London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, millions of people from all over the world head to the city to explore its many museums, see its sights, sample the edible delights available at its many excellent restaurants, and much more. This post will provide information about London, including a rundown of some of the best sights and attractions in the city.
There are many different reasons to go to London. All kinds of travellers will have a great time here. Check out this overview of London, see the things you like to see or do and start planning.
Getting in and around London
With five airports (Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Gatwick and City) there are heaps of options for finding a great deal to travel to London. Check out, for instance, Easyjet as they connect several London airports with cities around Europe.
There are also excellent rail and ferry links with the European mainland, London can be easily reached from virtually anywhere in the world. Regular coach services are available to London, too, for travellers travelling on a tight budget.
London's vast public transport network makes it easy to get around the city. The famous London Underground provides quick and easy transport throughout the city, and the city's extensive bus network provides access to some of the city's more remote areas. London is also well connected with other tourist destinations in the UK with railway links to most major towns and cities.
Accommodation in London
London has a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets. Backpacker hostels can be found throughout the city with dorm beds available at affordable prices.
Many of these hostels are party hostels, too, with pub crawls and parties being held on a nightly basis. These party hostels are perfect for backpackers and flashpackers looking to enjoy London's nightlife. Make sure to book in advance to get the best rates.
Things to see and do in London
London is full of interesting and exciting things to see and do. The city has something for every type of traveller.
London for culture buffs
History & culture buffs will want to visit some of London's many excellent museums and art galleries. These museums and galleries feature exhibits and art created by some of the finest artists and historians in the UK, and many of them are free to enter.
London's most famous sights and landmarks – Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Nelson's Column, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus – are also must-sees on any trip to London. While these sights and landmarks can often be seen in TV shows and movies, nothing beats seeing them up close and in person.
London for foodies
Foodies will want to sample London's cuisine. London is a melting pot of history and culture; very few places in the world are able to match its cultural diversity. This is reflected in London's cuisine, a mixture of cuisine from all parts of the world.
Whether you fancy some Chinese food, some Indian food, some classic gastropub food, or perhaps a fusion food that draws inspiration from a variety of different cuisines, you'll be spoiled for choice in London.
London for shopaholics
As one of the four fashion capitals of the world, London is also an excellent place to go shopping. Oxford Street, one of the most famous shopping strips in the world, is a must visit for every shopper. Here, hundreds of designer shops selling the latest fashions can be found.
Smaller, boutique fashion outfits can be found on the streets surrounding Oxford Street, too. Shoppers with more eccentric tastes will want to head to Camden Market and Brick Lane, two of the hippest shopping districts in London. Here, shoppers can explore hundreds of shops selling vintage clothing, punk clothing, goth clothing, and other unique styles of clothing.
London for fans of craft beer
Craft beer can be found everywhere, especially in a beer-loving country like the UK. Make sure to add a craft beer tasting to your London trip. You won't be disappointed. Even if the British types of craft beer aren't your thing, there are heaps of international brews available. Even some great NZ craft beers.
Also, check out this blog post Say Cheers to London's Craft Beer Scene for info about where to go for the best craft beer in London.
London for party people
London's nightlife is also legendary throughout the world, with dozens of clubs, pubs, and bars located throughout the city. Nights out in London normally start early at around 10pm, and they finish late when the sun rises.
London off the beaten track
Outside of the most famous sights, London is full of quirky, off the beaten track sights and attractions that are also worth a visit. Eccentric museums and galleries featuring unique exhibits, strange examples of architecture, uniquely strange shops, and much more can be found in the city.
Of these sights and attractions, the London Wetland Centre, a 43-hectare nature preserve close to the centre of London; the Highgate Cemetery, a unique cemetery featuring a number of grand, gothic tombs; and the Royal Observatory, the place where GMT time is ‘0', are three of the best.
Summing up
London has a bit of something for everyone. The city is home to dozens of interesting sights and attractions that are sure to please every type of traveller. Make sure to visit London as soon as you can — you won't be disappointed.
Note: This blog post was posted between 2010 and 2015 when we were called DIY-OE. As we’re still happy with the quality, it was published again on our new blog Travel.Geek.NZ
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