London is a vibrant and bustling city that has something for everyone. From its rich history and culture to its vibrant food scene (thanks to the many diverse cultures there) and picturesque parks, there is no shortage of things to do and see. As a travel blogger, I have put together a guide that includes the top mid to high-range hotels to stay in, the top ten things to do, cultural experiences, adventure, festivals, nature/parks, and a seven-day sample itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to London.
HOTELS
London has some of the best hotels in the world, catering to every budget and style. Here are three mid to high-range hotels that are worth considering.
- The Dorchester – Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Dorchester is one of London’s most iconic hotels. With its elegant decor, spacious rooms, and impeccable service, it offers the ultimate luxury experience.
- The Savoy – Another iconic London hotel, The Savoy is situated on the banks of the River Thames and boasts stunning views of the city. With its Art Deco style, luxurious rooms, and world-class dining, it’s a hotel not to be missed.
- The Corinthia – The Corinthia is a five-star hotel located in the heart of London, just a few minutes’ walk from Trafalgar Square. With its luxurious rooms, spa, and gourmet restaurants, it’s the perfect place to stay for those seeking a sophisticated and refined experience.
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO
- The British Museum – One of the world’s oldest and most significant museums, The British Museum is home to over 8 million works of art and artefacts. It’s a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.
- The Tower of London – A historic castle that has played an important role in English history, The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the castle, see the Crown Jewels, and learn about the Tower’s fascinating history.
- The London Eye – Offering stunning views of the city, the London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that’s become an iconic symbol of London. It’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective.
- The National Gallery – One of the world’s most visited art museums, The National Gallery is home to a vast collection of paintings, including works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Monet.
- Camden Market – A bustling market in the heart of London, Camden Market is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. With over 1,000 stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts, it’s a shopper’s paradise.
- Shakespeare’s Globe – Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. Visitors can take a tour or watch a performance in the open-air theatre.
- Buckingham Palace – Buckingham Palace is an iconic London landmark. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony or take a tour of the palace during the summer months.
- The West End – London’s West End is home to some of the world’s most famous theatres, including the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the London Palladium. It’s a great place to catch a show or enjoy a night out.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – A historic cathedral that’s been a place of worship for over 1,400 years, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic London landmark. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city.
- The Tate Modern – A contemporary art museum located in a former power station, The Tate Modern ishome to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. With works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney, it’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Food To Try
Thank goodness to all of the diverse cultures in London saving their food scene. I personally don’t eat fish so I didn’t indulge on the their iconic fish and chips, but I did have amazing Indian, Jamaican, and Mediterranean food at various food markets. Here are three must-try foods when visiting the city.
- Fish and Chips – A classic British dish, fish and chips is a must-try when visiting London. There are plenty of places to get this dish in the city, but some of the best are The Golden Hind in Marylebone and Poppies Fish and Chips in Spitalfields.
- Afternoon Tea – A quintessentially British experience, afternoon tea is a must-try when visiting London. Some of the best places to enjoy this tradition are The Ritz, The Dorchester, and Fortnum & Mason.
- Curry – London has a thriving Indian food scene, and a curry is a must-try when visiting the city. Some of the best places to get curry in London are at the food markets- including Borough Market, Broadway Market, and Southbank Centre Food Market.
Cultural Experiences
London is a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Here are three cultural experiences that are not to be missed.
- The West End – As mentioned earlier, London’s West End is home to some of the world’s most famous theaters. Catching a show here is a great way to experience London’s cultural heritage.
- The Southbank Centre – The Southbank Centre is a cultural hub in London, with events and exhibitions throughout the year. With music, dance, theater, and visual arts, it’s a great place to experience London’s creative scene.
- The National Theatre – The National Theatre is one of the UK’s leading theaters, with a various plays, musicals, and other performances. It’s a must-visit for theater enthusiasts.
- Jazz Cafe- an amazing live music venue offering hip-hop, reggae, jazz, and more.
Festivals
London has a vibrant festival scene, with events throughout the year. Here are three festivals to check out when visiting the city.
- Notting Hill Carnival – Held in August, Notting Hill Carnival is one of London’s most vibrant and colorful festivals. With music, dancing, and Caribbean food, it’s a celebration of London’s multicultural heritage.
- London Design Festival – Held in September, London Design Festival is a celebration of design and creativity in the city. With events and exhibitions throughout London, it’s a great way to see some of the city’s most innovative designs.
- Winter Wonderland – Held during the winter months, Winter Wonderland is a festive event in Hyde Park. With ice skating, a Christmas market, and fairground rides, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Nature and Parks
Despite being a bustling city, London has plenty of green spaces to explore. Here are three parks to visit when in the city.
- Hyde Park – One of London’s most famous parks, Hyde Park is a great place to relax and unwind. With lakes, gardens, and plenty of space to walk and cycle
- Kew Gardens – Kew Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden located in West London. With over 50,000 living plants, it’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquility.
- Richmond Park – Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks, covering over 2,500 acres. It’s a great place to go for a walk or cycle, and is home to over 600 deer.
7 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in London and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the area around your hotel.
Day 2 – Start the day with a visit to the Tower of London, followed by a stroll across Tower Bridge. Spend the afternoon exploring the South Bank, visiting the Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre.
Day 3 – Take a trip to Greenwich, and visit the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, and the Cutty Sark. In the afternoon, head back to the city and take a stroll through the East End, exploring the markets and street art.
Day 4 – Spend the morning exploring the British Museum, before heading to Covent Garden for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the West End and catch a show in one of the famous theaters.
Day 5 – Start the day with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, before heading to the City of London to explore the financial district. In the afternoon, visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition and take a tour of the bridge.
Day 6 – Take a day trip to Kew Gardens, and spend the day exploring the botanical gardens. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy some of the nightlife in Shoreditch or Soho.
Day 7 – Spend the day relaxing in one of London’s parks. Head to Hyde Park, Richmond Park, or Hampstead Heath, and enjoy a picnic and a stroll through the greenery. In the evening, head to a restaurant to try some of London’s delicious food, or catch a show at one of the city’s smaller theaters.
In conclusion, London is a city with a rich cultural heritage, a diverse and vibrant food scene, and plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. With so much to see and do, a week is barely enough time to scratch the surface of what the city has to offer. However, this itinerary should provide a good starting point for anyone planning a trip to this amazing city.