A mini guide to travelling London, England

London is simultaneously one of the most modern cities on earth, while at the same time boasting a rich history that’s clearly visible at every turn.

Contemporary architecture sits seamlessly alongside modern high-rise buildings like the Gherkin and ancient traditions are maintained as it embraces and develops cutting edge technology.

This curious mix makes the capital city of England a fascinating place to visit and is part of the reason why it’s home to almost 9 million people. There is so much to occupy your time here that it can be hard to narrow down the options.

Here’s my guide to travelling London, England.

Πίνακας περιεχομένων
Things To See and Do
Που να μείνω
What to eat and Drink
When to Visit
How to get around London
Ready to travel to London?

Things To See and Do

Let’s start with the best part: what to see and do in London.

Do you know what’s better than great attractions? great attractions that are free.

Free Attractions in London

Self-guided walking tours featuring seven distinct routes, all mapped out for you. Whether you’d like to stroll through the suburbs, woods and parks, iconic landmarks, or something else, you can download route directions right here.

Catching free museum exhibits is a great way to save some cash. check out the British Museum, national Gallery, national portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, natural history Museum, science Museum, V&A, the two Museums of London, and the British Library.

All major public events in the capital – carnivals, fairs, open theatres, and more – cost nothing to attend! You’ll find an events calendar here.

Big Ben, house of Parliament, Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Camden Market, Convent Garden, and small theatre performances are other free/affordable ways to soak in the city’s charms and historical richness. 

παλάτι του Μπάκιγχαμ

This is where the Queen of England actually lives when she’s in London and has been home to the British royal family since 1837.

Though you can’t actually enter the grounds other than for a short period during the summer months, it’s still a spectacular building to look at from the outside.

Watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace is another can’t-miss tradition that won’t cost you a penny. So is the changing of the horse guards.

The changing of the horse guards happens at 11 a.m. at Whitehall, and the changing of the guard happens at 11:30 a.m. at Buckingham Palace.

The palace of Westminster & big Ben

Alternatively known as the houses of Parliament thanks to being the meeting place for the Parliament of the United Kingdom, The palace of Westminster is a grand complex overlooking the River Thames.

It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in the capital city and is also home to big Ben.

Though many people believe this to be the name of the clock tower, it actually refers to the enormous bell within it that has chimed out across the city for over 150 years.

The palace of Westminster looks particularly spectacular seen from across the river at night when its illuminated reflection appears in the River Thames.

Καθεδρικός Ναός του Αγίου Παύλου

This vast cathedral dates back to the 17th century, and its giant dome dominated the London skyline for over 200 years throughout which it remained the tallest building in the city.

Even though it has been eclipsed by the many skyscrapers that have been built over the past 40 years, it’s still one of London’s most impressive and recognizable buildings. It’s a working church and services of worship are still held here at various times each day, as well as other significant ceremonies and celebrations.

Αβαείο του Γουέστμινστερ

Westminster Abbey, the church where royal coronations and burials have taken place for ages, is normally 20 GBP to visit. If you’re there to worship on Sundays, it’s free.

Visit the Art Galleries

London is home to some of the most famous and prominent art galleries in the world including the Tate Britain and its contemporary art namesake the Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery and the national Gallery.

You’ll find the works of virtually every leading artist on display at any one time in London making it the perfect destination for any art buff.

Even if you don’t know your Van Gogh from your Dali, many of the galleries are housed in impressive buildings and are free to enter.

The British museum & natural history Museum

Often referred to as the greatest museum in the world, the British museum has a mind-blowing collection of historical artifacts, treasures from across the globe and artwork covering a two million year period.

The natural history museum also has an impressive collection that spans even further, stretching billions of years. There’s a large collection of virtually complete dinosaur skeletons, huge amounts of information on the history and formation of the planet, as well as the most up to date learnings on the natural world, spread out across 36 galleries.

Το London Eye

Constructed to mark the turn of the millennium, the London Eye was at that time the largest Ferris wheel in the world. though it’s since been surpassed in height by various developments, today it still forms a prominent part of the London skyline.

From the large glass capsules, you get a unique, uninterrupted bird’s-eye view out across London.

Πύργος του Λονδίνου

One of the most historically significant buildings in the city, the Tower of London’s 900-year narrative is as notorious as it is illustrious.

Tours are conducted by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who will regale you with tales of betrayal, treachery and deceit.

See the mesmerizing Crown jewels which are on display here, learn about the gruesome events that have taken place within the walls as well as the ghosts that are said to inhabit the building to this day.

Που να μείνω

Put simply, London is huge and as such has a wide variety of accommodation options open to you. most of the major attractions are located within a relatively small distance of each other in the centre of the city, making central London the best location to set up base.

Bloomsbury is an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding areas. only a short walk away you’ll find the popular areas of Russell Square, Oxford street and Covent garden as well as the British museum and London’s famous West end theatre district.

There’s also an underground station in the area meaning it’s extremely convenient to get further afield as well.

If a hotel close to the center of London is more your jam, expect to spend around 100 GBP (or more) per night. In the outskirts of the city, however, that will drop to about 40 GBP.

Hostels will cost you 20-40 GBP for a dorm room, with private rooms starting at 55 GBP.

Of course, as with everywhere else, Airbnbs are huge in London. opt for an entire flat to yourself, or get to know your local host and book a room in a shared home. Click here for your Airbnb discount code. 

If you’re really on a budget, you can check out the Couchsurfing hosts in London.

No matter where you decide to stay when travelling in London, make sure it’s in a central location. You don’t want to spend your travel days on transportation when you could be out exploring the city. See more: The complete guide to London’s Neighbourhoods.

What to eat and Drink

The Borough Market and brick Lane both feature lots of food options that fall on the cheap side. Pub fare is always affordable, with fried and homestyle foods on offer. check out these best historic pubs in London.

For a high-end experience, the seven Park place at the St. James’s hotel is recommended. 

It’s described as French-cuisine-meets-the-best-British-ingredients. The food here takes inspiration from the seasons. expect to spend 58 GBP for a three-course lunch paired with wines.

Here are some dishes you won’t want to miss when visiting London.

Sunday Roast and Yorkshire Pudding – Traditionally eaten as a family meal each Sunday, this dish consists of roasted meat, vegetables and Yorkshire Pudding which is a batter cooked in the oven, all covered in a rich gravy.

Chicken Tikka Massala – Though chicken tikka masala is served up in Indian restaurants up and down the country, it was actually invented in the UK. This mildly spiced chicken in a creamy sauce has gone on to become the nation’s favourite dish.

Ale – England has a reputation for serving up warm, flat beer, and to an extent this is accurate. traditional ale is not fizzy but naturally lightly carbonated and has a slightly bitter taste.

Tea – You can’t go to England without drinking a cup of tea, a national obsession amongst Brits. English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Yorkshire Tea are some of the most popular.

Also don’t miss fish & chips, pie & mash, and a full English breakfast!

When to Visit

England has notoriously poor weather for much of the year, and though London is a year-round city, if you’re after warmer, drier weAther τότε είναι καλύτερο να επισκεφθείτε τους καλοκαιρινούς μήνες.

Ιούνιος, Ιούλιος και Αύγουστος βλέπουν ζεστές θερμοκρασίες και λιγότερη βροχή από το συνηθισμένο, αν και οι ντους εξακολουθούν να είναι συχνές. Αυτοί οι μήνες είναι επίσης φωτεινότεροι με το φως της ημέρας που διαρκεί μέχρι τις 21:00.

Ο χειμώνας μεταξύ Νοεμβρίου και Ιανουαρίου μερικές φορές βλέπει το χιόνι, καθώς οι θερμοκρασίες γίνονται χαμηλές ώρες και οι ώρες της ημέρας γίνονται πολύ μικρότερες.

Δείτε επίσης: Πώς να απολαύσετε μια φτηνή βραδιά στο West End του Λονδίνου

Πώς να φτάσετε στο Λονδίνο

Το Λονδίνο είναι μια εξαιρετικά προσβάσιμη πόλη και υπάρχουν διάφορες μέθοδοι για να περάσετε – όταν μπορείτε, προσπαθήστε να κινηθείτε με τα πόδια για να αποφύγετε πλήθη, να κολλήσετε στην κυκλοφορία και να απολαύσετε όλα τα αξιοθέατα στην πορεία!

Το υπόγειο ή το “σωλήνα” του Λονδίνου, όπως αναφέρεται τοπικά, είναι ένα υπόγειο σιδηροδρομικό δίκτυο που καλύπτει την πλειοψηφία της πρωτεύουσας και είναι εύκολο να πλοηγηθεί.

Υπάρχει επίσης ένα καλό σύστημα λεωφορείων, αν και μπορεί να είναι πιο δύσκολο να επεξεργαστείτε τις διαδρομές.

Μέσα στο κέντρο μπορείτε να προσλάβετε ποδήλατα αυτοεξυπηρέτησης σε σταθμούς σύνδεσης σε όλη την πόλη. Υπάρχουν επίσης μαύρες καμπίνες ή ταξί, αλλά αυτά μπορούν να λειτουργήσουν για να είναι πολύ πιο ακριβά από άλλες μεθόδους μεταφοράς.

Φυσικά, μπορείτε πάντα να καλέσετε μια εταιρεία Rideshare, όπως Uber, Bolt ή Ola.

Είστε έτοιμοι να ταξιδέψετε στο Λονδίνο;

Το Λονδίνο είναι μια πόλη γεμάτη ιστορία, πολιτισμό, ψυχαγωγία και αξιοθέατα παγκόσμιας κλάσης και δεν αποτελεί έκπληξη το γεγονός ότι πάνω από 30 εκατομμύρια άνθρωποι επισκέπτονται κάθε χρόνο από όλο τον κόσμο.

Υπάρχει πραγματικά κάτι εδώ για όλους, από υπέροχα εστιατόρια, απίστευτη αρχιτεκτονική και κλασικά ξενοδοχεία, είναι ένα μέρος που μπορείτε να επιστρέψετε ξανά και ξανά και να συνεχίσετε να ανακαλύπτετε νέα πράγματα.

Όπως αυτό το άρθρο; Κάντε το!

Αποποίηση ευθυνών: Οι κατσίκες στο δρόμο είναι ένας συνεργάτης του Αμαζονίου και επίσης θυγατρική για μερικούς άλλους λιανοπωλητές. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι κερδίζουμε προμήθειες εάν κάνετε κλικ στο σύνδεσμο στο ιστολόγιό μας και αγοράζετε από αυτούς τους λιανοπωλητές.