From the timeless elegance of Westminster Abbey to the bustling markets of Camden Town, London is a city that never fails to captivate and inspire. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there's always something new to discover around every corner. So, grab your Oyster card and your sense of adventure as we embark on an exploration of London's streets, parks, and neighborhoods, where every turn reveals a new chapter in this city's extraordinary story. Welcome to London!

London, UK

LONDON Unveiled: The Ultimate Guide

The Underground (Tube) is definitely the easiest and fastest way to get around London. It has 11 lines and serves 270 stations. Did you know that the London’s Underground was the first passenger underground railway in the world back in 1863!? If you plan on staying for a few days, I recommend you get the pay as you go Oyster Card as it’s much cheaper! You can also use single tickets if you prefer or scan your credit card directly. The fares will vary depending on your journey.

I’ve stayed there in 2015 and it was PERFECT! The size of the room was impressive for a European hotel and the location was ideal, right by the tube’s station: Shepherd’s Bush. The hotel is at walking distance of the Westfield London shopping centre in White City where you’ll find a bunch of great shops and restaurants, I highly recommend it!

Millenium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington

I've stayed there in 2023 and once again it was great! A spacious room in a ideal location! Right next to Gloucester Road Tube Station.

Claridge’s has been observing this tradition for the past 150 years. Afternoon tea is served in the Foyer and Reading Room daily from 2.45pm and 5.30pm. You will savour a variety of finger sandwiches, scones served warm, and sweet pastries accompanied by a remarkable selection of wonderful loose leaf tea. The great thing is that you can have as much food and tea as you want! My favorite Afternoon Tea in London.

48h in LONDON Layover (History, Food & Fun)| UK - Travel Vlog (Camden Market, Westminster Abbey)

London for the Holidays

The southern end of the bridge is near Shakespeare’s Globe. The theatre is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre for which Shakespeare wrote his plays in the 1500s. The theatre can welcome 1 400 guests.

Piccadilly Circus is a busy square in the heart of London where you can do some major shopping. With its many neon signs, it’s the miniature version of Times Square in New York. The circus (from the Latin word meaning circle, was built in 1819 to connect Regent St. with Piccadilly. In Piccadilly you will find the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and statue, the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square nearby. 

In the heart of London's West End, Covent Garden stands as a vibrant and historic district, brimming with culture, charm, and endless entertainment. Once a bustling fruit and vegetable market dating back to the 17th century, Covent Garden has transformed into a lively destination known for its street performers, designer boutiques, artisanal eateries, and cultural attractions.

Savor a delicious traditional Fish & Chips at The Anchor Bankside pub located on Park Street.

The Borough Market is a market hall in Southwark. It’s one of the largest and oldest food markets in London dating back to as far as the 12th century. The market mainly sells speciality foods to the general public. Note that the market is closed on Sundays and that it closes at 17h00 on most days. 

The vessel was an English galleon that sailed around the world back in the 1500s. You can now go aboard and visit the full-scale reconstruction on the south bank of the Thames.

Standing tall on the banks of the River Thames, the London Eye is an iconic symbol of the city's skyline and a must-visit attraction for tourists and locals alike. This giant Ferris wheel offers unparalleled views of London's most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London.

Tucked away beneath the railway tracks near Waterloo Station, this hidden enclave is a vibrant hub of street art, creativity, and urban culture. It is a dynamic canvas for graffiti artists from around the world. As you wander through the atmospheric tunnels, you'll be greeted by an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colorful murals, tags, and stencil art, each telling its own story and reflecting the diverse voices of the urban art scene.

Built between 1886 and 1894 the iconic Tower Bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London. The bridge deck is freely accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians.

The Tower of London is a historic castle which was founded towards the end of 1066. Fun fact, the castle was used as a prison from 1100 until 1952. Surprisingly, its primary purpose was to serve as a royal residence. Under the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a royal residence.

Nowadays, the Tower of London is a very popular tourist attractions and it is protected as a World Heritage Site.

Notting Hill is a renowned  trendy and colourful area in London with High-end restaurants and upscale boutiques.

Portobello Road is famous for its busy market selling antiques and vintage apparel. I recommend you go on a Friday (Antique day) or on a Saturday (main day). If you want to avoid crowds, go on Monday through Thursday. And don’t worry if you’re hungry, the street food there is amazing!

Leicester Square was laid out in 1670 and it’s now a square for pedestrians.

Camden is a district of northwest London. The area hosts street markets and music venues. The markets are really easy to get to, Camden Town Tube station is located in the epicentre of them. 

The markets in Camden date from 1974 and later. There are five markets in total: Camden Lock market, Buck Street market, Stables market, Camden Lock village, and an indoor market in the Electric Ballroom. The vendors sell an immense range of items from fashion to antiques, books, souvenirs and food.

I tried the nitrogen ice cream at Chin Chin Labs and is was simply the best we’ve ever had!

(Note that you will also find food recommendations in the "Activities" section.)

Established in 1737, Greenwich Market is an indoor historic market set in a World Heritage Site with approximately 120 vendors selling food, antiques, crafts, jewelry, art and unique souvenirs to bring back home.

King’s Cross is a passenger railway terminus in London that opened in 1852. It’s one of the busiest stations in the UK. Over the years, the station has been used as a backdrop for several movies.  One of them was the Harry Potter series, particularly the fictional Platform 9¾ located between platforms 9 and 10. Look out for a luggage trolley embedded in the wall to make your Harry Potter dreams come true! The trolley is accessible at all hours for you to take your best picture! Right next door, you will find the Platform 9¾ shop. 

The Palace of Westminster also known as the Houses of Parliament is the meeting place for both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The first palace dated from the 11th century and Westminster became the primary residence of the monarchs until most of it was destroyed in a fire in 1512. After that, it served as the home of the Parliament and as the seat of the Royal Courts of Justice.

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The tower was completed in 1859 and has since been a British cultural icon.

It's not just the architecture that makes Westminster Abbey so remarkable. It's also a treasure trove of art, history, and memorials, with the final resting places of many of Britain's most illustrious figures, including kings and queens, poets and politicians, scientists and statesmen. Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the Cosmati Pavement, gaze upon the intricate detail of the Coronation Chair, and pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Tucked away beneath the bustling streets of Westminster lies a hidden piece of World War II history: the Churchill War Rooms. This subterranean bunker served as the nerve center of Britain's wartime operations, where Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his inner circle made critical decisions that shaped the course of history.

If your interested in history, I suggest you watch the movie: "Operation Mincemeat".

The Shard stands as an architectural marvel and a symbol of the city's vibrant spirit and modernity. This gleaming glass tower, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, pierces the heavens at a staggering height of over 1,000 feet, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and an iconic landmark on the London skyline.

The Shard offers a unique opportunity to see the city from a whole new angle and to experience the thrill of being on top of the world.

LONDON Unveiled: The Ultimate Guide

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