With its rich history, its vibrant culture, and its abundance of world famous landmarks – London has earned its title as one of the greatest cities in the world.
In a city that quite literally has something for everyone, a backpacker can freely and easily lose themselves for days – or even weeks – on end; amazing architecture, endless choices of theatre, art and museums, world-class nightlife, excellent shopping, friendly people, top-notch public transportation, and just about anything else you can imagine, it’s no surprise that London attracts, on average, 31.5 million tourists per year!
Getting in to London is a breeze. London has five major airports: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton and London Stansted – each has a direct and easy bus or train links to various parts of the city. Travel times will vary depending on which airport you travel to, London City airport being the most central.
Getting around the city is equally easy thanks to London’s incredible tube network – The London Undergrounds rapid transit system has 11 lines, and serves not only London, but also some parts of the adjacent counties of Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire too. Fun fact; Each Tube train travels an average of 114,500 miles (184,269km) per year!
Sleep
Despite Londons many perks – it certainly aint cheap! Even on a backpacker’s budget you’d need to factor in around £75 ($100) per day! The average backpacker hostel will set you back around £25 ($33) per night. Anything above a dorm and you’re easily going to spend £60 or more.
Food
There is an ongoing struggle being fought by the good people of England to once and for all destroy the long standing, unfair belief that the food in the UK is worse than the weather – and London is at the forefront of that struggle!
In a city with more than 8 million permanent residents from all corners of the world – you can now find literally tens of thousands of restaurants serving truly spectacular food with influence from all corners of the globe. Quantity is nothing without quality, though, and London now has an amazing 66 establishments which have two Michelin stars!
From street food joints to pop-ups to established spots; hidden away places to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian delights, there is now truly something for everyone!
Drink
“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as
by a good tavern or inn” – Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
The UK is renowned for its pubs and London certainly brings a huge selection… You have the traditional English pub where you can sample and enjoy real ales, or food-focused gastro pubs with artisan-brewed beer and mouth watering hot meals served to your table.
Camden, Soho, Brixton, Covent Garden and Clapham tend to be the most popular and have the widest selection, but in truth, you can more or less go anywhere and find good quality entertainment and an abundance of happy vibes and friendly people.
As we mentioned before, Post Brexit London isn’t cheap, and you won’t see the true evidence of this until you decide its time to go out drinking. A pint of beer in central London will set you back around £4.80 ($6.50). Wine and cocktails vary wildly but you can expect to pay around £8-10 per drink in some of the more exclusive venues. Yes, its expensive – but you really can’t put a price on the wild memories you’ll get in return!
