Question 1

Where is London? Is London a city? Is London a Country? Is London in Europe?

Accepted Answer

It’s in the southeast part of England, around an hour/hour and a half from the coast. Yes, no, and yes, well, technically. London isn’t a country, but it is the capital of a country (England) and also the largest city in both the country and the United Kingdom, which includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Land-wise, England is also part of Europe even though it’s an island and not physically connected to the continent. However, politically/governmentally, it isn’t in the European Union (EU), so it has a different set of visa rules when entering.

Question 2

What’s the weather like in London?

Accepted Answer

It’s not as rainy as you’d think. When we announced we were moving to London, there were numerous family members asking why’d we want to move to a place it rains all the time. Well, spoiler, it doesn’t. (Also, some of those people are assholes, so * shrugs *.) It only rains around 106 days a year in the city, so that’s basically only one-third of the year. And while there are days it pisses down miserably, many of those rainy days, you’ll get a bit of light rain, then the sun comes out. After living in Dublin, I can say the weather in London is nothing to be worried about. Bring an umbrella, dress in layers.

Question 3

What’s the best month to go to London?

Accepted Answer

The best time of year to visit the city depends on personal preferences, but in my opinion, April and October are the best months to explore London. They both offer good weather – mostly sunny but not too hot, which is great because AC is limited in this country, and you will melt once June hits. These months also miss the higher tourist levels of summer when European schools are out, which can save visitors time and money as fewer people means less competition and better pricing.

Question 4

What are some things to do in London as a first time visitor?

Accepted Answer

There’s no lack of things to do in London, but for first-time visitors, hitting the major tourist spots is a great way to dip your toe into the city. Popular options include the London Eye, which is a giant ferris wheel across the Thames from Westminster Abbey, along with other landmarks, like the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and The Shard. Signing up for one of the London tours is an easy way to see all the big hitters in one go if planning it yourself feels overwhelming.

Question 5

Is London expensive to visit?

Accepted Answer

In short, yes, London is not a cheap city. However, it’s also totally possible to explore London on a budget. The city has an incredible historic and art scene, and many of the galleries are free to the public. Believe me, you can easily spend a day browsing just the free exhibits at spots like the National History Museum and The National Gallery. With the right research and planning, you can also get to and stay in London fairly affordably.

Question 6

What attractions are free in London?

Accepted Answer

I think the best spots in the city don’t cost a penny. Some of the best free things to do in London include: The National Gallery, the National History Museum, the British Museum, the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, and Greenwich Park. Also, Tower Bridge is incredible to see in person – many tourists mistake it for London Bridge, but if you go to London Bridge, you can get a great picture of Tower Bridge in the background.

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