Considered the world’s first modern city, London appeals to just about everyone. You won’t see everything in two days, but here’s how you can plan to enjoy London in just one weekend.
Stay Close to the Main Action
You will need to venture out to see the city. And staying too far from anything exciting will cost you more time and money. You can save both by booking accommodation close to many of the main attractions, transport hubs, and bars and restaurants. Of course, there are tons of hotels to choose from. But The Resident Covent Garden is in the heart of London at a reasonable price. Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, and Cleopatra’s Needle are just a short walk away.
Get to Know The Tube
Like New York’s Underground, most Londoners and tourists alike rely on “The Tube” to get around. London’s underground rail was the first in the world and is extensive, connecting every part of the city right out into the suburbs. All trains arrive in less than 10 minutes, and you never need to worry about traffic. Fairs are pretty cheap, anyway. But you can save money using an Oyster prepay card that grants you access to the entire London Underground network.
Enjoy London in Just One Weekend in the West End
There’s something for everyone in London, like any other major city. However, you will find the best that the city has to offer in the famous West End. Hundreds of years of building have made it famous for royal palaces, mansions, and high-end shopping. But it’s also home to a vast amount of stunning theaters, such as the Adelphi Theater, Criterion, and the London Palladium. It’s often expensive, but you can get cheaper tickets in the winter among some of the best cafés.
Save Money with Museums
If there’s something that there’s no shortage of in London, it’s museums. Currently, there are over 170 museums in London. And the great news is that the vast majority don’t cost a penny. Of course, you can donate, but you don’t have to. This makes them excellent for large families or if you are on a tight budget. The British Museum, The National Gallery, and The Science Museum are all open to the public completely free of charge. Please exit via the gift shop!
Make a List of Varied Cuisines
London is known as one of the most culturally vibrant places in the world, with over 250 languages spoken within. Lucky for you, as a savvy traveler, that means there are just as many cuisines for you to choose from. Of course, you could never sample them all on the weekend. But you should make a short list of what you want to try. British cuisine has come a long way since the 60s. But there’s also a large number of Asian and fine French dining establishments.
Summary
You can enjoy London in just one weekend with some planning. First, book a hotel close to the action. Then explore the vast culture of the West End, and head out for multicultural cuisine.
Header image: Long exposure shot of Westminster at night – Image Courtesy of Pexels
