There’s plenty to see and do in London, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are our top tips for seeing the sights in London:
Take advantage of free museums and galleries
You can save money by taking advantage of London’s free museums and galleries. The British Museum, Tate Modern, and Victoria & Albert Museum all offer free admission to their permanent collections. The National Gallery charges an admission fee, but it’s a small price to pay for the chance to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Leonardo Da Vinci in person.
The National Portrait Gallery offers an excellent collection of paintings that depict England’s most famous people throughout history. The Tate Modern is home to many modern artworks from Picasso and Gauguin to Pollock and Warhol; there’s even a room dedicated solely to Andy Warhol!
Don’t try to see everything in one trip
If you want to enjoy London to the fullest, don’t try to see everything in one trip. Instead, focus on what’s important to you. London is so large that it would be nearly impossible for an average person to visit all of the major attractions in just a week or two. It’s best if you take your time and focus on a few things rather than rushing around trying to hit everything on the list.
For example, if you really love history and architecture, then go ahead and spend some time learning about old buildings and monuments; but if your passion is fine art or nature, then spend more time exploring museums or parks instead! You’ll also want to Kings cross luggage storage so that you don’t have to worry about your suitcases during your sightseeing adventures.
Check out street markets for lunch or dinner
London is full of tiny, delicious food markets. If you’re looking for a quick bite or something to take home with you, check out any of the many street markets around town. You’ll find everything from stalls selling bagels, hot dogs, and traditional fish and chips to artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolates. Prices can vary drastically depending on what’s being sold (for instance: a London delicacy known as “Pret A Manger” sandwiches are often much more expensive than their American counterparts), but the high quality makes it worth trying something new!
Walk along the Thames for a different view of the city
If you’re looking for a different view of London, take the time to walk along the Thames. The river runs through London for about 200 kilometers, so it’s easy to find a spot where you can stroll along its banks. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during low tide (which is still pretty high), then you’ll have even more room to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.
You’ll also find many bridges over the Thames that offer great photo opportunities—especially Westminster Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, and Tower Bridge. If walking doesn’t strike your fancy, there are plenty of boat tours available as well.
Explore London at night for some unusual sights
Nighttime in London is a unique experience. The lights, the people, and the atmosphere of this historic city all combine to give you an incredible evening out.
One of the best ways to see London at night is by taking a river cruise. You can get a spectacular view of all of London’s major landmarks while also enjoying some excellent food or drinks (or both!).
Another option is checking out one of the many shows that are put on around town at night. If you’re looking for something more highbrow than musicals and comedy clubs, there are plenty of options for live theater as well. If you want something a little more frivolous, check out some cabaret acts at various establishments around town; these tend to be more risqué but very fun nonetheless!
Go to pubs outside the tourist zone for cheaper drinks and better atmosphere
London is a city with a lot of pubs, and they’re everywhere—you can hardly walk down the street without passing one. But if you’re only looking for pubs where the tourists go and overpay for drinks, you’ll miss out on some of London’s best experiences.
If you want to meet locals and see how real Londoners spend their time drinking beer, head to areas outside of the main tourist zones. In these areas (mostly in East London), traditional pubs are still thriving and are often cheaper than their counterparts in other parts of town. These places also tend to have less pretentious staff members who won’t judge your lack of knowledge about British soccer teams or how Brexit will affect things—and even if they do judge you, it won’t matter because everyone else will be too busy having fun!
