Travelers looking for romance, adventure, or to just immerse themselves in a multicultural mecca will quickly discover, upon arriving in the majestic city of London, the uniqueness of the blending of cultures and classes, the unexpected at every turn, and experiences found in few other cities in the world. Cross Abbey Road barefoot like a Beatle. Enjoy an impromptu artist’s performance at Covent Garden on a Saturday morning. Stroll back to your childhood as you wind your way through the floors of Hamley’s Toy Store.
Whether you plan to stay in one of London’s luxurious hotels or to enjoy one of the many budget-friendly hostels dotted throughout the city, you will find that London promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if you embrace your time in the city.
Here are the top 7 things to do when you visit London, England:
Come face to face with your favourite historical figures, celebrities, sports stars, and Marvel Superheroes at the world famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Be sure to charge your smartphone and camera batteries because you’ll find the perfect photo opportunity in every corner of the museum. In anticipation of the latest installment of the Star Wars franchise due in theaters worldwide in December 2015, fans can “meet” Yoda, Chewbacca, Jabba the Hut, and the universe’s most popular droids R2D2 and C3PO and can watch the galactic faceoff between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. To purchase tickets for your trip to Madame Tussauds or to learn more, go to https://www.madametussauds.com/London/.
The London Zoo promises the perfect day outdoors as you enjoy the opportunity to see the zoo’s residents up close. Stroll through the Gorilla Kingdom, meet the mischievous monkeys, and venture into Tiger Territory – if you dare. Be prepared to lift your smartphone and snap photos of the tuxedoed penguins at Penguin Beach, the tiny meerkats, and the many species of fish who all call the London Zoo home. Be prepared for a duck to walk up to you and offer an enthusiastic “quack” as you make your way through a tiny bit of paradise in the heart of London. Discover all that the London Zoo has to offer by visiting https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo.
Millions of visitors from around the world flock to London’s Buckingham Palace every year to see the royal residence of the Queen of England. Royal watchers hoping to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family may want to plan to visit London in June where, on a Saturday, royalty and Londoners come together outside of Buckingham Palace to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s birthday with the Trooping of the Colours. Travelers can also make plans to visit the Queen’s Gallery and the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. In addition to visiting the Royal Residence, travelers may also want to stop by the other royal residences, including Windsor Castle and Clarence House. Plan your trip to Buckingham Palace and other Royal sites throughout the United Kingdom by clicking here: http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/Overview.aspx.
Not too many years ago, visitors flocked to Trafalgar Square, where they could purchase bird seed and feed the enthusiastic pigeons who would sit on their heads and shoulders. New laws have forbidden feeding the birds but Trafalgar Square still attracts the birds and global visitors with frequent shows and cultural events. And, every Christmas, Trafalgar Square boasts London’s largest Christmas tree courtesy of the Norwegian City of Oslo. Plan your trip to Trafalgar Square by starting here: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/283774-trafalgar-square.
Perhaps best known in modern times as the site where the world bid farewell to Princess Diana in 1997 and where her son, Prince William, and Catherine Middleton exchanged wedding vowels in 2011, Westminster Abbey’s history is evident to all who visit. Construction on the famed cathedral began under Henry the VII’s direction in 1503. Westminster Abbey welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday each week. Those who would like to attend a worship service may do so on Christmas, Easter, and each Sunday. You can also join a 90 minute guided tour, offered daily Monday through Saturday, where you’ll visit the Tomb of Saint Edward the Confessor, the Poets’ Corner, the Nave, the Cloisters, and the Royal Tombs. Learn more about Westminster Abbey at: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us.
Give yourself an unforgettable gift by visiting the London Eye and enjoying a stunning aerial view of London as the Eye turns, providing you with unparalleled views of every part of the city. Since its opening in 2000, the biggest observation wheel in the world has welcomed visitors from around the globe. The London Eye offers several general admission options, including those with a fast entry pass. Visitors, who opt for the general admission pass, will enjoy a 30 minute rotation on the Eye. The London Eye also features special admission, which may include up to two 30 minute rotations, such as the Cocktail Hour Experience, the Hotel Chocolat Tasting Experience, and the Champagne Experience. Private capsules are also available for special admissions and you can create your own capsule experience. Learn about all the London Eye has to offer at https://www.londoneye.com/.
Of course, no trip to London is complete without shopping at the stores on Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus. A must stop for many first time and return visitors is Harrods Department Store, just across from the Knightsbridge Underground Station. Harrods boasts more than 330 departments over seven floors, totaling more than a million square feet. More than 15 million people walk through the doors of Harrods annually, browsing both luxury and everyday items. To gear up for an afternoon of shopping or to take a much-needed rest, try one of the magnificent department store’s numerous restaurants. Plan your trip to Harrods or even shop online by visiting http://www.harrods.com.
Helpful Links
- Visit Britain: http://www.visitbritain.com/en/US/
- Visit London: http://www.visitlondon.com/
- London Tube: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/tube/
- Shopping in London: http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping
- Restaurants & Cafes in London: http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants
- Covent Garden: http://www.coventgardenlondonuk.com/
- Brit Rail: http://www.britrail.com/
- London Gatwick: http://www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk/
- Heathrow Airport: http://www.heathrow.com/
- Tower of London: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/
Have you traveled to London? What is your favourite spot to visit?
