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48 Hours In The City Of London


The name "London" seems to consistently make its way into our lives. So many countries have cultures that are fantastic, but completely unbeknownst to us. But instilled in us is a knowledge of culture in this city. However, there are many things that we do not know. I'm will make it my mission to share the unknown gems of this culture. London England is known for it's long profaned history of the knights in shinning armor, kings & queens, and famous landmarks you may even recognize. But when it comes to London, one does not simply visit the city. You live the full experience no matter the length of your visit.

Follow me as I venture off into the beautiful city of Central London. From my experience, I WILL...

  • Teach you how to navigate the transportation systems within the rustic city (Trains, buses, rental bikes, and taxi/Uber) without getting yourself lost.

  • Show you some tours which I personally love, that are by far the BEST for your liking such as; "Jack The Ripper" tour, "The Double Decker Bus" tours. And for the Harry Potter fans "The Magical Harry Potter" tours.

  • Help you locate the best spots to take unique pics that the average tourist always overlooks, for those who are looking to take Instagram worthy photos.

  • Lastly, to finish off your full day of sight seeing Central London, I'll help you find a place to refill and recharge. The city is filled with various places with good quality food and beer/wine. Or maybe you don't want to drink a pint of beer. You will be able to find many laid back cafes around the city to drink tea and coffee. You might even spark up a conversation with a local.

Navigating Central London:

There are multiple means of transportation to get around Central London. But when it comes down to which one is the best, it's all about preference. That and the location, the time of day, and of course the weather.

From my personal experience, here are some ideas for transportation that will help you along your journey.

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  • Apps: The first thing you need to do is download the CITY MAPPER app. This is very helpful and simple to use. Basically all you have to do is set your current location and the destination.

The perks of using this app helps you find the easiest short cuts to get around the city. This help prevents people from getting lost while walking, driving (buses/taxi/car), biking, trains, etc. And lastly, the app itself calculates the cost of your trip.

CITY MAPPER app

  • Walking: Depending on the time of day if it's morning, afternoon, evening, or at night. Traffic build up can make things very complicated when getting to your destination. One of the benefits you will receive from walking is total EXPLORATION.

From my adventures in London, I was able to create bonds that turned into new friendships. I took time to take a glimpse and be in the presence of historical/national landmarks as I was filming and taking photos. All of this was made possible by taking a risk to walk under the beautiful weather. And also I found £5 or (pounds) GBP laying on the ground.

The use of my own feet helped me avoid the two hour traffic rush. Of all the countries I have traveled to, walking is the reason why I personally love this option of transportation. And not forgetting to mention it's 100% FREE.

Note: Be sure to follow the crosswalk signs. Especially to look both ways while walking of course.

  • Biking: The second option of transportation are Santander bikes. You can find over hundreds of these, located all around central London. The use of your bank card (debit/credit) would get you 24 hours of full access of any rental bike. Only with a small fee of 2£. If you use any bike under 30 minutes, the ride will be 100% FREE. Anything past the 30 minute mark, you will be charged an additional 2£. Biking around the parks and city of London is one of many options for transportation, that are less costly and more enjoyable forms of transportation.

Note: Be aware to ride in the bike lanes to avoid hitting any pedestrians. From my last visit in London, I almost gotten myself hit by an unknown biker that was unfamiliar to the rules and regulations to biking.

And lastly, reduce the use of mobile devices such as cell phones while on the bike or even walking. This not only protects you (biker), it also prevents the walker and yourself from causing a collusion.

  • Above Ground/Underground: If you plan to stay a little bit longer than a few days with friends, family, or even by yourself. I highly advise getting an Visitor Oyster Card. A 20£ visitor's card is 50% cheaper for tourist to get around. And this allows you full access of all nine zones and eleven tube lines. But as a reminder, price differs between how far your destination is located.

Throughout the week, Monday-Thursday tube services run from 5AM to midnight. On the exception of certain lines, may or not run on Friday and Saturday evenings.

  • Buses: The bus system is very easy to use, especially if you were to compare it the underground tubes of central London. Both buses and underground/overground tubes all use the same Oyster Card. It only requires you to"tap and go". But be sure to use CityMapper to help you identify the next stop of your destination.

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  • (Taxi/Uber)Which one should I choose?:

Both, Taxi and Uber are equally great forms of transportation. To actually determine which one is MOST reliable depends on your taste.

Personally I don't think there is no right or wrong answer to this. You can easily locate many taxi all around London. But if you decide to take a taxi, there's two things you need to know; Some Taxi drivers are not on duty. And the taxi rides are expensive.

I would say it's cool to take the black cabs/taxi, for sake of the FULL London experience. To be more realistic, the Uber is much more efficient for the fact you are able to use the app to call for a ride anywhere at anytime. The Cost for an Uber is a lot CHEAPER and you would only need is your debit/credit card. Lastly, it's guaranteed you will arrive to your destination on time.

Bonus: If you get lost, don't be afraid to ask anyone for directions.

Things You Need To Know When Touring London:

The most important tip you need to know. Every mayor city in Europe offers at least one free walking tours, this including London as well. You will be provided with local tour guides that are well rounded in history, culture, and most delicious places for food. And lot of tour guides from SANDEMAN's NEW EUROPE , are diverse many different languages such as; English, Spanish, French, etc.

  • Jack The Ripper Tours: This particular 2 hour walking tour will uncover dark parts of London's mysterious history including; The first psychiatric hospital (Bedlam). Learn things you didn't know about the Bubonic "Black Plague", and how it greatly impacted thousands of Londoners in the 14th century. And lastly, be submerge in many other legendary, devious, and twisted stories of London. Such as the infamous "Jack The Ripper".

  • Harry Potter Tours: Are you a fan of the "Harry Potter" novels and movies? If so, you are going to definitely love this particular tour. You will be taken on a magical journey into the hidden wizarding world. You and your group of wizards are going to partake on the same adventures Harry, Ron, and, Hermione once did. The tour guide will cover all places from the novels/films including; Diagon Alley, master craftsmen and wandmakers, Gringotts, and many more places/stories to tell.

If you sign up now and get your ticket to Platform 9¾. You will learn to unlock your full potential within the dark arts of Hogwarts. (And also, Muggles are NOT allowed)

  • Bus Tours: The double Decker Bus tours are a really great alternative. This allows you to learn and sight see all of central London. All while getting a little familiar with the city, without the use of your legs. Which also saves you tons of time and you can avoid getting lost in the big city for your first time visiting.

What makes the double the Decker Bus tours very different from most tours. You have the ability hop on and hop off at anytime, within 45 stops of the ride. And PLUS, free WiFi is included.

So if I was you, I would book the Double Decker Bus Tour right... NOW!

You will only good prices at BIGBUS LONDON

Bonus: Maybe you could be like me, who does not want to spend a lot of money. But desires to have tons of fun while keeping your spending budget at a low.

You're in lucky! Because there is plenty of FREE things to do in central London. yes, you heard me. Here's a list of my 5 favorite free things to do.

How to take the best photos of London:

Now for all of my fellow travelers out there, that have been waiting to know the right places in London, to take quality photos that are Instagram worthy. Or even just loves to take photos for memorable moments to reflect upon. You came to the right person! HERE ARE SOME PLACES I RECOMMEND.

  • Telephone boxes: You're probably wondering why telephone boxes are in this selection. The bright red tone of the telephone boxes gives you so many options to be creative with taking selfies and building architecture.

  • The Millennium Bridge: What makes this more special than the London Tower, you have an 360 degree beautiful view London. And if anyone is a Harry Potter fan, he/she would remember this bridge...

  • St. Paul's Cathedral: If you follow me on my travels, you can would notice I have a deep infatuation for cathedrals and the architectural character designs. St. Paul's Cathedral sit high on the list for one of BEST Insta-gramable landmarks in London. Believe me, can you take a photo of this cathedral in anyway creative you want. And I promise you it will come out magical.

  • Tower Bridge: This particular view of the iconic tower Bridge is the true spectral of London's British history. You cannot leave this city without taking a photo with this bridge.

Fun Fact: Don't make the mistake of calling the Tower Bridge the "London Bridge", like I did the first time of my visit to the city.

  • Big Ben: Lastly, Big Ben is one of the BIGGEST known attractions around the world. You won't always get the best photos with bell tower, because of massive hordes of tourist during the day. I recommend you taking photos of Big Ben in the early mornings and later in the evenings. You will thank me later...

Tea Time in London:

After a long day of exploring all corners of London. You are more likely looking to find a place to sit back, recharge, and relax. All while sipping on a joyful cup of tea or coffee. Here is one of my personal favorite cafes that can be easily found in central London.

  • Monmouth Cafe: The most wonderful coffee and teas can only be found by the scent of your nose. At the end of the trail, you will come across Monmouth Cafe. Here is where you will find the most refreshing teas and Coffee of different flavors, that you couldn't imagine. The waiters and wateriest makes your experience 10 times better with their upbeat energy, when being served.

And to top it off, the pastries are really delicious. Especially if you are a croissant lover.

A Pour of Pint:

Maybe you're not in the mood for coffee or tea. Perhaps you could be looking for something that has a rich, creamy, and heavily refreshing beverage. Well, you came to right place for beer. You can only get something that is worth every dollar of your's, located at a pub called "The Harp".

  • The Harp: The particular place is by far the BEST pub you will ever go to. "The Harp" is famously known in London for it's traditional ciders and ales, all across the country. During your visit to the city, be sure to stop on in for a cold refreshing beverage at The Harp. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Bounce Tip: I know all my foodies have been wondering about the most affordable and delicious restaurants in London. If you have a very curious taste for all kinds of foods. READY YOUR FORK AND KNIFE, BECAUSE YOU'RE IN FOR A BITE!

  • Cinnamon Bazaar:

Every food flavor represents the cultural fused eastern and western style of foods. The energy of the interior design, matches the decor in which you would normally feel, in an actual Bazaar Market. It only takes a single foot step to enter Cinnamon Bazaar, to explore the depth of your taste buds.

  • Princi:

If you think New York style pizza is the best in the world. YOU BETTER THINK TWICE!!!

Princi is an Italian owned restaurant that produces wood fire pizza, that is out of this world. Everything there is made with tons of love, care, and creativity. There are NO preservatives in the pizza making process. Only genuine ingredients are used. "How do I know?". The restaurant is designed to have an open kitchen, which means you get to see what is being made right before your eyes.

Lastly, when you are there. Keep your eyes open for the amazing pastries and the marvelous artisan breads. They are to die for!

EVERY EXPERIENCE IS TOLD WITH A DIFFERENT TONE OF ACTION. BUT IT IS NEVER COPIED AND PASTED. WHEN YOU PLAN TO VISIT LONDON ENGLAND, NOT ONLY YOU ARE GOING TO CREATE GOOD OR BAD MEMORIES. YOU ARE GOING TO LEAVE THE CITY A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PERSON THAT IS HUMBLE AND MORE WISER.

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