When a city is as big and important as London, it can be difficult to know where to start. Do you dive head first into the history and the intrigues of kings and queens? Are you here for a belt-busting exploration of the increasingly indulgent food scene?
Or perhaps it’s theatreland that tempts, the lights and glamour of the West End beckoning. The good news? With London car hire you can tick them all off.
Take it to the stage
London’s theatres are among the most famous in the world, with a long history of legendary actors, plays and musicals gracing the stage. There’s sure to be something that takes your fancy, from edgy political thrillers to joyful musicals.
Many of the most prestigious theatres line Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of the West End, but a few can be found further afield, such as the famous Old Vic near the South Bank.
There are long-running classics such as The Mousetrap, hot new adaptations and plenty of modern classics to be enjoyed. Many of the hottest tickets sell out quickly, so for some shows it’s best to book in advance.
You can also queue for returns on the day or head to the ticket offices around Leicester Square if you decide to see something last-minute.
Rising to the top
London is constantly stretching towards the sky and has a wealth of skyscrapers to show for it. Not all of them are open to the public, but the most impressive certainly is – the Shard, towering over London Bridge, is the city’s tallest building. Shoot upwards in a lift to the impressive viewing platforms or reserve a table at the sophisticated restaurants that have set up home here.
Closer to terra firma, the London Eye is an enduringly popular attraction on the banks of the Thames. Climb into a capsule here – it pays to book in advance to cut down on waiting times – and you’ll enjoy majestic views of the city from 135 metres up, including the nearby Houses of Parliament.
Whistle-stop wonders
London boasts such riches that it’s impossible to tick them all off in a single visit. There’s the winding river, bustling with pleasure boats that ferry you eastwards to the slick skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the leafy suburb of Greenwich. There’s the Tower of London, home to the Beefeaters, the ravens of legend and the crown jewels, and – of course – Buckingham Palace.
Head to Kensington for the unbeatable museum trio – the Victoria and Albert, Science Museum and Natural History Museum, all world leaders in their respective fields. Don’t neglect your palate either, whether at London’s best new culinary hotspots or classics such as Rules in Covent Garden. The capital has also embraced food trucks, and you’ll find thrilling pop-ups and street markets serving up every conceivable cuisine in quirky, Insta-worthy settings.
Relish the action-packed atmosphere and throw yourself into the excitement of the UK’s dynamic capital. With Hertz car hire in London, you can see and do it all, on a schedule that suits you.