London, the city I call home for the past 10 years, is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly, creating a vibrant and diverse tapestry of experiences.

From the historic grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the contemporary art scene at Tate Modern, and from the bustling markets of Camden to the serene beauty of Hyde Park, there's something for every traveler's taste. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an art enthusiast, or if you're simply looking to soak in the city's atmosphere, London offers a myriad of attractions and activities to ensure your visit is trully unforgettable.

There is literally so much to do and see that it is impossible to include everything in a single blog post! I'll try..

1. Westminster

Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament

Visiting Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament is indeed a classic and iconic experience when you're in London. These historic landmarks are not only visually stunning but also hold significant historical and cultural importance.

Westminster Abbey

Discover the rich history and stunning Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey. From royal ceremonies to literary tributes in Poets' Corner, it's a true British treasure.

2. Southbank

Southbank, situated along London's River Thames, is a cultural hotspot featuring venues like the London Eye, Southbank Centre, National Theatre and so much more. This lively district is a hub of arts, entertainment, and culinary adventures, making it a must-visit place!

London Eye

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is a giant observation wheel that was constructed back in 2000. Standing at 135 metres tall, it offers stunning panoramic views of London's skyline.

3. Buckingham and St. James

Buckingham Palace

No visit to London is complete without a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. The grandeur of this palace is a sight to behold; especially during the changing of the guard ceremony.

St. James Park

Just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace lies St. James's Park. With its lush greenery, picturesque lake, and friendly resident pelicans, it's the perfect place to unwind.

4. Soho

Soho is London's vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood. Known for its bustling streets, lively nightlife, and a kaleidoscope of cultures, Soho is a haven for foodies, artists, and music lovers.

From hidden speakeasies to trendy boutiques, this district offers a taste of London's bohemian spirit that's sure to keep you entertained day and night.

5. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of London's most iconic public spaces, brimming with history, art, and cultural significance.

The National Gallery:

On the northside of Trafalgar Square you will find this world-class art museum which houses an exceptional collection of European paintings, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet, among others.

6. Covent Garden:

Discover the cultural heart of London at Covent Garden. This vibrant district offers a blend of history, street performances, and artisanal markets, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of London's artistic and culinary scene.

7. Bloomsbury & Fitzrovia

The British Museum

This world-renowned museum is the highlight of Bloomsbury. It houses a vast collection of art and historical artefacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone, Greek marbles as well as Egyptian mummies.

8. The City

The City of London, often referred to as the "Square Mile," is the historic and financial heart of London. Even though it's small in size, it's packed with a wealth of history, architecture, and cultural landmarks.

When visiting the City, make sure to enjoy a stroll along the Thames path, which offers scenic views of the river and several iconic landmarks.

The Tower of London

This historic castle on the banks of the River Thames is known for its role in British history as a royal palace, prison, and treasury.

Don't miss the Crown Jewels and the famous ravens.

Tower Bridge

Situated right next to the Tower, this iconic drawbridge is an absolute must-see. You can even walk across its high-level walkways which offer panoramic views of the city.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece is an architectural marvel. Make sure you climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of London.

Leadenhall Market

A beautifully preserved Victorian covered market, perfect for shopping and dining in a unique setting.

Sky Garden

This gorgeous garden, at the top of the “Walkie-Talkie” skyscraper, offers stunning panoramic views (for free!) and a lush indoor garden oasis. It definitely is a must-see attraction for a very unique city perspective.

Entrance to the Sky garden is for free however, you'd have to reserve your tickets online well in advance.

9. Southwark & Bankside

Southwark and Bankside, located on the south bank of the River Thames, are two very vibrant and culturally rich neighbourhoods in London. Whether you're interested in art, history, or gastronomy, you'll find plenty to explore and enjoy in this part of London.

Tate Modern

This renowned contemporary art museum, housed in a former power station, features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks from artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

A faithful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre where Shakespeare's plays were performed. You can catch a play, take a tour, or simply admire the building's design.

Borough Market

A food lover's paradise, Borough Market offers a wide array of artisanal and international foods. It's perfect for sampling delicious treats or picking up fresh ingredients.

Millennium Bridge

This pedestrian suspension bridge provides a stunning walk across the Thames, connecting St. Paul's Cathedral on the north bank to Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe on the south bank.

The Shard

This iconic skyscraper offers the highest public viewing platform in London. The View from The Shard provides unparalleled vistas of the city.

Worth noting, this is the tallest skyscraper in western Europe standing at a height of 310m!

10. Kensington

Notting Hill is undoubtedly a beloved London destination. Here you will find many charming pastel-hued houses, boutique shops, and trendy cafes.

What’s more, this neighbourhood hosts one of the world's most iconic street markets, famous for antiques, vintage fashion, and bric-a-brac; this is Portobello Market. Whether you're exploring the picturesque streets or haggling for unique finds, this neighbourhood offers a delightful blend of culture, style, and history that has made it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

11. South Kensington & Knightsbridge

South Kensington is often called the city's "Museum Quarter". This is due to its high concentration of world-renowned museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. Each offers a diverse range of exhibits, from art and design to history and science.

Hyde Park

With a rich history dating back to King Henry VIII, it's not just a park but a piece of London's heritage. As one of London's largest Royal Parks, it provides an expansive green oasis in the heart of the city and throughout the year, it hosts a variety of events, including the enchanting Winter Wonderland and open-air concerts.

Harrods

This world-famous luxury department store is a shopping paradise, filled with designer fashion, gourmet food, and luxury goods.

Sloane Square

Known for high-end shopping, Sloane Street features designer boutiques and upscale retailers, making it a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts.

12. Spitalfields & Shoreditch

Spitalfields, is a historic district in East London, known for its rich cultural heritage, eclectic markets, and vibrant street art. Take a stroll around the area to discover colourful murals and graffiti art on building walls; the neighbourhood is famous for its vibrant street art scene.

Whilst in the neighborhood make sure you pass by Spitalfields Market. This bustling market offers a mix of vintage and contemporary fashion, arts and crafts, antiques, and artisanal food stalls; a great place for shopping and exploring local creativity.

Further south, is the iconic Brick Lane street, which is famous for its diverse culture, street art, vintage shops, and a wide range of international cuisine, particularly Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants.

Just a short walk from Spitalfields, Shoreditch, is a hub of urban creativity and fashion & design. On top of that, this lively neighbourhood offers a very vibrant nightlife with a plethora of bars, pubs, and trendy cocktail lounges, making sure there's something for everyone's taste. Here you will find some of London’s top nightclubs, live music venues and late-night eateries and street food.

13. Regents Park

Regent's Park, with its picturesque gardens, boating lakes, and the stunning Queen Mary's Rose Garden, provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. On top of that, the north side of the park is home to London’s Zoo, one of the world's oldest and most famous zoological gardens.

14. Camden

Camden is a thriving hub of alternative and counter-culture. Its iconic Camden Market is a bustling maze of stalls selling eclectic fashion, vintage treasures, and international street food.

15. Oxford & Regent Str

Oxford Street is the most famous shopping destination in London, known for its extensive range of stores, boutiques, and major retail brands. If you are into shopping at affordable prices, then that’s the place to go!

If on the other hand you are looking for a more upscale and architecturally appealing shopping experience, then Regent Street should be your destination of choice.

16. Greenwich

Greenwich offers a compelling blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the 17th century, it gained great significance as a maritime hub and was home to the Royal Observatory, which established Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)! When visiting, make sure to stand at the Prime Meridian, where East meets the West. What’s more, the views of London’s skyline are just stunning here.

Greenwich is also home to other iconic landmarks and points of interest, such as the Cutty Sark, a 19th-century tea clipper, Greenwich Park, one of London's eight Royal Parks, Greenwich Market and so much more.

The best way to reach Greenwich is to take a river cruise, which will offer a very scenic journey along the Thames.

London RECAP:

**Attractions:**

Big Ben
Houses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey
Buckingham Palace
The Tower of London
Tower Bridge
St. Paul's Cathedral
London Eye
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Royal Observatory
Cutty Sark

**Viewpoints:**

The Shard
Sky Garden
Heron Tower

**Parks:**

Hyde Park
Regent's Park (& London’s Zoo)
St. James Park
Greenwich Park

**Museums:**

Natural History Museum
Science Museum
The British Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
The National Gallery
Tate Modern

**Markets:**

Borough Market
Portobello Market
Leadenhall Market
Camden Market
Spitalfields Market
Greenwich Market

**Shopping:**

Oxford Street
Regents Street
Harrods
Stratford &. Shepherds Bush (Westfield Mall)

**Noteworthy neighbourhoods:**

Soho
Trafalgar Sq
Covent Garden
The City
Southbank
Notting Hill
Sloane Square

Where To Eat:

$$

Ave Mario (Covent Garden)
Circolo Popolare (Fitzrovia)
El Pastor (London Bridge)
Flat Iron (Chain)
Gloria (Old Street)
Gordon's Wine Bar (Embankment)
Kanchana's Kitchen (Waterloo)
Lobos (Soho)
Mercato Mayfair (Mayfair)
Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle)
Mother Mash (Carnaby Street)
Le Relais de Venise (Chain)

$$$

Barrafina (Chain)
Cafe Boheme (Soho)
Casse-Croûte (Bermondsey)
Goodmans (Chain)
Sabor (Piccadilly Circus)

$$$$

14 Hills
Oblix (London Bridge)

Pubs:

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Chancery Lane)
The Porterhouse (Covent Garden)
Princes Louise (Holborn)
The Yard (Soho)
Chiltern Firehouse (Mayfair)
The Duke of Sussex (Waterloo)

Where To Stay:

When visiting London, finding the perfect place to stay can greatly enhance your experience in this vibrant city.

For a quintessentially British experience, consider booking a stay in one of the charming boutique hotels in the neighborhoods of Kensington or Notting Hill. These areas offer a blend of historic architecture, trendy cafes, and proximity to iconic attractions like Kensington Palace and Portobello Road Market.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more bustling atmosphere, the West End area boasts an array of luxury hotels with easy access to renowned theaters, trendy bars, and world-class shopping along Oxford Street.

For a taste of London's rich cultural heritage, consider staying in the stylish South Bank area, offering stunning views of the Thames River and easy access to landmarks like the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Whatever your preferences may be, London offers an abundance of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs.

London Calling: Your Ultimate City Break Destination