The Best Things To Do In London: My Adventure
Whenever I think of London, I can’t help but picture its rich history and those incredible landmarks that seem to transport you through time. Visiting this city has always been a dream of mine, and when I finally made it, I knew I had to soak in as much of it as possible. Here’s a glimpse into my journey, exploring the most unmissable spots that left me in awe.
Historic and Iconic Landmarks
The British Museum
The British Museum was one of my first stops, and wow, it truly is a treasure trove. I spent hours wandering through its vast collections—over two million years of history in one building! Seeing the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies was surreal. It felt like stepping back into ancient times, all while staying in the heart of modern London.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is another spot that I had to see. As I walked through its gates, I couldn’t help but imagine all the royalty, prisoners, and historic events that have taken place there. The Crown Jewels? Simply breathtaking. And seeing the Beefeaters up close was a nice bonus! It was fascinating to explore the White Tower, especially with its armor displays—quite the sight.
Buckingham Palace
I’ve always wanted to catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, and it didn’t disappoint. The grandeur of it all had me mesmerized, and I was lucky enough to witness the Changing of the Guard. The ceremony was such a quintessential British experience. And, since I visited during the right time of year, I even got to tour the State Rooms and peek into The Queen’s Gallery. The royal carriages in the Royal Mews were also quite the spectacle!
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
I can’t talk about London without mentioning Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It’s the kind of place that feels so familiar from photos and movies, but seeing it in person—wow. I took a guided tour and got to walk through the House of Commons and House of Lords, which felt so surreal. And Big Ben? Just as iconic as I’d hoped.
Unforgettable Views and Experiences
One thing I love about London is how it blends history with modern marvels, and there are a couple of must-do experiences to really appreciate that.
The London Eye
If you want a truly breathtaking view of the city, the London Eye is the way to go. I hopped on for a 30-minute ride, and the view from up there was spectacular. From the top, you can see everything—Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even The Shard. It was the perfect spot to snap a few photos and just take in the beauty of the city below.
The Shard
Speaking of The Shard, I couldn’t resist going up to its observation deck. It’s the tallest building in the UK, and the 360-degree views from the 72nd floor are unbelievable. I went during sunset, and seeing the city light up as day turned to night was magical. I even treated myself to dinner while taking in the view—an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
Cultural and Artistic Wonders
London’s vibrant cultural scene was one of my favorite parts of the trip. There’s something so enriching about seeing world-class art and performances.
Tate Modern
As an art lover, I had to make a stop at Tate Modern. The building itself is a masterpiece, and stepping inside was like walking into a new world of contemporary art. I found myself mesmerized by works from Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, and the massive installations in the Turbine Hall were unlike anything I’d ever seen.
The West End
One evening, I treated myself to a show in London’s West End. I’ve been a huge fan of theater for as long as I can remember, and seeing a live performance in such an iconic district felt like a dream come true. Whether it’s musicals, operas, or plays, there’s something for everyone in the West End. I couldn’t recommend it enough—just make sure to book your tickets early!
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum was a childhood dream come to life. From the gigantic dinosaur skeletons to the stunning blue whale in Hintze Hall, it was an experience I couldn’t miss. I spent hours there, particularly intrigued by the Earth Hall and its journey through our planet’s history.
Lively Markets and Local Flavor
One of my favorite ways to explore a city is through its markets, and London has some of the best.
Camden Market
Camden Market was an absolute treat for the senses. I wandered through its maze of stalls, picking up some quirky clothes and handmade art. But the real highlight? The street food! I sampled dishes from all over the world, and let’s just say, my taste buds were very happy.
Borough Market
Borough Market was a food lover’s paradise. I found myself lost among the stalls, sampling cheese, fresh pastries, and some of the best street food I’ve ever had. If you’re a foodie like me, you can’t skip this place.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market was another fun stop, especially if you love antiques and vintage finds. The atmosphere in Notting Hill on a Saturday is buzzing with energy, and I even picked up a couple of hidden gems along the way.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden was my last market stop, and it felt like stepping into a lively village. The street performers added a touch of magic to my shopping and dining experience. I loved browsing the boutiques and grabbing a bite at one of the many cafes.
Hidden Gems and Final Highlights
Lastly, I discovered a few hidden gems that made my London adventure even more special.
Little Venice
Little Venice was a pleasant surprise. It’s a tranquil escape from the bustling city, with colorful houseboats lining the picturesque canals. I took a relaxing boat ride and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere—it was a lovely way to slow down after all the sightseeing.
Leadenhall Market
I stumbled upon Leadenhall Market and was immediately struck by its stunning Victorian architecture. The market has a magical feel, and as a Harry Potter fan, I was excited to learn that some scenes were filmed there. It’s like stepping into Diagon Alley!
Hampstead Heath
For a dose of nature, I headed to Hampstead Heath. The views from Parliament Hill were stunning, and it was the perfect place to escape the city’s fast pace. I even took a dip in one of the outdoor swimming ponds!
Greenwich
Finally, I wrapped up my trip with a visit to Greenwich. The view from Greenwich Park was absolutely stunning, and exploring the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark was a real highlight. There’s something about standing on the Prime Meridian Line that made me feel connected to the world in a new way.
London has a way of capturing your heart. Whether it’s the history, art, food, or hidden corners, there’s always something new to discover. I left feeling like I’d only scratched the surface of what this incredible city has to offer, and I can’t wait to go back.
For ideas on other cities to visit in Europe, click HERE.
