Left My Heart in London
- Tasnia Mozammel
- Nov 18, 2024
- 8 min read
Planning a trip to Europe? London is the city for every travel-loving heart! Though notorious for its gloomy weather, London’s clouds add to the atmospheric city charm creating a uniquely ethereal ambience worthy of embracing and exploring. The city is electric with diverse experiences to encounter around every corner, from endless historical sites to shows in world-class theatres. I’ve had the luck to return frequently and explore the city each time as a different traveler – a history buff, a nostalgic daughter, an art-enthusiast, a foodie, and a student. London caters to all and does the opposite of dampening spirits.
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Tourism. Tours via sites such as GetYourGuide are quite pricey. Alternatively, you can pre-book your tours directly from the landmark websites, links are attached in the sections below.
2. Lost on the Tube? London Underground – the oldest transit system in the world dating back to 1863 – certainly sprawls, comprising more than 270 stations and 11 intersecting lines. There is no better way to experience London without navigating through its overlapping tangle of colours! Familiarize yourself with your commuting itinerary ahead of time using the London Underground App or simply Google Maps, and pre-ordering your Oyster Card to avoid hassle during your in-person trips. The world is your Oyster – the Oyster Card offers discounted fares and is used for all London transit including tubes, overground and river busses, trams, and more. Alternatively, and more conveniently, you can use Apple Pay or a credit card on all transportation.
3. Watch out for Pickpockets! Be mindful and stay vigilant of your belongings during your city explorations. One second, you gaze up admiringly at Big Ben, and the next second you realize your phone has been snatched from your pocket :(
4. Pack you trainers and your camera! London is a walking town!
Strolling the Streets of Central London
The bustling streets of London are full of vibrant energy, historic charm, and iconic architecture. Each street and station offer unique timeless aesthetics that leave me in awe during each visit - day to dusk. Below is my favourite walking route through Central London that enables an incredible experience observing the continual shift between the urban and classic in London’s architectural aesthetics. There are also multiple bus or underground routes between Central London locations.
Oxford Street
Running from Tottenham Court to Marble Arch, Oxford Street is regarded as one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe featuring over 300 high street retailers including iconic British department stores. This historically notable street is first for fashion, tech and homeware – a shopper’s paradise.
Soho London
While Oxford, Carnaby, and Regent streets bustle with shoppers, Soho, a quick reroute, is the epicentre of eateries, dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
Bond Street
After an electric 7-minute walk through Oxford Street, meet Bond. Bond Street. Set in the heart of Mayfair, your shopper’s paradise elevates to the world of wealth as this 19th Century historic street features a haven of gracious living in the form of a plethora of luxury brands, art, designer fashion, and fine jewels. A wondrous walk through London’s classically affluent neighbourhood.
Regent Street
A short 5-min walk from Bond or through Oxford onto a junction will lead you to the insta-famous Regent Street. Regent Street’s fame has been historically cemented many times, from its royal connections to Hamleys’ opening in the late 1800s. Though breathtaking year-round and both during the day and night, the street’s current popularity is thanks to its legendary annual Christmas lights that welcome visitors from all over the globe to experience its magic whilst creating the perfect backdrop for insta-worthy posts and TikTok content.
Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square
Stroll 10 minutes south through Regent Street toward Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square – London’s equivalent to Times Square (though I rate Piccadilly and Leicester higher)! This road junction is ALIVE with its bright bold billboards, exciting street entertainment, and thrilling energy!
Trafalgar Square
A short 7-minute walk from Piccadilly is Trafalgar Square – a must-see landmark for those seeking to experience the historical essence of London. The square commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar and has been a pivotal English landmark since the 1200s.
Covent Garden
Next, from Trafalgar Square, head 8 minutes northeast to Covent Garden – London’s shopping, dining, and culture destination! This lively cultural hotspot is known for its shopping arcades, popular eateries, and array of markets! During your visit to Covent Garden, don’t miss:
Neal’s Yard
Hidden in a small Covent Garden alley, you’ll find Neal’s Yard – a colourful courtyard micro-village, home to a collection of shops, restaurants, and cafes awaiting your exploration!
CG Markets
Covent Garden Markets offer local British crafts, antiques, and collectables! A fun spot to explore and support local traders.
Bank Station
Bank Station, located on the Piccadilly line and named after the Bank of England in 1900, is a favourite location of mine that feels like stepping straight out of a cinema or into a real-life Monopoly scene. The junction offers a very different architectural corporate side of London that is definitely worth walking through. Sky Garden is also located at Bank Station, details in the section below!
Sky High in an English Garden
Giving Garden City Singapore vibes, Sky Garden, located near Bank Station, is the highest leafy lush landscape in the city – featuring marvellous ceiling-to-floor views of the London skyline, observation decks, open-air terraces, and a series of modern British bars and restaurants. Book a free visit in advance or a table with great company!
Big Ben Bound ~ Big Ben & the Parliament
Were you really in London if you didn’t snap a pic with Ben? Situated along the River Thames and in the heart of Westminster, Big Ben, the most famous clock in the world and an iconic British silhouette is a must-see sight. The Parliament sight offers tours too!
London, Eye See You
Located a 9-minute walk or 4-minute drive from the Big Ben is the London Eye. The London Eye is the largest observation wheel in the world and offers a special 30-minute experience that enables you to absorb breathtaking 360 views from the heart of London. Recommended for first-timers and those simply seeking to create memorable moments.
Heading to Harrods!
Synonymous with excellence, Harrods is the world’s leading luxury department store and is absolutely worth the visit! This British luxury store, accessible via Knightsbridge Station on the Piccadilly line, is not only famed for its magical exterior and unrivalled array of world-class retail, but also as its clientele includes international royals, celebrities, and VIPs from one generation to the next. Harrods during the holidays is also very special!
Hyde Park Hype
Hyde Park lives up to the hype and worth strolling through if you're in town for some time. The large park features serene lake, Serpentine, whilst its lush landscapes and heritage offer Londoners the perfect sanctuary getaway from the bustling cityscape. I, personally, prefer the hustle and bustle of London.
Legal London & Lincoln’s Inn
As some of you may know, my passion for the law and legal history led me to pursue my legal studies and practice in England. The English legal system, originating in the early Middle Ages, has influenced the world while its rich heritage is reflected in the architectural elements of the Inns of Court – four professional associations for barristers from England and Wales, all situated in London.
While the Inns of Court provide daily tours, I may be biased as a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, located near Hoborn Station via the Piccadilly or Central line, to say that the 11-acre palace-like historical estate is a worthy sight to visit. Lincoln’s Inn’s space comprises an array of interiors and exteriors from the 15th Century to the modern day while its legal records can be traced back to 1422. An incredible location to experience over 600-years’ worth of English legal history and the continually shifting nature of life at the Bar.
The Lincoln's Inn Library is unfortunately only accessible to barristers and student-members.
The London Food Scene
Eat your way through one of the most thrilling food towns in the world! London isn't cheap – we all know that. But exploring London's food scene with a flexible pocket, while occasionally allowing it to stretch will enable an exciting and diverse food experience.
Taste the Stars
Dine at a Michelin Star restaurant in one of London's iconic landmarks, The Savoy. Exuding opulence, The Savoy stands a testament to the city's gastronomic heritage featuring a collection of Chef Gordon Ramsay restaurants. Below are of our visit to Savoy Grill in celebration of my Law School and Masters graduation.
Socialize at a Traditional English Pub
It's not a complete English experience until you've sat at a London pub! Pubs are vital to the English experience – even for our non-drinker friends – providing a sense of culture, community, and heritage. The city sprawls with over 3,500 pubs awaiting for you to take a seat in. Explore one, or a few of London's best locations.
Ducks to Doner
London's Queensway and Bayswater are lined with diverse restaurants, cafes, and pubs! From roast ducks to doner kababs to traditionally English fish and chips, this area is worth visiting on an empty stomach. Four Seasons (Queensway) is one on the bucket list for every visit!
Take Tea
Sip or spill – venture into a tea room or cruise with a tea pot on the Thames for a quintessentially British afternoon experience.
Cheers with a View
Fancy a swanky drink or a bite to a view? There are number of rising trendy spots in the city. Dine or cheers to extraordinary views of London at – the Sky Garden, SUSHISAMBA, Aviary, and more!
Other Things to Do in London:
Buckingham in its Brilliance
Home of the Monarch – a tour of Buckingham Palace must be booked, especially for first-timers in London – an ultimate royal experience. Some timeless photos of past visits with my mom back in 2002, and later visits with family:
Immerse in London's Theatre Culture!
London brims with award-winning productions offering incredible immersive experiences in some of the oldest theatres in the world! Catch a musical, hit play, or new production that will be memorable for a lifetime!
Travel Back in Time ~ Visit the Museums
Travel Back in Time – Museums – If you’re a history-buff and are seeking to explore more than what the eyes can meet in the streets of London – the British Museum is awaiting you to discover over two million years’ worth of global history and culture, featuring exhibitions and artifact collections you probably won’t come across in travelling the six continents they derive from because they are all under one roof here… The Natural History Museum is worth a visit as it comprises galleries of specimens for those interested in a history/science combo.
Embrace the Counterculture of Camden
Located in Zone 2, Camden Town is another must-visit sight offering everything counterculture within the mainstream sophistication of London. Camden is famed for its eclectic, curiosity-sparking corners and is abuzz with its sprawling cluster of markets – an exciting area to explore and encounter a more concentrated version of London!
Venture to Out to a Neighbouring English Town
Venture to London's outskirts. Some worthwhile cities to explore on day trips are Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, Brighton, Bicester Village, and more! Photographed below are past trips to Oxfordshire, Bicester Village, and Bath.
GALLERY:
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