Are your travels taking you to London this summer? Get spirited away by the magic of the 2012 Summer Olympic games. Millions of tourists will flock to this electrifying city to witness sports history. While most of the games will be held at Olympic Park in Stratford East London, some will take place nearby in other large arenas and venues. This means the masses will be spread out everywhere in London, making transportation, sightseeing, and scoring a hotel a bit of a feat. Here are some tips to making sure you don’t sweat the crowds and get to see it all.
Tip number one is a no brainer—plan your trip. London is a hot travel destination with several attractions, iconic monuments and exciting events that can overwhelm even locals. Our suggestion? Grab a map and plot out your top sights to see. This way you can get the full London experience in between watching the Games. Just be sure to mind your method of transportation. The Tube runs frequently but gets packed easily during rush hour. Similarly, some streets will be closed or diverted, making rides via bus tricky. The key is to leave early and be ready to walk.
Enjoy the sports is tip number 2. Over 200 nations will fight for the gold and the glory in over 300 sporting events. Watch famous athletes like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte wiz like a bullet through the water at the Aquatics Centre. Like to bike? Check out the stunning Velodrome “Pringle” for cycling races. Don’t be bummed if you weren’t able to score tickets. London will come alive with the fun of the Games. All of the local pubs and restaurants will be celebrating the festivities with great specials, cheap drinks and TVs tuned in on the action.
Finally, be sure to explore the city. While the Olympics may take center stage, be sure to check out the city’s events. London is putting on several exciting cultural attractions like a Cecil Beaton exhibit, the BBC proms and World Shakespeare Festival. These summer festivities will pay homage to the arts, making them a perfect place to sample British fare and admire handmade crafts.
You’ll be worn out after a day of trekking around London. Kick back and relax in one of the city’s comfortable hotels like The Royal Park Hotel or Lancaster London, both situated close to the heart of the buzz. For more traveling tips and information about staying in London, check out Londonhotels.com.