Travel Guide: London

London has the glamour of a big city but the charm of the small town. When you are in London, you can visit historical buildings, embrace arts and theater, shop at high-end shops and quaint boutiques and so much more. London is one of the those places that you appreciate more the longer you spend in the city and feels more like a second home than a vacation destination in the best way possible!

In fact, London is the most visited city in Europe (it is easy to see why once you step foot off the plane) and a great hopping off point for the rest of Europe.

Things to Know:

• Public transportation is the most convenient and least expensive way to get around London (other than walking).

• London is an expensive city both to live and to visit.

• The currency used is the Pound.

• English is the primary language.

• The two most popular airports in London are Heathrow and Gatwick.
• The best ways to get around London are the Tube/Bus, by foot, and by taxi. The tube and bus are the most economical methods of transportation.

When to Visit:

• London is a popular year-round destination due to the sheer number of activities there are in the city.
• The best time to visit would be from May- October (Summer/Fall).
• During the winter months, London is known for its grey and rainy weather.
• If you visit during the off-season, you will have less crowds, less expensive accommodations, etc.

A Few Key Neighborhoods in London:

• Kensington: A high-end, luxe neighborhood known for its shopping and many smaller boutiques, as well as its museums such as the Victoria & Albert Museum. In between Kensington and Mayfair, you will find Hyde Park, one of the most famous parks in London

• Notting Hill: The neighborhood made famous by the movie staring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Notting Hill is a popular and colorful neighborhood located in West London. Some highlights include: Portobello Road Market which is one of largest antique markets in the world. The market usually takes place on Saturdays. Notting Hill and Kensington are located close to one another.

• Knightsbridge is one of the key shopping destination in London and is home to the world famous Harrod’s department store. Even if you do not enjoy shopping, a trip to Harrod’s is a must when you are in London.

• St. James/Mayfair: This neighborhood is within walking distance of many of the key sights and has a wide variety of restaurants, shopping areas, and sites.

• Westminster: Where you will find Buckingham Palace as well as Westminster Abbey: two of the major tourist attractions in London.

Things to do in London:

Sight-seeing tour:

• If it is your first time to London, a the hop-on hop-off bus tour is a nice way to get an understanding of London. From there, it is easier to decide which area of London you would like to explore more.

SHOPPING:

• London is a major shopping destination. Some of the most important shopping areas are New/Old Bond Street, Oxfod Street, and Regent Street. Harrod’s and Selfridges are two of the most famous department stores in London.

Tourist sites:

• There are countless highlights in London. Here are some of the most popular in the city: London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Buckingham Palace

• Thames River is the primary river that runs through London. One of the popular activities is to take a river cruise along the water.

Theater:

• At any one time, there are many different options for theater to attend while in London.

SEASONAL EVENTS:

• London is known for its seasonal events such as Christmas Markets in the winter and Wimbledon in the summer.

London MUSEUMS:

• There are many museums in London City that vary in interest from art work to fashion. Some of the most famous museums in the area include the British Museum, National Gallery, and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Parks and Gardens in London:

• While still a major city, there are so many parks in London. During your time in London you should make sure to visit one of the following: Hyde Park, Green Park, St. James Park, and Kensington Gardens

• In addition to these larger parks, London has smaller, beautifully groomed parks throughout the city. For being a metropolitan city, London has a ton of green space throughout the vicinity.