London City Guide

London is the biggest international hub in England, and serves as a central port for many visitors for Europe. Coming from a commonwealth country such as New Zealand, London is often regarded with a sort of fondness that is reserved for the motherland. All in all, it is an overwhelmingly large city for any visitor that has a lot to offer. I’ve been to London twice and while I thoroughly enjoyed it I know I didn’t even peel under the surface. If you live in Europe, it’s really easy to find cheap flights to London. If you don’t live in Europe and you’re flying to Europe, chances are your flight will probably go through Heathrow, making it very easy to visit this cultural mecca. 

Costs in London
Accommodation in London
London isn’t cheap: it’s known world over for expensive prices for shoe box rooms and this proves true for accommodation when you’re visiting. Hostels are likely to cost upwards of 10 pounds. If you want to stay in a private room in hostel you can expect to pay around 30 pounds for the room (so, 15 pounds each). Hotels are pricey, and if you are trying to stick to a budget it might be worth skipping them in London. Many travelers choose to Couchsurf to keep the prices down in London and there’s a great Couchsurfing community here.

Food in London
Food in London is reasonable, compared to other expenses – I was actually pleasantly surprised how cheap it was compared to New Zealand or Australia. You can traditional English “curries” for around 5 pounds and eating out isn’t too painfully expensive – expect to pay between 8 to 15 pounds for a main in an average restaurant. Most supermarkets stock cheap sandwiches for a pound or two and there are a number of bakeries scattered around that offer affordable, delicious snacks. Borough Market is an excellent place to spend a day, browsing the delicious high-end food and enjoying the free samples.

Transport in London
The London Underground was so efficient and far reaching I never bothered using a cab for my time there. I decided to get weekly passes, which make it a lot more affordable, but I found the prices to be quite expensive compared to travel in most other European cities. However, London’s huge and if you want to get around you there’s no better option than the London Underground. Investigate weekly or tourist passes to keep costs down.

Things to do in London

Tate Modern
While this is an incredible art gallery, the building itself is worth a visit. The exhibitions are always changing, so there’s always something to see here. While London literally spoils you with options for museums and galleries, Tate Modern easily ranks as one of the best attractions in all of London. It is a great place to escape when the weather turns dreary and less inspiring. The surrounding area is worth a visit and includes the Borough Markets.

London Museum
Although London is known for being expensive, one of the best things about this city is the fact that the museums are free – yes, free. While in other ciities I found myself pinching on pennies and being selective on which museums I visited, in London I felt free to indulge in as many museums as I could handle. My favourite was London Museum – again, set in an credible building that houses an abundance of artifacts and precious pieces of history. Here you’ll find the story of a city and country that has played such a significant role in the world’s history.

The London Eye
Yes, it’s for tourists – yes, it’s kind of expensive, but there’s really no better way to get a view of London than from here. Sitting in a large capsule you can look out onto the city, taking in all that this large city has to offer. If you can, plan to go here at dusk so you can watch the city transform from the chaos of the day into the charm of the night.

Kensington Gardens
This is where the Kensington palace is housed, which has been home to a number of royals in the past including the late Princess Diana. The grounds themselves are beautiful and immaculately maintained. Here you will find a number of memorials for the late Princess, including a fountain that the Queen placed in her honor in 2004.

 

Camden
If you’re seeking an area filled to the brim with art, culture and good cafes then Camden is a must see. Here you’ll find London’s most popular open-air markets, that hustle and bustle even during the week. Don’t pass up the food court here, as it offers intentional cuisines at irresistible prices. There’s a really laid-back vibe here, and although you’re still in London you will feel like you’ve managed to escape the big-city feel of London.

Have you been to London? What was your favourite place to explore?