If London is on your travel bucket list, be ready to have a great time. If you have family and friends, who have already traveled to London, they have probably given you a mile-long list of places you “must” visit. By all means, take their suggestions but don’t be afraid to do your own thing.
There’s a whole lot of London in London, so here are some tips to help you prepare to have the trip of a lifetime:
Take Your Time to Enjoy
There are so many iconic spots in London; it’s hard to choose what’s best to visit first. When it comes down to it, it’s more about personal preference anyway. Whether you want to see Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, or even Madame Tussauds, take your time to enjoy it.
Avoid rushing there to get the best picture for your Instagram account (and proof to your friends) and hurrying off to the next stop. Take your picture, look around, sit on a bench, people watch, explore the lesser known sites around the tourist attractions.
Go On a Walkabout
Don’t forget to add a pair of comfortable walking shoes to your “what to wear in London” list. You’re likely to do more walking than you thought. It’s good exercise (what better way to burn off fish and chips or a custard donut?), but it is also a safer and more convenient way to get around.
Even if you want to experience the “love it and hate it” Tube, you probably won’t want to ride it very much, so put those shoes to good use.
Buy a Visitor Oyster Card
Even though walking is the way to go, you probably won’t want to the whole time. Depending on how long you’ll be in London, it may be a wise investment to purchase a Visitor Oyster Card. Not only will it save you money on transportation tickets, but you won’t have to wait in long lines (or queues) to get an overpriced ticket.
If you do take public transportation, you might want to bring something to do. Take the time to people watch, play a quick game of slots at an online casino, or read a book
Check out the London Markets
Want to buy a little something that will help you remember your journey through the streets of London? Avoid purchasing overpriced souvenirs at some of the iconic places. Instead, check out the London Markets. Wandering Sunday markets is one of the fabulous things to do in London. Find a fun and inexpensive piece of jewelry or enjoy some authentic curry.
Don’t Be Afraid to Head Outside of London
If you want to visit some of the neighborhoods outside of London, take public transportation or consider a tour company. Since London is such a diverse place, neighboring areas can make your trip even more interesting (if that’s possible).
