Enter into the Royal World: Plan Your Trip to London
A majestic place filled with rich history sounds delusional, but London is one such place that fits the description. It is known as the capital of England and the United Kingdom. Being the largest city, it holds people from various countries; besides, the place is also a financial hub. This entire city has four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Greenwich Maritime, the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, and Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens. The stunning towers and bridges of London feature designs that showcase incredible detail. Apart from this, London has unique sights, and Instagram-worthy places are to die for. The castles surrounded by the lush greenery will fill you with happiness. Also, if you are a fan of Harry Potter, then you must pack your bags and appear in London. Thus, before stepping out of your home, you need to gather details like the main attractions to see, the best time to visit, the foods to eat, and much more; follow the subsequent lines.
Important Information About London
Population: 9,089, 736
Languages: English
Currency: Pound Sterling or British Pound
Airport: Heathrow Airport or London Heathrow Airport
Top Things to Do in London
Undoubtedly, London offers many activities that will change the way you see it. Whether you are traveling alone or with your group, you can readily cherish these experiences with them. Follow the lines below:
- A glimpse of the city from the London Eye: Since 2000, the London Eye has offered an incredible view of the city on its stunning rides. From the 360-degree view from the glass capsule, you will spot iconic landmarks of the capital. A whole ride takes about 30 minutes and is a lifetime experience. The ride is gentle, so you can enjoy it without being afraid.
- Enter Buckingham Palace: One of the must-see places is Buckingham Palace. The palace is known as the home of England. By booking a tour of Buckingham Palace, you can see the Blue Drawing Room, Throne Room, Ballroom, Green Drawing Room, Palace Garden, and more.
- Enjoy the eve in the bar "Duke": If you admire James Bond, you will be surprised to know that Duke was the bar that inspired its writer Ian Fleming to create a Vesper Martini for his novel character James Bond. Here you can sip the world's best martinis. The enchanting ambiance, perfect flavour, and frozen glasses enhance the moment.
- Explore Borough Market: A historic market in London, it's a place filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, and other goods. If you are bored of watching ancient buildings and looking for a totally different feel in London, you must explore this market. You are not walking down the lane of Borough Market, but you are walking through the long history of London. This is an appropriate place for photographers and people who love to watch traditional British fare.
- Appreciate the beauty of Westminster Abbey: A fascinating church, the site of royal weddings and coronations. The iconic church provides a spectacular view that you want to gaze at till your last breath. Apart from this, the church is also known for the burial site of the British monarchs, poets, and other significant figures.
Best Places to See in London
To get the essence of a spot, you need to see it through with your own eyes, not by scrolling someone's social media account, and when it comes to London, no lens can justify its beauty. If you are wondering about the top places that you must not miss in London, consider the following:
- The Tower of London: The Tower of London is an amazing castle recognized for its infamous prison and for its role in securing the Crown. To see the crown, you can purchase a ticket that allows for only one hour. Besides, the popular ravens can be spotted here, as they are called the guardians of the Tower.
- The British Museum: It is said that museums are the soul of a particular destination, as they act as a bridge between the past and present, and the British Museum is one of them. The Egyptian sculpture gallery, the Africa, Sutton Hoo & Europe, and the Roman Empire galleries are the highlights of exploring the British Museum. Apart from these, you can check virtual galleries such as Oceania and prints & drawings.
- Tower Bridge: A suitable spot to get the thrill is walking on the glass floors of Tower Bridge. This bridge is more than just spanning one distance to another; it lets you experience the powerful machinery that holds it firmly in place. The bridge's opening hours are 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM, and the last entry to view the bridge is 05:00 PM. Tickets are easily available on the Tower Bridge's site.
- National History Museum: A place loved by curious minds of all ages. Dinosaur skeletons and several exhibitions related to space, wildlife photography, visions of nature, and zoology spirit collections elevate the overall experience. Carefully plan the trip, as its functional hours are from 10:00 AM to 05:50 PM, and it remains closed from 24 to 26 December.
- Hyde Park: With its lush greenery, the historic royal park is known for soothing and calming the mind. You can take a stroll in Hyde Park and appreciate the things around you. If you love to take pictures, then this is where you need to be. The park has a lake where boating takes place. The park spans 350 acres and is revered as the largest in Westminster, Greater London. Rare flora and fauna enhance the value of Hyde Park. If you are traveling with your family and kids, this is a place that should not be missed.
Best Time to Visit London
The best time to visit London depends on factors such as what you like, the season you enjoy, and more. London is among those destinations that remain pristine and tranquil at any time of the year. Moreover, to check the time that will work wonders for you, stick to the following lines:
March - May
Throughout the year, London is packed with people from all over the world. But the best time to visit London is from March to May. The late spring season offers you the opportunity to see the flowers blooming on the grass, reflecting vibrant colours. But if you want to avoid the crowd, you can arrive in early spring. During these months, various events take place, like the Vault Festival, the London Coffee Festival, the Gemini Boat Race, the London Book Fair, Hackney Moves, and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
June - August
From June to August, the weather is ideal for those who want to witness the enchanting beauty of London. When traveling at this time, you might get lucky to see events such as Trooping the Colour, London Pride, Wimbledon Championships, Kaleidoscope, and Notting Hill Carnival. With a bit of humidity, it might rain, so be prepared with your umbrellas.
September - November
London enjoys pleasant temperatures from September to November and is known for celebrating London Fashion Week, The Lord Mayor's Show, and Christmas at Kew. The cool breeze, short days, and soothing sunrays knock at your door. Thus, while wandering in London, wear layers to escape getting cold.
December - February
Wanting to celebrate New Year's Eve or looking for a location to start your new year with ultimate enthusiasm, then no place is better than London. December brings the chilly season, with an average temperature of 30 to 40 degrees. The festival bells make the place richer and livelier. The streets are well-lit with thousands of lights, creating a mesmerizing effect that will bring a smile to your face.
Foods to Eat in London
From classic British dishes to international dishes, London serves the best, a testament to the British cultural heritage and its delicacies. Few spices, yet extraordinary flavors, make British food one of a kind. If you are fond of savory or sweet dishes, you can take a look at the food dishes listed here:
- Fish and Chips
- Sunday Roast
- Burgers
- Full English Breakfast
- Pies
- Apple Crumble
- Toad in the Hole
- Scotch Egg
- Bangers and Mash
- Scones
- Bread and Butter Pudding
- Omelet Arnold Bennett
- Eggs Drumkilbo
Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling in/to London
Nothing can beat the feeling of a successful trip, especially when you have poured your heart into it. But even after such caution, there are some things that you must take into consideration. Here are these:
- Pack as per your requirement.
- Passport, and visa (if needed).
- Be hydrated.
- Apply a generous amount of sunscreen.
- Share your whereabouts with your trusted one.
- Carry pepper spray (especially women).
- Take your medicines.
- Accommodations must be booked in advance.
- Use a language translation app.