The London Eye: Crowds in a Pod The London Eye is another skippable tourist trap I London. It’s just a ferris wheel. Yes, that’s all it is. And yet the London Eye is an uber popular attraction in London, the most popular tourist site in the UK.
Why is the London Eye a tourist attraction?
The London Eye is also the tallest wheel of its kind in Europe and provides one of the best views of London. There is competition from the Shard which holds a higher position than the wheel is able to obtain but the fact that the Wheel provides a number of viewpoints ensures it remains a huge attraction.
How can we avoid tourist traps in London?
How To Avoid The London Tourist Traps
- Avoid travel at rush hour when necessary. London is especially busy between the hours of 7.30 and 9.30am and 4.30 and 7pm.
- London Parks are surprisingly spacious.
- Epping Forest.
- Richmond Park.
- Greenwich Park.
- Hit the museums and attractions late or early in the day.
Is Covent Garden too touristy?
Covent Garden is one of London’s best-known areas – but it’s too easy to dismiss it as a jumble of theatres, high-end restaurants and not much else. Londoners often have an aversion to anywhere deemed “too touristy” – which is ridiculous really, as it means missing out on some of the best spots in the city.
Is the London Eye claustrophobic?
Around twenty five people can fit into one capsule but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. There’s space for everyone to get on. The capsule moved slowly, and if you’re afraid of heights like me, the London Eye does make you feel safe.
Is the London Eye an eyesore?
To some its a tourist attraction, to others, it’s an eyesore. Regardless of one’s opinion on the Eye, it is an iconic part of the city and its history, though recent, is certainly as memorable as one of its “flights”. The inspiration for the London Eye was the London Wheel.
Which is better London Eye or the Shard?
The Shard offers visitors unlimited time to view London from by far the tallest viewing point in the UK, over twice the height of the London Eye. There are limited queuing times and much greater space to enjoy the view. The Shard is slightly more expensive, however you get a lot more for your money.
Are pickpockets a problem in London?
London has been named the pickpocketing hotspot of the UK, with over 80,000 thefts taking place in the capital in just two years, new research has shown.
What should I avoid in London?
Let’s look at some common tourist blunders that visitors make while visiting London and how to avoid them.
- 10/10 Don’t Tip.
- 9/10 Be On The Right Side Of Escalators.
- 8/10 Get Yourself An Oyster Card.
- 7/10 Avoid Tube During Rush Hours.
- 6/10 Don’t Limit Yourself To Central London.
- 5/10 Ignoring The Coins.
How do you identify a tourist trap?
Tourist traps are public places that have a reputation for attracting large amounts of out-of-town travelers that offer overpriced food, drinks, and souvenirs. Tourist traps typically charge more than what locals would pay for goods and services in the area.
What is the prettiest area in London?
Lady’s Guide to the 17 Prettiest London Neighborhoods
- Holland Park.
- Primrose Hill.
- Highgate.
- Mayfair.
- St Katharine Docks.
- Greenwich.
- Chiswick.
- Richmond. South of Chiswick, Richmond is one of the most beautiful places in the city, not only for its pretty riverfront but also for its stunning park.
Where should a first time tourist stay in London?
Mayfair is the best area to stay in London for first time visitors to the city because of its proximity to Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The architecture and tiny side streets also make Mayfair one of the most instagrammable spots in London.
What area of London is best for tourists to stay?
Best Places to Stay in London
- The West End – Best for First Time Visitors.
- Westminster – Best for Tourists.
- London Bridge and the South Bank – Best for Tourist Attractions.
- Soho – Best for Nightlife.
- Kensington – Best Place to Stay in London With Family.
- Shoreditch.
- Mayfair, Belgravia and Victoria.
- Marylebone.
How scary is the London Eye?
Is the London Eye scary? If you’re afraid of heights, airplanes, observation towers, glass elevators, or glass floors, 135 m seems an audacious challenge, but truth be told, once you’re inside a capsule, you feel surprisingly safe like you’re in a glass cocoon.
How long do you sit on the London Eye for?
Standard Ticket
30 minutes up high in one of our 32 pods. 360° moving views from the heart of the city. Get up close to London’s iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. You can even see as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day!
Is it better to go on the London Eye Day or night?
It’s especially nice to experience the nightfall, with the lights of the city, at the London Eye. To do this you should start the ride shortly after sunset (link with times below). Usually the queue times are not too long in the evening hours. The ride duration is around 30 minutes.
Why is Coke in London Eye?
Coke first sponsored the tourist attraction in 2015, rebranding the structure with red lighting and naming it the Coca-Cola London Eye. It was previously sponsored by utility company EDF Energy, which agreed a three-year deal in 2011.
Why does the London Eye have 32 capsules?
There are 32 capsules on the London Eye to represent the 32 London Boroughs with each of them holding up to 25 people, are air-conditioned and each weigh 10-tonnes. Each of the capsules has a number from 1-12 and 14-32, with the number 13 not used as it’s seen as unlucky.
Why is there no number 13 on the London Eye?
The capsules each have a theme
Intriguingly, there is no capsule 13 because of superstitions surrounding the number. It takes just thirty minutes for each spin of the London Eye to be completed, and the wheel never stops to allow new people on during this time.
Is it worth to go to London Eye?
Is the London Eye worth the views? The simple answer is yes. This is London’s equivalent to the Eiffel Tower and there’s no denying that London has one of the most impressive skylines in the world. On a clear day you can see as far as Windsor Castle, over 20 miles away!
Can you wear jeans in the Shard?
The dress code for all the restaurants in the Shard is that we request diners do not wear sportswear or beachwear. Jeans would be acceptable, however please be aware that trainers of any kind can be considered sportswear, so we recommend wearing a more conventional style of shoe.