Things You Should Know When Visiting London
The capital of England is filled with both amusing and cultural attraction that warrant observation, and that won’t leave anyone disappointed. The main problem is that the town itself is so specious and expensive, thus you won’t be able to see everything on your list. London has a rich history, it has seen the fall of many dynasties, endured many hardships and eventually became the paragon of the term ‘Empire”. One thing is certain — you will want to come back and spend more time here after your first visit. Here are a few tips for those who are visiting this capitol for the first time.
Finding a place to stay
Before you bear witness to all the Norman, Gothic and Tudor architecture, museums galleries, etc. you will need a good place to stay, somewhere you can relax and process all the experience. Depending on your budget, you can opt for London apartments, boutique hotels, hostels or simply bed and breakfasts. This is where websites like WorldEscape can really shave off a lot of work. You can also go with London holiday apartments, since they are bound to provide you with a great view and a cosy atmosphere, perfect for you to unwind.
Monuments
The best thing to do is visit all the structures London is renowned for, after all, everyone back home will ask you about your impressions related to those places. Start the tour off by visiting the national seat of democracy, also known as the Houses of Parliament. This also makes a great starting point to begin your walking tour of the capital’s West End. Then Trafalgar square should be the next one on your list, where you can take a look through the National Gallery, and proceed to the Buckingham Palace, and perhaps take a picture of Queen’s Guard, but do not expect to see the queen there, it is a common misconception. Finally, finish at Hyde Park and take a good rest, since your feet will probably be filled with blisters, from all the endless walking. This leaves visiting the great clock tower Big Ben for tomorrow.
Art galleries and museums
It is common knowledge that London is home to some of the best art galleries in the whole world. The National Gallery is located at the very centre of the capitol, and has the largest collection of Western European art. Take a bus from National Gallery to Tate Britain, the entrance here is free of charge, and you can see the Turner collection displayed. As far as modern art is concerned, you can find it inside Saatchi Gallery, and all works exhibited here are true masterworks.
Due to the history of colonialism, Britain has obtained some of the most renowned cultural treasures from all over the world. Considering this hostile takeover, the best way Britain could redeem for its actions is to allow visitors to look at these treasures for free. Bloomsbury is a museum where you can find artefacts from various ancient civilizations, like Parthenon’s Elgin marbles, statues of Tutankhamun boy king, as well as artefacts from the Viking age. The Natural History Museum is yet another must, in terms of visiting, since it exhibits natural wonders from across the globe.
If you are a shopaholic
A hunger for latest trends in fashion can be satisfied by taking a walk through Oxford Street, however, be prepared to stand in queue, and never try to cut in lines. There are many flagship high streets stores, and you can really get a good bargains for the clothes you intend to shop. For those interested in more luxurious shops, they are located around Mayfair, or to be precise Bond Street, some of the window shopping experience happen there, since buying something will take a big bite out of your budget.
I hope the article has given you a rough insight into how to organize your visit. London is truly a memorable experience, but it will always leave you wanting for more, so better make the best of this visit. Once again, be very careful with your budget, and opt for galleries and museums that are free in order to save more for shopping.
