I spent this last weekend in London, and blimey, it was a good time. We’re completely knackered after all the traveling. I’ve listed some of my favorite parts of the city, and some advice at the bottom in case you’re planning a trip!
The Tower Bridge
This bridge is not only a London staple, it provides some gorgeous views of the river, and of the Tower of London. John and I stopped by so early in the morning that the sun was still coming up and lighting was gorgeous.
The Tower of London
So much time can be spent inside this place. It houses crown jewels and lots of history. It’s directly next to the london bridge so it definitely offers views, and a great area to walk around in. This leads to the next “must do”
Walk With No Purpose
Sometimes the best experiences are not planned. John and I were walking through London, literally just spotting a pretty building and walking in that direction. This strategy led us straight to a parade celebrating the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of London. The festival was extravagant and was so exciting to watch and get a taste for life in London! Similarly, walking along the parade led us to St. Pauls Cathedral which was gorgeous and worth the visit. All this to say that whether or not you have an itinerary, you can still have an amazing experience.
Westminister Abbey
The royal church in the center of London is definitely worth a stop. In Europe, cathedrals and churches are a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful or historically significant. This church has housed coronations, religious services, funerals, and celebrations for centuries.
Fish and Chips
Maybe not the most visually pleasing, but definitely a noteworthy part of the experience. John and I couldn’t say no to trying this staple food while in London. The fries were delicious, the fish… I would rather some chick-fil-a nuggets instead.
Walk along the River
This was one of the most peaceful parts of the weekend. We did so much walking on Saturday, but this part was gorgeous and relaxing. I recommend walking along the river by the London Bridge, as well as by the London Eye for gorgeous views and a peaceful time.
The London Eye
If you have the time to spend waiting in line, the London Eye offers gorgeous views of London. I’ve ridden it in the past, but this trip couldn’t spare the couple hours to do it. Even if you don’t ride it, its worth passing by just to see it. It’s located close to Big Ben and Westminister Abbey.
Buckingham Palace
The palace is a treat to see! The gates and statues surrounding it are extravagant. Especially during the fall, the walk from the the city center is gorgeous as you go through a park full of changing leaves.
Find a Classic Red Phone Booth
I don’t know if these babies actually work, but at least they contribute to the aesthetic.
Trafalgar Square
This place is great, and not just because the name bears a resemblance to my own name. It is beautiful and spacious in the middle of the city. Worth stopping by!
Experience a London Pub
After all that walking, you owe it to yourself to stop by a pub in London. John and I found one in Zone 1 called Spit and Sawdust that had games like shuffle board, live music most nights, and a large selection of beer. Help yourself to a well deserved round 🙂
This post really had me stumped. Travel time and customs took so long that we arrived later on Friday than expected, and left earlier on Sunday than ideal. I had such a short time actually exploring London after all that extra time factored in, that I feel like a detailed itinerary of my trip wouldn’t be that exciting. That’s why I decided to do something a little different than past posts, and just hit the highlights! If you’re planning a trip to London and want some tips from my experience, here are some things to know:
- It’s expensive! the USD to GBP is 1.00 to 1.30. basically every 3 pounds you spend is actually 4 dollars, and it adds up fast.
- Immigration was the most strict of my experiences so far, it involved a long line of questioning ranging from how long my stay was (expected questions) to how much money I had and who was financing my travels (kinda extensive). No worries though, this is all part of keeping people safe, just expect to spend some time in customs if you’re going to visit.
- If you’re arriving into Stansted airport, be prepared for another hour of traveling to reach London’s City Center. I didn’t realize before booking the flights just how far it was. There is a train that conveniently takes you there, for 25 pounds round trip.
- It takes more than a day to get the London experience, I would recommend two to three days because the city is so big.
London was a great time! It feels so much like New York City, just with a better accent. I wish I could have had more time there to see and do everything, but who knows, maybe someday I’ll come back.
