London: Avoid These 5 Mistakes!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The View from the Shard
3. Hop-on Hop-off tours
4. Leicester Square
5. The "Awful Four" attractions
6. Alternative Ways to Spend Money in London
7. The London Eye
8. The Sky Garden
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ

Introduction

The View from the Shard

Hop-on Hop-off tours

Leicester Square

The "Awful Four" attractions

Alternative Ways to Spend Money in London

The London Eye

The Sky Garden

Conclusion

FAQ

Avoid These Things and Discover Better Alternatives in London

London is a city filled with countless attractions and experiences. However, not all of them live up to the hype or provide the best value for your time and money. Tourists often find themselves disappointed with their choices or stuck in long queues. To ensure you make the most of your visit to London, here are some things to avoid and the fantastic alternatives you should consider.

The View from the Shard

The Shard is renowned as the tallest building in Western Europe, offering stunning views of London. However, the £32 per person ticket price can be steep, especially if you're only planning to take pictures and leave. Instead, opt for a more affordable and enjoyable experience just a few floors down at Gong, a luxurious Chinese-inspired cocktail bar. Here, you'll have almost the same breathtaking views as the Shard, and you can use the money you save to treat yourself to a delicious cocktail. Alternatively, if you have kids with you, book a special afternoon tea at Ting, one of the restaurants in the Shard. The afternoon tea experience is highly recommended and offers a unique way to enjoy the view.

Hop-on Hop-off Tours

Those famous hop-on hop-off tours on big buses may seem convenient, but at £41 per ticket, they can quickly become expensive, especially for budget-conscious travelers. Fortunately, there's a much cheaper alternative that allows you to explore London at your own pace. Simply hop on one of the city's iconic red double-decker buses for just £1.65 per ride. Route number 11 takes you past many major attractions in Central London, allowing you to hop on and off as you please. Alternatively, you can stay on the bus and enjoy a complete loop to see all the sights.

Leicester Square

Leicester Square may be located in the heart of London, but it's an area best avoided. It is filled with international food chains, casinos, and tourist traps, offering little in terms of authentic London experiences. Instead, head a few steps away to Soho, one of the city's buzzing and coolest areas. Soho is known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse culinary scene, and trendy shops. Additionally, right next to Leicester Square is Chinatown, where you can indulge in delicious cuisine and immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural experience.

The "Awful Four" Attractions

There are four attractions in London that often get bundled together in ticket packages, but they are often disappointing and overpriced. These attractions, known as the "awful four," include the London Dungeon, Shrek's Great Adventure, the London Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds wax museum. Instead of wasting your money on these lackluster experiences, here are four far better ways to spend your pounds in London:

1. Book an affordable afternoon tea experience. London offers numerous venues where you can enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea at a reasonable price. Many of these establishments are kid-friendly, making it a perfect activity for the whole family.
2. Treat yourself to a West End show. London's theatre scene is world-famous, and you can find tickets within the same price range as the "awful four" attractions. Whether you book in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals, catching a show is a memorable and engaging way to spend your evening.
3. Immerse yourself in live jazz at Ronnie Scott's. Located in the heart of Soho, Ronnie Scott's is a legendary jazz club where you can enjoy live music performances while sipping on excellent drinks. The intimate atmosphere and talented musicians create a memorable night out in London.
4. Visit the Tate Modern. Embrace London's thriving contemporary art scene by exploring the Tate Modern, a renowned museum that offers free entry. While entry to the general exhibitions is free, you can choose to spend your saved ticket money on visiting one of their paid exhibitions or indulging in some art-inspired retail therapy at the gift shop.

The London Eye

The London Eye, once the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, is a popular attraction that provides panoramic views of the city. However, at £36 per person, it can be quite expensive, and queues are often unavoidable even with reserved time slots. For a better alternative, consider visiting the Sky Garden. Located 160 meters above ground level, the Sky Garden offers stunning 360-degree views of London's skyline. Best of all, entry to the Sky Garden is completely free, although reservations are necessary. If you're unable to secure a reservation in advance, you can try your luck by visiting as a walk-in on the day and checking for available spaces.

Conclusion

By avoiding certain attractions and opting for better alternatives in London, you can enhance your experience and make the most of your time and money. From enjoying the view at Gong or having afternoon tea in the Shard to exploring Soho instead of Leicester Square, there are countless opportunities to create unique and unforgettable memories in the vibrant city of London. Embrace the alternatives and discover the true spirit of the city.

FAQ

1. Are the alternatives mentioned in the article suitable for families with children?

   • Yes, many of the alternatives, such as afternoon tea experiences and West End shows, are family-friendly and provide entertainment for all ages.

2. How do I make reservations for the Sky Garden?

   • Reservations for the Sky Garden can be made in advance online. It is recommended to book early as spaces fill up quickly.

3. Can I visit the Sky Garden without a reservation?

   • While reservations are highly recommended, you can try to visit as a walk-in on the day and inquire about available spaces. However, there is no guarantee of entry without a reservation.

4. Are the alternative attractions mentioned easily accessible from central London?

   • Yes, all the alternative attractions mentioned in the article are located within or near central London, allowing for easy access and exploration.