London tourist information has always been in high-demand as more than 27 million people venture to England's capital every year. The first thing to understand is that the city itself is divided into 32 boroughs which surround the city of London in the center. Becoming familiar with these boroughs will help you navigate easier when it comes to public transportation.
Those looking for tourist information for London regarding getting around the city are typically quite impressed with how precise everything is mapped out. In fact, London is voted as having one of the best public transportation systems in the world. In Central London, there are 11 colour -coded underground lines, the Dockland's Light Railway and commuter boats while the suburbs have a tram, a rail and the Overground , all run by Transport for London.
The
London Underground known as
The Tube is the largest and most intricate underground rail system on the planet. Maps are posted everywhere, colour-coded and easy to read. Of course, many people looking for transportation tourist information in London are familiar with their famous red double-decker busses. More than 5 million bus trips are offered daily on over 700 routes. There are even some night busses in many parts of the city.
Cycling is really a great way to experience the city and there are free cycle maps at bike rental shops and at
The Tube stations. Cycling is so popular here that there's shops everywhere with bikes; you swipe your credit card to unlock one and are charged by the hour until it's returned. Couldn't be simpler!
Taxi service is in abundance in London. There are mini cabs and black cabs which are not always black. Black cabs can be flagged on the street or ordered while mini cabs must be ordered but they are generally less expensive.
Aside from pickpocketing, mobile phone theft is high in London so keep a close eye on your belongings. If you want to enjoy the city at night, stay in well-populated areas like the West End. London boasts the world's oldest police force and with more than 4,000 officers, help is never far away. If you do need the police or an ambulance, dial 999 or 112.
If you need tourist information regarding currency, the pound sterling (GBP) is what is accepted here as well as travellers cheques and credit cards. There are foreign currency travel exchanges everywhere which is where you will get the best rate. You can also exchange money at banks, the airport and many hotels for higher fees.
London is an English-speaking city so if English is your native language, there will be no language barriers.
Lastly, although London tourist information often makes jokes about carrying an umbrella at all times, in all actuality, it typically rains only once every three days. Compared to other European cities winter is quite mild; there is snow but rarely any extreme accumulations. Summer is warm, averaging pleasant temperatures of 24°C and long daylight hours, perfect for taking in the city!
