Neighbourhood bars and pubs
Londoners know that most tourists spend their time wandering around the city’s tourist traps, unaware that some of the best attractions, events and restaurants are hidden away where only the locals can find them.
Don’t get stuck in paying high prices for poor quality at the chain restaurants around the major tourist attractions. Instead, book a hotel close to good transport hubs, such as our Travelodge Central Liverpool Street or our Travelodge Waterloo, and explore London like a local would.
1. Get an Oyster card
As soon as you arrive in London, invest in a transit pass. Recent updates to the system mean you can now pay for transport with contactless credit cards, but a zone 1-2 pass on an Oyster card will give you unlimited bus, train and Tube travel within the central areas of the city. Most Londoners know that this is by far the quickest and cheapest way to get around.
2. Get citymapper app
Got a smart phone? Download citymapper app before you get to London. The capital offers one of the best transit systems in the world, but trying to work out the quickest and easiest routes to get around can be complicated, even for long-term residents. The citymapper app makes it easy-peasy, taking into account train, bus, Tube and pedestrian options. And even giving you live updates on departure times.
3. Check out The Nudge for the latest events and pop-ups
There’s no shortage of exciting events and places to go in London, but the line-up is constantly changing and it takes a true insider to know the coolest events and happenings. Don’t know a London hipster? Don’t worry, just take a look at The Nudge instead.
4. Find the bargains
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but locals know hundreds of tips and tricks to make daily living more affordable. Tiger is the Ikea of gift shops with unusual items at great prices, while Spitalfields market is a great place to get cutting-edge fashion direct from the producers at affordable rates. Looking for a cheap eat? Head to Selfridges or Harrods food halls an hour before they close to pick up delicious, high-quality food at a big discount.
5. Get off the beaten track
A true Londoner wouldn’t be seen drinking or eating at the restaurants on Leicester Square.
Head to more fashionable Soho or Carnaby Street to experience the real buzz of the media-busy West End. Look out for celebrities; most talent management agencies, recording studios, radio stations and film editing studios are in these neighbourhoods.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, head to the newly fashionable neighbourhood of Hackney Wick and grab a drink at the Crate Brewery.
Want to have afternoon tea while you’re in London? Pay a visit to the Coach and Horses pub in Soho and have a quiet word with the bar staff. They’ll usher you upstairs to a secret tea room where you can drink tea and eat fresh-cut sandwiches and cake.
