Anna Maria Richards
London has a rich culture, history and famous landmarks that you can’t explore in just a couple of days. So, it might get confusing for a first-time visitor to plan their trip to the city since there are so many options and things to do in London.
London is one of the most popular cities in Europe and possibly one of the most visited cities in the world. There are more than a hundred thousand hotel rooms for tourists, but other than that, there are also new-age hostels, Airbnb’s, and other such types of accommodation popping up.
London is a big city, but space comes at a premium here. You can expect the hotels to be fully booked in the peak season, so you must plan your trip accordingly and make your bookings well in advance. You can visit a travel website like London Hotels to find your ideal accommodation in your preferred London neighbourhood.
So, here are some tips you can follow to plan an excellent trip for yourself.
1. Stay in Central London
First-time visitors are often confused about where they should stay and book a hotel away from the city centre. However, you must try to find an affordable accommodation option closer to the city’s centre, as living in the outskirts may be disadvantageous for tourists.
By staying in Central London, you will save a lot of time commuting to major landmarks and other well-connected areas. Westminster, Covent Garden, Soho, Bankside, and South Bank are some of the best areas where you can stay.
However, keep in mind that hotels in Central London are always in high demand so, it is best you book your hotel at least forty-five days before your stay.
2. Book In Advance
Since it is the peak season from March through May, you might find it challenging to book accommodation for yourself. Besides accommodation, even rental cars or tickets to museums sell out very quickly. So, check online to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid paying a surcharge. To book your hotel, you can visit a website called London Hotels to find the best budget-friendly hotels, luxury hotels, pet-friendly hotels, and a lot more.
You must book everything in advance that requires you to buy a ticket to visit. For instance, if you book tickets for Madame Tussauds in advance, you might get them at a discounted price.
3. Avoid Visiting on Holidays and School Breaks
London is a common destination amongst those who live in Europe. So, you should avoid visiting the city in the peak periods such as July, August, European bank holidays, and school breaks.
4. Take Some Days to Explore
When you’re travelling to a new city, it is important to consider the duration of your stay. Before planning your visit, know that since it is a big city you will need a few days to explore. It might take you months to learn your way around the city.
However, you can see most of the popular sites and landmarks within three to four days.
You must not plan your trip meticulously, and should leave some room for unexpected discoveries and spontaneous plans.
5. Explore the City On Foot or Rent a Bike
The best way to explore a city is on foot and London is one of the best cities you can explore. Another way of getting around the city is using rental bikes, and these bikes are available on the go.
However, if you’re planning to rent a bike, you must acquaint yourself with the city’s traffic rules.
Thus, these are a few important tips you should keep in mind while visiting London for the first time.
