These apps will help you explore London like a pro

Travel apps have revolutionized the way we travel, and while there are a few great apps that work just about anywhere on earth, some location-specific apps are worth downloading when you head to a new destination. If you’re planning a trip to London, and you don’t want to be overwhelmed navigating this chaotic city, download the following apps.

*Note: All apps are free on iOS and Android unless otherwise noted.

For getting from A to B: Citymapper. This is your one-stop app for all things public transit in London: above ground trains, tubes, taxis, ferries, buses, bikes and even walking routes. It does a lot more than just give you directions. On trains, the app will tell you which carriage will place you closest to your needed exit. Citymapper saves recent search results (no need to look up your hotel address again), allows you to save home and work addresses. It will even tell you how many calories you'll burn walking and biking and the estimated cost of a cab.

For planning a night (or day) out: YPlan. This app helps you find all of London's great events. Search by categories like sports, theater and food, and organize by date, and/or price range. You'll be presented with a list of happenings that match your criteria, with event information, photos, videos and even the option to purchase your tickets within the app.

For scoring a table at a hot dinner spot: Uncover (iOS). Trying to impress potential clients? This app helps you snag last minute tables at some of London's most coveted restaurants. Restaurants alert the app when they have cancelations or reservation openings, and the app passes this information on to its users, who can make and edit dining reservations and learn about nearby restaurants.

For finding a cuppa: London's Best Coffee ($2.99). This regularly updated app helps freelancers, digital nomads and those just needing some caffeine find their perfect haunt; but, why would you pay $2.99 when you can just go on TripAdvisor? London's Best Coffee focuses on the indie coffee movement, and appeals to coffee nerds by not only showcasing 200+ coffee shops with reviews, photos and maps, but also providing details like beans and brew methods used.

For all your drinking needs: Big Drinker (iOS). If you'd prefer a buzz over a caffeine boost, this app features more than 4,000 bars and more than 400 happy hours in its inventory. Search for nearby specials in a map or list view, and filter by deals only, saved favorites or the Big Drinker's picks. For each venue you'll be able to peruse photos, bar summaries and reviews, as well as any specials.

Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.