London is a magnificent city with a rich history that dating back to 50 AD. Home of the The Royals, Tube, UK Parliament, Big Ben, and The Tower Bridge. And with over 300 languages currently being spoken, London is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
Below is a list with most of things I did during my 4 days stay. Even though it rained most of the time.
Shop at Oxford Street
Probably the most known street in London. The street if full of big name shops street vendors and it’s decorated several times a year depending on the holiday.
Window Shopping at Regent Street
Stroll the stretch from Oxford Circus Station to Piccadilly Circus Station to gaze the beautiful architecture, do window shopping of top brand shops, and take photos at the crossing of Piccadilly Circus, which feels like a smaller version of NYC’s time square.
Shop at Carnaby Street
Is pedestrian street with cute little shops near Oxford and Regent streets.
Visit Trafalgar Square
The square is one of the busiest areas in the city. Surrounded by The National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-fields and other cultural buildings.
It’s considered by many the heart of the city. In the center, stands the Nelson’s Column (a monument commemorating Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805) with four massive bronze lions in the bottom.
From the stairs of The National Gallery you get a fantastic view of Big Ben.
Find the smallest police station in Britain
This is a fun little hunt. The station is so disguise that I had read about it and yet missed the first time. It was constructed due to frequent manifestations in Trafalgar Square during the 1920s.
Narrow windows were carved around the structure to enable the police officer see what was happening around the square. If manifestations were to escalate the police officer could contact a nearby police station through a direct phone line. I already gave you a general location. So I’m gonna give you another hint, light.
Walk around Leicester Square
A nice little park with plenty of things to see around. There are shops, fast food restaurants, a cinema, casino, and a little park. Sweeten your day at the M&Ms World store or see the Big Ben’s lego replica at the Lego store.
Hang out at Covent Garden
Is a buzzing shopping area with loads of restaurants, bars, quaint shops and boutiques. In the afternoons, it comes to life when locals and tourists flock to the area to enjoy live music, street performers, and delicious food. I went on a rainy day and even so it was packed, and nice to walk around.
Walk Little Venice
I would say one of London’s hidden gems since not many tourist know about it. Head to the peaceful and beautiful canals and waterways and stroll along the picturesque houseboats, or have a coffee at one of the boat cafes. Then take the 50 min waterbus through the Maida Hill Tunnel and Regents Park to Camden Lock Market.
Shop, Eat, and Drink at Camden Lock Market
What started as a small arts and crafts fair, is now a massive market with over 1,000 places to shop, eat, drink, and dance. It’s heaven for any shopper since you can literally find anything you can think of in this labyrinth of halls and stores.
After all the walking and shopping, treat yourself with some amazing food. Anything from vegan, seafood, sweets, crepes, burgers, falafels, italian, asian, mexican food you find it here.
It’s the coolest market I’ve ever been to, and just think I almost missed it. And don’t forget to check out the very creative storefronts in Camden High St.
Go antique searching at Portobello Rd Market
Located in Notting Hill, Portobello Rd is one of the biggest antiques markets in the world with over 1000 shops and stalls that alternate during the week. You can find anything from fresh produce, flowers, clothing (new & vintage), sweets, antiques, and souvenirs. By the way, I found souvenirs to be cheaper here.
For the best experience go on a Saturday which is when all the stands are open. For more info visit Portobello Rd website.
And before I forget. If you’re visiting at the end of August you may want to schedule a few hours to visit the nearby Notting Hill Carnival, which celebrate the caribbean heritage.
Photos at Hillgate Place in Kensington
If you are like me, that love taking pictures for Instagram. Then Hillgate must be on your list. It’s a street with beautiful and cute houses painted in pastel colours. Perfect for a photo shoot backdrop.
Visit St Jame’s Park
Head to this Royal Park in the center of historic London. With beautiful green lush and great variety of wildlife, the park is perfect to take a break surrounded by nature, enjoy a relaxing walk along the lake, and take in the views across the lake form the little bridge. Ducks, geese and squirrels are a few of the animals found here.
See the Buckingham Palace and the Change of Guards
Is the residential and administrative headquarters of the British Monarchy. It has 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.
To be honest, to see it from the outside is nothing from another world, so make sure you schedule your visit with the famous Change of Guards. (The official start time is at 11:00, but always check their website as times may change.)
Or book tickets to visit the state rooms that are open to the public during the summer months and for a limited number of tours in December, January and Easter. To book your tickets visit the palace’s website here
See the Palace of Westminster & Clock Tower/Big Ben
The most iconic landmarks in London and for good reason. The Palace of Westminster or UK Parliament is an important building since it houses the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Long story short, is where laws are propose and approved, and big issues are debated.
Clock Tower, Big Ben is the name of the name of the bell in the tower, and not the tower itself. Fun fact: time is regulated by adding and removing coins from a coin’s stack on a pendulum.
From the other side of the River Thames they look like models. Unfortunately, at the moment of my visit the tower was under repairing.
Westminster Abbey
Probably the most important church in England. The place where kings and queens are coronated since since 1066 and important British figures like Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are resting. At £20 entry fee, is pricey though attending the daily service is free.
Walk the Tower Bridge
One of London’s landmarks and an astonishing piece of architecture. Along with the buildings around they make for awesome pictures. You can walk the deck free of charge, or pay to explore the machine room, exhibition and glass floor walkways. For tickets and lift times visit Towerbridge.org
Sky Garden
Fancy an epic 360 view of London in a bustling garden 43 storeys above the ground and at no cost? Who wouldn’t right?
This unique space is a 3 story indoor public garden atop of the “Walkie Talkie” building in the financial district. Featuring a bar, observation decks, open air terrace, and fantastic views of the city’s Tower Bridge, Thames River, and The Shard, this is a MUST DO.
Entrance is FREE of charge but reservation is required. Tickets are released a week in advance. I highly recommend to book your visit for sunset, so make sure to check the sunset times before reserving. Visit the Sky Garden’s website for bookings.
Saint Dustan in-the-East Church Garden
The remnants of this gothic church are an excellent spot for instagrammers. It’s also a great place to have a snack in tranquility. The church was originally built in 1100 and almost 300 years later a new aisle was added. In 1941 it was heavily damage by the germans during the Second World War, and 30 years later it was opened as a public garden. Nowadays people go to take photos or take a break from their cubicles.
Lumiere London
This awesome light festival got me by surprise. More than 50 art installations are set around central London transforming the city into a creative art gallery. From projections on buildings with synchronised music, street performers, to decorations on the streets and parks. The festival is at the end of January and it isn’t always in London, so check their website before planning anything
One New Change Roof Terrace
When I was visiting I only knew about the awesome spot above to take photos of St Paul’s Cathedral. But there’s also a public roof terrace with great views of the cathedral and the city.
Tate Modern Museum
One of the museums that I would’ve love to visit but didn’t have enough time. The Tate is the international gallery of modern and contemporary art. Free collections include The Tanks, In the Studio, Media Network and more. Entry to the museum is free with the exception of special exhibitions.
Thanks for reading
And keep exploring
j ⋀⋁ i e r ✧ ☽
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