London Things to Do

With the Mayor of London instigating a cycling revolution in the British capital, London has worked hard to cement its reputation as a bike friendly city. A fun, eco-friendly and cheap way to get around the city, London offers a surprising array of bicycle routes even for those unaccustomed to urban cycling and a large number of the city’s sights are easily accessible by bike.

Along with the vintage red telephone boxes, black taxi-cabs and the red-suited Royal guards with their towering bearskin hats, the double decker bus, traditionally painted in fire-engine red, has become one of the most famous symbols of London. While the classic red versions are now more commonly found emblazoned across souvenir mugs and key rings than chugging along the streets (although there are still some in action), the double-decker bus is still one of the most popular methods of transport for Londoner’s to get from A to B.

You could spend weeks exploring London’s myriad of tourist attractions, but with so many sights just a short bus or train ride away, there’s no excuse to only stay in the city. Whether you want to hit the beach or explore England’s historic towns, here are some of the best day trips to take from London.

A creative hub where London’s flair for the eclectic is center stage, Camden has long nurtured its reputation as the city’s most rock’n’roll district and its unique markets are as popular among London’s mohawked youths as they are with international tourists.

Photography enthusiasts, don’t miss the inspiring Ansel Adams exhibition at the National Maritime Museum which is on until 28th April 2013. Along with the iconic Snake River and Yosemite images, you’ll also get the chance to some of his earliest work. The video of him being interviewed is worth watching–I liked the idea of the “negative” being like the score in music, and the “developing” like a conductor who interprets and brings the image to life.

With its myriad of international cuisine and cutting edge restaurants, London is rapidly gaining a reputation as a gourmet hotspot, but food, as with everything in the city, often comes with a hefty price tag. Thankfully those on a budget can still survive a trip to the capital, and to help you along the way, here are a few ideas for dining on a budget in London.

Whether you want to sip champagne overlooking the London skyline or party the night away on a River cruise, you’ll plenty are of ways to impress your lover in the British capital. Here are a few ideas for romantic things to do in London.

The mania of 2012′s Olympic games may have died down, but there’s still plenty of reasons to visit London in 2013. Here’s our top picks of the capital’s best attractions.

1. Best Museum

The Crawleys are back in prim and proper style this January, as Britain’s favorite period drama, Downton Abbey, finally hits US screens for its third season, and it seems America just can’t get enough of Edwardian-era England. So get your top hats and teacups at the ready, because visitors to London can now add Downton Abbey tours to their itineraries.

“Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde” is a major new exhibition at Tate Britain which brings together over 150 works by these revolutionary painters. Displayed thematically, rather than by chronology, there is much to feast the eye on.

The Pre-Raphaelites exhibition is likely to be very busy, so book tickets in advance. It ends on January 13th, 2013.