How to Enjoy London Safely
You don’t have to dream of a post-pandemic London to appreciate the city. It’s as fun and cool now and there are numerous safe options to enjoy your stay.
View of the London Eye from across the Thames River
London remains an amazing place to visit in the #newnormal. Ever rich in culture, food, attractions, nature, and more, the city has relatively fewer visitors now, so all its must-sees shine even brighter.
A lot of events have been put on hold, yes, and social distancing measures should still be practiced. But fun choices never run short. Here are our recommendations on how to enjoy London while staying safe and healthy:
Keep within your travel bubble
Different households can now mix for social gatherings, but it’s still best to limit close contact with people you have travelled with. If travelling by yourself, you will like to meet up with friends from elsewhere, of course. In that case, we suggest avoiding meeting people you haven’t met or friends who themselves have met with quite a lot of other people before seeing you.
When the government amps up restrictions again, the city typically allows only up to six people per group to socialise together.
Ride the London Eye
In a cheat move, see the city in one go from the London Eye. You won’t have to crawl through several landmarks to say you have seen London, and indeed, what breathtaking views you’ll enjoy.
With one revolution lasting 30 minutes, the ride moves so slowly that you can shoot numerous photos and still have time to sit back and take in the experience. Private pods for up to 25 people can be booked, complete with fast lanes for boarding.
If the London Eye is not your cup of tea, there are a slew of outdoor activities elsewhere. For drinks, opt for rooftop bars, book a spot in friendly bake-off competitions usually held at marquee tents, or join outdoor scavenger hunts (for example, BucketRace).
You can also visit the Serpentine Lake for outdoor art installations, among many of the city’s giant park sculptures.
Avoid frequent use of public transportation
London’s public transport is one of the world’s most convenient systems, often described as woven into the fabric of the city’s design. But to minimise exposure, best to avoid public transport as much as you can.
Don’t worry though — London may be huge but it is a very walkable city. In fact, the city centre is easy to navigate on foot. Make extensive use of physical and online maps to see quicker routes for walking the distance between landmarks and underground stops, if you need to take the tube for longer commutes.
Alternatively, you can take a bike to move around, like those of Santander Cycles. With the self-service bike-sharing scheme, you can hire a bike from only GBP 2 for the day, for unlimited trips of up to 30 minutes. You don’t even need to download an app to use the bike; just find a docking station, hire a bike, and ride. You can return the bike to the nearest docking station.
For more comfortable group travels, you can book Uber or Bolt, or get a Black Cab via the Gett app. If you cannot avoid public transport, make sure to keep your distance and wear a face covering.
Stroll Through London at Night
The most wonderful walking routes are at night, when there are fewer people and less air and noise pollution. Beautiful architectures come into sharper focus with all the illuminations in place.
Don’t miss walking around the South Bank, which looks more relaxed and atmospheric in the evening. Fully illuminated and patrolled for safety, this side of the Thames River crams many great sights into such a short stretch — in fact just 1.5 miles.
Stroll down the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall (glimpse Somerset House across the Thames), and soak in views of Big Ben, Westminster, and the Waterloo Bridge.
Check out Blackheath Village as well — this is around Blackheath Station and the nearby parkland. This charming district feels far removed from the hubbub of the city regardless of time, but it’s even more magical at night. Find your path toward the Prince of Wales Pond, on to Duke Humphrey Road and through the gates of Greenwich Park. Next, walk up to Blackheath Avenue until you see the Royal Observatory and the General Wolfe statue, which frames amazing views of the city skyline.
Other landmarks to visit are Maze Hill, the Canary Wharf, and the Old Royal Naval College, which leads to the show-stopping Cutty Sark museum ship.
