London is the kind of city which just begs to be explored. There is much to see and experience there, even people who have lived in the capital their whole lives haven’t seen all of it. So where on earth would you start with a layover? There’s a limited time to see what London has to offer. However, rather than worry about your lack of time – focus on making the most of it. Get yourself organised and get yourself sightseeing.
Allow Transport Times
London can be a minefield to navigate. It’s the largest city in the country and getting from one side to the other can take hours. Whether you’re departing from Heathrow or going to Gatwick Airport, you need to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel. The train is going to be your best bet as it can get you to where you need to be, and you don’t need to stress about traffic. This goes for in the city itself, too. Don’t be intimated to go underground, and use the tube. Once you get going it’s such an easy system to use and you’ll be hitting the sights in no time.
South Bank
If you’re aiming to tick off a fair few of the iconic sights of the city – South Bank is a good place to start. Follow the Thames and you can see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral. There are restaurants, galleries and boutiques to boot as well. Look out for the secondhand book and record market under one of the bridges. To get a taste of the sights London has to offer, strolling along the South Bank is a lively place to start.
Pop to the Shops
From book shops tucked under bridges, to the world famous Harrods – London’s shopping scene is second to none. Whether you want the super-size chains on Oxford Street or some charming character in Camden, there’ll be a place which fits your price range. Remember though – it may have to fit back in your hand luggage, so don’t go too overboard.
Grab a Drink
When in England, it would be rude not to pop into the pub for a cheeky pint or gin and tonic. You are truly spoilt for choice for bars. Whether you want an English bitters or want to get into the spirit of things with a cocktail, you’ll find just the right spot. Looking for some inspiration? Check out Time Out’s ultimate guide to drinking in London.
People say you never get tired of London and no matter how many hours you get to spend there, you’ll find yourself thinking along the same lines. What are some of your dream destinations in the capital?