Originally Posted by
MeltingAlf
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EDIT: Also, if you're on 159 to BDA, and arriving on 262 from RUH - which means you arrive really early at 05:30ish and depart mid-afternoon, a lot of things in London aren't exactly open early enough for you unfortunately. That being said, if you can afford HEX (or Liz line, but it might get crowded) on a quick jaunt into central London, then a nice walk around the City, I think it's well worth it compared to more time in lounges, and it would definitely be a contrast to Bermuda or Riyadh.
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Good point as regards opening hours of indoor attractions (notably museums / galleries / shopping etc etc)
But - as you go on to say - no lack of opportunity to enjoy a bit of walking & exercise - for which very early morning is as good a time as any. Some great architecture to be admired, whether in the City or other areas ; and the London parks, the riverside sights.
As a keen photographer, I generally find more stimulation and interest in the outdoor scene when travelling, hence my enthusiasm to minimise ‘airport time’ as much as feasible.
London is of course full of challenges / problems (tell me a sprawling capital which isn’t !) - but Samuel Johnson’s aphorism still holds good today and it remains one of the world’s most fascinating cities.