London is a big, diverse city where you can live for years and still not feel like a great city. The air is polluted, and the weather is unpredictable, but the restaurants are top-notch. And, there are facts about London to remember on your next visit.
During your visit, make sure to enjoy the world-class theatre and art and the tonne of lively bars, pubs, and clubs right at the doorsteps, but no one complains!
While you visit, the frantic shopping on Oxford street will excite you, as the impressive Fortnum and Mason’s where you buy expensive unusual food, and the busy Borough Market. London is more populated than Scotland or Wales, even when put together. It is a city of contrasts, for instance, when they elected Boris Johnson as the mayor, then later Sadiq Khan.
Facts about London to keep in Mind on Your Next Visit
Londoners are friendly people despite their stiff upper lips! However, they can appear mean or mean when traveling during rush hour. With such a high population of about eight million, the ever-shifting skyline of the capital can be confusing and quite expensive. Today, this post will highlight facts on transport and cultural customs that, when observed, your trip to London will be exceptional and filled with fun.
1. Sometimes, Walking might be faster than the tube.
The tube etiquette enforcers are unforgiving, but even locals make it a not-so-good ride. Some might bring all their belongings on the central line, another might eat a smelly meal on a scorching day, or hug the pole to keep off anyone else! Sounds crazy, right?
These are some hard facts you need to remember on your next visit because you will go through the events firsthand. However, the locals are also well-trained in some things. Therefore, don’t find it strange when they leave the tube for tourists. Tourists might take the train between stations, but walking would be best.
The tube map is by design, not scale, and the distance between stations is not the actual London geography. Some stations are even closer in real life than they are on the tube map.
2. London is not definitive.
London has many facets besides the vibrant street art you might not know about because no specific area epitomizes the city. Walking on Pimlico streets, the grand Regency homes that once hosted Winston Churchill may feel like the London movies you have watched are a reality.
A collection of districts makes London, namely Pimlico, the leafy Belgravia, affluent Knightsbridge, the coming-up Dalston, bohemian Soho, and suburban Sutton; note this list leaves out many more places. These areas have specific cultures and personalities, and they will not look like the images on your London postcard.
The city is the most diverse in the UK and one of the most diverse globally. Of the massive population, 45% are British. The 50 non-indigenous communities living in London have more than 10,000 people. And only 78% speak English as the primary language.
When intending to visit London, don’t assume that everyone speaks and looks like the queen. You can take time to learn about London city before the visit to avoid being caught off-guard when you try to relate. These assumptions are inaccurate and insulting to the people living there, considering their leader now is a Pakistani Muslim born to a bus driver!
3. Stand on the right
Always stand on the right if you don’t want a queue of commuters behind you. When using the escalator, stand on the right, and if you plan to sprint down or up the stairs, use the left-hand side. Londoners love to queue for anything. You will find a queue anywhere. And cutting in is at your peril!
4. Tipping is in your Bill
London does not have a 101-tipping culture. But, a discrete service charge reflects on your receipt as part of your bill. Read your receipt carefully, and if you are okay with the service charge, you can ask for it to be taken off. However, if the service charge is not included in your bill and the service has made you happy, you can leave 12.5 to 15%(the standard) of your bill behind.
5. Pack for all weathers
The London weather is like a jack of all trades, specializing in none! Mostly, it drizzles; at another moment, there will be frost, snow, hail, wind, and fog, and the sun will shine from another side. Be ready for a weather change at any time, so you need to pack jumpers and jackets that are easy to remove and raincoats for the drizzle, and you will be ready to enjoy your London visit.
Overview
London is a city that never ceases to amaze visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, diverse culture, and vibrant lifestyle. If you’re planning a trip to London, here are five unique facts to keep in mind:
- London is one of the world’s most diverse cities. More than 300 languages are spoken in London, making it a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. From Chinatown to Little India, the city is home to a variety of vibrant communities, each with its unique traditions and cuisines.
- The River Thames flows through the heart of London, and it’s a perfect way to see the city’s iconic landmarks. Take a leisurely river cruise and enjoy the spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.
- London is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern. These museums are free to visit, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- London is a city of parks and green spaces. From the vast expanse of Hyde Park to the picturesque St James’s Park, plenty of green oases exist throughout the city. Make sure to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, which boasts an impressive collection of plants worldwide.
- London is a city of royalty and pageantry. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen’s Guards dressed in their red tunics and bearskin hats march to the sound of drums and trumpets.
Read More: 5 Tips for a Better USA Trip
Conclusion
London is a beautiful city that thrives on diversity, and above is a list of five facts to remember on your next visit. The city receives about 30 million visitors from all over the globe annually.
The city’s biggest attraction is the magnificent ancient buildings, and as a first-time visitor, the Covent Garden is the perfect place to get accommodation. It is centrally located, convenient, easy tube access, many sights, and nearby restaurants. If you want to know more interesting facts about London, you can check
