There’s no other city quite like it, London is buzzing capital full of culture, history and character. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to fit it all in, in a single trip. Maybe you’re looking for a little bit of luxury with afternoon tea and a stroll around Buckingham Palace? Or, maybe you’re after a little bit of horrible history with a grizzly Jack the Ripper tour? Either way, there really is something for everyone in London. So, whether you live in the UK or you plan on visiting, London is an absolute European must-see. With that said, here is a handy guide with all our top tips for sightseeing in London.
Buy Tickets in Advance
One of the best places to start any London sightseeing trip is at The Shard. It is a 95-storey skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city. Travel to London Bridge station on the underground, hop off the train and you’ll immediately find yourself at the foot of The Shard.
However, while it may be easy to get to, it’s certainly not that simple. As with any London attraction, booking is essential. Before you head into the city, make sure you’ve planned your day and have tickets in hand to avoid disappointment.
The same goes for travelling too, trains, in particular, can cost a lot less when pre-booked online so make sure you’ve checked out all of the costs to avoid any nasty surprises.
Work Out The Quieter Times to Visit Attractions
Of course, the Changing of the Guard is something every tourist must get a glimpse of. What most tourists don’t know though is that there are multiple places around the Palace that you can watch the ‘change’ take place.
The procession starts at 10:30 am in Friary Court, the courtyard at St. James’ Palace, before making its way down towards Buckingham Palace itself. Here, you can get a less crowded view of the guards which makes for a much better photo opportunity!
Similarly, a lot of the free things like the National History Museum and the National Gallery fill up fast. To avoid the biggest crowds, try to either get there early or much later in the day. This means most big tourist groups will have gone and you’ll have more time to enjoy the best of London’s free attractions.
Just make sure not to get swept away in either the morning or afternoon rush hour when travelling to and from attractions.
Get To Grips With The Tube
Before venturing into the Underground, loitering about and annoying commuters, try to get an understanding of the Tube before you arrive.
While it might seem confusing at first, you’ll soon get the hang of it and be whizzing around the stations like you’ve lived there for years. If you’re worried about planning your routes, there are plenty of free apps online that will tell you the exact trains to get and where from so you arrive safely at your end destination.
If you’re heading into London for more than a day, you might want to consider getting an Oyster Card. This is a top-up travel card that you can use around the city without the need of buying a ticket every time you travel. It can be a real time saver.
Check The Weather, Then Check Again
It’s no great surprise that London doesn’t have the best weather. It can be blue sky and sunshine in the morning and downpours in the afternoon.
Avoid buying tickets for the beforementioned Shard or the London eye until the day before you want to go. There’s nothing more disheartening than buying your tickets in advance, waking up on the day and being treated with a typical overcast and cloudy London day. If you’re flexible, booking last minute is your best bet for getting those stunning, clear views of the city from above.
London is a huge city and there’s always something to see and/or do. To make it easier though, make sure to do your research in advance when it comes to sightseeing in London to make the most out of every trip.
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