London Town is one of the best cities in the world… and yes, I am slightly biased.
One of the best things I like about London is its diversity and the innumerable opportunities to travel and try new things! It truly makes it easier to navigate around our amazing city with the help of a nifty app!
Looking for good coffee? Want to catch a train from the airport? Hoping to see your favorite band?
London has an app for that! Considering the multitude of apps that can assist you in London can be overwhelming, I have compiled a list of my favorite applications that are both convenient and helpful. These apps allow you to enjoy your time in London without the stress of scouring websites for the most up-to-date information.
1.) Heathrow Express
The first step to any trip to London is getting from the airport. Upon arriving at London Heathrow Airport, you have several options to reach Central London. The fastest and most convenient choice is undoubtedly the Heathrow Express.
In just 15 minutes, you’ll arrive in Central London at Paddington Station, with trains departing every fifteen minutes.
One of my favorite features of the Heathrow Express app is its ability to quickly purchase tickets while I wait to disembark the plane. This convenience is its selling point, as my ticket gets directly downloaded to my smartphone.
2.) YPlan
This free app is perfect for organizing your nighttime adventures at short notice.
If you find yourself stuck for things to do when you arrive, or are looking for something unique, YPlan curates a list of events occurring nearby (within a specified distance), so you can make the most of your time in the city! Additionally, it enables direct booking through the app, making your evening planning seamless.
3.) London’s Best Coffee
This is a paid app (£1.49), but I highly appreciate its concept.
With countless coffee houses in London, both big and small, this app highlights some of the independent coffee shops and stalls that serve the best coffee in London! It’s a brilliant way to discover those hidden coffee gems across the city.
4.) Hype!
As previously mentioned, London features a diverse array of activities that span the entirety of the city. This vibrant city proudly showcases its varied neighborhoods including Shoreditch, Soho, Camden, South Bank, and Notting Hill, to name a few.
The Hype! app, which is free, assists you in discoviering and locating some of the hottest and trendiest spots across our fabulous city. It also provides the option to contact Hype! directly through the app for additional assistance. If you are looking to enjoy cocktails underground, this app has you covered!
5.) London Official Events Guide: What’s On?
This app is incredibly useful for planning your itinerary both before and during your stay in London.
It works offline and even provides valuable reviews of restaurants, bars, and cafes! Since it is powered by the official Visit London team, it is certainly worth having on your device while you explore.
6.) Citymapper
I have mentioned this app before and it’s worth repeating as it is a must-have when planning your travel in London!
Citymapper is essential for helping you determine the best route to your destination, whether you prefer the quickest or most convenient option.
7.) Tube Map
This app essentially puts the tube map in your pocket. It’s particularly useful as it functions offline and can assist you in planning your underground journeys.
While it might not be as revolutionary as some other applications like Citymapper, it is definitely an app you cannot afford to be without while in London.
8.) London Bus
At some point during your stay in London, you’ll likely need to use the bus, and for good reason! London buses are convenient and offer a budget-friendly way to catch the main sights cheaply. It’s especially enjoyable when you choose the bus route 4 or 88 – just remember to sit upstairs!
The downside of London buses, however, is that some stops do not indicate when the next bus is arriving. This app eliminates that uncertainty by informing you of the upcoming bus arrivals, routes, and which stops to catch them from.
This app is incredibly useful for both visitors and Londoners alike!
9.) Vouchercloud
London can be expensive, and one of the smartest methods to save money while engaging in a broad range of activities is utilizing this app, which provides vouchers for various offerings; most notably, for restaurants.
This app enables you to dine out as much as you wish while staying within your budget, making it essential during your time in London.
10.) Onavo
While not specifically a London-based app, Onavo helps reduce your data roaming expenses by compressing data before it reaches your device, keeping costs down.
Although London now boasts numerous free WiFi spots (which is excellent), having Onavo can be incredibly beneficial when you need to rely on mobile data.
