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London Info Page

Within this post you will find everything you need when planning your visit to London, from the current weather until a currency calculator, everything is right here on one page

Please take the following into account when travelling to London

• In Britain you drive on the left side of the road.
• Be polite use the phrase thank you when  you receive something.
• Within Britain they use different power sockets and plugs, try to bring a converter because if you need to buy one at the airport you will have to pay the highest price.

• Buy your metro (Tube) tickets at the machine, as many tube stations do not have an information desk, and if there is one there will probably also be a long queue
• Try to avoid Metro (Tube) travel between 7:00 - 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 - 6:30 P.M. on weekdays, as this is the daily rushhour of people transferring from home to work.
• London is in the 0 GMT timezone.
  
  
  

Weather
London has a oceanic climate, which means warm summers and cool winters, so no extreme temperature swings. Which makes London very suitable as an all year round travel destination.
Below you can find the current weather and 3-day forecast, if you want more weather info and the 5-day forecast, click on "More detailed weather"

Currency
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound (£, GBP) so make sure you have pounds arrival, if you want to be certain. However once you arrive in the UK and especially in the London area, you will find currency exchange offices on every street corner.(make sure you check the exchange rates online)
There are numerous large department stores in London which will also accept Euro’s, however to be safe always carry some pounds with you.
Convert your currency below

Maps
When in London make sure you have a good map of the city, to make sure you do not get lost. If you own a Smartphone you can also download numerous map app’s for free, however always we aware of pickpockets when you are walking around with your Smartphone in public!
The safest option is to buy a flip-out map, which is easy to carry and are available for around five Pounds.
Free transport maps

Transport
Here you can plan your trip around London using the free Journey Planner.
TIP for people who visit London for the first time, to find to quickest way from the airport towards your accomodation.

Where to go - Westminster and Trafalgar Route

Within the Westminster and Trafalgar area you can find numerous famous sights, which you cannot miss whilst visiting London. With iconic landmarks such as the Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the London eye.

The Point’s of interest covered in this route are:

- Trafalgar Square,
- Downing Street 10
- Westminster Abbey
- the Big Ben
- London Eye
- the Horse Guards

Route

1. We start at the Caring Cross Tube Station, when you exit the station you should see Nelson’s Column towering up into the sky on the middle of Trafalgar Square, one of the most popular squares in London. 

It’s always busy on the square and there is a good possibility that you will walk straight into one of the many events which take place on the square, ranging from dance event, to the Sikh New Year’s celebrations until a giant Christmas tree and caroling. (Check here for the event agenda)

It’s a lovely place to sit down and watch the traffic go by, however we will return to this point on the end of the tour, so time to start.

2. Start on the square and walk south towards “Whitehall” if you look right you can see “the Mall” the street which runs from Admiralty Arch in front of your, all the way down towards Buckingham Palace which you are able to see if you look over the straight road. Just have a look, don’t walk down the Mall, walk South onto Whitehall.

3. After a few meters you will find a traditional pub called “Silver Cross” on your left hand side. I can recommend this fairly large pub as a good place to get a proper meal, or just to have a drink and a nice chat. However be aware, the story goes that the pub is haunted by the ghost of a young female prostitute, as a part of the pubs was said to be a brothel back in the 1800s.

Once you exit the pub you will see two red iconic/classical telephone booths just across the street, a nice place for some funny pictures.

4. Continue south on Whitehall, until you reach the Horse Guards Army Headquarters which is located in you right hand side. If you have missed the changing of the guards this is where you can find the Horse Guards.

5.  Walking down south on Whitehall you will also find Downing Street as the first road on your right.
The famous street houses the Prime ministers office on Number 10, with one of the world’s most famous front doors. You can only catch a glimpse of number 10 though some gates, as Downing Street was closed off for public after the terrorist attacks in 1991.

Continue walking south until will see the Big Ben reaching out on your left hand side. In front of you is a parliament square, cross this square past the numerous statues of famous statesmen. The square may also house some protesters, as the square is used for all types of protesting all the time.

6. Once on the south side of the square you will find the famous Westminster Abbey, in which the Prince William married Kate Middleton on 29^th April 2011. It’s a shame you have to pay quite a high entrance fee, as many people do not want to pay 16 pounds.
However take into account that the abbey never charges people who want to worship.

7. From the Abby cross the road towards the houses of Parliament, where the British Parliament is housed. This is also where the famous 96 meter high clock tower stands which houses the giant bell called Big Ben. However most of the people mistakenly call the entire tower the Big Ben, as only the clock is called Big Ben.

Walk towards the tower onto Bridge street, and follow the road onto the Westminster Bridge, which gives you a nice view of the area around the Thames, and the Houses of Parliament’s east side. The bridge has also featured in many films and TV shows, and houses numerous street artists.
Once you have passed the Thames leave the bridge and walk north onto the south bank boulevard toward County Hall.

8. Now in front of you, you will see Europe’s largest Ferris wheel called the London Eye.
A must see attraction if you ask me! When it was first opened in 2000 it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world with a staggering height of 135 meters.
With a cost of just over 17 pounds, which entitles you to a breathtaking 30 minute journey, which gives you a brilliant overview of the city, I would say it’s defiantly worth it.
On a clear day you can easily see Heathrow Airport.

TIP: Depending on your time schedule and weather conditions I would recommend to visit the eye on a clear day. And preferably around the time just before twilight kicks in so you can see both the day and evening situation.
However take into account that you might have to queue for a while.

9. Continue to walk north along the riverside walkway with the Jubilee Gardens in you right. This lovely boulevard is a nice place to stroll around, with lots of street artists, ranging from living statues till musicians. 

TIP: If you are visiting London in the month September check for the Thames Festival, as this is a really nice event located around the Thames River(check here for more info) And do not miss the river fireworks display on the Sunday evening!

10.  Cross the river Thames over the Hungerford Bridge, and go straight ahead on Northumberland Avenue, which will take you straight back to Trafalgar square where this route comes to an end.

I hope you have or will enjoy the tour as much as I did and if there are any questions or remarks I would like to hear them.

Cheers,

Real London Shopping - Covent Garden

Once your bring up shopping in London, numerous major store names such as Harrods, Selfridges and Debenhams will fly through the room. These are the major stores located on Oxford Street and filled with tourists.

For the real London shopping you might need a little help on where to look.
Not that the high street stores are bad, not at all. However if you want to find something special, whilst having fun this is not the place to be.

One of my personal favorites is the Covent Garden area, filled with nice shops and small boutiques. And as je majority of the tourists only visit the Covent Garden Piazza, the north side of the area is not as crowded as you would expect.

I’ve created a route which will take you through the area; however I would recommend not sticking to the route, and exploring the red area on the map, as this area is flocked with small streets and alleys. Just make sure you stay within the marked area on the map.

If you prefer not to walk the route and just to visit the shopping area, I would recommend to get off the tube at Covent Garden tube station and work your way around the shopping district. Take into account that it can be very busy in the weekends.

Point of Interest.
- Neal’s Yard Salad Bar, if you can find it! (Marked 7 on the map)
This cozy tucked away yard makes you forget that you are in London, as this colorful yard is filled with oil drums and  tables gives you the feeling you are somewhere in south America. The perfect place to get a fresh salad or juice, and just enjoy the area somewhere in the yard.

-         Seven Dails

Seven dials is situated around the sundial pillar which is situated in the middle of the seven surrounding streets. A very nice area with lots of shops and boutiques. The area is very pedestrian friendly and you will only see a few cars in this area, which makes is a very suitable area for socializing on the streets in front of pubs within the area.

-         Covent Garden Piazza

The former vegetable market within Covent garden known as the Piazza houses a range of small shops and houses numerous performing street artists which perform their tricks in and around the market.
Take into account that this is a very busy and touristic area.

Covent Garden Pubs
Once you are in the Covent garden area, don’t forget to get a pint in one of the many pubs, such as “The Crown” on the Seven Dails roundabout, “The White Lion” or “The Nags Head” both on floral street. If you are in the area during dinnertime, you can also have a very good and relatively cheap dinner in one of these pubs.

Covent Garden Route

1. Once you exit the tube station Leicester square, walk west past the Wyndham’s Theatre and towards the New Row street which contains a large number of pubs and restaurants. Cross the road into King Street until you get to the Piazza.

2. On you right hand side is the square which is known for its performing street artist. Take into account that each show lasts around half an hour so be aware.

3. The two story Piazza is the main attraction on the square, however don’t forget the numerous stores which are located around the Piazza. A nice tip if you are travelling with children, located near the back of the square you can find the London Transport Museum and Build a Bear Workshop, in which you can create your own personal teddy bear. These are very nice gifts, however do take into account that these bears are not cheap!

4. After exploring the piazza square, you should exit the square on the north side towards floral street. Keep going straight ahead until you reach Neal Street.


5. Once you’re in Neal Street you should stroll around as the area is covered with small boutiques and stores. I personally got some really nice gifts at the Urban Outfitters and the Shelly’s shoe-store. 
The route does not really matter, however make sure you get to the Seven Dails Pillar.


6.  From the pillar walk north into Monmouth street, follow the road until you reach a small alley on you right-hand side, which is covered with “painted” plants, the sign should read Neal’s Yard. Enter the alley and find yourself a hidden paradise, get yourself a fresh juice and enjoy the area whilst sipping on those vitamins. This is a great place to escape the busy Covent Garden area, especially in the summer.


From here you can either decide to go shopping as you have seen most of Covent Garden, or you can decide to walk back towards the starting point via China Town.

So if you want to shop, stop reading and get your shopping on! Or continue reading if you want to continue the tour.


7. Exit Neal’s Yard and turn right on Short Gardens towards and past Seven Dials pillar. You will reach the busy crossing of Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. Follow Shaftbury Avenue towards the west, go left on the first road on your left (Gerrard Place) follow the road and on your right hand side you will see the Chinatown Gate.

8.  The Main street in china town is called Gerrard Street, however all street names are also displayed in Chinese.

TIP: For the people, who would like to eat real Chinese food, check the number of Chinese people within the restaurant, the more Asians the better the food.

I personally go love to eat at “Super Star” in Lisle Street (purple front), ask for the chef’s special menu and you will get a delicious Traditional Chinese meal for less than €20,-.

9. Follow the street until you reach the only side street, as this street houses the famous “De Hems” Dutch pub. 
This is tip is especially for the Dutch readers as this is the place where you can meet other Dutchies which live in London, eat kroketten, and celebrate Dutch holidays such as Sinterklaas and Queensday.

Exit on Gerrard Street and walk south towards Leicester Square. Here you will get to the point where you started the tour.

I hope you've enjoyed the walk and have found some new places you did not know about before.

Cheers,

London III – What to see

Once you found your accommodation it is time to explore the city, However where do you need to start? I will start off with a city tour which will cover the major sights, and would be most suitable for the people who are visiting London for the first time.

The best and quickest way to see all the major attractions is to take one of the many touristic bus tours, you will be packed on a bus filled with tourists followed by a city tour which covers over 60 attractions.
Even though you might feel like an über tourist, this is the best way to see the city within a very short time. You can hop on and off at every stop and you can get on every Citysightseeing tour bus within two days for just over € 25,-.

If you have more time and you do not want to get on the touristic busses, I would recommend you to walk from attraction to attraction, as this is the best way to find hidden treasures such as small pubs and stores.

The 10 Main Attractions in London are:

• The Tower Bridge         ( Tower and Soutwark Route)
• The Tower of London  (Tower and Soutwark Route)
• The Big Ben & Houses of Parliament (Westminster and Trafalgar Route)
• The London Eye (Westminster and Trafalgar Route)
• Buckingham Palace
• Piccadilly Circus
• Westminster Abbey  (Westminster and Trafalgar Route)
• St Pauls Cathedral
• British Museum 
• Harrods

I would say that majority of the attractions on this list are worthwhile visiting, you might skip the British museum regarding your interest, as you will need a full day to explore the full museum.

Then the other attractions can be grouped according to location, so I will describe what you can visit and what not to miss in specific areas. I have made a maps of the routes which I have walked a multiple times with friends and family whilst living in London.
I will start of the first route which covers the Tower, Tower Bridge, Docks and the Southwark.


1. Tower & Southwark Route
The Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are located next to each other, and are definitely worthwhile a visit. Once you are in the tower area you might also like to visit the St. Katherine docks and the Southwark.

1. This tour starts at the Tower Hill Tube station, once you exit the tube station you can find the Trinity Square Gardens on you left which will give you the first glimpse of the Tower of London. However you need to turn right to cross underneath Byward Street, once crossed you will see the old fundaments of the Tower complex.

2. Then go right and walk towards the Thames River with the Tower on you right hand side. Here you will find the ticketboxes and entrance to the Tower of London. (Entrance is quite expensive (over € 25,- for an adult ticket, however I found it worth it) It shows the history of the city and the tower, and it houses the crown jewels which you can see with your own eyes.

For more info visit their website

3. Regardless if you have visited the tower or not, you will turn left on the Thames side of the Tower, this is where you will have a very nice view of the Tower Bridge and this point is a very nice spot to shoot a nice picture of the bridge.

Then follow the path towards the Bridge and cross underneath the bridge towards the Tower Bridge Hotel, turn left and on your right hand you will turn into St. Katherine’s Way, on your left hand you will see a Sign which says “St. KATHERINE Docks”

4. Once you have passed the sign you will enter the St. Katherine Docks, which is a very nice place to relax and have a coffee whilst the boats slowly pass by.

Make a walk around the harbor and return towards the point where you passed the tower bridge earlier, however instead of passing through the tunnel, take the stairs up the bridge.

5.  Your now on the Tower Bridge, you are able to enter the bridge to have a look inside however I did not find this worthwhile, but there is the possibility.
Pass the bridge towards the south bank.

6.“Shad Thames” this area used to be part of the docklands and was a no go area, however nowadays the warehouses are transformed into apartments.
It’s a safe and lively area with lots of nice cafés and restaurants. Whilst strolling through these streets you can see the typical Dockland warehouses.
Walk back towards the Tower Bridge and pass underneath the bridge towards the west side. 

7. On you left hand side you will see Potters Fields Park and in front of you is the City Hall. Keep following the path which walk next to the Thames and follow that path

8. In front of you will see the HMS Belfast, which is a museum ship which has served during WWII, you are able to visit the ship.

Follow the path towards the west along the Thames and you will find some nice coffee places and stores on your left-hand side located “Hays Gallaria”.
The walk towards the London Bridge gives you a nice view of the city’s skyline.

9. Turn right onto the London Bridge, which makes a very nice spot for a Tower bridge photo on the middle of the bridge.
This is the end of the tour, you can either chose to walk back south towards London Bridge tube station. Or you can walk north towards Monument tube station. Which is close to “Monument” which is a monument for all the victims of the Great fire of London in 1666.

I hope you will enjoy this route, as I certainly did.

Cheers!

London II - Where to stay

Depending on your preferences (and the size of your wallet) you can find accommodations on almost every street corner within London. I will mainly focus on the cheaper accommodations and how to get a good price/quality ratio.

First of all it’s important to think about what your plans are whilst visiting and what you want to do.
For first time visitors I would recommend to stay within the tube-zones 1 and 2, as these are the inner city and this is also where the majority of all the touristic attractions are located.
When you are within zone 2, you can reach almost every metro station within zone 1 and 2 within half an hour.

So make sure when you are looking for an accommodation that you are searching within one of these zones.

There are many good hotels within the north-west of the city, there are many cheap hotels within the neighborhoods, Bayswater, Paddington, and Kensington.
These neighborhoods are safe and are really close to the inner-city.

If you want to save some money on your accommodation try to look in the area’s a bit further away from zone 1.

Another way to get a good accommodation for only a fraction of the price, is to search for “Top Secret Hotels” this is a concept in which large hotels, such as Hilton and Holiday Inn offer their rooms for only a fraction of the price.

You need to state the rating of the accommodation either 3,4 of 5 stars and the neighborhood in which you want to stay. You will see the price per night, the amount of stars and the neighborhood.

Once you confirm and pay your booking you will receive the name and address of the hotel.  I have done this before and ended up in a Holiday Inn for 3 nights, paying only € 80,- in total.

This is a perfect way to get a good accommodation for a low price, however I would not recommend this concept for first time visitors.
Because you are unaware of your exact location, and you might have some difficulties getting to your accommodation.

London I - How to get there

London Calling? I will start of with the beautiful city of London, located within the United Kingdom and home to over 7,5 million people.  I have lived in London twice, and I loved it from the very first day.
From the English breakfast to the Oxfort Street Christmas lights until the late night pints in the Pub.
London is the place you must visit!

I will post a number of posts on London, in which I will talk about a specific subject. As otherwise I will be all over the place, loading you with information. So the first part will be on how to get to London, how to book your accommodation and how to travel the city.

I. How to get there

Depending on your location there are numerous ways to travel to London, the easiest way is to travel by plane, however from the European mainland there's also the possibility to travel by boat, train or by car. I will mainly focus on air travel as this is the most applicable for the majority of the readers.

Personnally I have used all of the above ways of transportation, and I will also state my personal experiences with each type of transport.



Airplane
London has five airports which makes it a very suitable destination to reach by plane.
I personally prefer this way of travel by far, as it is the quickest and most of the time the cheapest option as well.


- Heatrow is the biggest airport and possibly the destination for non European citizens as this airport covers the majority of the incontinental flights. Once you arrive on Heatrow airport, the quickest way to get to the city is by tube (metro) by using the Heatrow shuttle express you can get on four tube-lines which will take you directly to the city centre.
Probably the most preferred airport due to the good connection and the large number of flights.


- Gatwick the second biggest airport, however Gatwick does not have a direct tube connection. However the airport train will take you to the city in no time.


- Luton & Stansted are both smaller airports located further away from the city, however these airports are mainly focused on budget airlines. So when looking for a cheap flight look for either one of these two airports. There is no direct tube connection, however there is an train connection which will get you to the city in 20 minutes. If you have some time and you want to save some pounds get on the bus to the city centre.
Possible coach companies are: Terravision, National Express and Easybus.

- City Airport the smallest airport of them all, however the most central located within the city.
The airport is specialized in smaller aircrafts however this is the absolute best if you want to get to the city fast. During the weekends you might get some cheap flights towards city airport.

I personally flew on City airport once, however it was absolutely perfect, as you do not have to taxi for miles, little till no waiting time to get your luggage, and your in the tube only minutes after you left the airplane.

Train
Depending on your location within western Europe you can choose to travel to London by train. The Eurostar and the Thalys will take you from Paris to London within 3 hours. Depending on the time of the year, you might get some fairly good deals.



Boat
There are numerous ferries which can take you from the European mainland toward the United Kingdome within a few hours. The boat is a good way of transportation if you want to bring a lot of luggage.

Personally I used the ferry once, I took the Stena Line HSS Discovery which was the High speed catamaran, which is taken out of the fleet due to it's high costs.
I made the choice to take the ferry when I finished my first internship in London, and had to go back to the Netherlands with loads of luggage.

We travelled with a group and the connection from London to Harwich went very well.
Once on board everything when fairly quick, the boat took us within 3,5 hours from Harwick to Hook of Holland. However a few of my groupmembers got seasick during the trip.

So my recommendation would be, only use the boat if you want to bring a lot of luggage, and do not take the ferry if you easily get seasick.



Car
You can get to London by car, by using the channel tunnel from Calais to Dover. This is a good way of transport if you want to bring a lot of luggage, however take into account that you have to drive on the left side of the road, you are not allowed to use the channel tunnel if your car runs on LPG, and that you have to pay for every single day if you want to use your car within London city limits.