An electronic tour guide: the must-have apps for tourists in London

0
1459
Tourist

The amazing advancements in technology over recent years have made travelling much easier. No longer do you need to carry around huge maps and translation books to find your way around and get the most out of your city break.

Finding your way to our hotels near Central London can be quite confusing if you’ve never travelled to London before. However, thanks to the magic of technology, you can be enjoying The Montcalm London afternoon tea in no time. Here are some must-have apps that will make your travel experience much easier.

Citymapper

Although most GPS-based map apps will help you search for your favourite landmarks, Citymapper provides all of the most important features of a digital guide in one easy-to-use interface. It’s no secret that London’s transport system can be confusing at times but Citymapper will help you stay ahead of the game by providing you with real-time updates regarding travel information. This will ensure that you find your way to our hotels near Central London easily and without stress.

Santander Cycles

If you don’t feel like getting caught up in the hustle of the Tube system and you’d rather get some fresh air as you make your way around the city,  you always have the option of hiring a Santander Cycle for the day. Unofficially known as ‘Boris Bikes’, these two-wheelers are available to any member. The official app will allow you to locate the nearest docking station.

Mobile Pay

London is a rapidly-moving city that is always running on all cylinders. This means it’s important to keep up to speed if you don’t want to get lost in the crowds. Contactless payment is a great way to reduce wasted time on your trip. Whether you’re an iPhone user or you prefer Android, having the contactless payment app allows you to pay for everything from drinks to Tube tickets. Instead of lining up for a ticket, Underground travellers can now tap their phones on the electronic tag to gain entrance.

OpenTable

Trying to get a table at some of London’s popular eateries can be a challenge, especially if you’re travelling during peak times. Instead of playing your luck and running the risk that you can’t get seated, install the OpenTable app so you can book ahead of time. The app allows you to search through thousands of restaurants and cafes in order to find the perfect place to enjoy a meal. Simply book yourself into one of the open slots and avoid the stress of having to wait hours for a table.

StreetMuseum

This fun app won’t necessarily make your trip any easier but it offers a unique look at the city’s history. The app was developed in conjunction with the Museum of London and works by allowing the user to point their camera at specific buildings and parts of the city in order to see a real-time rendering of what it used to look like. This app is like having a history tour guide in your pocket.