Ah, London! An unsurpassed metropolis of the world and one of the most popular destinations worldwide. Although it is not easy to make comparisons, in the dilemma of London or New York we vote for London without a second thought! The London atmosphere has something unique, a charm that you do not find in other metropolises. Something from the glamour of the past that blends very harmoniously with the modernity of the present. In the capital of England, history is alive and coexists with the present in a dialectical form. Where you encounter picturesque districts, characterized by the architecture of the Victorian era, there you will see modern buildings and high-end neighborhoods springing up.
It is undoubtedly the most multicultural city in Europe, with over 300 languages spoken in London, and residents from every corner of the globe. You will find this colorful community enjoying the city's numerous parks, stunning galleries, highly regarded museums, unique attractions, popular musicals and music scenes, famous department stores and everything else this inexhaustible capital has to offer!
Living in England for five consecutive years, I had the opportunity to visit it countless times. It's no coincidence that with so much that London has to offer, you can visit it for years and still discover new things. That's why we're going to take a detailed look at the 20 main things you should see and do when you go.
- British Museum
For us Greeks, a visit there is a tribute to our history and culture. We will go to admire the stolen sculptures of the Parthenon (stop calling them Elgin Marbles), from the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, etc. Try not to get upset but be moved freely! Equally remarkable are the rest of the museum's collections from ancient Egypt, Rome, Africa, Oceania and elsewhere. Visiting the museum is free but keep in mind that you will need several hours if you "let yourself" in its countless collections.
- Buckingham Palace (Buckingham Palace)
The story of Diana, the love stories of monarchs and their descendants, the stories surrounding the crown intrigue even the most indifferent. The Palace is open for tours in the summer and selected dates during the winter and spring (except for the Queen's private residences of course). The tour gives you access to the 19 state rooms where the Queen and members of the royal family host guests for state ceremonies and official affairs. The rooms are beautifully decorated with chandeliers, candlesticks, paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens and ornate furniture.
- St. James Park
Leaving the palace, take a stroll through St. James's Park. It is the oldest in London in an area that was built in the 15th century.the In the 19th century it was full of marshes. Now it is one of the most well-maintained parks in London, full of colorful flowers, trees and ducks that even have their own island!
- Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
London's largest park should not be missing from your list when you are in the English capital. Wander through the botanical gardens and the two artificial ponds with ducks and boats that you can rent to take your stroll.
- Big Ben and British Parliament
You've seen it in countless TV series, movies and documentaries. The time has come to admire the legendary London clock up close and hear the characteristic sound that has raised generations of Londoners. Behind it is the iconic Houses of Parliament, which if you're not curious enough to visit, you'll stop to take a picture of it from Westminster Bridge.
- Westminster Abbey
It took 272 years to build (1245-1517) the coronation and burial place of the kings of the United Kingdom. The Gothic masterpiece is worth your time as, in addition to its architectural interest, it is also the final resting place of many famous writers and scientists such as Charles Dickens, R. Kipling, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, etc.
- Tower Bridge (Tower Bridge)
Not far from the Tower of London is the iconic Victorian Gothic Bridge, built in 1887. Climb the upper bridge for the view it offers but also to learn the secrets of its operation, as it was a masterpiece of modern engineering in the way it opened to allow ships to pass through the Thames.
- Tower of London (Tower of London)
This is the historic palace of the monarchs of Old Albion, which began construction in 1066 AD. Its fortified architecture is particularly important, and it served as a prison and ammunition depot. In the guided tour offered by retired officers dressed in military uniforms of the past, in addition to the stories you will hear, you will be impressed by the room with the “throne jewels” used by British monarchs. They are in plain sight and belong to the state.
- Piccadilly Circus – Leicester square – Trafalgar square
Three emblematic squares (each for its own reasons) located within close proximity to each other. In Piccadilly you will feel the energy and excitement of one of the busiest parts of the city, full of huge screens, restaurants and department stores. The square Leicester is the "home" of theater and cinema as here you will find the 7or art gathered in a small but famous corner. In the square Trafalgar The column of Nelson, winner of the Battle of Trafalgar, dominates the center while behind it is the National Gallery which houses one of the richest collections of paintings in the world. Admission is free.
- Shopping
This city is truly the joy of shopping and window shopping! Put on comfortable sneakers and head to the shops. The most famous shopping streets are: Oxford street, Regent street, Bond street and Carnaby street. Of course, you will not forget to visit the famous Harrods (located in the Knightsbridge area and after dusk they are extremely photogenic) and Selfridges in the Mayfair area.
The one detail that makes all the difference in our trip planning
Walking through the busy streets of Oxford Street or window shopping at Harrods, we always realize that preparing for a metropolis like London requires a bit more attention, especially now that the UK is outside the EU. In our travels, since the regulations changed, we consider travel insurance essential, as the European Health Insurance Card no longer offers coverage there.
For our trips, we consistently choose SafetyWing and Nomad Insurancebecause it gives us the peace of mind we need to explore the city stress-free. What works incredibly well for us is that it’s a flexible subscription you can activate even if you’ve already arrived in London and remembered it at the last minute!
We particularly appreciate that they cover mishaps like travel delays or lost luggage, while their 24/7 medical support is a lifesaver in a country with such an expensive healthcare system. Also, since we now travel with our little 'explorer,' Konstantinos, the fact that children can be covered at no extra cost is a massive advantage that is hard to find elsewhere. You can find your own plan here and enjoy your walks along the Thames with total peace of mind.
- Natural History Museum
A “must see” museum for visitors as, beyond the 80 million objects it houses, it is an impressive building in itself, the joy of every Instagrammer! Beyond that, however, the museum itself has great scientific value, as there are specimens collected by Charles Darwin himself, while its most famous feature is the exhibition of dinosaur skeletons. Admission here is also free.
- Notting Hill
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London, made famous after the famous film “A Night in Notting Hill.” You will cross the picturesque Portobello road with its vintage shops and bustling bazaar with all kinds of flowers, food, clothes and souvenirs.
- Covent Garden
In the beautiful West End district, Covent Garden market is a beautiful neoclassical building that has been operating as a market in this area since 1830. There you will find many cafes and restaurants, street artists, souvenirs, flowers and gifts. Despite the fact that it is a very touristy spot, you will enjoy your coffee or food and relax in a very cozy space!
- London Eye
A trip to London is not complete without a visit to the iconic London Eye. Built to celebrate the millennium, the London Eye is a giant 135-meter-high wheel that offers magnificent views across the city. A full rotation takes half an hour and the cabins can accommodate 25 people. The ticket starts at 24 pounds and goes up when combined with other attractions (such as The London Dungeon and Madame Tussauds).
- Madame Madame Tussauds
The famous wax museum is always high on the list of travelers in London. And it may be especially loved by younger ages, but it is equally entertaining for adults. The train ride at the end is a virtual tour of English history that leaves no one unmoved.
- The London Dungeon
This is an interactive museum-show that takes you on a journey through the thousand-year history of London through dark stories of torture and famous murderers such as Jack the Ripper, etc. You must know English well and… not be afraid. easily!
- Tate Modern
One of the best modern art museums in the world! The building itself is a work of art that rises above the Southbank waterfront. Inside you will find works by Picasso, Dalí, Klee and Delauney. On the roof of the building there is a small but very beautiful cafe-restaurant with stunning views of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral and the City of London. Entrance to the Tate Modern is free.
- St. Paul's Cathedral
It would be a mistake to visit the City of London without visiting St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a magnificent Baroque church with an ornate dome that can be climbed (after climbing 528 steps) and enjoy the view. The ticket costs 20 pounds, but you can enter the church for free during scheduled services. More information can be found here here.
- Camden
The Camden area is not only reminiscent of London! Nonconformity here is at its peak with colorful strange buildings, alternative culture, small shops with all sorts of subversive items and decorations and of course pubs, street food and alternative restaurants. The most beautiful places in the area are Camden market and especially the corner of West Yard next to the canal.
- London Underground
The London Underground or as Londoners call it “The Tube” is the oldest in the history of urban railways, as it began operating on January 10, 1863. It may not have the architecturally magnificent stations that you will find in other cities (Moscow-Stockholm), but it is the symbol of London (you will see many subway-themed souvenirs everywhere) and was the refuge of the residents during the bombings of World War II. You will use it a lot (it takes you everywhere) by issuing an Oyster or a Travelcard depending on the days you will stay.
Closing
London is undoubtedly one of the world's leading metropolises that you should visit at least once in your life. The incomparable London atmosphere that combines the grandeur of the past with the culture that defined the 20the century, make your visit here a special experience. Your problem in this city will be choosing what to see and what to do, as with a multitude of museums, markets, musicals, parks, attractions, etc. you will not know what to choose first. We hope that through this article we have helped you in your choice.
If you have more days at your disposal, take the train and take a walk along the coast. Brighton to see one of the most beautiful cities in England and in fact... a coastal one!
