London by night / Rights: boston.com
First article in English on this blog, and not the least interesting! I used to write in the Shakespeare’s language during my time at myMzone but it’s the first time since I came back to Paris. I would like to talk about travelling today and especially about the city where I spent 10 amazing months, London!
My experience there, was clearly unique as a personal and a professional side. I accomplished the dream of many French people who see London as a heaven place. During 10 months, I made the best of my trip there and it’s now time for me to give you some tips.
The first part will be dedicated to the tips you need to know before coming, and during the first days of your time in London. I will then talk about what to visit and finally, about where to go out.
London by Day / Rights: linternaute.com
How to go to London – Train or Plane to London
So, is everything ready for your trip? You should be aware that there are many ways to come to London. The simplest for people who are living in Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam is to take the Eurostar. After a little more than 2 hours you will arrive in Saint Pancras, in the center of London for a reasonable price (it depends on when you buy your tickets, but it starts from 88€ if you take it 3 months before). Otherwise, you can take the plane, which is a little cheaper but less convenient especially because you have to go from the airport to London (Only Heathrow is linked with the tube, otherwise you have to take a shuttle)
The transports in London – Tubes and buses of London
London is a city well deserved and where it’s easy to go from a point to another. You have more than 10 tube lines, usually going from zone 4-5 to the center, and I personally think that it’s well organized. Of course some of them are really crowed during rush hours, but I didn’t experience a lot of problems and it’s quite fast and very clean. Otherwise you can take one of the numerous buses you have, day and night (around 50% of the buses are 24/7). It’s a very nice experience and the buses are very comfortable. You will enjoy a pleasant way, seeing the street from your seat. I used a lot the buses because there are regulars and very useful when you come back from parties.
Where to live in London – Accommodations in London
London is a dynamic city so you won’t face any problems to find a place to live. When I went to London, I started my first week in a hostel (you have many hostels, it’s definitely a good deal for small budget, I recommend Piccadilly Backpakers Hostel where I stayed, located in Piccadilly Circus), and I found a flat which I shared with 3 others guys. It’s very easy to find a flat in London (3 days is enough), because everyone is moving. To find your flat I recommend site websites: gumtree, moveflat, easyroomate, flatshare or spareroom. I advise you to take 1 week and to visit everything before making a decision. I came across thieves, and I finally found my room in Camden Town (very nice area) just 2 days before the end of my time in the hostel. Be also careful with the contract, don’t sign too long contract and the deposit shouldn’t be more than 1 month rent.
London Big Ben / Rights : b-europe.com
The life in London
The life in London is very attractive, everyone is up to do something and usually Londoners are very welcoming. You will see a lot of nationalities, and I was surprised by the open-mindedness of everyone. In one word, I guess you will love London. Just be careful of your budget, London is a very expensive city, for the transport, the rent and almost everything. Small budgets will have to tighten their belt! Last tip, the weather is very moving and very wet, be ready to face grey sky and rainy days!
To find out more about London, visit one of these two articles :
Where to Party in London ? Best Pubs, Bars, Clubs in the City
Visit London – London Sightseeing for Tourists
Blog de Julien Renault, Webmarketeur, Community Manager 