By Steve Taggart
As someone who lives in London, it’s fair to say that I have a lot of insider knowledge to share when it comes to navigating the city, what to do and how to keep costs low. If you are thinking of visiting London in 2016, I’ve put together my top tips especially for you. If you live in London, this post will hopefully inspire you to explore your hometown in more detail.
1) Get An Oyster Card
London is a big city and everything is spread out. If it’s one thing that will bump up the cost of your trip it’s getting around town. Give taxis a miss and hop on the London underground. The Tube is the quickest way to get from place to place and an Oyster card will save you up to 50% on travel costs.
2) Do Brunch
Londoners love nothing more than a leisurely brunch. I suggest a mid-morning feast at Duck and Waffle which provides delicious food with a view (and exceptionally good waffles) or give Granger & Co a go if pancakes are more your thing.
3) Visit One Paid Tourist Attraction
London is brimming with iconic tourist attractions from Madame Tussauds to The London Eye. If you are visiting for a few days, it’s natural to want to fit in as much as you possibly can but filling your days and evenings with tourist activities can take its toll on your wallet (not to mention your sanity). Pick your favourite tourist spot and don’t miss these free attractions:
Portobello Road Market (Notting Hill)
Borough Market
The Tate Modern
Somerset House
4) Hotel or Apartment?
When it comes to accommodation in London, there are options to suit every budget including Airbnb and self-catering apartments. If you plan to eat out every night, it may be best to find a cheap hotel but an apartment does give you the freedom to enjoy a night in and cook for yourself.
5) See a West End Show
Your visit would not be complete without experiencing a West End Show. Tickets can be expensive so you should book well in advance or chance it by showing up to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for last minute tickets on the day.
PS Wicked is a great show with something for everyone.
6) Shop A Lot
You can’t visit London without indulging in a spot of retail therapy. From stopping by one of the flower markets to seeking out vintage finds, London has it all. If it’s high-end department stores you want look no further than Harrods or Liberty of London. Don’t forget to visit Soho if you love vintage shops.
What are your favourite things to do and see in London? If you liked my London travel tips, why not discover my top tips for travelling to Paris and New York too?