As a city of incredible historic and cultural influence, London is one of the most popular city-break destinations in the world. It is safe, easy to navigate and there is something for everyone to see. It is especially popular during springtime, but in reality, this city has so much to offer regardless of what time you decide to visit. Not only are March, April, and May packed with tourists, they are actually incredibly unpredictable weather-wise.
London can be very budget-friendly if we plan our visit right. The first thing you have to do is buy an Oyster card, learn about the rules on the Tube, and then seize the endless opportunities around the city. Here are some suggestions on what you can do if you decide to visit outside the peak season.
12 Hampstead Heath Offers Amazing Views Of The City
Hampstead Heath is a popular spot for both tourists and locals - it is one of the best free things you can do in London. It offers amazing views of London's skyline and it's a great place to rest after a long day of sightseeing. This is where the Romantic poets lived and met up. You can visit John Keats' house. Take a walk down the pedestrian Flask Walk and visit one of the pubs in the area.
11 Watch The Changing Of The Seasons At Kew Gardens In Fall
Royal Botanic Gardens, known as Kew Gardens, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must for everyone who loves greenery and needs to unwind a bit. The area is huge, so make sure you arrive early. This is a place no one should rush through. While springtime visits are very popular, the ones in September and October are just as amazing, as visitors can marvel at all the different colors of the fall.
10 Winter Wonderland In Hyde Park In November And December
London is a truly wonderful destination for winter holidays. The whole city goes above and beyond to bring magic into everyday lives. Hyde Park becomes home to a large winter park, where visitors can ice skate, enjoy live performances, and see all kinds of entertaining shows. They even host ice sculpting workshops! Admission is free, but you'll have to pay for the activities.
9 The Proms At The Royal Albert Hall
Summer in London is filled with culture. The BBC Proms are daily classical music concerts that take place at the Royal Albert Hall and last from mid-July until September. 'Proms' stands for promenade concerts. These concerts are organized by the BBC and they are also broadcast daily. Tickets can be either booked in advance or bought at the door if you arrive early enough. Dress code: as fabulous or as casual as you want.
8 All Those Free Museums And Galleries Are Less Crowded
Visiting London in colder months has quite a few perks. Admissions to London's best museums and galleries are free, so naturally, all tourists visit them. When there are fewer tourists in the city, galleries and museums also become more enjoyable. There are no queues and you can take as much time as you'd like. Among the most popular is the British Museum, National Gallery, Museum of London and Natural History Museum.
7 Catch Harrods Famous Sales
Harrods is a huge luxury department store that is on the bucket list of many tourists. It houses countless designer shops. Just like in any other store, the biggest sale begins right after Christmas. Then there is also the famous summer sale. Don't be surprised to see queues of people trying to get a hold of their favorite designer pieces at a reasonable price.
6 It's Easier To Get Tickets To West End Shows
Regardless of what time you're in London, it's best to book West End shows in advance. The cheapest tickets are those for the mid-week shows. February is a really quiet time, while October is the busiest for theater shows in general. There's a show for everyone. You can't go wrong by seeing The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, The Tina Turner Musical, or Les Misérables.
5 Fireworks On Guy Fawkes Night
The 5th of November is called Guy Fawkes or Bonfire Night. In 1605, Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the famous House of Parliament. He was caught, arrested, and sentenced to death. To commemorate this event, people light bonfires and burn figures of disliked celebrities and politicians. There are also amazing fireworks in London, so you're in for a treat if you happen to be visiting in early November.
4 Open Air Cinemas In The Summer
Traveling is not just about sightseeing and trying to cram as many activities as possible in a few days. Sometimes, it's better to take it easy and enjoy the atmosphere of the city in a more everyday fashion. Why not go to the movies? London has many amazing outdoor cinema venues. Just make sure to always carry an umbrella with you. You never know when it's going to start drizzling in London.
3 Notting Hill Carnival Is One Of The Biggest Street Festivals
Many are familiar with the Notting Hill district from the 1999 romantic comedy. But not many know that this area hosts a really fun carnival at the end of August. The event celebrates Afro-Caribbean communities in the UK since 1964. They resemble the Caribbean carnivals that celebrate the abolition of slavery. Unfortunately, it is canceled in 2020.
2 Halloween In London Is Filled With Spooky Events
London can be spooky all year round. There's always the London Dungeon and a Jack the Ripper tour you can visit. But during Halloween, London really delivers some of the best spooky entertainment there is. You can visit the Ghost Bus Tour or simply visit one of the Halloween themed bars if you don't want to be scared to death. If you're feeling brave, visit some of the most haunted places in the city.
1 London Restaurant Festival In October Is A Must For All Foodies
For all lovers of fine dining, October is the time to visit London. London Restaurant Festival runs for the whole month for 12 years already. The events vary from food tastings to fancy meals hosted by some of the best chefs in London. Another foodie event is Taste of London which takes place in June in Regent's Park and it costs around $20.