London Travel Guide
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London is one of the rare tourist destinations that does nothing to deny its most popular stereotypes. Nay, they are embraced, and transformed into a dynamic energy fueling the quintessentially British experience. Many see this place as a cultural iconoclast, a beacon stretching down a road that is centuries long. One thing is for certain; you’ll have a hard time seeing all that London has to offer in the confine of a week’s time. In fact, London is huge not only in size but in things to do and see—many who have spent their entire lives here are not without ongoing moments of discovery. Whatever the course you’ve charted for your London vacation, above all else fear not, odds are you’ll hardly experience a second of boredom along the way.
Despite a somewhat unfair reputation as being consistently soaked through, you might be happy to know that London experiences two dry days for every wet one it receives. Even these wet days will generally be in short spurts and don’t occlude an otherwise enjoyable day. July and August are arguably the best months to visit, and although the weather tends to be a little hot and humid during these months, the city is awash with activity and the night brings a welcome balance of milder temperatures. Winter (save the holiday season) is generally the best time to get discount airfare to London, and with good reason. Although temperatures remain slightly warmer than most European capital cities, sunshine is at a premium and longer wet days become the norm.
London has hundreds, if not thousands of options for accommodation, from the standard European backpacker hostels, bed and breakfasts brimming with historical significance, mainstream chain hotels, up to some of the most exclusive establishments in the world. The Savoy, Ritz and Claridges, all offer this world-class luxury, where suites cost upwards of $1,500 per night. Those with a budget closer to Earth can expect smaller than average rooms (Western average that is), something especially true the further you find yourself into the city center. The added cost of traveling back into London is probably not significant compared to hotel savings on the outskirts. With the excellent Tube (subway) available, being without a car in the city won’t limit what you see, though be sure to check ahead for the Tube station closest to your hotel.
You’d be hard-pressed to find yourself in London for the first time and not be somewhat overwhelmed by the possibilities stretching out before you. The culture here is immense and could easily stand on its own through any number of city tours, and the same could be said for (or even comingled) with the fantastic architecture popping up at practically every turn. London is also a great place for families, or conversely, the lone traveler. Families can take advantage of the green space, zoos, boat tours, theme parks, and a full assortment of things both parent and kid-friendly. While the lone traveler can find a good time in all of these attractions as well, they might also be more apt to enjoy museums dedicated to art, history, authors, and even to wax reproductions of famous people. Adults in general will likely appreciate the amazing nightlife, expansive shopping options, and Broadway-style shows that cannot be missed.
Something else to look forward to for your London vacation is that a city with one of the most comprehensive public transport systems in the world. Although the locals generally grumble about unreliability, public transport remains the best option for visitors and residents alike, and is much more reliable than all the grumbling would lead you to believe. Close to a third of London households don’t even own a car. Transport for London (TfL) is the government organization responsible for all public transport; their website contains extensive maps as well as an exceedingly helpful trip planner. As for taking to the road in London, the best piece of advice that can be issued is there is no good reason whatsoever to drive a car in central London.