Today I am sharing our recent adventures to London. We have been a few times now, and have picked up a few great tips and tricks along the way.
The first tip: Oyster Cards
Get an Oyster Card before you go to London. (If you are going for more than one day.) This is something I wish we would have done the first time we went, instead of on the fourth time. You can purchase them at any of the London tube stations, train stations or you can also order one online and have it sent to you.
Second tip: Research
Do your research about where you want to go in the city. There are so many sites to see, it is impossible to see them all in just one or two days. Pick your absolute must sees and make a list and check them off as you go. Start in one area, do what is there, and then move to the next area to maximize your day!
Third Tip: Public Transit
Don't be afraid to use the tube system! It is quick and efficient in getting you around the city. We put off going into London for a long time because we were really nervous about getting around. Once we got to the station it was really easy to navigate, you just have to pay attention to signs and make sure you are getting on the right train. The trains (just like the bus) have the station name on the front they are going on, so just make sure to pay attention if you need to go to last stop on the line! Some of the trains won't go all the way to the end.
If you are only in London for one day, you can also grab a 24 hour or all day pass. You can hop on and off the tube as many times as you want, and it also includes the bus!
If you will be utilizing the tube, make sure to download the tube map app from the app store on your phone. Google maps also has a very handy tool that you can search in public transit how to get to your destination!
Fourth Tip: When To Visit London
Visit London during the week, and not during tourist high season. Students are in school until the middle to end of June, and go back in September. You do not want to visit London while they are out of school. It's really packed, and really difficult to enjoy the city because there are just SO many people. Our first trip was in August and it was really difficult to see the sites because of the crowds.
Fifth Tip: Where to stay
Selecting a hotel in London can be really stressful. My best recommendation is stay near one of the main train stations. Recently, my friend and I stayed right down the street from Kings Cross and St. Pancras station. It was so nice being able to walk out of our hotel and hop on the tube to wherever we wanted to go. Kings Cross/St. Pancras tube stop is connected to the stations, and have many lines that go to a variety of places!
If you plan to utilize the Euro Star speed trains to continue onto other countries outside of England, it is best to stay near St. Pancras station, as the trains leave from there.
Utilize booking.com to find the best deals on hotels, or there is also airbnb.com as well that you can find fun little flats around the city to stay in.
Sixth Tip: Where to eat
There are so many great restaurants in London. Try to stray away from the traditional pub fare (its the same in almost every pub you walk into), and ask the locals what their favorite place to eat in the area is. You may need a reservation for most places you go in the city, so make sure if there is a place you fancy eating, call ahead from your hotel and make a reservation. Also don't be afraid to ask the concierge for recommendations- we never had asked when we travelled before until recently, and have had some excellent food at a great price while abroad! Note also that the British people tend to take longer to eat meals, so allow 1-2 hours to be at a restaurant eating. More time if your having afternoon tea!
If you are in a pinch, Wagamama is a chain restaurant but has delicious and budget friendly menu and wont fail to fill you up until your next meal. I recommend the duck ramen! They also have free green tea... Yes please!!
Another great and budget friendly place to grab a bite is Nando's. They have a variety of chicken dishes, and a great quinoa salad that is my favorite.
Le Pain Quotidien is a great little café if you are in the mood for a pick me up. They have coffee, tea, scrumptious croissants, pastries, and small plates.
You can't go to England and not have afternoon tea! Do your research here and find the best reviews and the tea room that fits your budget. Some afternoon tea's can be very expensive. I recommend searching on Trip Advisor to find a great tearoom. If you want a different and fun experience for afternoon tea, there is a bus that drives around London while you sip on tea and eat scones. Check their Facebook page for specials and discounts!
Keep a lookout for markets around the city. They are also a great place to grab all kinds of fun foods throughout your trip, and is also a budget friendly way to save time and money.
Seventh Tip: Plan ahead!!
With London being such a large city, make sure you plan your trip ahead of time. Make a detailed itinerary of everything you want to do by day and cross off items as you go. If you are on a budget, make sure you plan just how much you will need for each place you plan on attending. If we have learned anything about visiting London, things add up quickly and you've realized you've spent way more than you thought you would in a short amount of time! The exchange rate is higher than most European countries so be prepared for that when pulling money out of ATM's.
Something you also may plan for is bringing a credit/debit card that is chip and sign/pin, and also that has little or no foreign transaction fees. They can add up quickly! There has been a few times that we have only had our traditional swipe card, and the place we went did not accept it. All places of course accept cash, but not all places accept cards so be prepared and have cash on you as well.
Day one in London:
The first tip: Oyster Cards
Get an Oyster Card before you go to London. (If you are going for more than one day.) This is something I wish we would have done the first time we went, instead of on the fourth time. You can purchase them at any of the London tube stations, train stations or you can also order one online and have it sent to you.
Second tip: Research
Do your research about where you want to go in the city. There are so many sites to see, it is impossible to see them all in just one or two days. Pick your absolute must sees and make a list and check them off as you go. Start in one area, do what is there, and then move to the next area to maximize your day!
Third Tip: Public Transit
Don't be afraid to use the tube system! It is quick and efficient in getting you around the city. We put off going into London for a long time because we were really nervous about getting around. Once we got to the station it was really easy to navigate, you just have to pay attention to signs and make sure you are getting on the right train. The trains (just like the bus) have the station name on the front they are going on, so just make sure to pay attention if you need to go to last stop on the line! Some of the trains won't go all the way to the end.
If you are only in London for one day, you can also grab a 24 hour or all day pass. You can hop on and off the tube as many times as you want, and it also includes the bus!
If you will be utilizing the tube, make sure to download the tube map app from the app store on your phone. Google maps also has a very handy tool that you can search in public transit how to get to your destination!
Fourth Tip: When To Visit London
Visit London during the week, and not during tourist high season. Students are in school until the middle to end of June, and go back in September. You do not want to visit London while they are out of school. It's really packed, and really difficult to enjoy the city because there are just SO many people. Our first trip was in August and it was really difficult to see the sites because of the crowds.
Fifth Tip: Where to stay
Selecting a hotel in London can be really stressful. My best recommendation is stay near one of the main train stations. Recently, my friend and I stayed right down the street from Kings Cross and St. Pancras station. It was so nice being able to walk out of our hotel and hop on the tube to wherever we wanted to go. Kings Cross/St. Pancras tube stop is connected to the stations, and have many lines that go to a variety of places!
If you plan to utilize the Euro Star speed trains to continue onto other countries outside of England, it is best to stay near St. Pancras station, as the trains leave from there.
Utilize booking.com to find the best deals on hotels, or there is also airbnb.com as well that you can find fun little flats around the city to stay in.
Sixth Tip: Where to eat
There are so many great restaurants in London. Try to stray away from the traditional pub fare (its the same in almost every pub you walk into), and ask the locals what their favorite place to eat in the area is. You may need a reservation for most places you go in the city, so make sure if there is a place you fancy eating, call ahead from your hotel and make a reservation. Also don't be afraid to ask the concierge for recommendations- we never had asked when we travelled before until recently, and have had some excellent food at a great price while abroad! Note also that the British people tend to take longer to eat meals, so allow 1-2 hours to be at a restaurant eating. More time if your having afternoon tea!
If you are in a pinch, Wagamama is a chain restaurant but has delicious and budget friendly menu and wont fail to fill you up until your next meal. I recommend the duck ramen! They also have free green tea... Yes please!!
Another great and budget friendly place to grab a bite is Nando's. They have a variety of chicken dishes, and a great quinoa salad that is my favorite.
Le Pain Quotidien is a great little café if you are in the mood for a pick me up. They have coffee, tea, scrumptious croissants, pastries, and small plates.
You can't go to England and not have afternoon tea! Do your research here and find the best reviews and the tea room that fits your budget. Some afternoon tea's can be very expensive. I recommend searching on Trip Advisor to find a great tearoom. If you want a different and fun experience for afternoon tea, there is a bus that drives around London while you sip on tea and eat scones. Check their Facebook page for specials and discounts!
Keep a lookout for markets around the city. They are also a great place to grab all kinds of fun foods throughout your trip, and is also a budget friendly way to save time and money.
Seventh Tip: Plan ahead!!
With London being such a large city, make sure you plan your trip ahead of time. Make a detailed itinerary of everything you want to do by day and cross off items as you go. If you are on a budget, make sure you plan just how much you will need for each place you plan on attending. If we have learned anything about visiting London, things add up quickly and you've realized you've spent way more than you thought you would in a short amount of time! The exchange rate is higher than most European countries so be prepared for that when pulling money out of ATM's.
Something you also may plan for is bringing a credit/debit card that is chip and sign/pin, and also that has little or no foreign transaction fees. They can add up quickly! There has been a few times that we have only had our traditional swipe card, and the place we went did not accept it. All places of course accept cash, but not all places accept cards so be prepared and have cash on you as well.
Start the day by taking the tube to Tower Hill stop, or walking to the Tower of London. It is best to get there before it opens, and be the first group of people in to avoid the crowds of the day to get through efficiently. It takes a good few hours to get through the Tower, but it's worth it! Another tip: If you are wanting to see the Crown Jewels- get in line to do that first. The line can get really lengthy quickly and it can take an hour to even get into the building on busy days.
Next, walk the Tower Bridge and enjoy the views down the River Thames. Once you get to the other side, you can walk along the South Bank and get a good view of the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. As you walk to the right when you get off the bridge, you'll see City Hall and a free standing what my friend and I call "the jellybean". The HMS Belfast warship sits in the Thames as well near there. As you keep walking you'll come across the Hay's Galleria.
While your on the south bank, make sure to stop at Borough Market and have a good walk around. There are a plethora of great stalls there, and you won't leave empty handed!
Head back towards the Shard, and hop on the tube at London Bridge. Take the Northern line to Bank stop. Hop off and then hop back on the Central Line to St. Paul's stop. Walk to St. Paul's Cathedral and have a visit. You can go up the 300+ steps to the top of the cathedral and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city.
By this time, it should be about sunset. Stop over on the Embankment Bridge and watch the sunset. Here you can get your first views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and Parliament!
By this time, it should be about sunset. Stop over on the Embankment Bridge and watch the sunset. Here you can get your first views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and Parliament!
Day 2:
Start your day by taking the tube to Waterloo. Pop off there and start exploring! If you plan to do the London Eye, it is best to book a time online before hand. Enjoy the views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from across the Thames! Do your research before visiting- Certain days and times are available to visit the interior of Elizabeth Tower.
Next hit Westminster Abbey. If you plan to go inside, make sure to book ahead. The abbey has a fast track pass available to avoid the long lines that can happen in the busy season. It is pricey, but oh so worth it to go inside and walk where so many royals have walked before you.
Walk to Buckingham Palace. If your lucky, you may get to see the changing of the guard! Check the time table to see when they will be there and arrive early to guarantee a great spot as the area fills up quickly. If you walk around the backside of the palace, there is a very nice photo opportunity when the flowers are in bloom, and you don't get a ton of people in your photos.
If you visit between August and September, you can tour the interior of the palace! This is on my bucket list!
Next, take a stroll through Green Park and Hyde Park. The Serpentine restaurant in Hyde Park has a delicious menu and is a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy the view of the pond on a nice sunny day. There are many great stops in all corners of Hyde Park, including the Princess Diana memorial fountain, Marble Arch, and Apsley Gate. You can walk from here to Kensington Palace and Oxford Street to finish out your day!
Some other places of note you might want to hit along the way:
Piccadilly Circus
Trafalgar Square
Shakespeare's Globe Theater
Royal Courts of Justice
Thanks for hanging in there through this long post! If you have any questions, leave me a comment below! Happy Travels!
-A
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