Best Travel Guide for London in 2022
People who visit London, the heart and soul of the United Kingdom, will find a lot to enjoy. Historic and culturally rich, modern-day London is full of famous landmarks, iconic buildings, and new and exciting things to do on every level.
People worldwide love London because it is one of the best cities in the world. It has quaint pubs, world-class museums, A lot of history, some of the best theatres in the world, a very diverse population, great food, and wild nightlife.
As you move from the East End’s hipster heart to the tree-lined streets in the West, London is made up of a bunch of different boroughs that work together to make one of Earth’s best cities. You will always be made to feel at ease for business or pleasure. Shaftesbury Avenue and Oxford Street are always full of people, always lively, and always the best places to be.
The city is densely populated, yet if you want to get away from it all for a moment, inner-city parks and open spaces are never more than a few minutes away. Lunch with the pigeons in Trafalgar Square, or picnic with the penguins in London Zoo. London is home to animals from all walks of life, so there is something for everyone.
Brief History of London
As far back as Roman times, Londinium was built as a town for civilians on the point of the River Thames. Because it was an easy way to get to Europe, London was utilized as a base for many early conflicts. The Saxons took it over after the Roman Empire fell. It thrived for hundreds of years until the Vikings took it over and killed all the people in it.
People have lived in London for a long time, but it didn’t look like this until the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1665 and 1666, the city lost a lot, but it was able to rise from the ashes and become even more important for the people of Britain than it had ever been before.
Even today, London is essential to British royalty and the government. Even after two wars ravaged the city, one thing that didn’t change was how residents worked together and cared about each other and how much they loved living in the city they called home.
With so much history and being a world leader in new ideas, London is truly the capital of the world.
Getting to and around in London
Getting to the place
The city of London is easy to get to by land or air, and it’s also easy to get around once you get there. In general, they are important places to get around the world in and out of the United Kingdom and Europe. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton are just some of them. Some of the busiest and best airports in the world are in London. Heathrow Airport alone sees more than 650 flights every day, and there are direct flights to more than 190 cities. you can book some best budget flights to London via www.aviasales.com
London City Airport is located about a mile east of the city’s economic area. It is well-equipped to serve the needs of business travelers, tourists and holidaymakers from certain countries. There are many ways to get to the West End and the city of London when you land in the UK. You may get there by car or train.
Getting to and from places
Tube:
World-famous London Underground trains run through the city’s central and larger metro areas, making it easy to get to and from work, school, and other places. The Underground, commonly known as the “Tube,” is one of the world’s best methods to travel about.
It was built in 1863 to serve six intermediate stations between Paddington and Farringdon. Today, the network comprises 11 separate lines and stops at 270 stations across 402 km. Travelling on the Tube is easy because the lines are colored, and the maps are simple to read.
In a bus:
The London bus system is famous worldwide, thanks to its red Route master double-decker buses with rear entrances that run all day and all night.
As of 1829, buses have been a common sight on the streets of London. Even though the Route master has been retired from service on all but one route, the London bus network still makes over 4.4 billion trips every year.
There is also a night bus that can take tired partygoers back home all night long. At the same time, Transport for London has all the information you need about timetables, ticket prices, and station information on www.aviasales.com
By Taxi:
As you walk down the streets of London, you’ll see black cabs all the time. They’re a big part of the city’s culture and community. You can call for a black cab anywhere in the city right away. Their drivers are known for having friendly personalities and a wide range of skills. You can also call an Uber and use the app on your smartphone to book where you want to go and when.
Payments:
Uber and other private vehicles take cash, credit cards and debit cards as forms of payment for their services. Most taxis can also be pre-booked with any electronic payment method.
The London Underground and London buses, on the other hand, can only be used with a pre-paid Oyster Card that can be bought during your stay and topped up as needed. If you have a contactless credit or debit card, you can also use it on the Underground train system.
Top 10 things to do in London:
London has more places and things to do than you could ever see and do in just one visit. With this in mind, here are 10 of the best things to see and do in London. So not only do you get to see some of the best parts of London, but you also get a guide who tells you about all the little things that make it unique.
1. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Many important parts of British history have taken place at the Tower of London. The Crown Jewels are kept there. For each person who wants to go on a tour. The Tower and visitor center are open from 9:00 am–4:30 pm almost every day.
From the Tower, you can see what is thought to be the most famous bridge in the whole world. When the bridge opens, it looks even more impressive. Tower Bridge was built in 1894. Walkways and a visitor center are open every day for each person to go inside. There is a Tube station near both of them called Tower Hill.
2- The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
Tourists love seeing Buckingham Palace in London because of the British monarchy lives. During July and August, visitors can tour the State Rooms, and the Changing of the Guard can be seen from 11:00 am to 11:30 am on Monday through Sunday from January through March, if the weather is good.
3. The British Museum
Artifacts from all across the world are on display at The British Museum, which opened in 1753. Because there is so much to see, you could spend the whole day walking around and still not see everything.
Visit the Great Court renovation in 2001, too, if you get a chance to. London has many free museums, like this one. The museum is open every day, and there is no charge to go inside.
4. Big Ben & Parliament
The Palace of Westminster, where Parliament meets, was built in 1870, but there has been a palace there since 1060. St. Stephen’s Tower is at the eastern end of the palace. It is home to a bell called “Big Ben.” At different prices, you can take a tour of the sprawling palace. A tube station called Westminster is the closest to it.
5. The Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey was built in 1090. It has been used for royal weddings and funerals, so there are a lot of Kings and Queens buried there. If you want to take a picture, this is the place to go. It’s right next to Westminster Palace. Tube station Westminster, a modern wonder in its own right, is the closest to where you want to go.
6. The London Eye
Take a ride on the London Eye to get the best views of the city center of London. The Giant Ferris wheel was built in 2000 and opened to the public in the same year. It will take you on a 30-minute tour of Westminster and the Thames from above. It’s easiest to get to Waterloo Tube Station by taking the Waterloo line. However, getting off at Westminster and walking over Westminster Bridge adds to the fun and gives you some great views of the city.
7. The Victoria & Albert Museum
The V&A Museum, which opened in 1852, is one of the world’s largest collections of art, design, and other things. It has a lot of different kinds of things. It’s always a good idea to check the website because the exhibits and attractions there change all the time. To get in, you don’t have to pay for anything. It’s a short walk from the tube station to the museum through tree-lined streets.
8. The Cathedral of St. Paul
The first Cathedral was built and opened in 1300. The one that stands today was rebuilt and reopened in 1697. It is one of the most well-known landmarks globally and has been through fires, plagues, and wars without a scratch.
Sir Christopher Wren built this fantastic piece of engineering, and it’s open to the public every day. The Whispering Gallery is also available to visitors.
9. Tate Britain and Tate Modern
There is a lot of British art in Tate Britain, which opened in 1897. It has a lot of art from the Tudor era, including most of Turner’s work. You do not have to pay to enter. Every day of the year, the museum is open to see. People can get on the Tube at Pimlico or Westminster.
In 2000, Queen Elizabeth opened the Tate Modern, now known as the Modern. It has the world’s most extensive modern and contemporary art collection, and it always has new shows. It’s free to get in, and the gallery is open all year long. Getting to Black friars is the best way to get to the station.
10. The London Dungeons
In 1974, this horror and the history-themed attraction opened. It has a lot of gruesome and fun displays that show how London has been a bloody place in the past. Take a look when you visit the capital. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family.
Travel costs in London
Hostel prices:
It costs around 16-22 GBP per night to stay in a dorm with 4-8 beds. A dorm with 10-18 beds costs about 13-16. For 50 to 90 GBP a night, you can get a private room with a shared bathroom. As a general rule, hostels offer free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast and kitchens for self-catering.
Budget hotel prices:
A cheap hotel room costs between 80 and 100 pounds a night. Expect things like free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a coffee or tea maker. There are a lot of places to stay on Airbnb in London. It costs 45-60 GBP per night to stay in a private room. A home or apartment costs 90-120 GBP per night. Two-star budget hotels have prices between 75 and 100 euros per night. You can expect standard facilities like complimentary Wi-Fi, a television, air conditioning, and a coffee/tea maker. On Airbnb, private rooms cost between 40 and 95 euros per night, and whole residences cost between 100 and 150 euros per night. You can also book some budget hotels at www.aviasales.com
Food:
You can eat cheap in London if you stay away from restaurants and food stands on the street. You can get fish and chips or a kebab for about 7 GBP each at the store. Indian food can be bought for lunch for between 8 and 10 GBP. A pizza, burrito or sandwich costs 5 to 9 GBP at a shop. Around 6 GBP for a combo meal at fast food places like McDonald’s is what you’d pay for fast food.
14-16 GBP is what you should expect to pay if you eat traditional British food in a pub or a restaurant. A pint of beer can cost as much as 6 GBP, and a glass of wine costs about 7 GBP.
If you want to eat at a high-end restaurant in London, you’ll have to spend a lot of money. A three-course meal with a drink should cost at least 70 GBP. To save money, get the Taste Card. This diner’s club card gives 50% off at a lot of restaurants, as well as two-for-one deals. If you want to have a lot of good food, this can be a good idea. The fish and chips can only last so long.
When to Go to London?
In London, it doesn’t get icy, but it’s known for being foggy and rainy all the time. Summer is the busiest time for tourists, and the temperatures are the hottest. They rarely go above 30°C (86°F), though. In the summer, London is packed to the brim with people. The city has a fun, lively vibe. People enjoy the warm weather, and there are always a lot of events and festivals going on.
There are also great times to visit in the spring and fall. The city isn’t as crowded, and the weather is nice. Between December and February, there is a significant drop in the number of tourists. It can get very cold, and prices are a little cheaper. It will be grey, so be sure to stay warm. Because it rains a lot there, you should always bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella with you when you visit.
How to stay safe in London?
People in London aren’t get hurt very often, so it’s a good idea to go there. Scams and pickpocketing can happen in places with a lot of traffic, like around tourist attractions like the London Tower and crowded public transportation. In general, pickpockets work in groups, so be on the lookout and be aware of your surroundings.
Always keep your valuables in a safe place and out of sight. Even though London doesn’t have any really bad neighborhoods, don’t go out late at night alone, especially if you’ve had a few beers or so. Keep an eye on your drink when you’re out at the bar. Make sure you only bring the money you need to the bar. Leave the rest of your cards and cash at home.
If you have an emergency, call 999 for help. Always follow your gut. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out of the cab and leave. People who don’t like their hotel should stay somewhere else. Make copies of your passport and ID, as well as any other important documents you own.
People should buy good travel insurance, the most important thing I can tell them to do. Travel insurance will protect you from sickness, injury, theft, and trip cancellations, among other things. When something goes wrong, it’s going to cover you for everything.
Where to stay in London?
With our guide to where to stay in London, you can see the best parts of the city. London is ready to welcome you, calling all nightlife fans, country bumpkins, spa seekers, and city explorers. The capital has everything you need for a day trip or a weekend break, from afternoon tea with cats and parks full of deer to hotels with hot water bottles.
1. The Covent Garden
As a moth to a flame, Covent Garden is unique. This is the world’s longest-running play, “The Mousetrap.” You can shop both ends of the fashion spectrum, pick up a black lava sea salt ice cream, and watch it in one afternoon if you want. Take a luxurious break in one of The Hospital Club’s 15 boutique rooms, or in one of its bars, the restaurant, or on its rooftop terrace after you’ve done your shopping.
2. Hampstead
This beautiful part of London has gorgeous scenery and amazing views of the city from the top of its famous Heath. Around the village, there are small shops and cafes, interesting architecture, and the unique Hampstead Village Guesthouse. As well as having unique decor, this detached Victorian B&B has a lot of home comforts, like hot water bottles, cell phones, and a house laptop.
3. Peckham
One of the city’s cheapest movie theatres and best clubs in Peckham. You should go there if you’re into different and cool things. A cheap Chinese restaurant called Silk Road is just a short walk away. You would be foolish to go there without a reservation. But you could always eat and sleep at The Victoria Inn, a traditional British pub with many beautiful boutique rooms on the top floor.
4. Dalston
Lots of things make Dalston an excellent place to live or visit. A lot of the cool pubs, cafes and restaurants haven’t changed at all. A lot of work hasn’t been done on it yet. Good mix of young and older adults. There are still plenty of places to go out in the evening. London Fields and leafy Islington are just a few short walks away, and the Overground makes getting to other parts of London easy.
5. Richmond
To add a little country whimsy to your schedule, head straight for Richmond. A vast and very royal park with deer that are free to roam around is here, as well as Kew Gardens and the Bingham. This riverside hotel has elegantly designed rooms (six of which look out over the River Thames) and a restaurant with a very Instagram-friendly menu so that you can show it off to your friends and family.
Frequently asked questions:
In what month is the cheapest time to go to London?
In London, one of the most expensive cities globally, things will be a little cheaper if you go outside of peak season. If you want to have good weather but not be in the middle of the crowds, think about going to London in April, May, September, or October.
In London, how much does it cost for a meal?
People in London can expect to pay $13 to $16 for the main course meal without drinking at a restaurant or pub.
Is London safe?
Like most cities in the western world, London is a safe place for tourists to visit. Keep an eye out for pickpockets and scams, especially when you’re in a touristy area.