Getting to Know Your New London Neighborhood

You may not be able to fully understand all the British dialects, know The Tube like the back of your hand, or comprehend the intricate rules of rugby right away, but there is one thing you can do upon your arrival in London: Get to know your neighborhood. Whether your extended stay is a few months or a year, you’ll need to become as familiar with your surroundings as you are when you’re living in your own home town. Fortunately, it’s easy – and, even better, it’s a ton of fun!

Figure Out All Public Transportation Options: Doing ALL of the stuff below is a breeze when you know how to get around town. So, your first priority is to become one with the London Underground, a.k.a., The Tube. This massive subway network is the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to get around town, and it pretty much goes anywhere you need to be. Become familiar with the bus lines as well, for the rare spots The Tube may not reach – or just for fun to see the city. For longer trips, consider local train service that offers transportation to London’s outlying areas.

Play Tourist for a Day: As you’re settling in, hit the town like a tourist. Check out the historical landmarks like Big Ben, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Grab a bite at a street vendor in Soho or Chelsea. Do some window shopping at the Piccadilly boutiques. Belly up to the bar for a pint at the pub on the corner. Try to walk as much as possible to really experience London, or rent a bike for long-distance adventures. Check out the London Cycle Hire service that provides you with the first half hour for free!

Locate Your Basic Essentials: In a single afternoon, you should be able to locate all the places you’ll frequent on a regular basis. Find a coffee shop, casual dinner, your local pub, grocers and markets, more upscale spots for fine dining – and any other type of establishment you visit habitually.

Know Where To Go For Fun: No matter what your interests, London’s got you covered – it may just be a matter of finding the spot for your favorite activities. Take a stroll around your neighborhood to pinpoint parks, running paths, biking trails, shopping districts, museums, library or book store, dance clubs, etc.

Here’s a quick, basic guide to London:

With these tips, it won’t be long before you’ll be seeing your London neighborhood through the eyes of a resident – not just a visitor. Not sure which neighborhood you want to call home during an extended stay trip? Please contact a specialist at Myrooms. We can help you find the best fit for accommodations in any part of town. You can also visit our website to review available lodging options.