What I learned in London

London captivated my imagination from the moment I stepped onto its soil. There are so many things to do and see around the city that it’s a lot to take in. Here are 7 things you should know about visiting London.

1. Pricey and crowded- Let’s get this out of the way shall we? London, like many other cities, attracts a lot of tourists and therefore, is very pricey and crowded. So if you’re interested in going around and seeing the well-known sights, get your wallet ready and be prepared to wait on long lines, cause this city is packed.
2. Remember, cars on the right side- If you’re a tourist, remember that cars drive alongside the right side of the road. Additionally, the steering wheel is also on the right side of the car.
3. Biking- If you plan on biking in London, the way you do it is similar to other cities, in that there are bike racks in different locations, that provide a code that allows you to pick up and return bikes freely at will. Also, biking itself in this city is quite the experience. You’ll be biking in the streets along with taxis, motorcyclists and BUSES. If that’s a lot for you to handle, than maybe pass on the biking.
4. Weather- One of the biggest concerns for travelers when they go to the UK is if the weather will hold up. Yes, London does get a lot of rain, but you should not let that bug you because it does not, I repeat, DOES NOT, rain there all of the time. A sunny day in London is relaxing and warm, and my girlfriend and I were blessed with outstanding weather throughout our time there.
5. Appetizers and main courses- When you go out to pubs, the servers will usually provide you with your appetizers and entree together, which will certainly give you plenty to eat. For some, I know you prefer having your appetizer served separately, but in London, that’s not the case.
6. Metro systems are great- The London metros are quick, easy and efficient. Like Paris, it’s the best way to get around the city. Sure the London bus tours attract a lot of people and they provide great views but the metro is where it’s at.
7. The London Eye isn’t that great- I’m sorry if I offend any fans of this structure. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful and the views were amazing, but it just didn’t inspire me the way I wanted to be inspired. The reason I guess was because we were locked inside a pod and were slowly moving around in a circle. Yes the top of the Eiffel Tower is very crowded and it’s hard to maneuver yourself around there, but at least you’re able to do so. The London Eye, you’re there from start to finish. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be kind of bland. I enjoyed the experience but it was also overrated for me. I don’t have the desire to do that again.