Just Touched Down in London Town

London feels classic and modern all at the same time. There are many things that draw me to this city: the history, the architecture, the fashion, Harry Potter, Meghan Markle, and so much more. It is a great kick-off point for a European vacation and one that is not intimidating to venture through, thanks to the lack of a language barrier. If you only have a couple of days to spare, or are stopping through on your way to another city, take the weekend to learn, drink, embrace, and explore. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to stay with friends every time I have visited, but some of my bucket list Airbnbs are scattered throughout the city.  

Day 1: 

Time to wake up and see the city. Use the Underground to the Westminster station and the moment you exit, turn to the water for a picturesque view of Big Ben. The iconic timepiece gives you a sense of the history and beauty of the city. Follow the building attached to Big Ben, which is made up of the House of Parliamentand the Palace of Westminster. 

Quick Tip:If you have time, there are tours of the Palace of Westminster on Saturdays. 

From there, head to the West, where you cannot miss Westminster Abby. You’ll have to walk around to the front to see the recognizable façade of the building that is the backdrop to so many famous moments. A tour through the Abby is well worth it, perfectly placing you in a different era.

Quick Tip: Religious or not, being part of a service at Westminster is extremely memorable. As someone who falls on the more non-religious side, stumbling upon the daily service was a highlight of my trip.

After absorbing all the history that fills the Abby, walk over to the Churchill’s Imperial War Rooms. The underground headquarters for Churchill’s team during WW2 is still preserved with maps on the walls, narrow passageways, and is my favorite museum in the city. It does what London is best at, transporting you back in time.

Once you’ve toured the war rooms, find your way back to the Thames. The water at sunset is beautiful, and there are some great places to grab a beer before dinner. In just about a 10-minute walk, you’ll find Tattershall Castle, a boat that has been converted into a pub on the water, looking across from the London Eye. It gives you a view of the major landmarks of the city while drinking a cold English beverage.

As I say for all places, enjoy your walks, underground and cab rides. London lights up at night, and there are treasures all over that you don’t want to miss.

Day 2: 

Your second day can go in a couple of different ways, but there are still some must-see if you’re a first-time visitor. If you have a love for Harry Potter like me, that could be deserving of an extra blog post with Kings Cross Station, Studio Tours, and film locations. If you want to get a taste of true English futbol, there are many teams, stadiums, and matches to attend.

Whichever preference you have, you still have a few stops you can’t miss. One of the things that makes London so special is the built-in greenery that’s scattered throughout the city. Hyde Park, St. James Park, Green Park, and all make for a great picnic. For first time visitors, I would suggest Hyde Park - it's gorgeous, massive, and conveniently located to see other sights. 

On one side of the park is Kensington Palace, and on the other is a direct path to Buckingham Palace. Both are incredible estates that make the British royalty seem an inch closer and a reminder for the long history that surrounds this country.

It’s amazing how fast your day will go by when enjoying the palaces and the park. To end it, finish up your day at the Tower of London. You could spend hours there, between Anne Boylan’s cell, the crown jewels, and the best view of Tower Bridge. 

Quick Tip: For this exhibit and the War Rooms, purchasing tickets in advance will save you time and, sometimes, a few English pounds. 

To finish off your fantastic weekend, take in the best view of the city. Walk across the infamous London Bridge to The Shard. The building is filled with restaurants and bars, all with different cuisines and dress codes.

The perfect combination of history and antiquity with technology and advancement is what makes London a city to see. Share and comment with your favorite places in the city to see, tour, stay, eat, and drink for the next visit :)