When traveling to any European city have a plan, a guide book and do not hesitate to use their trains, taxis and tubes (subways). They are substantially better and cleaner than trains in the United States and much more convenient.
Rookie or Veteran
Well in advance of booking your trip, buy a good travel guide book for the specific city you are planning to visit. We prefer DK Travel Guides. They are the best to use in planning your trip. They are available in paper backs or digital. We prefer the digital versions because of their portability. They are available for a Kindle or a phone/tablet. Then determine how many days your budget can support. Select the places you wish to visit, trying not to overload each day so you have time to savor the local food and local sites.
To help with the budget and to become part of the fabric of the city consider using local transportation. Whether this is your first time traveling to a European City or your twentieth, using the city’s trains, taxis and tubes will make your visit much more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. With your guide book in hand start your travel.
London
London is a very good city to start your new form of travel as a “Traveler” rather than a “Tourist”. In London, after all, the language is English and the Trains, Taxis and Tubes are exceptional. One week in London would be perfect to leisurely see the sights and enjoy the city.
Taxis
If this is your first visit to London, hiring a Black Taxi Cab for tours of central London highlights offers a personal, customizable and enjoyable experience. Black Taxis are iconic to London, known for their traditional design and passenger comfort. The drivers are highly experienced and familiar with all the city’s notable landmarks. They can also serve as your personal tour guide, providing interesting information about the various attractions while taking you on your journey through London’s streets. Whether you want to visit famous sites like the Tower of London, Big Ben, or the British Museum, a Black Taxi Cab can provide a comfortable and convenient way to explore central London.
We highly recommend contacting Black Taxi Man or Black Taxi Tours. They will tell you the intimate details of each site before you arrive at the site’s entrance. When you finish exploring they will continue on to your next destination. For a more in depth, personal tour of palaces and country side villages, like Oxford and Cambridge, checkout Yellow Moon Tours and ask for David Gunnel.
Tubes
The Circle Line and the Piccadilly Line are the two most important subway lines in Central London for Travelers.
The Piccadilly line
Covent Garden:
This are is known for its street performers, boutique shops, and the famous Covent Garden Market.
British Museum:
Contains vast collection of art and antiquities from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies.
Piccadilly Circus:
It is a bustling central square famous for its neon signs, vibrant atmosphere, and proximity to major shopping areas like Regent Street and Oxford Street.
Hyde Park:
Here is one of London’s largest royal parks. It offers serene green spaces, a boating lake, and is home to the Serpentine Gallery and Speakers’ Corner.
South Kensington:
The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum are all within walking distance from this station, offering a wealth of knowledge and cultural experiences.
Heathrow Airport:
The Piccadilly line serves as a direct link to Heathrow international airport.
The Circle line
Tower of London:
The historic Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the Crown Jewels.
St. Paul’s Cathedral:
This masterpiece of architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren offers breathtaking interior views, the famous Whispering Gallery, and the opportunity to climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of London.
Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park:
Enjoy the serene green spaces, visit the beautiful Kensington Palace, or hire a boat and paddle on the Serpentine lake.
Notting Hill:
Explore its colorful streets and visit the Portobello Road Market for antiques
King’s Cross/St. Pancras:
Get off at King’s Cross St. Pancras station to visit the historic railways stations.
Oyster card:
London has a pay as you go debit type card available for use on the Tubes. It is the cheapest and most flexible way to pay for travel, especially if your visit to London is between 1–5 days. Even if it’s only for a few journeys, it’s much cheaper than paying the full cash fare. The Oyster card costs £7. You then add money to the card to pay for your travel.
Trains
First, get to know the train stations you might need for out-of-city visits. The four London Stations you might need are St Pancras Station, Kings Cross Station, Paddington Station and Victoria Station.
Eurostar Train to Paris
ST PANCRAS STATION is where the Eurostar departs for Paris and Brussels. It also is where the London Northwestern Railway is located to get to Liverpool.
Harry Potter and Scotland Trains
KINGS CROSS STATION is well-known as the departure point for trains traveling to the north of England and Scotland. Kings Cross Station gained further prominence from the Harry Potter series. It features the fictional Platform 9 ¾. You can enjoy taking photos and exploring Harry Potter-themed shops in the vicinity.
Windsor Castle, the Cotswolds, Heathrow and Bath Trains
PADDINGTON STATION serves various destinations to the west, such as Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and the Windsor & Eton Stations. Windsor Castle is only a short walk from the Windsor & Eton Station.
Additionally, Paddington Station provides convenient access to Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express train service.
For a visit to the Cotswolds hop a train to Moreton-in-Marsh, which is the gateway town to the Cotswolds. Once you reach Moreton-in-Marsh, you can explore the picturesque villages and countryside of the Cotswolds.
Gatwick Airport and British Pullman Trains
VICTORIA TRAIN STATION features a stunning Victorian-era design with its grand iron and glass roof. Trains departing from Victoria Station serve destinations such as Gatwick Airport, Brighton, Canterbury, Dover, and various parts of southern England.
Victoria Station also serves as the starting point for various British Pullman train trips to destinations like Downton Abbey. The completely restored train cars are from 1920s and 1930s golden age of travel .
Where to Stay
Pick a hotel within your price range that is very near to one of the Circle or Piccadilly Tube Line stations. On the Piccadilly Line stay somewhere between the Knightsbridge and Kings Cross Stations. Anywhere within this area is very walkable to virtually all of the top Visitor destinations in London At the Kings Cross Station you can easily change lines.
