Think of the most British thing in the world. What did you think of? Tea? The Queen? Bulldogs? The correct answer, of course, is London! London embodies everything that is weird and wonderful about England and its history. Most of the major landmarks and symbols that we associate with the British, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and of course the London Eye, are all to be found within the city.
Royalty Free Photo
However, while London is a really fantastic place to visit, it can be a little disorienting and overwhelming. Even other English people often struggle to adjust to the London way of doing things, it is a city which often can seem like a nation unto itself.
Don’t worry, London is a lovely place, but like all busy cities, there are few things more easily irritated than the morning commuter. Knowing what you are doing beforehand will spare you some disapproving looks (considered lethal weapons by the British) and will help to put you at ease in this new environment. Here are some of the most important tips you need to know when you are planning your visit to London.
London is a Smart City
London has always been a city eager to embrace the latest technological trends. The capital’s buses, for example, were some of the first in the country to accept card payments, and ultimately do away with cash for good. Of particular note is the City Mapper app. Not only does this provide you with an interactive map of the city, it will guide you through London’s labyrinthine transport system.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead isn’t just a good way of reducing the stress of your trip. By booking tickets in advance you can often save yourself money. London has so much to offer that you will want to take some time beforehand to research things to do once you arrive.
You should also plan carefully to consider the time of year that you will arrive. If, for example, you are used to the weather in Delhi and so want it to be as warm as possible. Book Delhi to London Flights to arrive between May and July for the warmest weather.
The Service Charge
This one can be a little bit of a shock if you aren’t prepared for it. Many, but not all, restaurants in London add a service charge of 12.5{9099a76d844e59cb10f713d60d2b709ecf926708d5c8551172eee244678a2066} on to every bill automatically. This practice is more common in the more upmarket and touristy areas of the city. The charge is optional in all cases (as a legal requirement), so you can request it be removed, or you can simply pay the service charge in lieu of the tip that you would normally leave. If you’re on a tight budget, then removing this charge could make a big difference to your spending. On the other hand, in most of the places where this is practiced, the waiting staff is working much harder than normal and are earning a little extra dough.
London is an amazing city. There is a reason that it is among the most visited cities in the world. For anyone who wants a true taste of British culture, London is a must-see place.