I’ve been to London 3 times now and while there are a lot of things about it I enjoy, it’s definitely super expensive. The good thing about London is that their underground is well connected so you can stay outside of the center and just take the tube in to see the sites. Even though the center is large, I think the major sites are spread throughout the city that even if you walk there are so many things to see.
One of the best things about London is that the museums are free. One of my favorite museums in the world is the British Museum. The outside of the museum makes it seem a little small but inside of the museum is incredible and surprisingly big. I wouldn’t mind just sitting in the lobby drinking a coffee and staring at the ceiling. There are many exhibits so there’s something for everyone there and with the cold and rainy weather in London, it’s good to have some indoor activities! One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the Rosetta Stone located on the ground floor so don’t make sure you miss it. I’ve been to the museum twice now and I would go back again if I could because I’m sure there’s still more to see!
Other main sites I recommend visiting is the Tower Bridge (pictured above), especially at night! The bridge is so beautiful when it is lit up. St. Paul’s Cathedral is also very beautiful at night. I have never been inside the cathedral because it’s so expensive. If you’re lucky enough to encounter good (or at least not rainy) weather, London has many things to do outdoors also! Walking around the Mall to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is a great way to enjoy the many green spaces they have in the center of the city. Make sure you save some time to go see Big Ben, which is surprisingly small, and Westminster Abbey. Like I said most of these sites are within walking distance of each other so you can save some money for food and shopping!
London isn’t exactly known for spectacular food but I am a big fan of fish and chips and afternoon tea so I don’t mind it one bit! My favorite place for fish and chips is Golden Union, located right by the Oxford Circus Station so first lunch then shopping! Oxford street has many shops for all kinds of budgets so if you have time and want to spend some money, this is the place to be. Don’t forget to visit the gigantic TopShop there! After a few hours of shopping you can make your way towards Piccadilly Circus to have afternoon tea and the lovely Fortnum & Mason. It’s a bit of a splurge but worth the money. After, you can go through all the floors of their department store looking at all the goodies they have for sale. I’ve always purchased their teas and jams to bring home with me whenever I’ve visited (travel tip: they sell the jams at the duty free store at the airport or there’s also an F&M in Heathrow in case you’re not checking a bag).
The last time I was in London was to ring in 2016 with my friend Sally who flew in from LA. This was actually our second time ringing in the new year together overseas! We were lucky enough to get tickets to the fireworks show (second biggest in the world I believe) at Big Ben/the London Eye and I think it was worth it (I love fireworks!). I’m sure I’ll go back again soon because I am dying to go outside of London to visit the Harry Potter sets so more to come about London in the future!
