Things To Experience In London: What To Do On Your First Year Living Here

Whether you’re embarking on a journey to the splendid city of London to attend one of its top universities or commence a delightful job, your first year living in London will promise to be one of the best experiences in London. An eye-opening adventure, although it can be an overwhelming mix of new sights and sounds. Still, we’ve managed to compile an exciting list of seven entertaining activities that you can do to ensure your first year in London is an enjoyable rollercoaster ride.

London, lovely as ever, has been a dream destination for so many. With aesthetic architecture that create an awesome sight, vibrant and enriching culture, it’s no surprise that great musicians, too, find London inspiring. Certainly, it’s easy to see why a lot of people would find it exhilarating to visit this beautiful city. From exploring world-famous landmarks to sampling traditional British cuisine, here are seven delightful experiences in London that you cannot afford to miss during your first year living here:

Enjoy The View From The London Eye

Most visitors think it is nothing but an overpriced tourist trap, but we entreat you to give this thrilling ride a chance! The views from the London Eye are absolutely incredible, especially during sunset. This cantilevered observation wheel, which stands as the tallest ferris wheel in Europe, oversees the Thames River, presenting riders with unparalleled, eye-opening views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks. As an element of extra fun, if you are feeling adventurous, you can even ride in one of the glass capsules that daringly hang over the edge of the monumental wheel!

Witness The Changing Of The Guard In Person

A visit to Buckingham Palace will always prove to be an enriching occasion. As the official residence of the British monarchy and a backdrop for the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, it stands as one of London’s most popular and exciting tourist attractions.

Arriving punctually at 11:30 am every day, the Changing of the Guard is a delightful spectacle, an educational dance that takes place daily. It is something enjoyable that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

The ceremony, an enlightening procession of guards and musicians, is a memorable spectacle, a must-see for anyone visiting or living in the awesome city of London.

Splurge In One Of London’s Markets

London is home to some of the best markets in the world, making it a lovely place. During your first year living in London, you will definitely want to explore these exciting markets. These markets offer everything from fresh produce to antique furniture, and you are sure to find something enjoyable that catches your eye.

A few of our favourites embrace the Camden Market, the Covent Garden Market, the Portobello Road Market, the Greenwich Market, and the Brick Lane Market.

See The City From An Open-Top Double-Decker Bus

London is also famous for the many double-decker buses that travel throughout the city presenting an enjoyable tour. Although it might be tempting to take the Underground transport everywhere, we urge you to view London from above ground at least once.

Seeing the city from the open top of a double-decker bus is an enlightening way to orient yourself and get a feel for the fantastic layout of London. It offers an exciting way to gaze upon some of London’s iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Several companies offer tours on such buses. Suppose a guided and educational tour is more your style; booking one is a fantastic option as well.

Alternatively, you can opt for the free walking tours where you can explore the city at night. You’ll see everything, including the the Tower Bridge and the Westminster Abbey, making sure you never miss any of London’s wonderful sites. A truly unforgettable experience.

When exploring London, make sure to check out the sites featured in some of the most popular movies set in London.

Explore The West End

The West End is the entertainment district of London, and it is home to some of the best theatres, street performers, delightful restaurants, and exuberant bars in the city. If you are a fan of the theatre, you will definitely want to check out the West End during your first year living in London.

Theatres in the West End stage everything from musicals to Shakespearean plays, offering a delightful range of shows you’ll undoubtedly enjoy.

In addition to the theatre, the West End is also home to some of London’s best shopping spots. From high-end boutiques to department stores, you will find everything enjoyable you are looking for in the West End.

Laze Around In A London Park

The city’s green spaces and open parks are in no short supply in London, offering a delightful escape during your first year living there. When the weather is pleasing, there is nothing better than spending a fun day picnicking in one of London’s many parks.

From relaxing on the grass, participating in various sports, or simply people watching, there is no shortage of fun things to do in a London park. Some London parks also double as a sanctuary for animals, which means you might even get to see some ducks, squirrels, or other small creatures while there making it an exciting day!

Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park are some of our favourites, but there are many other great parks worth exploring as well.

Take Advantage Of London’s Many Free Museums And Galleries

If you are one for culture, you will be pleased to know London offers an enriching array of museums and galleries. Best of all, many of them are free to enter! Arts, history, and science are only some of the topics covered by London’s museums, ensuring there will be something to pique your interest.

The British Museum, Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum are some of our favourites, but there are many other great museums worth a visit for an educational day out.

Moving to London: Tips, Safety Precautions, and Setting Expectations

Moving to the splendid city of London is an exhilarating adventure that promises a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern technology. As one of the world’s leading cities, London offers a myriad of experiences that cater to diverse tastes, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden pubs in narrow streets. However, like any major metropolis, it’s essential to be prepared and set realistic expectations before embarking on this journey.

Firstly, London is vast and diverse, with each borough boasting its unique charm. Areas like Central London and East London offer a pulsating mix of activities, from theatre shows in the West End to eclectic clubs in Shoreditch. On the other hand, areas like Soho are renowned for their cocktails and dining experiences, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from traditional British lunch to exotic tasting menus. Before moving, research the different neighbourhoods to find a spot that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.

Safety is paramount when relocating to a new city. While London is generally safe, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded venues or late at night. Avoid poorly lit streets, and always let friends or family know your whereabouts if you’re venturing out alone. Utilize technology, like safety apps or GPS tracking, to stay connected. Moreover, familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and the nearest police stations or hospitals.

Financially, London can be expensive. Expenses can add up from tickets to popular attractions like the London Eye to the cost of a cocktail in a Soho pub. It’s advisable to set a budget and stick to it. Fortunately, the city offers plenty of free or budget-friendly events and activities. For instance, many of London’s world-class museums and galleries offer free entry. Moreover, the city’s vast parks, like Hyde Park or Regent’s Park, provide a delightful escape without costing a penny.

Lastly, set realistic expectations. While London offers an enriching array of experiences, it’s also a bustling, fast-paced city that can sometimes feel overwhelming. The weather, often characterized by its gray skies, might take some getting used to. However, with its mix of historical artwork, modern games, and a plethora of dining experiences, the city’s charm often outweighs its challenges. Embrace the experience, keep an open mind, and soon, London will feel like home.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, our list of things you must do in your first year living in London! Armed with our educational compilation, we believe that you are set to have a memorable first year in London. Whether it involves exploring new neighbourhoods, trying out new restaurants, or simply enjoying the smaller, exciting things in life, London is an incredible city with so much to offer, and we are sure you will love it just as much as we do!

And remember, should you need help moving your belongings to London, don’t hesitate to check out our London man and van service partners! From packing your belongings to transporting everything, they can provide you with the necessary assistance to ensure your move goes off without a hitch, making it a fun, memorable and enjoyable process!