We are flying into London from Dublin July 5. By the time we get to our Airbnb and back to London it will be around 3 PM. We have never been to London and have no idea what to do on that first day. We are considering a fat tire bike tour that afternoon to get a lay of the land Or a walking tour. Any suggestions or other ideas?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Walking tour to get oriented, since you've never been there.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
If u are too tired from that take a hop on and off tour bus ride.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
Where are you staying?
Check out your neighborhood. Is there a bank ATM to withdraw your pounds. Euros not used in London.
Where’s the underground station? Find it and get your Oyster Card. There are machines.
Locate a market for bottled water, snacks, etc.
Where’s the nearest coffee shop for coffee and hopefully free WiFi.
How about a Jack the Ripper or Ghost Tour for your first night? London Walks. www.walks.com
Fun way to start your visit to London.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks! Great ideas. Do you think we would have time to tour Westminster Abby or The Tower of London before a walking tour or no?
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
No, simply because both close early.
Tower at 5:30pm Westminster at 3:30pm.
Also remember depending on where your accommodation is located tube travel once you’ve gotten settled and going back out might be during commute hours.
Don’t be deterred. All part of the experience of a world famous city!
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Ok. Thank you
Posted by
Los Angeles
980 posts
GKJansen, you are arriving about the same time we are arriving (we're just arriving a week earlier and coming from Los Angeles.) That said, I have done some research on how to spend our first night -- Friday evening -- and thought I would share:
- Most museums are open until 9:00 pm. The V&A and the Tate Modern are open until 10:00 pm. Many have DJs, cocktails, food, talks, etc. *London Walks has several 7:00 pm walks. On Fridays, a pub walk through Knightsbridge and a pub walk across the Millennium Bridge along the river in Southbank are offered. It sounds like the pubs come with stories. http://www.walks.com/our-walks/friday-walks As someone else mentioned, there is a Ghost Walk and a Jack the Ripper walk too. *Soho. Someone else could elaborate since I haven't been on my trip yet but it sounds like Soho and the adjoining Covent Garden are neighborhoods that are buzzing with restaurants, pubs, bars, people, bakeries, coffee shops and more.
Have a great time!