LONDON ATTRACTIONS
St. Paul’s Cathedral ***: Let’s start off with one of my favorite places in London. St. Paul's Cathedral is a stunning architectural masterpiece and one of London’s most iconic landmarks. It features a striking dome that dominates the skyline. Visitors can explore its grand interior, adorned with intricate mosaics and artwork, and climb to the Whispering Gallery for breathtaking views of the city. St. Paul's has been a witness to many significant events in British history, including royal weddings and state funerals. Your entrance fee to St. Paul’s Cathedral allows you access to a rooftop 360 degree viewing platform. FYI, access to the rooftop (look for signs to the Golden Gallery) involves many stairs and maneuvering through some tight spaces. But trust me, the views are worth it!
London Eye: I still haven’t been in and up this giant ferris wheel but I can’t wait to. Whenever I’m in London, I’m always rushing around and trying to see as many things as I can so the waiting on the queue even with a purchased ticket is so unappealing to me that I never got around to doing it. But it’s on my list. I can’t decide if I should do it during the day time or at night. Any recommendations?
Tower Bridge: It’s the bridge that London is most famous for and commonly misnamed as the London Bridge. It’s beautiful both near and far. There’s an entrance fee to go up the tower. I’m not much of a history or museum person so I opted to skip the educational part of it.
The British Museum: It houses a vast collection of over 8 million works that span thousands of years and cultures, including iconic artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Your free entry lets you explore galleries dedicated to ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Middle East, among others, offering a fascinating journey through human history.
Tate Modern: Housed in a former power station, this iconic building showcases an impressive collection of modern masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. With its free entry to the main collections and vibrant program of events, Tate Modern is a must-visit destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts alike, offering a unique insight into the evolution of contemporary art.
The Graffiti Tunnel: An explosion of color and artwork. It’s pretty cool and a quick walk on the way to the London Eye.
Hyde Park: One of London’s largest and most iconic green spaces, spanning 350 acres, this historic park features beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and picturesque walking paths, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. Enjoy a range of activities, from boating on the Serpentine to cycling along designated paths. With its stunning landscapes and landmarks like the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Gallery, Hyde Park is an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation, inviting everyone to unwind and connect with nature amid the urban bustle.
Big Ben: It’s an iconic landmark and it truly glistens in the light! My only tip would be to make sure you’re updated on the status because they renovate it often. I’ve been to London a few times and about 50% of the time, Big Ben was covered with large fabric that had a rendering of the landmark.
Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster: You can’t miss it because it’s right next to or attached to the Big Ben. Tickets are a must if you want a tour.
Buckingham Palace: If you are obsessed with the Royal culture, then you probably don’t need me to tell you about Buckingham Palace. Make sure to get there by 10:45 am (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays), or earlier if you want a good spot to watch the famous changing of the guards.
SHOPPING
Shopping in London is inevitable. At every turn, there’s either a department store, a shopping village, or pop-up shops. My first time in London, I was walking around Carnaby, thinking I finished shopping then I stumbled into a queue for a pop-up store called M+RC Noir. Next thing you know, I’m walking out with another raincoat! Leave it to the Brits to elevate shopping. Here are some of my favorite shopping spots and stores in London.
Harrods: The pinnacle of luxury department store shopping. Check out the basement where they sell Harrods souvenirs. I personally love the Harrods shopping tote in green.
Fortnum & Mason: Leave it to the Brits to make grocery shopping posh. This is where the staff of the Royals get the groceries for the palace so you know it’s going to be top quality. I love the biscuits they have in the colorful tins (the Pistachio and Clotted Cream flavor is my favorite). They make great souvenir presents for family, friends and coworkers. On a hot summer day, check out their ice cream parlor on the 2nd floor. It might sound strange but one scoop of chocolate and one scoop of the grass flavor ice cream makes for a fantastic combination. It’s sweet, earthy and delicious.
Covent Garden: Covent Garden is a bustling cultural hotspot in London, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. Known for its iconic market, the area features a delightful mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants, alongside street performers and live entertainment that create a lively ambiance. With its charming blend of shopping, culture, and entertainment, Covent Garden offers a captivating experience that showcases the best of London’s artistic spirit and lively charm.
Carnaby Street: Located in the vibrant Soho district of London, this pedestrian-friendly street is a lively shopping and cultural hub known for its eclectic mix of fashion, food, and entertainment. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, with colorful street art and regular events adding to the charm. Whether you're seeking the latest styles or a taste of the city's dynamic spirit, Carnaby Street offers a quintessentially London experience that's both trendy and timeless.
Bond St: This historic street is home to a stunning array of high-end boutiques, from world-famous fashion houses to exquisite jewelers. With its rich heritage and vibrant cultural scene, Bond Street offers an unparalleled shopping experience for those seeking the finest in luxury goods and designer craftsmanship from the giant luxury fashion houses of Hermes, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Dior, Chanel, etc.
Savile Row: Synonymous with bespoke tailoring and timeless elegance, this iconic street has been the go-to destination for custom suits and high-quality craftsmanship since the 19th century. Savile Row is a street where the highest caliber of tailors sell their clothes. If you’re in need of a custom tailored, bespoke suit of the highest quality, you must come here. The Huntsman shop has the Kingsman plaque that’s shown on the movie series.
Gym Shark: I wish I knew about Gym Shark before my trip to London in 2023 because I would have had more products from them by now. I love how body inclusive their clothes are and the quality of their gym clothes is top notch. I pretty much use them 4-5 times a week and there hasn’t been any signs of wear and tear.
Burberry Flagship on Regent: It’s the original London based luxury fashion house. Enough said.