Many people view London as more than an English city; they see it as a world city that looks out onto the world rather than inward at domestic competition. Many industries share this view, and it’s why so many businesses are looking to set up against the competition in the Big Smoke, aiming to challenge themselves against not just the best in the UK, but some of the best anywhere on Earth.
London’s culture, economy, finances, culinary, and sightseeing sectors are a grade above all other cities in the UK, which is why it is the number one destination for those travelling to the UK from all over the world. As somebody who has extensively travelled around the country, I can attest to this—and London is certainly more akin to Tokyo, New York, or Paris than it is to the rest of England.
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High-roller? What do London Casinos Have to Offer?
London’s best restaurants, bars, casinos, and entertainment venues are considered some of the finest on the planet. If you’re looking for expensive taste and glamour, this is your city⎯there’s no doubt about it. The Barracuda and The Hippodrome are just two of the top casinos in Europe, both of which are situated within a couple of miles of each other.
The UK’s revolutionary legislative approach to gambling and digital casino gaming made it a global frontrunner⎯with many of the top casino game design companies operating out of the English capital.
At the same time, you won’t have any difficulty finding online casinos that offer free spins and welcome promotions. London’s casinos offer a different type of gaming experience. While it might cost a bit more in the pocket, many people seek out these gambling venues as part of the greater nightlife package that is on offer.
Sporting Capital of the UK
Depending on the sport you enjoy, you might find yourself having to venture further out of London if you’re after the premium fixtures in its UK calendar. However, there’s more than enough to entertain you as a visitor. The English Premier League is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most prominent English sporting export⎯with many of the top teams valued in the billions of pounds.
Analysts believe that over three billion fans worldwide tune in across the course of the 38-game season. With nearly half of the 20 teams in the Premier League operating out of London, and 17 professional teams in the English capital, if you’re a football fan, you’ll have no issues catching top-level football action. Not to mention, Wembley is the home of English football⎯playing host to many domestic cup finals and providing a quintessential English footballing experience if you’re lucky to catch a domestic game or the national team.
Tennis fans jet in from everywhere to watch Wimbledon each summer, as they do to watch football finals, world championship boxing and UFC fights, and authentically British sporting experiences like darts and snooker.
Sightseeing?
Due to London’s density, you can cover a number of the top sights quickly. The UK is a densely populated country and given that it is smaller than some US states, while it may feel cramped in the Big Smoke from time to time, as a tourist, it’s perfect to get about on foot and truly get an authentic feel of London.
Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Big Ben, and Shakespeare’s Globe are some of the most prominent attractions for visitors. Other sightseeing ventures include the British Museum, the Warner Bros Studio, and Hyde Park. Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are also highly rated attractions, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Other Highly Rated Activities in London
Many people travel to London for a two-week break and still don’t cover all the recommendations you can find online. Alongside the iconic, world-famous attractions we have touched on today, there’s also a host of other activities. Whether you enjoy ice skating, checking out live music, or guided spooky tours of London’s past, there’s just no shortage of things you can do.
If you’re a fan of architecture, you can check out The Shard, although this is a polarising topic amongst many Londoners who aren’t too big on the design or its look. The financial district, Downing Street, and the rough-and-ready bars, live music venues, and restaurants of Camden are all worth checking out in their own right.
Madame Tussauds is another popular one if you’re looking to get out of the heat. If you don’t manage to catch London on either of the two days a year when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees, it might be a good excuse to get out of the rain, which is probably more likely!
Tips for Travelling Around London
Just like any heavily populated city with a 24/7 vibe, you should always follow travel tips and become acquainted with the area where you’re staying. Get to know the underground, plan your journeys and ensure you bring a combination of cash and card in case you encounter any difficulties.
Both the London Underground and the bus system use an Oyster card, which you can purchase and top up. Simply tap in and out of tube stations or on and off buses. Remember to have enough money on it so you’re not wandering around, looking for top-up points and missing your trains or tours!
Summary
Social media is a great tool for exploring travel tips and guides, although travel vloggers can be annoying, can’t they? Is that just me? Well, irrespective of that, many of them provide good travel tips, whether they’re on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.
We’ve covered at least a dozen of the top things to do in London, but depending on how long your trip is for, you should plan wisely and accordingly. Realistically plan your trips, routes, and budgets and ensure you aren’t trying to cram too much in. London doesn’t lack world-class entertainment or activities, as you can see, but if you don’t plan ahead, you might make inefficient use of your time.