A couple of weeks ago, I embarked on a journey to spend a semester studying abroad in England. We just had our first weekend trip, a three day adventure in the beautiful city of London. I did my fair share of exploring and learned a few things during my short time there. There are many things I would recommend to any new London travelers, having had my fair share of experiences.
1. Visit the Elizabeth Tower and House of Parliament
This may be more familiar to you as "Big Ben", but Big Ben is actually the bell inside the tower. It's a typical tourist destination, but after one too many selfies with the tower itself, you'll be happy that you were able to experience it. The tower has such incredible architecture that with leave you speechless. Besides that, it's right next to the River of Thames with a gorgeous view of the cityscape.
2. Take a picture in a red phone booth
Again, it seems cliche, but it's all a part of the London experience. Besides, there are plenty throughout the city to choose from.
3. Take a ride on Tower Bridge
This may be better known as "London Bridge", although Tower Bridge is it's proper name. This is another gorgeous piece of London architecture, and it also gives one of the best views of the full cityscape. A must-do bucketlist item.
4. Eat fish and chips in a local pub
The pub food in London is some of the best around, and it's all authentic. There are plenty of good hole-in-the-wall places around the city that serve the best fish and chips, so it's not easy for me to give a recommendation, but it is a must try!
5. Go shopping on Oxford Street
Seriously, the street is bursting at the seems with different shops. The H&M itself has six floors of fabulous European-style clothing (you wouldn't want to give yourself away as a tourist). The Topshop is one of the largest in the world, including its own hair salon and coffee shop. There are also numerous designer stores further down the road, but that may be up to your wallet to decide whether or not to enter.
6. Ride the London Underground
Better known to the locals as the "tube". Not only is this mode of transportation part of the London experience, it makes traveling the city incredibly fast and easy. My recommendation is to purchase an Oyster card, which you can do at the machines at any Underground station. This makes it cheaper and easier to use the tube system. Also, the app "Tube Map" is free to download and very convenient when you aren't sure which tubes to take where. The app will tell you exactly which line to take and where to get off, making travel very easy.
7. Eat gelato
If you love ice cream, you will be head over heels for gelato. It's creamier and sweeter than original ice cream, and certain shoppes around the city have some of the best you will ever taste. It makes for a great afternoon snack after a morning full of walking and tube-riding.
8. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Depending on the time of year you are in London, the Changing of the Guard will either occur everyday or every even day. It takes place at 11:30 am right in front of Buckingham Palace. If you want to be close to the gates, be sure to arrive plenty early. It's an amazing cultural experience that you don't want to miss on a weekend in London.
8. Visit the London Eye at night
Another breathtaking London view that can never really be replaced. If you're looking to ride the London Eye itself, be sure to get a fast pass to beat the queues. There are also many street performers along the boardwalk that are sure to keep you entertained.
10. Visit as many museums as you can
They're free! The British Museum is one of the largest and contains so many interesting exhibits on British history, as they are a very deep and rich culture. Depending on your interests, the National Gallery, the Freud Museum, and the Museum of Natural History are also worth taking visits to. Did I mention they are free?
11. See a play at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Getting a ticket for the "yard" is both inexpensive and an authentic London experience. All of the shows are amazing and worth seeing. Although, be sure to rest your feet if you plan on getting yard tickets, as you'll be standing for the duration of the play. Also, the Globe has a hole in the center with no roof, and with the London rain, you should be sure to pack an umbrella and/or a rain jacket.
It's not possible to see everything in only a few days, as there is so much to explore. These are just a few of the highlights of this great city. There's no harm in paying it another visit.
