As the capital city of England, it is hardly surprising that there is much to see, do and experience in London. With millions of residents packed into this vibrant cultural melting pot, London is always bustling with activity, regardless of the day of the week or the month. Before you arrive there, it is worth making a list of the what you want to see and do, so that you don’t miss out on any of the highlights.
There is so much on offer in this vibrant city that you probably will not have time to take in everything; fortunately though, a lot of the most popular sights are located quite near to each other. The Tower of London, the Houses Of Parliament, and Westminter Abbey are all not to be missed. You might want to consider taking them as part of a guided tour, as learning a little about their histories will give you an even better appreciation of them.
Also, be sure to find time for the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and the accompanying clock tower. You have probably seen the clock tower, called Big Ben, on TV, and it is even more impressive when you see it in person. It has four 23-foot faces that light up at night. The minute hands alone are 14 feet long. It is not open for public tours, but standing back far enough to see it is a rewarding view.
There are various palaces and historical buildings spread around the city. The Queen of England lives in the most famous of all them, which is called Buckingham Palace. The changing of the guard outside is a sight to see. Tourists will gather long before the appointed time just to see the grand guards in their world famous red and black uniforms. The hat itself is legendary.
Depending on the time of year, catch a sporting event. London has some of best stadiums in the whole world, and five Premier League football (or soccer if you prefer) teams, including Arsenal and Chelsea, who have genuine football superstars in their teams. If English football is not your scene not to worry, check out a rugby game or world class tennis at Queens and Wimbledon during June and July.
As for getting around, remember, they drive on the left side of the road In England. If you rent a car, ask the agency for a map. If you are only going to be in London for a day or so, it might be easier to go by way of taxi. One thing that always stands out in pictures of London is the double-decker bus. They tower over traffic and are as reliable as public transportation can be. Take a ride just for the heck of it. Using the underground train system is probably the quickest way to get about though; it is so extensive that you can literally use it to get to anywhere in the whole of London.
No matter where you go and what you do in London, take plenty of photos. It’s only your first time once!
This article is sponsored by ‘Cheap London Hostels‘.
