London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is one of the most visited, important and distinctive cities in the world.

If you visit Great Britain, you should consider your trip as a double destination: London (the city, as its inhabitants call it) and the rest of the country. London is one of the two global cities of the world type Alpha + (along with New York). And is not for less. It is a world-class political, financial and cultural center.

So it is not surprising that there is so much to see in London. That is why we share in this article some tips and tricks to make your stay in the city more pleasant.

 

• Visa requirements have become stricter in recent years. Even more so after Brexit, the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union. One of the hottest topics in the Brexit campaign was precisely having greater control of immigration to the United Kingdom. Those who supported Brexit said that the controls were very lax and managed from Brussels. That is why it is essential that you research the visa requirements for your particular country.

• London is a cosmopolitan city. Which means that you will have all the facilities of a large city when it comes to moving, paying, etc. As always, we recommend that you bring some cash in the local currency (sterling) for small expenses such as buses, for example. Keep in mind that the British pound is more expensive than the US dollar and the euro.

• As you know, the official language is English. The variety of British English differs from American by the accent and the use of certain words in American English, but if you have some competence with American English you will have no major inconvenience in making yourself understood. It is still a sign that you received a good education to speak Queen’s English, which is the accent with which, for example, Shakespearean actors or BBC announcers speak.

• When you arrive in the UK you will be approached by customs officers and asked standard questions such as information about your departure flight to verify that you do not intend to stay. Where you will stay and for how long. They may also ask you what you do. If you go as a tourist, you should be ready in case they ask you what places you are going to visit. If you have reservation tickets to tourist attractions, parks, museums, show them. They may also ask you if you have cash and how much. You must respond with good humor and patiently. Don’t make jokes or lie.

• The best season to visit London is summer because of the temperature. However, London (and the rest of Great Britain) is very humid and rainy. In fact, the British joke quite a bit about their “sunny weather.” Go prepared with boots, a raincoat and an umbrella. As a curious fact, it is common for English to start a conversation talking about the weather.

• We prefer to travel around London in the traditional red double-decker buses. Thus, you can enjoy the views of the city. And it’s very British. The Metro system covers the entire city. Interestingly, bus transportation is much cheaper than the metro. Both systems are efficient and punctual.

• Obviously, in London you also have Uber at your disposal. You don’t need cash and you contact them through the application. It is cheaper than traditional taxis.

• There is a ticket that for a single payment can be used throughout the day. It is ideal if you want to take advantage of your last day in London walking through different places before going to the airport. With this ticket you can do that without having to stop to buy a ticket to the airport.

• London is quite an expensive city. That is why it is essential to carry out prior research. Do a search to stay near the tourist places and with easy access to bus and metro lines to save transportation.

• It is important to know which airport to arrive at. In London there are about six airports. The most important in London (and one of the busiest in the world) is Heathrow (26 Kms from the center) and has direct access to the tube. The one in Gatwick, for example, is 43 minutes (45 Kms) from the center and the one in City is only 14 Kms. Many times a cheaper air ticket implies arrival at an airport further away from the center or with transport connections that are not so easy. . Evaluate that.

• Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are free things in London. The best of which are the famous museums. They are impressive: the British Museum (one of the best in the world), the National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Gallery, Westminster Abbey and much more. Its magnificent collections are due to the legacy of the British Empire when Great Britain was the most powerful nation in the world.

• Also, in London you can get accommodation from 45 US dollars. That is why prior research is important.
  In how

 

To eat, it is advisable to go to the markets. Something very curious is that in the markets of the city it is possible that prepared meals that are not sold during the day are auctioned at very low prices towards the end of the afternoon. The water is free. Tap water is drinkable and you can go to any restaurant and ask for water and they give it to you without problem.

Food in a restaurant ordered to go is always cheaper than if you stay at the place to eat it. We would buy food in a restaurant and then go to a nice square to eat it. Without any problem.

If you have desires to travel and see the world, we think that you must necessarily include London in your itinerary. And dispense not one but all the visits you can.

And we are sure that no matter how many visits you give to this beautiful city, you will always discover something new in it.