London, the bustling capital of the United Kingdom, is a city rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the quirky charm of Camden Market, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here’s my must-do list for anyone visiting London, complete with funny anecdotes and tips to make your trip memorable.
1. Mind the Gap on the Tube
No visit to London is complete without riding the Tube. My first journey on the London Underground was an adventure in itself. I dutifully heeded the “Mind the Gap” warnings, but my oversized backpack did not. As I squeezed onto a crowded train, my bag got wedged in the door, causing a flurry of polite British apologies and a delay.
Tip: Travel light and keep your belongings close. And always, always mind the gap.
2. Get Lost in the British Museum
The British Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and history. Determined to see the Rosetta Stone, I ended up wandering through countless exhibits of ancient pottery and mummies before finally finding it. My sense of direction, or lack thereof, turned a 10-minute visit into a two-hour expedition.
Tip: Grab a map at the entrance and plan your route. And don’t be afraid to ask for directions—the staff are incredibly helpful.
3. Attempt the Perfect Photo at Big Ben
Big Ben, or the Elizabeth Tower, is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Getting the perfect photo, however, proved to be a challenge. After several attempts with my selfie stick and some awkward angles, I managed to capture a shot where Big Ben wasn’t obscured by my head or random tourists.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and experiment with different angles. Or, better yet, ask a fellow tourist to take your photo.
4. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a must-see spectacle. I arrived an hour early to secure a good spot, only to realize I was on the wrong side of the gate. My view was mostly of other people’s backs, but the ceremony was still impressive.
Tip: Check the schedule in advance and arrive early. Position yourself near the Victoria Memorial for a better view.
5. Stroll Through Hyde Park
Hyde Park is an oasis of green in the heart of London. I decided to rent a bike and explore, but my enthusiasm quickly outpaced my biking skills. After narrowly avoiding a swan and almost ending up in the Serpentine lake, I opted for a more leisurely walk.
Tip: If you’re not confident on a bike, stick to walking. And always keep an eye out for swans—they’re surprisingly territorial.
6. Get Spooked at the Tower of London
The Tower of London is steeped in history and ghost stories. During my visit, I joined a guided tour led by a Beefeater who regaled us with tales of haunted towers and headless specters. A creaky floorboard made me jump, much to the amusement of the group.
Tip: Join a guided tour to get the full experience. And if you’re easily spooked, maybe avoid the ghost stories.
7. Indulge in Fish and Chips
No trip to London is complete without trying fish and chips. I found a cozy pub and eagerly ordered the classic dish. My excitement turned to mild embarrassment when I doused my chips in malt vinegar, thinking it was ketchup. The tangy surprise was memorable, to say the least.
Tip: Ask what condiments are on the table before assuming. And don’t be afraid to try the malt vinegar—it’s a British staple.
8. Wander Through Camden Market
Camden Market is a vibrant mix of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to street food. I got lost in the labyrinth of vendors and ended up buying a quirky hat that I’ll probably never wear again. The eclectic atmosphere and people-watching were worth the expense.
Tip: Set a budget and stick to it—Camden Market has a way of tempting you to spend more than you planned.
9. Take a Ride on the London Eye
The London Eye offers stunning views of the city skyline. My ride was filled with breathtaking sights and a slight panic attack when I realized I’m not a fan of heights. My fellow passengers were treated to both the view and my white-knuckled grip on the handrail.
Tip: If you’re afraid of heights, consider the capsules with seating. The views are worth a bit of vertigo.
10. Experience West End Theatre
Catching a show in London’s West End is a must-do for any theater lover. I scored last-minute tickets to a musical, only to discover my seat was behind a very tall gentleman with an impressive hat. I spent most of the show leaning side to side to catch glimpses of the stage.
Tip: Book tickets in advance and, if possible, choose seats with an unobstructed view. The West End’s magic is best enjoyed without bobbing and weaving.
11. Visit the Iconic Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a bustling hub of activity. I attempted to climb one of the famous lion statues for a photo op, only to discover I’m not as agile as I thought. After an undignified scramble, I settled for a photo standing next to it instead.
Tip: Take photos from the ground unless you’re confident in your climbing abilities. The square offers plenty of photo opportunities without risking injury.
12. Shop Till You Drop at Harrods
Harrods is a shopping paradise with everything you could ever want—and plenty you can’t afford. I wandered through the luxury departments, wide-eyed, before finally buying a small souvenir in the gift shop. It was the only thing within my budget.
Tip: Enjoy window shopping and treat yourself to a small item. Harrods is more about the experience than the actual shopping.
13. Cross Abbey Road Like the Beatles
Channeling my inner Beatle, I set out to recreate the iconic Abbey Road album cover. Coordinating the photo while dodging traffic was a challenge, and my resulting picture looks more like a frantic dash than a cool stroll.
Tip: Be patient and cautious. Timing the photo between traffic can take a few tries, but it’s a fun experience.
14. Enjoy Afternoon Tea
Experiencing afternoon tea in London is a must. I chose a charming tea room and indulged in scones, sandwiches, and pastries. My attempt to mimic the refined tea-sipping etiquette ended with me spilling tea on the tablecloth.
Tip: Take your time and enjoy the ritual. There’s no rush in savoring each delightful bite and sip.
15. Marvel at St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece. Climbing to the top of the dome was exhausting but offered incredible views of London. My legs were jelly by the end, and I almost fell down the stairs, but the panorama was worth it.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a workout. The climb is steep, but the view is spectacular.
16. Explore the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is both educational and entertaining. I spent hours marveling at the dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits. My favorite part was the animatronic T-Rex, which scared a group of children (and me) with its realistic roar.
Tip: Allocate plenty of time to explore. The museum is vast and full of fascinating displays that are worth lingering over.
17. Take a Day Trip to Windsor Castle
A short train ride from London, Windsor Castle offers a glimpse into royal life. My visit coincided with a changing of the guard, and I almost got swept away by a sea of tourists. The grandeur of the castle was impressive, even if I did get lost in the gardens.
Tip: Check the schedule for any special events and arrive early to avoid the crowds. The castle and grounds are extensive and worth a thorough exploration.
18. Discover Street Art in Shoreditch
Shoreditch is known for its vibrant street art scene. I joined a walking tour and was blown away by the creativity on display. Attempting to replicate a Banksy-inspired pose, I accidentally bumped into a local artist at work, much to their annoyance.
Tip: Respect the artists and their space. Enjoy the art from a distance and capture your memories with photos.
19. Relax on the South Bank
The South Bank is a lively area with plenty to see and do. I strolled along the Thames, enjoying street performers and pop-up food stalls. My attempt to juggle a hot dog and a camera ended in a mustard-covered disaster.
Tip: Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and soak in the riverside views.
20. Visit the Houses of Parliament
Touring the Houses of Parliament was a fascinating experience. I learned about British politics and history while marveling at the stunning Gothic architecture. My attempt to imitate the Speaker’s voice during a guided tour drew some amused looks.
Tip: Book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. The history and architecture are best appreciated with a knowledgeable guide.
21. Explore Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. I tried my hand at joining a busker with my ukulele skills, but quickly realized I was better off as a spectator. The market and performances were entertaining enough without my contribution.
Tip: Enjoy the performances and atmosphere. Covent Garden is perfect for leisurely exploration and spontaneous entertainment.
22. Take a Boat Tour on the Thames
A boat tour on the Thames offers a unique perspective of London. I opted for an evening cruise, hoping to see the city lights. The sights were stunning, but my struggle with the wind and a flapping map made for some comical moments.
Tip: Dress warmly and be prepared for wind. The views from the river are magnificent, especially at night.
23. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum houses an extensive collection of art and design. I wandered through exhibits of fashion, furniture, and photography, getting lost more than once in the labyrinthine halls. My attempt to sketch a sculpture ended with a drawing that looked more like a blob than art.
Tip: Take your time and explore each exhibit thoroughly. The V&A is a treasure trove of artistic inspiration.
24. Climb The Shard
The Shard offers unparalleled views of London from its observation deck. My fear of heights kicked in once again, but the stunning panorama helped me overcome my jitters. Taking a deep breath and focusing on the view rather than the height made the experience unforgettable.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance and choose a clear day for the best visibility. The views are worth any initial trepidation.
25. End with a Pub Crawl
No visit to London is complete without experiencing its pub culture. I joined a pub crawl, sampling local ales and making new friends along the way. My attempt to keep up with the seasoned locals ended with me singing (badly) along to traditional pub songs.
Tip: Pace yourself and enjoy the camaraderie. London’s pubs are about socializing as much as drinking.
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure
London is a city full of surprises and unforgettable experiences. While my journey was filled with humorous mishaps and unexpected detours, each adventure added to the charm of the trip. So, fellow travelers, embrace the chaos, laugh at the little things, and enjoy everything London has to offer. Cheers!
