A perfect day in London, particularly for first-timers, can be spent walking along the South Bank to see iconic sights like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben. Combine these with a visit to a top museum such as the British Museum or Tate Modern, and finish with a, dinner in Covent Garden.
“There are clear and distinctive categories – 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% to put aside as savings.” If £1,500 comes into your account each month, this means £750 would go towards your 'needs' – rent, council tax, energy bill, food and transport to and from work.
Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Croydon top the danger list. East and South London face more crime, and tourist hubs like Westminster add risk too. Stay sharp and use safety tips to stay secure.
Many first-time visitors prefer exploring central London on foot, taking in top spots such as Covent Garden, Westminster and Soho. If you want to combine sightseeing with travel, hop on one of the city's iconic double-decker buses – a fun way to explore while soaking in the views of London's landmarks.
For non-touristy London, explore hidden gems like Little Venice canals or Hampstead Heath, discover niche museums such as the Handel & Hendrix Museum, find unique markets like Lower Marsh, stroll through peaceful spots like Richmond Park or Highgate Cemetery, and check out local eateries in areas like Hackney Wick for authentic food.
Dress like a local. Look, the iHeart London jumper you grabbed at Camden Market might be cute but it screams tourist. London is rarely wear workout clothes unless it adds you off to the gym. Just stick to jeans, T shirts, jumpers, and jackets and definitely layer up for the unpredictable weather.
To be in the top 1% of UK earners, you generally need a pre-tax income of around £174,000 to over £200,000 annually, though figures vary slightly by source and year, with some estimates placing the threshold at £216,000 for recent tax years, reflecting significant wealth concentration, particularly in London.
An annual salary of $50,000 is considered a middle-class income, and can be a comfortable wage for a recent graduate or a person starting a new career. A single person may not be able to live large in some areas of the country, but that doesn't mean they can't live comfortably elsewhere.
It depends on lifestyle and personal preferences. However, to be comfortable you can expect to spend £1,500-£2,000 per month of your net income. This figure includes basic costs such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and council tax.
