There’s no city quite like London. With its hustle and bustle, vibrant atmosphere and vast history, London is a great place to take a city break. There are plenty of sites to see, places to eat and shops to visit.
However, for a city the size of London, getting around can feel a bit tricky. If you find yourself without a map in the English capital, here’s how to navigate London.
Make friends with public transport
Such a busy city needs transport to keep the wheels in motion, so you want to get to know your transport options when you visit London. Of course, there is the famous London underground, with multiple tube lines that can take you to popular locations throughout the city.
However, there isn’t just the tube. Buses in London run from as early as 5:00am until midnight and are a cost-effective way to travel around the city. Bus routes not only serve the main attractions of London but allow you to see city as you travel! Fancy something more alternative? Check out London river buses and tours for a relaxing, sightseeing tour of the city.
Plan your itinerary
Before you take your trip to London, you want to think about what exactly you would like to see during your visit. This way you can group together any attractions in the same locations or nearby.
For example, if you want to visit Hyde Park, it’s located near Harrods, Kensington Gardens, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, along with other sites. The Tower of London, for example, is on the other side of the city, so it would be better to visit on a different day.
By sectioning the different landmarks you want to see into close locations will make it easier for you to travel around that area. Some locations such as Covent Garden are within walking distance of Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, and there are plenty of signs to keep you on the right track!
Take advantage of cycling
You can hire bikes in London that allows you to cycle across the city if you’re feeling a little adventurous. Santander Cycles docking stations are located throughout the city, making it easy to get around London and see the sites.
The first 30 minutes of your journey is free, and after that you can hire the bike for just £2 to last you 24 hours. For any traveller looking to save some money, this is a great way to transport yourself around the city!
Stay in a convenient location
The location you stay can also help you to navigate your way around London. For example, Shepherd’s Bush is located on the Central line, which is only 7 stops from Oxford Circus or 5 stops from Marble Arch, on the corner of Hyde Park.
If you’re looking for accommodation, the Dorsett Hotel, Shepherds Bush, is ideally situated close to underground stations as well as a bus stop directly outside the door. This gives you quick access to Central London without having to worry about mapping out your journey.