Anyone looking for a city break cannot go wrong with London. However, as there are so many things to see and do, it can often feel a struggle to plan the perfect trip to the English capital, as you will want to stay at the best hotel, visit the finest attractions and embark on many fun activities.

If you are set to head to The Big Smoke in the not-so distant future, here are the factors to consider when planning a London getaway.

Your Itinerary

If you are only visiting London for a weekend, you might be tempted to squeeze many activities and attractions into your city break. However, doing so cannot only be stressful, but it could prevent you from enjoying each experience, as you will be constantly thinking ahead instead of enjoying the moment. For this reason, you must carefully consider the reason for your visit. For example, if you want to enjoy a spot of sightseeing, tick London’s top landmarks off your checklist, such as:

  • Buckingham Palace
  • Tower of London
  • Big Ben
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Houses of Parliament
  • St Paul’s Cathedral

However, if you are looking to have a little fun in London, make your way to:

  • The London Eye
  • Convent Garden
  • Hyde Park
  • The West End

For a complete guide, visit Mr Hudson Explores when choosing the best activities and attractions in London.

Your accommodation

Never book a hotel based on its aesthetics or reputation alone. To ensure you have a smooth, comfortable stay, you must consider a hotel’s location. For example, once you have your itinerary ready, you should find a hotel that is within close proximity to your desired landmarks and attractions, which will more than likely be in the center of the city. If you don’t, you will spend most of your time on the busy London Underground or in expensive taxis.

As hotels may be expensive, you could consider other options like Airbnb and rented apartments too. This selection, of course, you should do based on the places you have in your itinerary, and the part of London you want to stay in. To stay in the parts of London with open spaces, canals, and parks, you could have a look at Finlay Brewer properties in West London; else, you could consider a more happening part of East London, within the hustle-bustle of the city. You may feel more at home if you stay in a rented apartment.

Where to Eat & Drink

You might be visiting London for its attractions, but you will want to stay for its food. That is because the capital isn’t short of delicious dishes, as there many food and drink options to choose from in the city. For example, you can take your pick from:

  • 71 Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Markets (Borough Market, Southbank Centre Food Market, Kerb, Camden Market, etc.)
  • Pop-up restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Chain restaurants

Transportation

Even if you have booked a centrally-located hotel, there might be times when you will need to hop onto the tube or into a cab to navigate your way across the city. While many first-time visitors are afraid to tackle the tube, it can be one of the easiest, cheapest and quickest ways to travel across London. If, however, you want to take a taxi, try to avoid black cabs as much as possible, as they can be ridiculously overpriced. Instead, book an Uber, which could save you a considerable amount of money and you will not need to worry about a driver taking an unscrupulous detour to secure a bigger fee.