive, and while you might think that you are saving some money by choosing accommodation a bit out of town, you really need to ensure that you don’t compromise on the location of your accommodation.
Staying in a hotel in central London doesn’t have to totally break your travel budget — there are a range of different styles of accommodation available. By being central you will save on taxi and travel costs, and you will also be able to walk around the city and get a real feel for the pace and rhythm of how people live in London.
Conquer the tube
London’s underground rail network is known locally either as “the underground” or “the tube”. At first glance the tube map can make you feel a little dizzy, but it is by far the easiest way to get around the city. The ticketing system is relatively straightforward, but to save time at the ticket machines you can use one of the stored value ticket cards known as “Oyster” — you simply touch in when you enter a station and touch out when you leave, with the correct fare automatically deducted from your balance.
While the tube is a great way to travel (and amazing for people watching), there are some occasions when you might actually find it quicker to walk. Because the tube map isn’t drawn to scale, if you are in central London it will probably only be a few blocks to get where you want to go so rather than descending into the tube and changing trains a few times, walking could be the quickest and most direct way to your destination.
Don’t be easily offended
It’s not that Londoners are particularly rude or unfriendly, everyone just seems to be very focused on their own affairs. Locals won’t casually start up a conversation with you. If you’re standing somewhere, looking confused as you study a map — it’s highly unlikely that anyone will offer to assist you. If you’re causing a hold-up at the ticket barrier to the tube they will stand behind you glaring rather than trying to help you work out what you’re doing wrong. Don’t be offended, it’s nothing personal — everyone is just very busy going about their business, trying to survive life in London.
Samuel Johnson once wrote (in the year 1777): “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” The words are just as true today as they were then — London is a fascinating, vibrant, and exciting city. Start planning your visit now.
