Jessica
Did you know that the Big Ben clock tower in London has its time adjusted every year with an old British coin? If the clock is going too fast, a penny is added to the pendulum — if the clock is going too slow, one is taken out.
Last year, I was lucky enough to visit London for a week, and it was one of my favorite European adventures. From visiting Buckingham Palace to drinking tea next to the River Thames, each day was a whirlwind of activity. Here are three top tips I would give to anyone planning on visiting the area.
1. Try Out a Walking Tour
Sure, you could do the hop-on, hop-off tour. But does that really give you a feel for a city, or just make it really easy to get all your photos at once? London has a rich and long history and it’s worth soaking up as much as you can. For the not-easily-spooked, I would personally recommend checking out one of the Jack the Ripper tours. Jack the Ripper was a London serial killer who stalked the streets back in 1888, and his identity was never discovered. Though I haven’t experienced it, I’ve heard that the London Harry Potter tour is worth a see as well.
2. Find Cheap Hotel Prices Online Before You Go
You could say that I booked my trip a bit last minute. For this reason, I learned the hard way that cheap hotels in London exist, but should be researched ahead of time. I might laugh about it now, but arriving one night to find a woman in my room after the place “lost” my reservation was certainly a London hotels experience not worth repeating! Pay attention to whether cheap hotel prices include important amenities like towels, computer access, TV, and options for breakfast. If you’re located close to a tube station, that will be a big plus as well.
3. Camden Town
Near the city’s center and accessible via the Northern tube line, Camden Town is a must-see artistic and bohemian haven for any visitor. The area is an eclectic mix of everything from dress stores to underground piercing studios, with everything in between. A series of semi-permanent stalls line the streets and fill converted warehouses. If you get the chance, visit the Dandelion Cafe; their Monmouth coffee is worth the visit.
Have you found cheap hotel deals in London? Let us know in the comments.
