The UK capital is regarded as a global tourist destination. It's easy to see why, as with a population in excess of 8 million and a history stretching as far back as the Roman era, London has plenty to offer. For those wanting to come and see the sights, it can be a little daunting. London is the world's 23rd most populous city, so going to a place with so many people requires a certain amount of preparation and time management.
If you want to go to London as a tourist, here are a few things to consider as a means of ensuring you're not spending your entire visit shoulder to shoulder with other people.
Time of Year
As with planning any holiday, the time of year that you choose to make your visit has a significant bearing on how busy the major tourist spots are. The height of summer and Christmas time are busy times for London. Summer as the schools are off for the summer holidays, and a lot of Brits choose to come to the capital over Christmas.
The British weather is unlikely to have a bearing on coming to London. There can be extended periods of rainy weather right through July, and equally, you might get a mini heatwave in mid-October. Spring and autumn are likely to be quieter for visitors.
Time of Day
The truth is that London is a business centre, meaning that there will always be a significant rush hour twice a day. As long as you can coordinate your planned activities out with 8-9 in the morning and 5-6 at night, you won’t get stuck in commuter traffic or caught on the Underground. Getting into a café for a cup of tea is the best move for this time.
Where to Go
Space has a huge bearing on how well you can enjoy the sites of London. It might be an idea to time outdoor activities with the busier times of day, and indoor trips to when it’s quieter. You’d be better off to be stuck in a crowd outside Buckingham Palace or Trafalgar Square, rather than trying to see Harrods or the British Museum.
The likes of Covent Garden offers the best of both worlds, as the main part of the market is very spacious but covered over. Here you have the opportunity to visit high-end retailers, but it's also the perfect spot to grab a seat at an outdoor café and watch street performers ply their trade, or you can book one of the many restaurants in the area for dinner. This is especially handy if you have scheduled to see a show in the evening.
Think Outside the Box
You can get a more personal view of London by being a little more creative with your sightseeing. Try to do some research into undiscovered London, and keep yourself from falling into the usual tourist traps. Many places to be considered on the up can be found in the newly gentrified neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Camden Town.
Much has been written about these neighbourhoods, and all kinds of interesting shops and restaurants are popping up over the town. Just wandering around the streets is an activity in of itself.
Going to London doesn’t have to be several days standing in queues and accidentally straying into the frames of other tourists photos. A bit of planning and insider knowledge can help you create an experience that is unique to you.
