This city never sleeps, similarly to me when in London. There is always so much to do and see in London from shows and concerts to eating cultural diverse food and visiting museums. The weather can sometimes dampen your plans, make sure you always have a jacket and umbrella with you.
I have stayed both central and on the outskirts of London on my two visits and can say its definitely a personal preference. Renting an airbnb both times Wimbledon boasted a family environment, cafes and shops as well as a safe surrounding. I would love to some day have a house there although being a bit far out of the city itself it's what I look for when I'm staying somewhere. Last year we booked a beautiful apartment near Euston/Kings Cross Station, it was a small sized apartment but was so beautiful and located very conveniently. I would recommend if you're going to London stay in an Airbnb or a hostel because prices for a lease and a hotel are ridiculous. It was very convenient for the tube,( the main stations that host more than one line are Kings Cross, Victoria, Waterloo, and Liverpool Street, Euston) busses and a car if you have access to one. In relation to driving in London, I'd advise not too; there is so much vehicle traffic and you're so much better off catching the tube or train if you want to get somewhere... Kings Cross station has a fair few lines attached so chances are you don't have to change or it's just one change if necessary provided you can stay local. You'll need an 'oyster' travel card when you're traveling via public transport- you can pick these up at the station and they have daily deals if I'm not mistaken, also if your return the card you get a 5 pound deposit back.
London itself is very big, if you've got a few days I'd say space out your adventures and make sure you explore the hidden gems of the city. Most tourist attractions are accessible by the tube and a short walk so don't stress about buses and trains all that much! The main sights you'd want to see are Big Ben/ Parliament House (westminster and bridge, circle, district and jubilee line) - if you have time take a walk around, book a tour because I don't think you can singularly tour the building. Within walking distance you have the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, St Paul Cathedral, The Shakespeare Globe, Buckingham Palace (Green Park - Jubilee and Victoria Line), Trafalgar Square, South Bank, London Bridge (Jubilee or northern Line). If you don't fancy a long walk there are tube stops along the way. Allow 35 minutes at each place if you can so you can really have a look. Buckingham Palace you can go inside certain areas but it does cost same with most attractions just be aware of that because they can all add up if you are on a budget. Check out the Shard, Tate Modern if you're around the area as well!
Other places i'd recommend are Nottinghill/ Ladborke Grove, just be smart about when you go because it tends to be busy on weekends. On the bright side there is good eating, so be sure to check it out. If you don't fancy a feed be sure to take a walk and explore the area. North London is also similarly just as casual so if its nice weather you can pack a picnic, and park up near Prime rose hill to watch the sunset over the city, nice if you want to do something different and don't want to spend money. There is also Paddington basin - they have set up a floating park and canals, be sure to pack some food and set out for the day! East London is Sydney's answer to Newtown. There are endless cool bars, cool things to do, good food. I'd suggest going during the day to familarious yourself with the area before checking out at night if you're not from the area. There are vintage shops and is classified the 'hipster' area of London.
If you are interested in history and museums which I was you'd love these suggestions. Huntarian Museum (Holborn Station on the Central & Piccadilly line) During Christmas check out the sir john stones, candlelight tour (Holborn Station on the Central & Piccadilly line) British Museum (Tottenham Court Road on the Central or Northern Line or Holborn on the Central & Piccadilly line) Nation History Museum (South Kennsington Station on the Circle, Ditrict, and Picadilly line) Victorian Albert Mueasum (South Kennsington on the Circle, Ditrict and Picadilly Line)
Other Places of Interest: Richmond park (richmond train station on the district line and overground train) Kew Gardens (richmond train station on the district line and overground train) Comic Garden (Piccadilly Line)
I'll be sure to add anymore adventures this year to my London Post so stay tuned! Want to stay where I did? Click here.
