Make the Most of Your Visit to London

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With historic charm, constant festivals, and a rich culture you can’t get anywhere else, it’s no wonder it ranked in Forbes as the number one most visited city in the world in 2014.

But whether you’re headed there for business or pleasure, there are a few things you’ll need to know before making the journey. Take a look at our guide to help you make the most of your next trip to London.

Prepare for the Weather

Here’s a little secret about London—it rains there, a lot. But not to worry, you can even turn an errand to get rain gear into a memorable experience. Instead of getting your rain gear from a nearby convenience store, head to New Oxford street and pop into James Smith & Sons.

Established in 1830, the shop is still a family owned and operated business, providing men and women with their expertly crafted umbrellas, sticks, and canes. Even if you came fully prepared for the weather, the beautiful, Victorian-era shop is worth a visit. The gorgeous, original fittings provide a look into the area’s past, in addition to serving as a magnificent representation of the company’s artistic expertise.

Get Your Grub On

London’s food scene goes way beyond tea and crumpets. While you’re there, you’re going to want to taste some the of decadent cuisine the area is famous for. For starters, check out the What to Eat guide from Eat Your World to find out what you should taste and where you can get it.

Before you leave you can get your fill of bangers and mash, cheese toasties, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. And of course, make sure you save room for dessert. With a comforting bowl of bread of butter pudding, you might just learn to love those frequent rainy days.

Take in the Artistic Culture

You can’t go to London without taking in the art. If I could choose one artistic event to visit this year, it would be the Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair. I found out about the festival through the, “What’s hot in London” guide from British Airways while browsing for plane tickets.

Apparently from the 18th to the 28th of June, the Kensington Olympia Exhibition Centre will host the largest and most established art and antiques fair in the UK. There, guests can view speciality pieces from over 170 dealers, ranging in prices from £100 to £1 million. Their price tags may seem steep, but a beautiful piece of genuine London art makes for one heck of a souvenir.
London is a city rich in culture and history. Once you’re there, I guarantee you’ll want to soak up all the sites, sounds, tastes, and even the smells that the city has to offer. Make sure you don’t waste a minute of your next trip!