Maximum Cities Stage Two: London, England

Niya Bajaj

The second incredible stop on our journey is London, England. Like all maximum cities, it shares certain characteristics with Mumbai, but on the whole is decidedly more organized, less frenetic, and a great deal more “proper”. If you are the sort who would be lost without your daytimer and a clearly laid out schedule, London is the city for you. Blissfully organized and with information readily, if discretely available, London is the maximum city for planners and unlike chaotic Mumbai allows you to set your own pace since you are virtually guaranteed transportation will arrive when it says it will and that office hours will be maintained.

Like all Maximum Cities, life in London is expensive compared to the rest of the country. Since real estate is highly desirable, and increasing numbers of international millionaires making the city their home and base of operations. In addition, the exchange rate of $1 Canadian (CAD) to £0.50 (GBP) puts a little sting into shopping. Luckily London is packed full of delightful free activities ranging from museums, to performances. It is also worth nothing that while the food in London is not inexpensive it tastes a great deal better than food does in North America, so a little does go a long way.

Since real estate is a prime commodity in London, finding a place to stay may be the most expensive part of your trip. However, for travelers under 30 who do not mind a bit of adventure, there is a dearth of safe, clean hostels. Often staffed by young travelers who have fallen in love with the city, you can get a bed and a safe place to store your things for as little as £27 a night in some of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. In addition, you are guaranteed to meet a host of incredible people who are often more than willing to share their recommendations about what to see as well as the best places to eat, shop, and play. However, if the notion of a hostel and sharing your space with virtual strangers turns your stomach there are a wide range of hotels with rooms ranging from £59 to £200 a night.

Once you’ve made some sort of living arrangement London, like Mumbai is a city with something for everyone. From free entrance to all of it’s major museums, and smaller ones – do not miss the Cartoon Museum (35 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HH) which holds a collection of classic British cartoons and comics, in addition to some newer ones – as well as the major art galleries, to the opportunity to watch Shakespeare’s work staged in their original home at the reconstructed Globe theatre (21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT), and to eat at some of the most incredible restaurants including Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen (15 Westland Place, London, N1 7LP).

For more on London, including the good, the bad and the ugly keep your eyes peeled for

Maximum Cities: An Exploration in 3 Stages in next month’s Prospere Magazine.

Photo cred: Trafalgar Square (top) and Cartoon Museum (bottom) ©Amanda Pogue

Niya can be contacted via e-mail at niyab (at) prospere-magazine (dot) com