5 Essential London Apps for Easter 2013

Whether you’re walking around lost in London or you just need some inspiration, there will always be an appropriate app for you. There are thousands of others just like you, and with demand comes supply—a big market for London iPhone apps. Whether you’re on a bike looking for a nearby bar or on the tube trying to find your way through Oxford Circus, there will always be an app to save you. Here are my pick of the top five London iPhone apps—by Sohaib S.

London Cycle

Many Londoners have adapted the 8,000 Barclays Bikes spread across the capital into their daily proceedings. An ordinary businessman will fly by you on the way to work, as if he was like any other tourist. The London Cycle app has become essential for this very reason—especially for those living close to central London. It’s a no-brainer if you have a bike yourself; the app gives routes and daily updates, too. The sun is meant to shine bright this Easter, so don’t delay downloading this little gem!

Hailo

This app is useful throughout the year and mainly during busy times like the Easter holidays and half-term. It’s an odd phenomenon, but black cabs are hard to find when you need them the most. Luckly for smartphone owners, you can get the Hailo app which will find the closest black cab for you. It also shows you real-time updates of how far your cab is in their own map, or you can get in touch with the driver through the app and ask him for yourself. This is an essential if you often find yourself looking to get home late at night.

TubeMap

TubeMap is one of the most well-known travel apps out there today. It’s saved many Londoners from tube-related problems countless times. Without this god-sent app, navigating through the endless lines in the Underground can be a painful experience. Thankfully though, you won’t have to try to find the quickest way to a stop or wonder where to get off—this app will do it all for you. It also has up-to-date service information and a built-in route planner and station locator. And just when you thought it can’t get better, you can sync your oyster card with the app to show you balance information, too.

Vouchercloud

There’s no arguing that London is an expensive city. Having a good time on a budget can be tough. Vouchercloud somewhat helps with the issue, though. The app gives you a list of discounts and deals for a variety of activities that are available at the moment. From restaurants and pubs to sports and recreation—Vouchercloud has it all. They also list discounted London hotels from websites like HotelClub. This app is an essential, especially if you’re a student.

London Bus Checker

 














The Underground is packed during peak-hours, especially when Easter-time comes around. Getting onto a train in Zone 1 on the Central Line will have you waiting over 15 minutes at a time. The obvious alternative for those travelling short distances are busses. You can spot bus lanes everywhere in the city and into Greater London. Unfortunately though, busses are a part of traffic, and you can’t escape delays. The London Bus Checker app gives you up-to-date information about every single bus, no matter how secluded your stop is.