Heading out into the thick of the capital, especially in unfamiliar corners, can be a bewildering experience – but not with a London app or two. We’ve selected six of our favourites, out of thousands, that can tell you anything from where to eat, to how to get there – quickly.
Street museum
What is it? It offers a unique perspective on London by calling up old photos from Museum of London archives, plus historical facts, relating to various sites.
How does it work? Hold your phone up to the building in front of you, and watch history appear.
What they say: “Whatever you’re doing, it offers a different outlook on London.”
What we say: The foundations of a great tour-guiding business.
Cost: Free
Web: museumoflondon.org.uk
Hailo – The Black Cab App
What is it? A huge database of Black Cabs in every part of London.
How does it work? Open up the app, tap your phone twice, and you’ve ordered yourself a cab. It registers your location and sends the nearest car your way.
What they say: “No more arm-flailing, trying your luck with black cab roulette.”
What we say: Never talk to call centre idiots again. We love it.
Cost: Free
Web: hailocab.com
Tube Exits
What is it? It tells you which Tube carriage pulls up closest to the exits at all 268 stations – you don’t need internet access to use it.
How does it work? Tap to find your route, and it’ll also give you alternative ways to travel, plus your journey in reverse.
What they say: “Travellers can save around 10 minutes on the average journey.”
What we say: It might save you losing your shirt when the Olympic crowds rush in.
Cost: £0.69
Web: tubeexits.co.uk
London: Free & Budget
What is it? A comprehensive guide to free and budget events including museums and eats.
How does it work? Simply search by category or area, and the distance from your location to a venue is displayed, plus the taxi fare.
What they say: “Every place has been selected because it’s the best London has
to offer.”
What we say: Bargain always gets our vote.
Cost: Not free, ironically, at £1.49.
Web: itunes.apple.com
Quirky London
What is it? A guide to the capital’s more unusual places.
How does it work? The listings are categorised and then divided up into six key areas of London.
What they say: “Find out where in-the-know Londoners go.”
What we say: Hooray for new finds.
Cost: £1.99
Web: itunes.apple.com
TNT Magazine
What is it? All your favourite TNT content, such as travel, news, entertainment and competitions, on your smartphone or iPad.
How does it work? Just tap on your favourite section and enjoy the read – even when you’re offline, so there’s no reason to be bummed when all the magazines have been snapped up.
What we say: It’s simply the best London app around … and we’re not biased at all. Download and see for yourself.
Cost: Free
Web: tntmagazine/app
