Oh, I love London Society! I think it has entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what Society should be. – Oscar Wilde
Traveling to London for a weekend or a bit longer can be an incredible experience. However, sometimes, it can be a bit too touristy, even for the best of us. So, if you are planning a London trip, here are some rather unconventional – but undoubtedly worthwhile – London travel tips and destination ideas for getting the most out of that stay
8 London Travel Tips and Hacks for First-Time Visitors
In the following useful guide, you can explore some of the useful tricks while traveling to London on a budget. Featuring local restaurant recommendations, public transport tips, highlights of historical places, cultural insights, and much more.
1. You Don’t Have to Stick to The City of London Boroughs
Most tourists will tend to stick to hotels and attractions centrally located in the capital. However, there are many other boroughs in London travel tips waiting to be explored – and they are often a little bit cheaper, too!
2. If on a Budget, Travel in the Off-Season
If you don’t mind the weather, traveling to London between December and March can save you some money. Before traveling you need to manage your essential packing for the destination. This is because, despite December being popular for Christmas and New Year, January and February are often the quietest months of the year. Therefore, hotel prices will reflect that
3. Ask a Local for Restaurant Recommendations
Tourist hotspots can be full of chain restaurants and cafes. This is why you should ask a Londoner, or at your hotel reception, for local restaurant recommendations. These restaurants will often be more authentic and kinder to your wallet. Another thing most people like is the outdoor rooftop restaurants meal which you can also visit for tasty food.
This is especially important after the pandemic. As local independent business have been hit a lot harder than international or even national chains – and who can say no to delicious food?
4. Master the Public Transport
Purchase an Oyster card for a convenient and affordable local transport bill whether you are traveling by bus, train, or underground. It’s cheaper than buying a single ticket for public transportation.
Another option is using a contactless debit or credit card. You can also use these just like an Oyster card.
London public transport is extremely busy during peak hours. For a convenient experience, plan your travel outside of these hours. The off-peak bus time in London is between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm and after 5:30 pm. On Tube and rail between 9:15 am and 4:00 pm and 6:45 pm.
5. Embrace the Free Attractions
London is a hub of historical places. Don’t forget to explore the top museums and galleries, such as The British Museum, National Gallery, and Victoria & Albert Museum, with a free entry ticket.
London is decorated with great parks, peaceful places, and greenery that you may forget that you are in the capital. The most appealing sights to visit are Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, and London Fields.
6. Cultural Attiquates and Safety
Using the underground, keep in mind “mind the gap” between the platform and the train. While using the escalator, stand on the right side to allow others to pass on.
London is a safe place, but you have to be aware of your surroundings and also keep your valuables hidden, like a smartphone or wristwatch. Don’t carry large amounts of cash in your pocket. Don’t wear headphones in public or crowded areas, as it can reduce awareness of your surroundings.
7. Maximize Your Trip With City Passes
Purchase a London pass to enjoy access to unlimited attractions. With the London pass, you can explore as much as you can. Visit the Historic Tower of London, take a water ride on an Uber Boat, or ride on a capsule on the iconic London Eye and often get the privilege of skipping the line.
Another useful option is a travel card, which is the best choice for the tourist. The travel card gives you a chance to travel unlimited in specific zones.
8. Make a Strict Plan
This may seem obvious to some, but it is especially important to make a strict plan. When traveling to and around London. As it is the capital, it is incredibly big, and can be confusing even to locals, never mind first-timers!
Not only is London huge, it also has an inordinate amount of things to do and places to see. This means you may not complete half of the stuff complete which you want to complete. If you don’t plan your days out properly. After all, no one wants to get lost on the Tube, either! So, there you have it – now, you are ready to explore London like a true Londoner and embrace everything that the capital has to offer.
