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Dreams come true. You know that, right :). London was always my dream destination, and only in 2022 I got a chance to visit London for the first time.

 

You might ask why London? Well, it is simple. When we were studying English at school, we had a school book about London with all those sights..so I guess I fell in love back then. And I should tell you now I have fallen in love with real London.

 

I am sure you will benefit from my full London travel guide. I will share info on how to get to the city from the airport, how to navigate the city, where to shop, what to do and see, and more.

 

How to Spend the Best Time in London: Complete Travel Guide

How to Navigate in London

If you want to save money on transportation, use the Tube or bus to get around London. If you need to take a cab, skip Uber and use the London share rides alternatives such as Free Now or Bolt, as they tend to be cheaper.

* Make sure you download the apps and add your payment details before the trip so you do not get stuck once you arrive.

 

London transportation options are very convenient. Tube stations can be found everywhere around the city, and the best thing is that you can pay directly with your contactless card, which means no hassle with buying a transit card. If you do want to get a transportation card, the Oyster card is the one you need. A one-way ride costs a minimum of $1.26, which will depend on the Zone you are traveling to. This is very convenient as you will not need a travel card. The London underground transportation system is very functional and satisfying for any budget traveler. It can take you to most London attractions quickly and cheaply. Tap in, tap out, and you will only be charged at your trip’s end.

 

If you arrive early, use Tube from the airport to central London to save money. If you arrive late, use one of the car-sharing apps I mentioned above to get around the city. The pickup points for Ubers and others will be located on the 4th floor. I didn’t see signs about that at all, so one guy helped me to find it. If you are flexible, use Tube from 9.30 am to save money as the rates are slightly cheaper.

 

Did you know that if you get off from the non-main entrance in the train cabin, you will most likely need to press the button manually to open the door as it won’t be opened automatically? The SAME rule applies for outside city trains to go in and out.

Where to Stay in London on a Budget

1. Wombat’s City Hostel London

The excellent location in the center of London makes this hostel one of the best places to stay at, especially with a short walk to everything.

*If you stay at any hostel in the UK, they are most likely to ask you to rent a towel as they do not provide it for free.

Have your own:

• towel
• flip-flops
• adapter

2. Yotel London Shoreditch

This hotel is a budget option for those who stay a short time. Rooms are pretty small, but some have extensive showers and are well-equipped.

3. Good Hotel London

Stylish hotel in a great location with small rooms, but comfortable beds. Some rooms have beautiful city views.

 

Where to Eat in London

London is not only a vibrant cultural hub but also a culinary paradise, offering a diverse array of dining experiences to suit every palate and budget. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore the city’s gastronomic delights or a traveler seeking a taste of British cuisine, London has something for everyone. There are plenty of restaurants in London to spoil you with delicious dishes! Here are some recommendations for where to eat during your visit:

 

Dining Experiences

1. Borough Market. Located in Southwark, Borough Market is a food lover’s haven, offering an abundance of fresh produce, gourmet delights, and international cuisine. From artisanal cheeses to freshly baked pastries, there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds.

 

2. Covent Garden. This bustling district is home to a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, ranging from trendy bistros to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments. Whether you’re craving Italian, French, or Asian cuisine, you’ll find it in Covent Garden.

 

3. Soho. Known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic dining scene, Soho is the place to be for innovative eateries, trendy bars, and bustling street food markets. Don’t miss the chance to explore its hidden gems and culinary hotspots.

 

Traditional British Fare

1. Fish and Chips. No trip to London is complete without indulging in this classic British dish. Head to a local pub or fish and chip shop for a hearty serving of crispy battered fish and golden fries.

 

2. Afternoon Tea. Treat yourself to a quintessentially British experience with afternoon tea at one of London’s elegant tea rooms or luxury hotels. Savor delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and decadent pastries, all washed down with a pot of fine tea.

 

International Cuisine

1. West End. Explore the vibrant dining scene of London’s West End, where you’ll find a melting pot of global flavors, from authentic Indian curries to mouthwatering Middle Eastern mezze.

 

2. East London. Venture to the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Hackney in East London, where you can sample an eclectic mix of international street food, artisanal coffee shops, and hipster cafes.

 

Shopping in London

Spending the best time in London can’t be possible without shopping in the central London area. Any guide to London will recommend you at least one shopping session here. If you like European brands, you will be delighted with shopping in London. Bershka, Pull and Bear, Stradivarius, and all other famous brands are located in London. The prices are also surprisingly good, even if London is an expensive city. And do not forget about visiting Primark and TkMaxx (aka TjMaxx), which have lots of cool stuff.

 

I was very surprised with the choice at Tk Maxx. Honestly, it is fancier in London than in the USA, and they offer many more affordable brands of clothes and shoes. For example, I bought a few pairs of jeans for $50. Not bad, right?!

 

Oxford Street is the most famous street to go shopping. However, it is a very long street, so make sure you have enough time and wear comfortable shoes.

 

Good to know
If you don’t have mobile internet on your phone, you will be able to connect to free Wi-Fi in almost all tourist places.

The downside is that they all ask for many details to log in or even sign up for the account first. But still, it’s free.

 

Spend your best time in London and take a day trip to the nearest city. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

 

|If you have an extra day or days, I highly suggest going to Oxford. Getting it is very easy. You will need to go to Paddington station and take a train from there, which will take about 1h 25 min.

NOTE. Trains can be canceled and or replaced. If replaced, you will have to switch. Here is a route you can take.

 

Train from Paddington to Reedley and from Reedley to Oxford. So make sure there are more trains after yours. In case of cancellation, you can always hop on to another one. Buy return tickets right away. It will be cheaper. I paid 32.90 pounds for a round trip. Oxford is a very walkable city which you can explore on your own or take a free walking tour. If you do not know where to go, follow the crowd. It’s easy as there are lots of tourists.

Interested in how to spend the best time in London and not break the bank? Read further to know what to do and see in London for free.

Best Things to Do and See in London

1. Big Ben

There are many places in London that you will want to see and Big Ben is definitely on the top of the list. How a trip to London could be done without seeing Big Ben?! If, for some reason, you are not familiar with what Big Ben is, you should know now. This is the world-famous clock tower in London, and Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Striking Clock. I do not know if that’s true, but they say that the time is always very accurate, so if you forgot your watch and your phone doesn’t work, that is the place to check the time :). London without its Big Ben is not London at all.

2. Westminster Abbey

This is another iconic landmark of London, basically next to Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is a beautiful old royal church in the center of London. The location is excellent as it is walkable to many nearby sights and offers many stunning views. Did you know that there were 17 royal weddings at this Church? Prince William and Catherine Middleton also had their ceremonies there. You can buy your tickets here if you want to see how the Church looks inside.

But if you want to save time and money, know that the church is just as impressive on the outside and worth of a few artistic photos!

3. London Eye

If you ever rode any similar wheel in your country, you won’t be very surprised with the London Eye, but you might be very surprised with the line next to it. Omg, when I was walking nearby, the line was huge, and I am sure people stayed there for hours to get in.

So, make sure you go at a better time if you want to ride the London Eye. Checking out the London Eyes has to be on your list if you are visiting London for the first time. London is a big city yet you can see the Eye from every corner of it. Close to the London Eye, there are many places to hang out at and even grab a bite to eat so make sure you check out the area as you might find hidden gems. The London Eye allows you to see a unique view of London.

Buy your London-eye fast-track ticket here.

 

4. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is the most striking and famous bridge in London. It is just so hard to describe its beauty over the internet. You have to see it with your own eyes. It is very walkable up high and offers fantastic breathtaking views. There is a restaurant on the other side of the London Bridge where you can have a nice romantic dinner or enjoy your own company by having a delicious breakfast or lunch and taking great pictures.

Find out more about admission tickets here.

5. Trafalgar Square

Well, I am sure you know about this one. This is a public square in the city’s heart, confined by three roads and within walkable distance of Big Ben and other sites. So, you can consider it a major traffic intersection in London. But, on a nice warm day, you can sit on the benches and relax, watch performances and shows, or take fantastic pictures. If you are a book lover, there is a cute small Book store across the street with the cafe on the second floor.

 

6. Picadilly Circus

This is the most popular meeting point with the famous statue of Eros, neon signs, and various big displays. It is located at the junction of 5 big streets and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and more. So do not be surprised to see so many people and pigeons over there. While London is an amazing city, somehow, this is the busiest area at all times.

 

7. Ride the Famous Double-Decker Red Bus

You might find it silly, but I have wanted to do that since childhood. I am not sure why, but this double-decker red bus in London always tempted me to ride it. And here you go. I finally did it. It was so great.

I couldn’t end my London travel guide without recommending this experience to you. Plus, it is a fun way to get around London too!

 

The payment system is straightforward as you do not have to worry about buying the transit card, too, as you can tap your contactless credit card, and that’s all. I rode it in the morning when there were only a few people. It felt so great to be sitting on the top floor in front of the window and following every little step of the road along with the driver of the bus. Unfortunately, I didn’t have an exact route..so I was sitting there till it was time to get off and do something else, but I had so much fun :). Recommend!

8. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace stands as an iconic symbol of British royalty and tradition, serving as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of London, this grand palace showcases magnificent architecture, lush gardens, and ornate interiors. Visitors flock to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a ceremonial display of British pageantry that takes place outside the palace gates.

 

While the palace is primarily a working royal residence, during certain times of the year, guided tours offer the public a rare glimpse into the opulent State Rooms, where historic events and royal receptions have unfolded. Buckingham Palace remains a must-see attraction for tourists, offering a fascinating insight into the monarchy’s rich history and heritage.

 

Any tour in London will include this attraction and you want to add it to your bucket list as well, even if you spend just one day in London. You will discover why London is known for this palace and checking it out is one of the best ways to understand the identity of this city.

 

|Related article

How to plan your first trip to Europe

 

Are you still thinking about how to spend the best time in London if you have a short or long trip? Here are the 3 top things to do in London you might like.

London Travel Tips

When dining out in London, keep in mind that tipping is customary but not mandatory. A service charge is often included in the bill, but it’s still appreciated to leave a small tip for exceptional service. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to safeguard your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

 

Whether you’re planning your first trip to London or returning for another visit, exploring the city’s culinary scene is an essential part of the experience. From traditional British fare to global gastronomic delights, there’s no shortage of delicious dining options to discover in the capital city.

 

Final Thoughts

You can spend your time in London however you want as London is a fantastic place to go and explore on your own or take tours. It is a city in Europe where you will never get bored and won’t break the bank, as prices are very affordable for everything. There are so many attractions in London that chances are you will not get to see them all in one or even two days. London is a city that will fascinate you. I hope your London trip will be at least as amazing as mine and let me know what you thought of it in the comments section.

I hope you found my How to Spend the Best Time in London: Complete Travel Guide helpful post and I wish you a great trip.

 

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