London Serviced Apartments

What Do I Need to Know about Staying in London?

The Capital of the UK, London is truly a global destination for tourism and business. To help you make the most of your visit, consider our guide to London below:

Transportation in London

One thing is for sure – London has no shortage of transportation options. But in this sprawling city with countless attractions, getting from A to B can feel daunting.

We break down all the ways to get about the city – alongside some handy tips:

1. Underground:

This is the primary mode of transport for Londoners. And for good reason. When lines run smoothly, you can blaze a trail across the city in no time! That's why The Squa.re always details the nearest tube for each of the serviced apartments in London.

Just remember – always stand on the right side of the escalator!

Top tip: Make sure to grab yourself a Pay As You Go Oyster Card – 

It's cheaper than paying for single journeys. In London for a longer spell? Look into Pay As You Go Caps.

2. Bus:

It's a great way to see the sights, especially from the top deck of the city's iconic double-decker buses. However, during rush hour you can expect to run into traffic – especially in the city centre.

You can use your Oyster Card on the bus, too – just remember to top it up before your journey.

Top tip – If you can, avoid travel during peak hours and higher fares (peak hours in London are between 06:30 and 09:30, and 16:00 and 19:00).

3. Boris Bikes:

Make a day out of cycling throughout London, seeing the sites, with one of the city's Santander Cycle (known as Boris Bikes to locals!).

Day passes start from £3 for unlimited 30-minute rides. So, you'll be saving some pennies too!

4. Taxi's:

No trip to London would be complete without a trip in a London Cabbie – which you flag down in the city centre.

Uber is another option, too. But if you'd prefer to travel in a little more luxury, there are plenty of private hire cab companies. If your apartment has a concierge, they should be able to help with bookings.

5. Thames Clippers:

What better way to travel across London than on a Thames Clipper Boat? You'll be taking in London's must-see sights along the way, too – from the Tower of London to the Houses of Parliament.

6. Hire cars:

There's no shortage of car hire firms in London. But unlike some cities, the car is certainly not king in London. That's why most people choose to hop on public transport instead.

If you do decide to brave the congested roads, you'll need to be aware of the Congestion Charge Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in central London. You'll have to pay a daily fee for driving within these areas during specified times.

And don't forget to drive on the left-hand side!

Top tip - Street parking can be tricky in central London. Look for designated parking garages. Or there are park-and-ride options on the outskirts of the city where you can take public transport to your destination.

Weather in London

When the sun shines down on London town, the capital is a fine place to be. Spring and early autumn are always popular times to visit. But, of course, if you're on a business trip, you might not have the luxury of picking the time of year to visit.

1. Summer

The average high in July is 22 Celsius (46 Fahrenheit). Although with temperatures rising (summer days can climb above 30 Celsius), many of our apartments provide air-conditioning for an extra dose of modern-day luxury. You can narrow your search by selecting 'air conditioning' in our search filter.

Top tip – Even in the height of summer, there are always shady squares to beat the heat in London – if you know where to look.

Follow the locals up to the hilltop park of Primrose Hill – the views over Regent's Park are worth the climb alone, and you can always find a breeze up here. Or head for the shady trees of Hyde Park.

Or take a day trip outside of London ­– the rolling green countryside and quaint villages of the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire are closer than you think!

2. Winter 

They say there's no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing. And winter in London are a case in point.

The average daytime temperature in January is around eight Celsius (77 Fahrenheit), so prepare to wrap up. And always carry an umbrella with you – you never know when a shower may strike!

Final Tips for Visiting London

• Always check to see if your train, bus or tube is running in advance – public transit apps like City Mapper are helpful
• If you are visiting from another country, make sure you download a contactless bank card that can process international payments
• If you are visiting from Europe, traffic comes from the opposite direction you may be used to. Make sure you look both ways before stepping out onto a road!
• Bring a universal charger for your electrical goods
• Looking for professional meeting spaces? Book ahead using services like Regus or WeWork. Many of our serviced apartments offer co-working communal spaces, too
• Take advantage of London's free attractions – the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum are all free to enter!

Feeling more informed about your stay in London? Ready to feel at home in the city? Start your search with TheSqua.re.

Would you rather leave the search to someone else? Contact one of our London experts on our live chat.