Explore London the Way Londoners Do
However, most visitors limit their sightseeing to some of the most famous attractions in a small area and as such they miss out on more authentic experiences of seeing little-known attractions and getting to know the real London. In order to get the true feel of the city, it is essential to stay. Eat drink and experience London like a local. Given below are a few tips.
Accommodation:
It is important to know that London is not only its central area where most attractions, business offices and other important places are located but its surrounding boroughs that have a mix of ethnicities and where most locals live. For a tourist, it is no doubt convenient to stay in Central London because it is easy and convenient to visit the various places of interest. However, central London is where the rich people stay as property rates are extremely high and for visitors hotel accommodation is also very expensive. Since most people visiting London are on a tight budget, it is preferable to stay a little further away from the central area. There is no doubt that commuting will take up some time but you will have to find the right balance between high accommodation cost and spending time and money on commuting. South London is a convenient and popular place but the 2011 London riots in Clapham Junction & Croydon made it a bit dodgy. West & South West London is where the well-off upper middle classes stay. North & North East London is the latest craze for the cool kids and hipsters whereas East London is meant for the relatively poor people. However, each of these areas has all types of accommodation ranging from the most expensive and luxurious places to the cheapest hotels, bed & breakfasts and dormitories.
One of the best places to stay in central London is London City Suites by Montcalm London as it offers the most luxurious accommodation in rooms that have the best of facilities along with most personalised services.
Transportation:
The most efficient and least time consuming mode of transport in London is the Underground Tube which is also the most popular among Londoners. However, buses are also popular but they take a longer time because of congestion on roads. It is best to get an Oyster Card before reaching London as it means cheaper travel and it eliminates the need to buy a paper ticket each time you need to use any public transport. In order to save more, it is best to travel at off-peak times. Travelcards can also be used for cheaper transport. If you are planning to move around only in central London, you can even hire a Boris Bike which is available 365 days per year, 24-hours-a-day. Another alternative is to walk with a purpose to see the various attractions located close together. You can also join one of the walking tours. It will help you to experience the city like a local and get the true feel of the place.
If you stay at City Suites Hotel London you would be located close to most of your places of interest making it easy and convenient to visit any of them. Moreover, you will get to stay in luxury in a well-appointed room with best facilities, amenities and services.
Shopping:
London is said to be a shopper’s paradise as it has something to offer to everyone, ranging from the most expensive, high-class items to the cheapest goods. Primark is famous for its unbelievably cheap clothes and some of the most expensive goods can be found at Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Other famous stores include Topshop, M&S, and River Island. However, most Londoners find it convenient and cheaper to shop at local markets as they can find everything they need ranging from antiques to olive oil. Brick Lane market is famous for vintage items and unique knick-knacks. Portobello Road Market is famous for antiques, classic records and fashion from yesteryear. If you are interested in fresh blooms or a selection of cards and jewellery, you can visit Columbia Road Flower Market.
Eating and Drinking:
Apart from its traditional pubs, there are many discreet drinking places such as Cahoots in Soho which is located in a WWII air raid shelter. Another such place is Lounge Bohemia hidden between a kebab shop and a news-stand in Shoreditch. A favourite foodie hangout is Borough Market which is so popular that there can be a 30-minute line at stores like Monmouth Coffee. London offers food of all categories suiting all tastes and budgets ranging from the best, most expensive food in 5-star hotels to street food or in markets such as at Brixton Village where budget food is offered by over 100 independent producers in an old covered market. One of London’s quintessential traditions is afternoon tea which is best available at top hotels such as the Montcalm hotels at Marble Arch and at Barbican.
Sightseeing:
There are so many places to see in London that you need to pick and choose the places for visiting to fit in with your limited period of stay. From historical monuments to palaces, parks, gardens, modern structures, museums, galleries, theatres, and skyscrapers to churches, you need unlimited time to see them all. You can see pelicans roaming the lake at St James’s Park, a penguin enclosure at London Zoo, peacocks hanging out in the Japanese garden at Holland Park and a family-friendly city farm and stables at Vauxhall Park. London’s picturesque parks are all over the city including Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Regent’s Park, Victoria Park and Hampstead Heath. You can even visit some museums in the night and in London’s West End, you can see star-studded shows and cutting-edge theatrical performances at its various theatres.
