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One thing about London is certain: it's always changing and there is always something new happening. It is one of Europe’s fastest growing metropolis cities, and for good reason. There are more than 30 different nationalities represented among London’s streets. It's more than just the home of the Queen, the world’s best tea parties, double-decker buses and to-die-for fish and chips. Take time to really discover what makes London so popular!

Essentials in London

London is one of those cities where it’s highly recommended you make a plan for what you want to see before or at least as soon as you arrive. Divide your days into different boroughs so you’re not criss-crossing all day long. Many of London’s museums are actually free, so take advantage of it while on holidays in London. The usual London Tour includes the likes of Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Big Ben, but why not try something different in London? Explore Soho and Camden and experience their markets and street entertainers.

Tower of London: With a history going back nearly 900 years, it's no wonder this building has become the symbol of London. It's worth dodging the tourists to hear the stories of kings, queens, prisoners and murders. It's been home to the armoury, treasury, a menagerie, the Royal Mint, public records office and is currently the home to the Crown Jewels.

Tate Modern: This is without a doubt the most visited museum in London. It is also the world’s most visited art gallery. There are more than 5 million visitors in the world and for good reason. Visit the Tate's permanent collection for free! There is a café on the 7th floor with nice views of the Thames and St. Paul's across the river. The permanent collections are on floors 3 and 5 while the temporary ones, which require the entrance fee, are on 4. Don’t leave without visiting their huge art shop on the main floor.

British Museum: The British Museum is one of the world’s oldest museums. It is a curious and grand collection of, well, everything and anything. There are main galleries specifically dedicated to Egypt, Africa, Italy, Asia, prehistory and more. It's impossible to see this museum in a day, so head to one exhibit and discover it thoroughly and then head to another on a different day. It is a good place to save for rainy afternoons.

Parks: From Hyde Park to Regent's Park, London has more green spaces than you can count. Parks are without a doubt an essential part of life in the British capital. Where else can you spot squirrels in their natural environment in the middle of the city?

Changing of the guard: Held everyday at 11:30 from early May to late July, and every other day during the remainder of the year, the Changing of the guard is something to see. It's a tradition that has been followed for hundreds of years. As for those guards standing watch, don't disturb them, it's just not polite.

Find more information on visitlondon.com.

Accommodations in London

London has everything when it comes to accommodations. There are a few things you should consider when choosing hotels in London. First is your budget, how much do you want to spend? What would you like to see? This decides where in London you should stay. If you want to see the main central sights, then find a cheap hotel near Westminster or Kensington. If you’re more interested in visit one particular borough or you’re attending a conference or event, find something close or at least within a reasonable distance from there. Do you prefer value for money or are you willing to spend a little more for personal touch?

If you want a more memorable stay and if you’ve got a budget to keep, try a bed & breakfast in a century-age home. The owners are usually always willing to let you in on a few London secrets as well. London has the reputation for having expensive lodgings but there are great deals if you book far enough in advance. Many London hotels are just interested in the luxury market so the cheap budget options are usually restricted to backpacker’s hostels and low-end hotels near the airport. You’ll have the best luck booking something at a hotel chain like the Best Western or easyHotel.