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London Life

How to explore London - and a guide to what you'll find

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Getting around

Public transport
London has one of the best transport systems in the world. No other city is as defined by its transport system as London, with its red buses, black cabs and Tube trains instantly recognised the world over.

Visit Transport for London for information on how to get around, including how to purchase an Oyster card for cheaper travel. You can also ‘tap-in’ or ‘tap-out’ using contactless payment with your bank card for minimal fuss.

Download the Citymapper app to plan any journey around London. The app gives you many different live transport options and quickest routes including bus, tube, cycle, walk, and taxi.

To travel beyond London, see the National Rail (train) and National Express (coach) websites.

Walking
You can take advantage of LSE's central location to explore all the London sights. Although public transport is how most Londoners get to work, don't let the Tube map deceive you into thinking you can't walk everywhere in Central London! Walking is the best way to get to know the City, especially in the summer.

Check out this map of places on and around campus, including study spaces, campus cafes, parks and museums.

Cycling
With new cycle lanes and short-term cycle hire stands across the city, cycling is getting ever more popular. Find information and maps on the TFL and Visit London websites.

Taxis and minicabs
Visit London provides information on travelling by taxi, including the difference between black cabs and minicabs. There are also many cab-hailing apps operating in London.

When travelling late at night, remember that minicabs and private hire vehicles must be booked over the phone, at an office or via an app. See the TfL website for more information.

Shopping

Although the city is famous for flagship Oxford Street stores and expensive designer boutiques, the best bargains and most unique buys are to be found in London’s many popular markets. Camden Market attracts a young, exciting crowd, with virtually everything on sale - clothing, music, accessories antiques, collectibles, art, rugs, food and drink.

The now fashionable East End offers Sunday treats in the form of Brick Lane Market, Spitalfields Market and Colombia Flower Market and will give you a glimpse of real London outside of the centre.

In the West, head to Portobello Market in Notting Hill on Saturdays for antiques, bric-a-brac and clothing. Those of you exploring the 'South Bank' will be close to the best and oldest food market in London, Borough Market. It is well worth a Saturday lunchtime trip to take in the atmosphere as well as the free samples on offer. There are lots of stalls selling lunch which you can enjoy in the grounds of Southwark Cathedral beside the river.

Exploring

With an array of historic sites, parks, museums and art galleries, river trips, theatres and other attractions, you'll find plenty of entertainment beyond campus. Get inspired with a list of 101 things to do in London.

Eating

Cafes and restaurants in London reflect the diversity of its population, with choices from dozens of countries available within a few minutes walk from campus. Whether you're keen to try out fish and chips, are missing food from home or want to get experimental with molecular cuisine, something is bound to tempt you.

As well as visiting restaurants and cafes, you can also make use of food delivery apps such as Deliveroo and UberEats.