London is one of the world’s most popular cities to visit, attracting over 20 million tourists in 2018 alone. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to watch out for when you come here.
To help you enjoy the best time, here’s a selection of the most common errors people can make when visiting the UK capital.
Not planning
Make sure you organise your trip and book in advance. Not only will it make your trip simpler, but you should also be able to avoid paying hiked up prices and get a few good deals.
Research the area you want to stay in and see which hotels suit you and your party so that you have everything you need close to hand. Sort out how you’re going to get around – Oyster cards are handy – and draw up a plan of where you want to go. Dropping into the busy capital without even a vague idea can mean you miss things you really want to enjoy
Not packing the right stuff
If you’re not from the UK, you may not have a great idea about what the weather is like. Autumn and winter can be very cold, windy and rainy, while it can actually get quite hot during summer. However, the one mistake many people make is not appreciating that British weather is unpredictable! So, make sure to pack plenty of layers that you can put on and take off as you feel like it and definitely bring a waterproof jacket, just in case.
Even if you live in the UK, you run the risk of underestimating the amount of walking you might do when you’re in the capital, too. It might not be just tube ride and taxis, so make sure you pack comfy shoes to keep you going during those long, sightseeing days.
Hitting rush hour traffic
You’ve booked a tour or a show and think you’ve left plenty of time to get there, right? Don’t be so sure. Rush hour in London is from about 7:30am to 9:30am and 5pm to 7pm. Whether you’re planning on getting to your destination by tube or Stainforth Taxi, there can always be delays.
So, either leave extra time to get to where you want to be or arrange these events outside of the above times.
Not appreciating the range of cuisines
London is one of the planet’s most culturally diverse cities. So rather than making the error of going to the same restaurants you can visit in other places, why not track down some alternative dining venues?
From cereal cafes to après ski themed eateries, the options seem limitless when it comes to feasting on something a bit different in London. So, don’t fall into the trap of heading straight for a chain restaurant in Leicester Square and sticking with what you know.
Go off-the-beaten-track
Of course, London can claim some of the globe’s most famous sites. However, many visitors make the mistake of trying to squeeze in seeing too many of these, which can mean you don’t have enough time to enjoy them properly (for example, the British Museum has around eight million items to see!).
There are plenty of other things to do in London that don’t require booking, long queues and several hours of your time. Visit Hyde Park, stroll around Camden Lock or grab snacks and drinks at one of the city’s many unusual bars and bistros to add some quirkiness to your trip and break up the day.
Interested in visiting? If you want accommodation options outside of your standard hotel, check out https://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/.
