How To Navigate London Like A Local

Whether you’re living here in the UK or coming from afar, there are loads of reasons to visit London. Our much-loved capital is brimming with some of the UK’s most iconic sights, and a trip here is guaranteed to provide you with plenty of things to do.How To Navigate London Like A Local The only downside is that it’s also generally one of the busiest spots in the entire country.

The big smoke is certainly a big city, and if you aren’t careful, you could find yourself choked in congestion or lost in the crowds. That’s a sure way to ruin your trip, but these are risks you can overcome by simply adopting the mindset of a London local.

London locals tend to be cool, calm professionals who know how to navigate their city with ease. Keep on reading to discover their secrets.

# 1 – Lighten Your Load

London locals tend to travel light, and you’ll probably see why pretty quickly if you try to take a suitcase on the tube. Honestly, the less space you can take up in this city, the easier your trip will be. So, our first local advice is to simply get rid of your bags as soon as you can.

Many London hotels offer early check-ins that would be ideal for this, but you can also simply book luggage storage London Victoria to ensure a storage option that’s easy to reach, and relatively central to wherever you’re staying. After all, once you’ve collected your bags at the end of the day, London Victoria’s impressive 19 platforms and underground service are guaranteed to work to your benefit. Until then, you’ll be bag-free and footloose in London!

# 2 – Tackle the Tube

Theoretically, there are multiple ways to get around London. As a tourist, you might consider buses, rental cars, or even those iconic black cabs. But here’s something any London local will tell you – road is rarely the best way to go.

Traffic in London means even short journeys can take hours. This is especially the case considering that many London areas don’t allow left turns. By comparison, the tube is an efficient cross-London transport network with trains that run every 2-3 minutes.

As a tourist, navigating the tube can be daunting, but locals know it like the back of their hands, and a little research could mean that you do too.How To Navigate London Like A Local You’ll especially want to find out about London tube maps before your trip, as this will help you to easily pinpoint the right stops. Equally, investing in an Oyster card ahead of time is both cost-effective and ensures that you’ll be able to hop on without worrying about payment!

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# 3 – Or Rent a Bike

If you don’t fancy missing the passing sites while you’re underground, bike rentals also offer a local London-style alternative. London has long been a bike-friendly city, complete with dedicated cycle paths and in-built systems like Santander Cycles, which can be easily booked via the app and then collected from around 800 terminals across London. Bikes can be hired for 30-minute intervals, and cost just £3. Alternatives like Beryl are also available, and even give you the option to hire e-scooters!

As mentioned, London is generally pretty cycle-friendly, but most locals would aim to stick with off-road options like the Thames Path or the protected cycle lanes that span from Oval to Kensington, where possible. There are also some great off-road scenic bike opportunities in London’s green spaces, such as the iconic Richmond Park.

# 4 – Get a London Navigation App

Okay, so London locals don’t necessarily need an app to navigate their own city, but if you truly want to explore with the ease of a local resident, then you probably will.How To Navigate London Like A Local Our next tip to getting around London is to simply download apps such as Citymapper. This is an all-round helpful app to have, and it can provide you with everything from on foot directions to advice about what tube to get, and even the simplest routes in all cases.

Other apps you could choose also include basic Google and Apple maps, where you can plan your route in advance and then seamlessly pull it up during your actual trip. Either way, planning and a little tech-based helping hand can ensure you never end up lost in London.

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# 5 – Consider Non-Touristy Options

Obviously, you’ll want to see London’s big-hitters, including Big Ben, the Shard, and the Tower of London, during your stay. How To Navigate London Like A Local Honestly, though, it’s possible to see these things without making them the central focus of your day. In fact, doing so is your best chance of avoiding the crowds and cramming more into your trip.

Luckily, London also offers plenty of non-touristy options that could give a far more authentic, relaxing trip overall. Options that London locals particularly recommend to new visitors include –

• Climb Primrose Hill: Primrose Hill in Camden famously offers some of the best views in London, and climbing up here on a clear day can mean seeing landmarks including the London Eye, the Shard, and BT Tower from a beautiful lookout.
• Visit Local Markets: London’s markets are a major draw for locals, and they can provide great focal points for your travels, which will also see you purchasing authentic local wares. Of course, markets in areas like Camden are also popular amongst tourists, but locals are more likely to head to Spitalfields (for vintage and handmade clothes) or Portobello Road (for antiques).
• Sample London Restaurants: London has an amazing foodie scene hidden just behind tourist favourites like The Devonshire, where you may struggle to find a place. Instead, locals tend to head to spots including The Ladbroke Arms near Notting Hill, or Fischer’s in Marylebone.

Conclusion

Living large in London is a great way to spend any trip, and whether you’re here for the atmosphere or the sights on offer, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. But, do you know what would make that stay even better? Approaching London like a local using these top tips.If you need more details to WORD US MAGAZINE visit.