What Are The Best Things About Visiting London?

People tend to have a love/hate relationship with London. Those who are less than charmed by the city say that it’s dirty, crowded, and too expensive, and they’ve got a point, but to focus on these aspects is to be a bit, well, negative. The other view is that London is one of the greatest cities in the world, if not the best. It’s got bags of history, it’s a melting pot of cultures, and it’s a city that is very much at the forefront of the modern world. For someone drawn to excitement, it should be a must-visit. Still on the fence? Below, we take a look at some of the best things about paying a visit to the city. 

Easy to get to

London is easy to get to; airports are conveniently located throughout the city, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, making international travel accessible for everyone. These major airports offer a variety of transportation options, such as trains, buses, airport coach transfers, and taxis, ensuring that visitors can easily reach their accommodations or explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. With numerous direct flights available from major cities around the world, the vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse attractions of London are just a short journey away for travelers from near and far.

Travel tip: Stansted is a smaller airport just north of London and is the largest hub for European flights with British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa as well as budget-friendly carriers like Ryanair, Eastjet,Jet2, and Pegasus. Outside the arrivals terminal are buses, you will find a bus from Stansted Airport to London operated by Flibco, one of the most famous airport shuttle companies all over Europe. On return, from London, you can easily catch a coach to Stansted Airport. With Flibco, it’s a comfortable 50-minute ride from London Stratford, or from Liverpool St. Station, a 90-minute ride.

The Heavyweight Attractions

The list of things to do in London is endless. There are people who have lived there for decades who are still discovering new things to do, so there’s no hope that you’ll see everything during your trip — but no worries, that’s what future visits are for. If you’re visiting for the first time, then you’ll want to focus on the heavyweight attractions, the iconic sights that make London so famous, such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the parks. 

The Freebies

People say that London is expensive, and you can see what they’re getting at — it’s certainly possible to spend a lot of cash when you’re there. However, it should also be noted that there are a lot of free events and attractions, too. For example, virtually all of the museums have free entry, and they’re some of the best museums in the world. During your trip you’ll also want to pick up Time Magazine or check out the websites that list the one-off events — there’s always something interesting, and free, to do, especially during the summer months. 

The Best of Culture

London is right up there with the most productive cultural powerhouses in the world. Whether it’s literature, art, music, or theatre that you love, you’ll find the best of it represented in the English capital. Before you set off on your trip, take a look at what cultural events are taking place — there’ll almost certainly be a music superstar playing a gig somewhere in the city. If you love the stage, then make sure you’re buying some London theatre tickets for when you’re there. The stage performances in London are spellbinding; you will not regret it. 

The Nightlife

London is a city where people work hard, but they also play hard. As such, you’ll want to keep some evenings free so that you can enjoy the nightlife. This could involve enjoying a few pints in one of the city’s cosy pubs, or visiting one of the nightclubs. There’s always a lively atmosphere!

The English capital has an energy that you just don’t find elsewhere. It’s a global city; it’s fast-paced, it’s exciting. Being part of it, even for a few days, offers a thrill that can be hard to beat.