Oh dear. I don't think you researched travel costs very well - no one should take a taxi, Uber or otherwise, from Heathrow. There are tube trains from the airport into Paddington and there's also a brand new cross-London rail/tube service (the Elizabeth line) which would have taken you from the airport all the way to Tottenham Court Road (near Soho) for about $16.
Oh wow thank you for that information. I was in such a hurry to get to my place once I landed in London, but I did take the tube from soho to the airport on my return.
And the ticket should last for the rest of the day, about midnight for the trains and about 4am for the buses.@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 (Tottenham Court Road is near to Soho)
Only reason to ever take an uber to the airport is if it's early in the morning and no public transport. Or a strike. Otherwise, tube to heathrow will take as long as the uber but save you £60 or so. Or from gatwick the overground but that's only £30ish so still a lot cheaper
Yes folk are right about the cabs etc but I'm giving you 4.5* out of 5 because you went to Brixton, Peckham and Camden and got on a bus. That's much more real Londoning than most tourists ever do. Glad you enjoyed your little look around.
See London in a week? LOL! London is one of the great cities of the world, you could see one sight in the morning and one in the afternoon for a month and you would barely scratch the surface. London can be expensive, but a lot of the museums, art galleries and other sights are free. Or if not free modestly priced. For example the London Eye you visited is a rip off at £25 or more and a long wait to even get on. If you went to the Monument in Pudding Lane built by Sir Christopher Wren, which marks where the Great Fire of London started, it only costs £6 to climb inside to the top, where you have a great view of London. You do need to be fit though, there are 311 steps! Or you could visit the Sky Garden, which is near the top of the Walkie Talkie building or visit the newer Horizon 22 at 22, Bishopsgate which is the tallest viewing platform in Europe. Both are free and have fabulous views over London. You do need to book though. Do your research before coming to London and you can find reasonably priced accommodation, you can eat well at reasonable prices and find things to interest you whatever your interests.
16:58 Small correction. The union jack is always flown above Buckingham Palace, except when the monarch is in residence, then the Royal Standard is flown.
I’m glad you enjoyed London and I hope you come back to the UK. It’s not quite so expensive in other parts of the country. You might want to consider other cities like Bristol, Manchester or York, or Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. You’ll find accommodation and food and drink is cheaper. Avoid Uber. Public transport is quite good.
As a Londoner who is always intrigued how visitors view the city, full respect for not just staying in the Zone 1 area of London, like a lot of the other 'travel' vloggers do. Areas like Brixton and Peckham are so vibrant, diverse and representative of typical London life in the outer boroughs. As you noted, it is also a tad cheaper there. Camden nightlife is always a vibe also!! Nice vid mate, hope you enjoyed your travels here. Reach out if ever in London again bro👍🏻
@@rojavida never even thought about it, but it seems you're right. 'set foot' is the older phrase and 'step foot' has gained popularity since the 1980s....
i'm also a londoner and i completely agree that there can be great stuff found outside of zone 1, however its always fun to walk around zone 1 areas (westminster, COL etc) no matter how many times you go. the christmas lights in central london are awesome, definitely worth checking out in the afternoon/evening
Uber is very expensive in London, particularly from Heathrow. London is very well served by public transport which is far better than in the U.S. and Londoners use it all the time. I know every first time visitor wants to see the usual tourist hot spots but they don’t represent the real city, however you need a year to really get to know this incredible city (with all its faults 😁). Hope you enjoyed your short visit.
@@jeffreykyle8587 Any service including Thameslink and Southern have frequent services to central London, Gatwick express starts in Brighton & is half hourly.
Local knowledge here: Next time go to Forest Hill station, exit and climb the hill up to the park at the top, and you can get the most amazing view of the London basin. During summer time, with the sun setting it's breath taking, and when darkness falls and the light go on across the city it's magical.
Soho used to be so interesting about 30 years ago, just the right mix of interestingly seedy but not too threatening. Stilll great for food and getting into the west of london. Phone boxes still work but they usually have piss and burnt skaggy foil and crackpipes inside, theyre a definite last resort
For future reference the Gatwich Express train runs every 15mins to Victoria Station and is about £20 & a tube train to Soho would be about £8 but a day travel card would be cheaper if you use it to get around on the one ticket & one price.
@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 The British public transport system takes some getting used to if you come from America, we take it for granted and it certainly isn't perfect but it's there. Apart from that I really enjoyed your travel log because it avoided the usual tourist traps by visiting Brixton & Camden which are the more ethnically diverse areas of London not usually shown on TH-cam - hope you enjoyed yourself? I'll look through the rest of your videos because you have a welcome different perspective on things that's refreshing.
Hyde/Green/Regents park are super touristy. I recommend Richmond+Richmond Park+Kew Gardens in south and Hampstead Heath+Village in north. Also checkout east London next time (Shoreditch and Hackney). Central London nightlife is whack.
What a lovely chap. I'm glad your enjoying the stay in our capital. Hope you're going to explore further a field and see the rest of our beautiful nation. ❤
I live about 40 miles from London and you've seen more of it than I ever have! Yes, London is expensive...but so is every capital city I've visited...Athens, Paris, Moscow, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Vienna etc etc. It's their nature to be pricey because all the tourists want to go there!
Having lived in London for many years now its a city thats full of surprises and so much to see and do, but a week will give you a good taste of the city then next time explore outwards towards Cornwall, Lake District, Scotland and Wales to get a real taste of the UK...London like any capital city is more a melting pot of all cultures and a bit like a huge museum of everything ...hope you had a great time
@brentwoodbay ...all capital cities are, just the same when I lived in Paris ...there are parts that don't feel like that in London, especially West London going out towards Richmond and Twickenham, but yes all major capitals are melting pots...
@@glastonbury4304 Yes I didn't just mean the diversity of the population, more the size of it, the feel, the noise( always had a headache when I went there) and all the tourists. When I was last back in the UK, in S Wales staying with a friend, I really wanted to go there, but my friend didn't!
YOU COULD OF CAUGHT THE TUBE FROM HEATHROW AIR PORT. FURTHER, SOHO, ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE PARTS OF LONDON FOR JUST GENERAL LIVING & EATING OUT🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🇬🇧
The Piccadilly tube line serves all Heathrow terminals, this is the least expensive service into central London and is frequent although is a stopping service, the Elizabeth line is the newer east - west faster service, less stops, full size walkthrough coaches with a/c, good connections for central London and beyond. Heathrow Express, is premium priced and only goes to Paddington station, so not quite in central London.
@@sleepcrime ok thanks, then I’m even more amazed that he took an Uber taxi from Gatwick 30+ miles from central London when there is a railway station at the airport with about 14 trains an hour into London, taking less than half the road time, not good planning.
No 1 rule of travel: always research how to get from the airport to town - both cost and time. 5 mins spent doing that before travelling could save a lot of money!!
You'll have definitely met more Londoners by heading to 'souf' London. Brixton and Peckham as with many areas have been gentrified in the last 30 years. You're unlikely to experience trouble London and you'd feel pretty quickly if an area isn't safe and can easily exit. It is expensive, though you could easily spend months exploring new areas, cultures and experiences without being bored. It's 18 to drink in the UK, apart from a few nuanced situations. Top tip don't Uber into central London unless you have to. From Heathrow, catch the Underground its cheapest and takes only slightly longer than the Heathrow Express train. From Gatwick catch the regular Southern/Thameslink train and not the Gatwick Express which is marginally quicker but more expensive.
Jeez! You certainly went way off piste there! I lived in London for 45 years (moved to Bath 2 years ago), but the other side of London. Good you saw very non-tourist areas. Surprised you didn't mention its incredibly diverse population.
I'm glad you had a great time visiting London. The King's House (Buckingham Palace) was flying the Union flag/Union Jack 🇬🇧. There would have been another flag flown, which is either called the Royal Standard or the Kings cypher, if he is at home. A week visiting London would probably be enough but you would need a month or more to visit around the rest of the UK for great nightlife and to view stunning scenery. You can get to all other towns and cities easily by rail and/or coach. See you soon ❤️🏴🇬🇧
@user-bh2oj4ih9w you are totally correct. It's what I get for merging sentences and deleting things I wanted to keep and leaving words I did not. I shall edit. Thanks again.
@@juliehillman8743 Yes. The Royal Cypher is a design made by combining the letters C and R, for Charles Rex and the roman number III. Each monarch has a new royal cypher - the late queen's cypher was made from the letters ER and the number II and you still see that one a lot on royal mail postboxes etc.
Lol idk what's up with these comments complaining about the "African American" in the title rather than just American. You are american and also african american, and that may be part of your identity too. Might also be interesting for other african americans specifically to see what your experience was like in London given some of the cultural differences. America has many different cultures and groups of people, it just narrows it down a bit. Either way it's not like anybody else is in the position to tell you what to title your video haha. Good vlog, keep doing your thing 👍
There are so many day trips slightly out of London that are worth seeing. Also there are many ways to eat and drink without breaking the bank. London is cheaper than New York
@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 next time google cheapest places to eat. There's lots of suggestions. Whenever I go into London I head into Marks & Spencer food Hall where they do takeaway foods as well as beers or small bottles of wine, then I head to the park or squares, after which I carry on with my day! Soho is not budget and like has been advised never get a taxi from any of the London airports. All have buses or trains. If you book in advance it can be cheaper.
It's know how. It's knowing where to go. Being a Londoner you know the rips offs and the places where you can get good scram at reasonable prices. It's not that expensive. As for drinking on the streets there's a lot more that goes on than that. Which I will not divulge on here. To stay safe in London don't judge and mind your own business and all should be well. 🤠👍❤
in America if you don't have a car you must take an über. But not in Europe where public transport is extensive and cheap. And fast if there are not many stops. Cheapest way to Central London is by train (use the tfl journey planner for options).
I think many Americans make the mistake of taking a cab because their experience of public transport is so lousy. Also there is the fear factor of visiting a new city, that of finding your way around. A cab can take some of that stress away.
Did you do any research before coming over. An Uber from the airport, staying in one of the most expensive parts if London. Going tl South London for Indian food in Brixton the historic centre of the Caribbean and African culture and food. Best area Brick Lane in East London.
I think London is a good choice when you first come to the uk. Live it up and get it out of your system and then the next time you come you can really experience how diverse the rest of the uk is. Welcome. 👍
London is expensive but you were not really helping yourself by staying in Soho and taking an Uber from the airport. If you had stayed in Peckham and used The Tube it would have been more reasonable.
Loved the bit where you are feeding the birds in Hyde Park. Do be careful of swans though; they can be very aggressive, though I suppose it depends on the swan. Yours seemed fairly docile.
Brixton is the main Afro-Carribean part of London, and I would be looking for Carribean cuisine there rather than India. In any event, looks like the weather on your first full day in London was not bad for what is approaching early autumn. Also, London, including Peckham is generally safe. The real danger is to those caught up in gang culture. There might also be some pick-pockets, but I have never had trouble with that. Of course, the dangers, real or imagined, are going to be higher at night.
If you’re on a budget definitely don’t get an Uber from the airport as there tube and/or train services from every airport at low prices. There is cheap transport all around the city as well as hire bikes. Also checkout ‘cheap eats’ in the food markets because this can be some of the best food and food experiences.
The Palace is currently undergoing renovations, but the late queen would typically spend Monday through Thursday at Buckingham Palace, then spend her weekends at Windsor Castle. Perhaps when the work is completed King Charles will do as his mother did, perhaps.
Who on Earth recommended Hyde Park? One of the least interesting parks in London. Regent’s Park or Hampstead Heath are much more interesting. You were quite close to Brockwell Park when you were in Brixton.
You know, everyone says that, but the fact is that London is a jewel in the world’s crown, not just England’s. It is one of only FOUR recognised GLOBAL capitals of the world - London, New York, Paris & Tokyo. As a major global city, it offers much more than any other city/region in the UK can especially since those other places in the UK are nowhere near as nice as places in mainland Europe, whereas London…like I said it’s one of only 4 global capitals. You’d be mad not to visit it.
@@seldom_bucket Exactly, London doesn’t represent the rest of England. That’s why people are coming to see London - they have no interest in England and why should they? There are miles more interesting places with better food, better natural beauty, better weather and just as much history (if not more) to see than England.
Don’t pay attention to people saying you were ripped off by the Uber driver. You were not. That’s the going rate for the airport to central London if you want comfort. Not everyone wants to be dragging suitcases on the train and underground. Nothing wrong with paying that much for an Uber.
Hello friend 👋 welcome to England 🇬🇧, it looked like you were enjoying this tourist sites of London ❤.we hope that your well and having a good day Simon and Beth ❤️ 🙋
Girl fib.. 18 is the age allowed for alcohol. I enjoyed your video very much.. what a man, what a man, a very nice man. You have charm and charisma.. the world is your oyster.. thanks for sharing.
Wow $80 for a taxi. That's crazy. You can travel on the underground via the Piccadilly line from all Heathrow terminals into London for just a few pounds. Love the Vlog and hope you enjoyed your vacation.
I've seen it quite a few times that many Americans seem reluctant to take public transport. They often see it as being dirty and dangerous and in the US, only the poor people travel longer distances by bus! It is only in the larger cities, there and here in Canada, where there is reasonable public transportation.
I'd love to know how much that first breakfast in Soho cost you? It would cost me upwards from £5.00 to make at home, but I guess you paid extra for the 'ambiance'? Just so you don't think all Londoners live like that!
Nice video. I believe I was in London around the same time this year. I was there (Aug 29-31st) then left on a cruise up the British Isles. (Sept 1-10) That protest was happening as we were leaving to get our cruise in Dover. Also, I spotted Alfred Enoch in the strain station at Heathrow as my train was leaving out the station in Terminal 4. He was with a beautiful young lady., and they were catching the train. Just wanted to mention that since you mentioned his name. It's my second time in London, loved the city cannot get enough of it, but yeah it is pretty expensive. Can't wait to be back. great video.
@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 Yes, Londoners are pretty quiet and easy-going, but they are definitely not push-overs. In the north of England, the people are even more radical, I find. I’m from the south-coast, originally, and I have a soft spot for Manchester (England’s third largest city, after London and Birmingham).
A fish restaurant never smell of fish because that means the ingredients are not fresh. You should always try to eat fish and chips from a shop (a “chippy”), rather than a restaurant, and if there aren’t people queuing up and if it smells fishy then walk away. Oh, and avoid eating near touristy areas, if you can.
You took an Uber from the airport? Rookie mistake it has great links to public transport. Big Ben is the bell in the clock, that tall structure is the Elizabeth Tower. Fisha nd chips in London ar rank. drinking laws, at 5 you can drink in a private home with parental permission. At 16 you can drink with a meal in a pub but someone else needs to buy and 18 - you can buy your own alcohol.
Traveled all that way and didn't leave London. What a waste of a trip, so many unique things to see that you won't see anywhere else. You could have seen castles, countryside, historic monuments. Also elsewhere in the UK prices are half that in London.
You should have taken the Train or Tube into central London, it would have cost you a helluva lot less than $80. (Tube fare £5.60---$6.79)....why people take Cabs, whether they be Uber or the traditional London black cab (even more expensive) leaves me astounded!!
But You missed Hampstead, with ITS Heath, cemetery and village, Hampton Court, the great museums, the Canary Wharf, the opera, concerts or theatre shows, did not sail down the Thames to Greenwich, did not visit the Borough Market, Little Venice's beautiful canals nor the shiny & stunning Battersea Power Station, to mention but a few unique places...London is the Queen of cities. ❤❤❤❤
If the Royal Standard is flying over Buckingham Palace that means that the monarch is in residence. If it’s the Union Flag flying then he or she isn’t there.
Gatwick isn’t even in London mate. It’s about 30 miles south. It’s much cheaper to get the Gatwick Express train service. The train is also much faster as it doesn’t have to contend with traffic. Unfortunately most American’s seem to have an aversion to public transport and always opt for taxis.
There’s way way cheaper ways to get from Gatwick airport to central London than Uber. They are last resort. Sorry about your job. Onwards and upwards now! 👍. Some of the red phone booths were converted into mini mobile phone cell stations which sat in the top of the box.
Great video! Don’t pay attention to negative comments, I usually indulge by getting an Uber or taxi on arrival as I’m always exhausted from travelling.
All airports that se5rve London have fast, cheap public transport and lots of it, all the way to central London for almost a tenth what the Uber cost. Please check these things before you travel, folks. London, like many tourist destinations, is set up to fleece tourists. Best way in my experience is to go to stay with someone you know there, they will likely be able to show you around, and let you know the best ways to do it.
In Soho and central London in general everything is more expensive. Stay a bit further out for cheaper. And experience local life rather than just tourist places. There’s so much going on around town. Tonight I saw Haitian music in Dalston. Tomorrow a theatre play in Islington. Don’t spend your time hanging out with tourists.
Hay man. You can't just be fired in the UK, they have to give you written reasons, warning period, & notice some weeks before you leave. This is employer protection against instant firing. The red phone Booths hardly used since cell fones, kept now just for show. Should have got train to town instead of Uber expensive. Hope you enjoyed London.
@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342the phone booths *are* used. My phone ran out of charge and fortunately I still remember some numbers. They ought to have chargers in those booths.
Nice video . The drinking laws mean you can't drink or buy alcohol in any licensed places before 18 years old, lots of places are family friendly and allow kids in, obviously night clubs etc will not allow any kids in. I don't think there is a age restriction if a parent allows their child to drink at home or the like , though there is more of a social taboo on this here than somewhere like France where watered down wine with a meal including young people is more common.
A 16 year old can drink beer or wine in licensed premises if it is served with a meal (by which I do not mean a packet of peanuts). However, it has to be bought by an adult in the group. A 16 year old cannot just turn up and buy alcohol as part of a meal in a restaurant. Of course, once the meal is consumed they cannot just stay around drinking. Also, some pubs might have stricter rules., even if eating.
yes buddy, London is expensive ,I think you were a little lax on the pre travel observations ,don't take taxis , stay outside the city and use public transport ,That flat you stayed in must have cost a bomb, use local pubs ,that way you make friends and those friends can put you wise to many things you won't find on your jack, I'll bet you could have spent half your dosh and had a better time !! Anyway it looked like you had a fair time ,what happened to those girls though, I think you were a bit slow there.
You can only drink 1 beer at 16, and that's only if you are with adults and having a sit down meal in a restaurant. 18 is the legal age to be able to purchase alcohol yourself.
Same happened with me at a past job just over 10 years ago. This ‘friend’ was always joking around with everyone and me. He caught a screwed up piece of paper bouncing off his head lightly, and he..went.. ..WILD lmao. He switched up so much they had to call the police 😂 We both got sacked and he called me the next day all chilled! Needless to say I never spoke to the weirdo again, a real jeckel and hide! Ooof that busker singing mist have hurt the ears a little 😬😆
I was enjoying this until the hand feeding of the flying rats. Ugh. Otherwise, nice chill vlog. Glad you got to try some Indian food and got to Brixton & Peckham. I love Carnaby St. it’s such a tourist trap but its fun.
Every single time, there's someone like you in the comments talking shit about London. We get it, you don't like London. Why not big up your own area rather than criticise London?
@@SgtTechcomDN38416 I wouldn't be the first or last to dislike London,,, it's called my opinion, I'm a well travelled person from Wales and London would be my last option
Yes he got customs and passport control mixed up, but US citizens can use the E gates. They don't need to fill in countless forms and be interviewed for 5 mins by the border police. Which you do in some countries.
its no problem always willing to help a fellow black traveller out :) im glad you got to see our multiculturalism here and how different it is to the usa @@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342
Dude don’t get an Uber from Heathrow. Hope you enjoyed your brief visit to London. Come back soon but use public transport. Trains and the tube next time 🙂
The Uber ripped you off. Every airport has excellent transport links, why book an Uber? We used telephone kiosks before mobile phones, there was life before mobile phones you know, also before social media, computers, the car, trains.. life does exist without the luxuries.
If you come back! please do not visit London again. To many people come here and think "I done England/UK/Britain.. , I have been to London". I'm British and London is like another (expensive) country to me, it's OK in small doses. Please visit again but stay away from London, there is so much more to see and enjoy. 😊🙏🏿
What did you mean when you said you were eating your fish & chips with a knife and fork? What other way would you think you would eat them? Do do you mean with your fingers, if you do then that's ONLY when you eat them outside in the street. Oh, and the lower age for drinking is 18 NOT 16.
![Sensory Overload in London (as an American) [Travel Vlog 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/82V7aLyJ_L0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Sensory Overload in London (as an American) [Travel Vlog 2024]](/img/tr.png)
Oh dear. I don't think you researched travel costs very well - no one should take a taxi, Uber or otherwise, from Heathrow. There are tube trains from the airport into Paddington and there's also a brand new cross-London rail/tube service (the Elizabeth line) which would have taken you from the airport all the way to Tottenham Court Road (near Soho) for about $16.
Oh wow thank you for that information. I was in such a hurry to get to my place once I landed in London, but I did take the tube from soho to the airport on my return.
And the ticket should last for the rest of the day, about midnight for the trains and about 4am for the buses.@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 (Tottenham Court Road is near to Soho)
Yes funny enough we do have other modes of transport in good old Blighty! 🙄🤦
He came in to Gatwick airport. But he could have got a train into central London for about £20 as there’s a train station in the terminal
Only reason to ever take an uber to the airport is if it's early in the morning and no public transport. Or a strike. Otherwise, tube to heathrow will take as long as the uber but save you £60 or so. Or from gatwick the overground but that's only £30ish so still a lot cheaper
Yes folk are right about the cabs etc but I'm giving you 4.5* out of 5 because you went to Brixton, Peckham and Camden and got on a bus. That's much more real Londoning than most tourists ever do. Glad you enjoyed your little look around.
Yes I had so much fun! Thanks 🙏🏾
See London in a week? LOL! London is one of the great cities of the world, you could see one sight in the morning and one in the afternoon for a month and you would barely scratch the surface. London can be expensive, but a lot of the museums, art galleries and other sights are free. Or if not free modestly priced. For example the London Eye you visited is a rip off at £25 or more and a long wait to even get on. If you went to the Monument in Pudding Lane built by Sir Christopher Wren, which marks where the Great Fire of London started, it only costs £6 to climb inside to the top, where you have a great view of London. You do need to be fit though, there are 311 steps! Or you could visit the Sky Garden, which is near the top of the Walkie Talkie building or visit the newer Horizon 22 at 22, Bishopsgate which is the tallest viewing platform in Europe. Both are free and have fabulous views over London. You do need to book though. Do your research before coming to London and you can find reasonably priced accommodation, you can eat well at reasonable prices and find things to interest you whatever your interests.
16:58 Small correction. The union jack is always flown above Buckingham Palace, except when the monarch is in residence, then the Royal Standard is flown.
You have a very calming nature. Welcome to the UK. Good luck in your new job hope it works out for you
I hope so too! Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed London and I hope you come back to the UK. It’s not quite so expensive in other parts of the country. You might want to consider other cities like Bristol, Manchester or York, or Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. You’ll find accommodation and food and drink is cheaper. Avoid Uber. Public transport is quite good.
As a Londoner who is always intrigued how visitors view the city, full respect for not just staying in the Zone 1 area of London, like a lot of the other 'travel' vloggers do.
Areas like Brixton and Peckham are so vibrant, diverse and representative of typical London life in the outer boroughs. As you noted, it is also a tad cheaper there. Camden nightlife is always a vibe also!!
Nice vid mate, hope you enjoyed your travels here. Reach out if ever in London again bro👍🏻
Well said!
@Bideford_College you've probably never stepped foot in Brixton, have you lad 🙂
@@louiem2Just curious. Where has this phrase “stepped foot” come from? It always used to be “set foot”. I’m guessing it’s an eggcorn of some kind?
@@rojavida never even thought about it, but it seems you're right. 'set foot' is the older phrase and 'step foot' has gained popularity since the 1980s....
i'm also a londoner and i completely agree that there can be great stuff found outside of zone 1, however its always fun to walk around zone 1 areas (westminster, COL etc) no matter how many times you go. the christmas lights in central london are awesome, definitely worth checking out in the afternoon/evening
Uber is very expensive in London, particularly from Heathrow. London is very well served by public transport which is far better than in the U.S. and Londoners use it all the time. I know every first time visitor wants to see the usual tourist hot spots but they don’t represent the real city, however you need a year to really get to know this incredible city (with all its faults 😁). Hope you enjoyed your short visit.
I had so much fun!
He came through Gatwick! It's far out of London, people usually take the train.
@@J1mmyMackGatwick Express into Victoria would have been cheaper.
@@jeffreykyle8587 Any service including Thameslink and Southern have frequent services to central London, Gatwick express starts in Brighton & is half hourly.
@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 Next time Gatwick express instead of Uber you'd save yourself around $60 each way
Cool video, you spent way more money than needed but showed us how to do it in style- great edit mate
Yeah thanks
Local knowledge here: Next time go to Forest Hill station, exit and climb the hill up to the park at the top, and you can get the most amazing view of the London basin. During summer time, with the sun setting it's breath taking, and when darkness falls and the light go on across the city it's magical.
Soho used to be so interesting about 30 years ago, just the right mix of interestingly seedy but not too threatening. Stilll great for food and getting into the west of london.
Phone boxes still work but they usually have piss and burnt skaggy foil and crackpipes inside, theyre a definite last resort
For future reference the Gatwich Express train runs every 15mins to Victoria Station and is about £20 & a tube train to Soho would be about £8 but a day travel card would be cheaper if you use it to get around on the one ticket & one price.
But day travelcards will be abolished in January
@@RollerbazAndCoasterDad Good to know.
Yes I took the tube from the soho back to the airport
@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 The British public transport system takes some getting used to if you come from America, we take it for granted and it certainly isn't perfect but it's there.
Apart from that I really enjoyed your travel log because it avoided the usual tourist traps by visiting Brixton & Camden which are the more ethnically diverse areas of London not usually shown on TH-cam - hope you enjoyed yourself?
I'll look through the rest of your videos because you have a welcome different perspective on things that's refreshing.
Hyde/Green/Regents park are super touristy. I recommend Richmond+Richmond Park+Kew Gardens in south and Hampstead Heath+Village in north. Also checkout east London next time (Shoreditch and Hackney). Central London nightlife is whack.
What a lovely chap. I'm glad your enjoying the stay in our capital. Hope you're going to explore further a field and see the rest of our beautiful nation. ❤
I live about 40 miles from London and you've seen more of it than I ever have! Yes, London is expensive...but so is every capital city I've visited...Athens, Paris, Moscow, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Vienna etc etc. It's their nature to be pricey because all the tourists want to go there!
Very good point!
Having lived in London for many years now its a city thats full of surprises and so much to see and do, but a week will give you a good taste of the city then next time explore outwards towards Cornwall, Lake District, Scotland and Wales to get a real taste of the UK...London like any capital city is more a melting pot of all cultures and a bit like a huge museum of everything ...hope you had a great time
Yes next time I will try to see a little more outside the city thanks for the recommendations!
Go with a friend or group ❤🙏👍@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342
When I lived in the UK, I always thought that London was like a foreign country!
@brentwoodbay ...all capital cities are, just the same when I lived in Paris ...there are parts that don't feel like that in London, especially West London going out towards Richmond and Twickenham, but yes all major capitals are melting pots...
@@glastonbury4304 Yes I didn't just mean the diversity of the population, more the size of it, the feel, the noise( always had a headache when I went there) and all the tourists. When I was last back in the UK, in S Wales staying with a friend, I really wanted to go there, but my friend didn't!
Good to see you exploring further out from usual tourist areas excellent
More to come!
YOU COULD OF CAUGHT THE TUBE FROM HEATHROW AIR PORT. FURTHER, SOHO, ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE PARTS OF LONDON FOR JUST GENERAL LIVING & EATING OUT🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🇬🇧
The Piccadilly tube line serves all Heathrow terminals, this is the least expensive service into central London and is frequent although is a stopping service, the Elizabeth line is the newer east - west faster service, less stops, full size walkthrough coaches with a/c, good connections for central London and beyond.
Heathrow Express, is premium priced and only goes to Paddington station, so not quite in central London.
Thanks John!
he was at Gatwick.
@@sleepcrime ok thanks, then I’m even more amazed that he took an Uber taxi from Gatwick 30+ miles from central London when there is a railway station at the airport with about 14 trains an hour into London, taking less than half the road time, not good planning.
No 1 rule of travel: always research how to get from the airport to town - both cost and time. 5 mins spent doing that before travelling could save a lot of money!!
You'll have definitely met more Londoners by heading to 'souf' London. Brixton and Peckham as with many areas have been gentrified in the last 30 years. You're unlikely to experience trouble London and you'd feel pretty quickly if an area isn't safe and can easily exit. It is expensive, though you could easily spend months exploring new areas, cultures and experiences without being bored. It's 18 to drink in the UK, apart from a few nuanced situations.
Top tip don't Uber into central London unless you have to. From Heathrow, catch the Underground its cheapest and takes only slightly longer than the Heathrow Express train. From Gatwick catch the regular Southern/Thameslink train and not the Gatwick Express which is marginally quicker but more expensive.
Jeez! You certainly went way off piste there! I lived in London for 45 years (moved to Bath 2 years ago), but the other side of London. Good you saw very non-tourist areas. Surprised you didn't mention its incredibly diverse population.
Oh wow!
20:46 😎
He did mention it
So many great food places you could’ve gone to. Borough market. Seven dials.
I'm glad you had a great time visiting London. The King's House (Buckingham Palace) was flying the Union flag/Union Jack 🇬🇧. There would have been another flag flown, which is either called the Royal Standard or the Kings cypher, if he is at home. A week visiting London would probably be enough but you would need a month or more to visit around the rest of the UK for great nightlife and to view stunning scenery. You can get to all other towns and cities easily by rail and/or coach. See you soon ❤️🏴🇬🇧
My understanding is that when the monarch is in residence the union jack is replaced by the Royal Standard. I've never heard of what you described.
@user-bh2oj4ih9w you are totally correct. It's what I get for merging sentences and deleting things I wanted to keep and leaving words I did not. I shall edit. Thanks again.
@@juliehillman8743 Yes. The Royal Cypher is a design made by combining the letters C and R, for Charles Rex and the roman number III. Each monarch has a new royal cypher - the late queen's cypher was made from the letters ER and the number II and you still see that one a lot on royal mail postboxes etc.
Lol idk what's up with these comments complaining about the "African American" in the title rather than just American. You are american and also african american, and that may be part of your identity too. Might also be interesting for other african americans specifically to see what your experience was like in London given some of the cultural differences. America has many different cultures and groups of people, it just narrows it down a bit.
Either way it's not like anybody else is in the position to tell you what to title your video haha. Good vlog, keep doing your thing 👍
Thanks so much and you have great insight, I will post more content soon. Thanks again!
There are so many day trips slightly out of London that are worth seeing. Also there are many ways to eat and drink without breaking the bank. London is cheaper than New York
Please leave recommendations
@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 next time google cheapest places to eat. There's lots of suggestions. Whenever I go into London I head into Marks & Spencer food Hall where they do takeaway foods as well as beers or small bottles of wine, then I head to the park or squares, after which I carry on with my day! Soho is not budget and like has been advised never get a taxi from any of the London airports. All have buses or trains. If you book in advance it can be cheaper.
Great video nice to see you visit some of the gritty parts of London 😎👍
Thanks! 😃
It's know how. It's knowing where to go. Being a Londoner you know the rips offs and the places where you can get good scram at reasonable prices. It's not that expensive. As for drinking on the streets there's a lot more that goes on than that. Which I will not divulge on here. To stay safe in London don't judge and mind your own business and all should be well. 🤠👍❤
You have to be 18 to drink in the UK. But it is very common for teenagers to start drinking from 14/15 onwards (normally in a park somewhere...).
Legally 16 plus can drink wine, beer or cider if eating in a restaurant with adults, just not spirits.
in America if you don't have a car you must take an über. But not in Europe where public transport is extensive and cheap. And fast if there are not many stops. Cheapest way to Central London is by train (use the tfl journey planner for options).
I think many Americans make the mistake of taking a cab because their experience of public transport is so lousy. Also there is the fear factor of visiting a new city, that of finding your way around. A cab can take some of that stress away.
You are definitely right
Yes you are definitely right about that!
WHO says you only need a week in London?
A Lifetime wouldn't be enough ✌️🇬🇧
'King's house, I forget what it's called.' 🤣😂🤣
Tell me you're American, without telling me. 🤣😂🤣
The Kings house forgot what’s it’s called was hilarious! Bless this guy
Did you do any research before coming over. An Uber from the airport, staying in one of the most expensive parts if London. Going tl South London for Indian food in Brixton the historic centre of the Caribbean and African culture and food. Best area Brick Lane in East London.
Tooting also a hot spot for good food from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
Yes I definitely saw the historic African cultures scenes in Bristol and Peckham.
Excellent, I've subscribed and looking forward to looking at yr previous vids. Agree it's v expensive, trips certainly have to be planned for.
🎉🎉🎉
You made that Uber driver's day!! Bet he couldn't believe his good luck! Public transport mate!
Hate to break it to you fella. In the UK you are not An African American. You are just a plain old-fashioned American.
Thanks that makes since brother!
I think London is a good choice when you first come to the uk. Live it up and get it out of your system and then the next time you come you can really experience how diverse the rest of the uk is. Welcome. 👍
Hi well done my friend great video and glad you enjoyed your self on your own that's Impressive be safe have fun
Thanks 👍 I love traveling alone I feel like I learn more when I do so.
Glad you enjoyed your London experience (minus Dishoom lol). Hope you're doing well my guy!
London is expensive but you were not really helping yourself by staying in Soho and taking an Uber from the airport. If you had stayed in Peckham and used The Tube it would have been more reasonable.
Thanks next time I will consider staying in Peckham as I enjoyed the vibes there!
Loved the bit where you are feeding the birds in Hyde Park. Do be careful of swans though; they can be very aggressive, though I suppose it depends on the swan. Yours seemed fairly docile.
They can break an arm y'know
Brixton is the main Afro-Carribean part of London, and I would be looking for Carribean cuisine there rather than India. In any event, looks like the weather on your first full day in London was not bad for what is approaching early autumn.
Also, London, including Peckham is generally safe. The real danger is to those caught up in gang culture. There might also be some pick-pockets, but I have never had trouble with that. Of course, the dangers, real or imagined, are going to be higher at night.
Thanks for sharing
Yep from Heathrow the wise move would have been to get The Elizabeth Line direct to Tot. Ct. Rd just a few mins walk into Soho.
Gatwick Airport has the Gatwick Express located downstairs with a direct train line to London Victoria.
Yes I now know this thank you!
It's 39mins by public transport from Heathrow to SoHo and costs £6, it's 58mins by car.
i remember when Soho was the red light district. loved the smut
😅😅😅 the smut!!! Ewwww
If you’re on a budget definitely don’t get an Uber from the airport as there tube and/or train services from every airport at low prices. There is cheap transport all around the city as well as hire bikes. Also checkout ‘cheap eats’ in the food markets because this can be some of the best food and food experiences.
Thanks for the advice!
Nice
That flag actually means the King is not there. When he is, the Royal Standard is flown.
The place in called Buckingham Palace. And nobody actually lives there. It’s basically an administrative building!
The Palace is currently undergoing renovations, but the late queen would typically spend Monday through Thursday at Buckingham Palace, then spend her weekends at Windsor Castle.
Perhaps when the work is completed King Charles will do as his mother did, perhaps.
Who on Earth recommended Hyde Park? One of the least interesting parks in London. Regent’s Park or Hampstead Heath are much more interesting. You were quite close to Brockwell Park when you were in Brixton.
i wish more americans would travel north, theres so much more than london
You know, everyone says that, but the fact is that London is a jewel in the world’s crown, not just England’s.
It is one of only FOUR recognised GLOBAL capitals of the world - London, New York, Paris & Tokyo. As a major global city, it offers much more than any other city/region in the UK can especially since those other places in the UK are nowhere near as nice as places in mainland Europe, whereas London…like I said it’s one of only 4 global capitals. You’d be mad not to visit it.
@@darkmatter6714 that fact changes nothing, there is still more than london and it does not represent our country in any real way.
@@seldom_bucket Exactly, London doesn’t represent the rest of England. That’s why people are coming to see London - they have no interest in England and why should they? There are miles more interesting places with better food, better natural beauty, better weather and just as much history (if not more) to see than England.
Don’t pay attention to people saying you were ripped off by the Uber driver. You were not. That’s the going rate for the airport to central London if you want comfort. Not everyone wants to be dragging suitcases on the train and underground. Nothing wrong with paying that much for an Uber.
Hello friend 👋 welcome to England 🇬🇧, it looked like you were enjoying this tourist sites of London ❤.we hope that your well and having a good day Simon and Beth ❤️ 🙋
I did!
Girl fib.. 18 is the age allowed for alcohol. I enjoyed your video very much.. what a man, what a man, a very nice man. You have charm and charisma.. the world is your oyster.. thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much please subscribe I will make more content for you!
Wow $80 for a taxi. That's crazy. You can travel on the underground via the Piccadilly line from all Heathrow terminals into London for just a few pounds. Love the Vlog and hope you enjoyed your vacation.
He came in at Gatwick Airport so the journey into town was quite a bit further than from Heathrow.
Oh wow!
I've seen it quite a few times that many Americans seem reluctant to take public transport. They often see it as being dirty and dangerous and in the US, only the poor people travel longer distances by bus! It is only in the larger cities, there and here in Canada, where there is reasonable public transportation.
I'd love to know how much that first breakfast in Soho cost you? It would cost me upwards from £5.00 to make at home, but I guess you paid extra for the 'ambiance'? Just so you don't think all Londoners live like that!
Nice video. I believe I was in London around the same time this year. I was there (Aug 29-31st) then left on a cruise up the British Isles. (Sept 1-10) That protest was happening as we were leaving to get our cruise in Dover. Also, I spotted Alfred Enoch in the strain station at Heathrow as my train was leaving out the station in Terminal 4. He was with a beautiful young lady., and they were catching the train. Just wanted to mention that since you mentioned his name. It's my second time in London, loved the city cannot get enough of it, but yeah it is pretty expensive. Can't wait to be back. great video.
Yes glad to see that people have voices in this city!
@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342 Yes, Londoners are pretty quiet and easy-going, but they are definitely not push-overs. In the north of England, the people are even more radical, I find. I’m from the south-coast, originally, and I have a soft spot for Manchester (England’s third largest city, after London and Birmingham).
A fish restaurant never smell of fish because that means the ingredients are not fresh. You should always try to eat fish and chips from a shop (a “chippy”), rather than a restaurant, and if there aren’t people queuing up and if it smells fishy then walk away. Oh, and avoid eating near touristy areas, if you can.
Its only expensive if you dont know where to go, where to stay or eat, then as a tourist you will get ripped off
Funny. I see this every day
lol thank you so much for the support my brother
Is anyone else shocked at how quiet it was? Soho and Camden on a weekend night and it’s totally dead? Where tf is everybody?! Glad you enjoyed London!
You took an Uber from the airport? Rookie mistake it has great links to public transport. Big Ben is the bell in the clock, that tall structure is the Elizabeth Tower. Fisha nd chips in London ar rank.
drinking laws, at 5 you can drink in a private home with parental permission. At 16 you can drink with a meal in a pub but someone else needs to buy and 18 - you can buy your own alcohol.
🎉😮😮😮😮
London fish and chips are indeed rank
No…. Don’t take a taxi from Heathrow. The Underground (Tube) will get you into central London just as quickly and a LOT cheaper.
All the best with your new job when you go back to the USA.
Thanks Maryann!
Traveled all that way and didn't leave London. What a waste of a trip, so many unique things to see that you won't see anywhere else. You could have seen castles, countryside, historic monuments. Also elsewhere in the UK prices are half that in London.
Next time!
You should have taken the Train or Tube into central London, it would have cost you a helluva lot less than $80. (Tube fare £5.60---$6.79)....why people take Cabs, whether they be Uber or the traditional London black cab (even more expensive) leaves me astounded!!
I think americans have really poor public transport so it'd make sense he just thought of taxi
Tubes from Gatwick are fairly rare.
@@batman51 😂
One could even say they're non existent
But You missed Hampstead, with ITS Heath, cemetery and village, Hampton Court, the great museums, the Canary Wharf, the opera, concerts or theatre shows, did not sail down the Thames to Greenwich, did not visit the Borough Market, Little Venice's beautiful canals nor the shiny & stunning Battersea Power Station, to mention but a few unique places...London is the Queen of cities. ❤❤❤❤
So much cheaper if you get the tube to central!
Except he arrived at Gatwick!
Yo- Mr.hurdlez~Yeah!you did insane view- goodbye. ))
Why do take an Uber. The train leaves every 20 minutes from the airport terminal, it’s less than half the price of an Uber and about 3x faster 🤷♂️
If the Royal Standard is flying over Buckingham Palace that means that the monarch is in residence. If it’s the Union Flag flying then he or she isn’t there.
Thanks for that, the information I received was kind of mixed up!
Gatwick isn’t even in London mate. It’s about 30 miles south. It’s much cheaper to get the Gatwick Express train service. The train is also much faster as it doesn’t have to contend with traffic. Unfortunately most American’s seem to have an aversion to public transport and always opt for taxis.
Yes it is definitely a American thing with Ubers
Hey man your channel is awesome aswell I just checked it out and subscribed!
There’s way way cheaper ways to get from Gatwick airport to central London than Uber. They are last resort. Sorry about your job. Onwards and upwards now! 👍. Some of the red phone booths were converted into mini mobile phone cell stations which sat in the top of the box.
Wow thanks for the positive message, good luck with everything.
It's called eggs benedict welcome to England mate 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Great video! Don’t pay attention to negative comments, I usually indulge by getting an Uber or taxi on arrival as I’m always exhausted from travelling.
Well said!
Should have got a train from Gatwick to London Victoria. Much quicker and cost effective
All airports that se5rve London have fast, cheap public transport and lots of it, all the way to central London for almost a tenth what the Uber cost.
Please check these things before you travel, folks.
London, like many tourist destinations, is set up to fleece tourists.
Best way in my experience is to go to stay with someone you know there, they will likely be able to show you around, and let you know the best ways to do it.
In Soho and central London in general everything is more expensive. Stay a bit further out for cheaper. And experience local life rather than just tourist places. There’s so much going on around town. Tonight I saw Haitian music in Dalston. Tomorrow a theatre play in Islington. Don’t spend your time hanging out with tourists.
Oh, you went to Brixton. Cool. Though it’s not what it used to be.
Peckham was rough 20 years ago but hipsters are everywhere now.
Whoa! I never stroked a swan.
PS. Not MY king.
The best fish & chips are not in central London. They didn’t even give you any peas. Cheapskates!
Hay man. You can't just be fired in the UK, they have to give you written reasons, warning period, & notice some weeks before you leave. This is employer protection against instant firing. The red phone Booths hardly used since cell fones, kept now just for show.
Should have got train to town instead of Uber expensive. Hope you enjoyed London.
Thanks man but I lost a job back in the United States. But yes I know the phone booths are no longer used.
@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342the phone booths *are* used. My phone ran out of charge and fortunately I still remember some numbers. They ought to have chargers in those booths.
Nice video . The drinking laws mean you can't drink or buy alcohol in any licensed places before 18 years old, lots of places are family friendly and allow kids in, obviously night clubs etc will not allow any kids in. I don't think there is a age restriction if a parent allows their child to drink at home or the like , though there is more of a social taboo on this here than somewhere like France where watered down wine with a meal including young people is more common.
A 16 year old can drink beer or wine in licensed premises if it is served with a meal (by which I do not mean a packet of peanuts). However, it has to be bought by an adult in the group. A 16 year old cannot just turn up and buy alcohol as part of a meal in a restaurant. Of course, once the meal is consumed they cannot just stay around drinking. Also, some pubs might have stricter rules., even if eating.
@@TheEulerID
Fair clarification , cider also available to those 16-17 if brought by an adult with a meal.
yes buddy, London is expensive ,I think you were a little lax on the pre travel observations ,don't take taxis , stay outside the city
and use public transport ,That flat you stayed in must have cost a bomb, use local pubs ,that way you make friends and those friends can put you wise to many things you won't find on your jack, I'll bet you could have spent half your dosh and had a better time !! Anyway it looked like you had a fair time ,what happened to those girls though, I think you were a bit slow there.
You can only drink 1 beer at 16, and that's only if you are with adults and having a sit down meal in a restaurant. 18 is the legal age to be able to purchase alcohol yourself.
Same happened with me at a past job just over 10 years ago. This ‘friend’ was always joking around with everyone and me. He caught a screwed up piece of paper bouncing off his head lightly, and he..went.. ..WILD lmao. He switched up so much they had to call the police 😂 We both got sacked and he called me the next day all chilled! Needless to say I never spoke to the weirdo again, a real jeckel and hide!
Ooof that busker singing mist have hurt the ears a little 😬😆
Wow that crazy yea some people
Have issues
People in corporate jobs would see you die happily if it gave them a chance of promotion over you
Great video. Who won the pool game in Peckham...LOL?
I lost 😞
That's alright you have a winning video. Keep up the great travel content!@@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342
The Kings house!🤣
Yanks!
If the Union Jack is flying above Buckingham palace it means the king isn’t in residence. If he’s in residence the royal standard would be flying
Thanks for that info
Best thing about a trip to London?? Getting on the M1 back north.
I was enjoying this until the hand feeding of the flying rats. Ugh. Otherwise, nice chill vlog. Glad you got to try some Indian food and got to Brixton & Peckham. I love Carnaby St. it’s such a tourist trap but its fun.
Those birds were not pigeons, maybe a trip to the opticians in the near future on the cards for you.
Far better and cheaper places to visit in the UK .overseas visitors are obsessed with london but many UK residents avoid London
Every single time, there's someone like you in the comments talking shit about London. We get it, you don't like London. Why not big up your own area rather than criticise London?
@@SgtTechcomDN38416 I wouldn't be the first or last to dislike London,,, it's called my opinion, I'm a well travelled person from Wales and London would be my last option
‘They don’t really check Americans through Customs’ . Meaning Immigration. They actually do!
Yes he got customs and passport control mixed up, but US citizens can use the E gates. They don't need to fill in countless forms and be interviewed for 5 mins by the border police. Which you do in some countries.
also its not big ben, its elizibeth tower, big ben is the bell
Thanks for the correction
its no problem always willing to help a fellow black traveller out :) im glad you got to see our multiculturalism here and how different it is to the usa @@mr.hurdlezworldwide2342
The King's House 😂
😅
Dude don’t get an Uber from Heathrow. Hope you enjoyed your brief visit to London. Come back soon but use public transport. Trains and the tube next time 🙂
Thanks for the tips!
Why would anyone catch an Uber from Heathrow to Soho?
I don't know brother, I am a newbie!!! LOL
The Uber ripped you off. Every airport has excellent transport links, why book an Uber?
We used telephone kiosks before mobile phones, there was life before mobile phones you know, also before social media, computers, the car, trains.. life does exist without the luxuries.
If you come back! please do not visit London again. To many people come here and think "I done England/UK/Britain.. , I have been to London". I'm British and London is like another (expensive) country to me, it's OK in small doses.
Please visit again but stay away from London, there is so much more to see and enjoy. 😊🙏🏿
What did you mean when you said you were eating your fish & chips with a knife and fork? What other way would you think you would eat them? Do do you mean with your fingers, if you do then that's ONLY when you eat them outside in the street. Oh, and the lower age for drinking is 18 NOT 16.
Kids are allowed in pubs, especially if them serve food, but under-18s may not drink alcohol.
Not sure why they told you to stop recording in pop brixton. I've never heard anyone be told that when I've been there
‘The kings house’ fella, u trippin??
Lol only what I heard
That was not the Royal standard flag.. therefore not in residence.
You need salt and malt vinegar on fish and chips
That sounds delicious