London is one of the world’s most famous cities. It has more than its share of attractions and must-see sights. The stereotype of rainy, overcast weather might stick in many tourists minds, but London has its share of sunny days and the sheer amount of things to do mean that visitors will not even have time to think about the weather as they rush from attraction to attraction and experience all that this truly world-class city. London is an easy city to navigate thanks to its wonderful public transportation system. A world-class dining scene and numerous nighttime entertainment offerings mean that it is possible to do a lot more than sightseeing while vacationing in the city.

Weather

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London has an image as an rainy, overcast town, but it does have its share of sun and is not quite as wet as many people suggest (other famous European cities like Rome actually get more rain, in terms of overall measurement, per year). That said, an umbrella is a must for all London visitors. Odds are good that you’ll encounter a rain shower if you stay for more than a few days in the city (though this is definitely not guaranteed). Temperatures reach in to the mid 20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit) on average during the summer, though it can get much hotter. Wintertime temps rarely drop below freezing in the city itself, although they get close to during the nighttime hours. A jacket is a necessary for each of the three colder seasons, with a heavy coat needed during the winter. Visitors might even find a light jacket necessary during a rainy summer afternoon.

Getting Around

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London is a very easy city to get around. The famous Underground (called the Tube by locals) is a wide-reaching subway system. Above-ground trains run to various outlying parts of the city. Underground trains run from 5:30 in the morning to 1:00 am. Travelers can use a prepaid Oyster Card to pay for their Tube trips. They can even use their Oyster Card to get a weeklong or daylong unlimited ride pass. These passes are also good for London’s far-reaching bus network and for many of the suburban trains and trams. With over 700 routes in total, London’s buses are a great way to see the city as well as being a convenient form of transportation.

Sights to See

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London is filled with easily-recognizable sights. The iconic Big Ben and the more-modern skyline staple, the London Eye, are on virtually every visitor’s must-see list. Famous buildings like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace are also popular snap-shot subjects for London visitors. But these icons are just part of the story. London has a wealth of museums, with something for literally every type of traveler, no matter what their interests. A nice mix of historic and modern architecture, parks and gardens, and statues and fountains mean people will have plenty of photo fodder while touring the city.

Entertainment and Eating

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Entertainment can mean a number of things in London. The world-class theaters of the West End bring musicals and dramas to life every night of the week, while a full menu of eating options make this one of the most exciting places in Europe to step out for a bite to eat. London is also a city of live music, clubs, and bars. Whether people want to enjoy music from one of England’s most popular up-and-coming bands, or have a few drinks at a local pub, London has a virtually limitless number of after-dark entertainment options.

Where to Stay

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London has a range of hotels, from small bed-and-breakfast-style inns to luxurious five-star hotels with all the amenities that anyone could ever ask for. The city’s different districts all have their own set of hotel offerings, so not only can tourists find a hotel that they like, they can most-likely find a hotel that they like in the part of the city that they want to spend their time in.

London is a great city to spend a weekend or an entire week in. Its size and number of amenities mean that tourists will never be bored, even if they return to the city again and again over the years.

Header image credit: kevinpoh / Flickr