London
London is a city full of creativity and energy just like its people. It's of course famous for its magnificent ancient buildings like the Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. But who said the city of dreams doesn't know how to have fun? From the endless pubs, castles culture, nightlife and entertainment, you'll never be bored here. There's also the green spaces like the extravagant gardens and pretty villages. Plus if you were thinking of lavish 5-star luxury, London ticks that box too.
Tipping.
Restaurants and bars- Tips are appreciated but not always appropriate in London. It is customary to leave 10 to 15% of the bill as tip when eating out.
Taxi- It is polite to tip 10 to 15% of the taxi fare for black cabs and licensed minicabs in London. However, most people simply round up the fare to the nearest £1 and tell the driver to "keep the change".
Hotels- In London hotels, people often tip porters.
Lingo in London.
You don’t really get to experience a language without knowing its slang. And that is so true for London where it makes up a huge part of the vocab! Visiting London for the first time? If you’re wondering what all the new words mean, we got you covered. Here’s a couple phrases to help you get by.
General lingo.
All right? = Used most commonly as a greeting and one that doesn’t require a response
Cheerio= Goodbye
Break a leg= Good luck!
Get stuffed = No chance, go away!
I’m knackered= I'm tired
I’m chuffed to bits!= I’m very pleased
This is mint = this is awesome
Eating out/ shopping lingo.
Chucking it down = There is torrential rain
Grub down = Go get food
Chippy = A nickname for a fish and chips establishment.
Pudding = For Brits, pudding is something sweet, soft, and squishy, usually with some kind of sauce or stickiness to it, i.e. cake with custard.
Bender = Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender"
Elevenses = A mid-morning snack before lunch that normally includes a cup of tea and a biscuit
Get your flirt on!
Fancy = Have a crush on
You look absolutely smashing tonight = You look great!
Randy = Turned on
She's a peng ting [thing] = She’s cute
Utterly starkers = Naked
Transport from Heathrow Airport.
There are 4 ways to get from Heathrow Airport to London - by train, coach, taxi or car.
Train or tube.
The most cost-effective rail route to London is London Underground. Piccadilly Line trains run from all terminals and journey time is 50–60 minutes. Other options would be TfL Rail's service links the airport with local stations in West, Central London and the Feltham rail link and the Heathrow Express - the fastest way to get to Central London.
Bus/coach.
National Express coach services operate out of the Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station, to and from central London (Victoria), and destinations all over the UK. They also operate a Hotel Hoppa which serves 21 hotels around Heathrow Airport for just £5 each way door to door, from all terminals and the Central Bus Station.
Car.
Heathrow Airport has plenty of transport and car rental options. Renting a car to get around London is a fine idea. However, there are some important things to note. Of course an international driver’s license is a requirement but also be aware of the congestion charge, speed limits and streets getting hectic and crowded during certain times of the day.
Taxi.
London taxis are available outside each terminal. The cost to central London is £45–£70 and the journey time is approximately one hour. Or, book a minicab or chauffeur in advance. Cab services such as WeKnow allow you to pre- book your taxi at Heathrow airport before landing the airport
Best time to travel.
March through May, temperatures between 16°C to 12°C.
Forecast your trip.
This is London all year round.
Are you ready to plan?
London related.
A night in London
By Leah Manickam
The city of London is known for its quaint architecture, world-renowned landmarks, buzzing people and of course its unpredictable weather. It really is the kind of city that does not sleep. However as much as this city is bursting with color and adventure during the day, it was described as having a sinister beauty by night. London after dusk is an entire experience in itself with something to do for everyone, regardless of who you are. Now that London is slowly but steadily opening up, when you arrive in London for a night where do you head to first?