Top 10 Questions People Ask About London

If you are travelling to London for the first time, or even if you are an admirer from afar, chances are that you may have questions about this world-famous British city. Here are the answers to ten of the most frequently asked questions about London.

Is it very expensive to live in London?

Ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, London is in fact very pricey when it comes to housing, unfortunately. As one of the most influential cities worldwide, people do have the opportunities to earn higher salaries here however the cost of living in London is also much higher in terms of entertainment, transportation, and even food.

Is London safe?

As a top tourist destination, London is a very safe city. Wherever you travel in the world, common sense is essential and it is wise always to be aware of the risks of pick-pocketing. The same goes for walking alone in secluded areas at night where the chances of crimes like mugging and theft could be higher. There is a lower chance of encountering scammers than in some other major cities but that’s not to say that it can’t happen. The threat of natural disasters is very low in London compared to other parts of the world.

Another comforting fact is that the city is heavily policed and you will often bump into a friendly British Bobby during your time in the streets of London.

How old is London?

London was founded by the Romans about 2000 years ago and they called it Londinium. It is the biggest city in Western Europe and is now one of the world's most noteworthy cultural and financial capital cities.

However, the legendary foundations and prehistory of London date back to 1000–1100 B.C.E when London was founded by Brutus of Troy. Recent finds have indicated that there were even earlier settlements around the River Thames, as the foundations of Bronze Age timber structures have been discovered that date back as far as 1750 B.C.E and 1285 B.C.E and even from a Mesolithic structure dating back to an astounding 4,800 to 4,500 B.C.E.

What is London famous for?

Landmarks, museums, attractions, and shops selling London souvenirs are just a few of the things that the city is famous for. As one of the top European tourist destinations, people travel to London from all over the globe to watch world-famous theatre shows, take a ride on the London Eye, and of course, snap a few selfies next to Big Ben.

Not only does the British capital have a feast for the eyes in terms of both historical and modern architecture, but it is also a major economic and political centre point.

What can you see in London in one day?

If you only have a day in London and you want to see the main highlights of the city, then the good news is that you can fit a lot in a short space of time. If you are starting around nine in the morning when the main attractions open then why not make a beeline for the Tower of London? This historical building was once the setting for such intrigue, underhandedness, betrayal, and death that would put any historical drama you can watch on Netflix to shame.

Carrying on from the same location, head over to Tower Bridge and cross the River Thames for a close-up view of the South Bank and London Eye, while at the same time as you take a stroll down the pedestrianized riverside, you can take in the sights of the HMS Belfast and City Hall as well as Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard (which you can spot from miles away because it is massive), the Millennium Bridge and then make your way towards St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern.

If you have a bit longer to spend in this area, then a 60-minute round trip on the London Eye will give you some of the most fantastic views of London’s skyline, there is also the SEA LIFE London Aquarium that is a treat for the kids and if you don’t want to walk it across the Thames to the Houses of Parliament, then the River Bus will take you downriver to Westminster Pier.

After all, no trip to London is complete without paying a visit to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, which is conveniently located close to the aforementioned attractions and not far from Borough Market, which would be the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat on the way. Don’t forget to take your selfie stick as Westminster Abbey is also another impressive building that you will find just behind the Houses of Parliament too.

Head for Buckingham Palace while it is still daylight to enjoy this building in all its grandeur, then take a walk down the Mall, past St James’s Park (look out for the pelicans), and then you will end up in Trafalgar Square where you can see Nelson’s Column, the stone Landseer Lions and the National Gallery.

A short walk from Trafalgar Square will take you to London’s West End, where you can spend the evening and unwind after all that sightseeing before you go home in Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square. Here you will find theatres, cinemas and the perfect opportunity to have a meal in a London restaurant.

What is the famous food in London?

London is a multicultural melting pot and because of this, it’s the perfect place to appreciate food from all around the world. However, if you want to savour a real English dinner then here is some of the most famous British food on the menu in London:

Fish and Chips: when it comes to British food, there is nothing quite like it.

Full English breakfast: On a cold and frosty morning, this is a heart-warming (or heart-burning) dish to go for. The best thing is about London, no matter what your preferences are, there is something to suit everyone and you will find places that offer halal and vegetarian alternatives to this mighty meal which normally consists of bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans, mushrooms, black pudding, grilled tomatoes, and fried bread.

Sunday Roast complete with Yorkshire pudding: A true British classic that shouldn’t just be kept for Sundays!

Also, in keeping with true British tradition, definitely make time for Afternoon Tea while you are here in London!

Is London Beautiful?

With Royal Parks and green spaces alongside a contrasting collage of historical and contemporary architecture and street art, yes London is a beautiful place.

What is free in London?

There are loads of free things to do in London, from sightseeing and walking in London’s many parks to taking a stroll and soaking up the atmosphere in London’s nightlife, malls, and market areas.

There are also many famous art galleries and museums that are free to enter, and just visiting one alone is a day out in itself.

What makes London so special?

London is one of the most visited cities in the world. With more than 2000 years of the cultural history behind it, London is now a diverse, multicultural hub of art, music, theatre, literary accomplishments, design, and architecture.

The city offers an amalgamation of exotic food, glamourous clothing, iconic buildings, and lush green spaces combined with good old British tradition.

What is the nickname for London?

London is known as the Big Smoke, it is said that the origins of its nickname came from the fact that in the late 19th to early 20th century, people used to burn coal to heat their homes which contributed to the city’s grey skies.