Visits to London the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben loom over the Thames, their bell tolls and voices echoing political debates that shape Britain’s future. For a quick essence, stroll past their imposing banks at dusk to see them bathed in golden hues.
Piccadilly Circus is similar to Times Square in New York City, where neon signs glow and double decker buses stream by. Seeing it at dusk is especially rewarding, as the skyline transforms into aglow spectacle.
Neal’s Yard
Tucked away between Short’s Gardens and Monmouth Street, this tiny colourful enclave is one of London’s most charming and unexpected. It’s home to a range of shops, cafes and restaurants, including Wild Food Cafe, which serves up delicious plant-based cuisine (and also hosts raw food cookery classes!), and Neal’s Yard Remedies, which stocks natural skincare products.
The entrance to Neal’s Yard is hidden behind tall buildings and is accessible via two cobbled passageways. Once you’re inside, you’ll be awed by the rainbow of colours that fill the space.
If you’re interested in visiting this sight on a self-guided tour, check out this free guide from GPSmyCity. This app turns your smartphone into a personal tour guide and works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad! It’s available for download here. This article may contain affiliate links – please read our disclosure policy for more information.
The Underground
The Underground is one of London’s most iconic modes of transportation. Located underneath the city, you can quickly access most major attractions and neighborhoods.
Each line on the Tube is identified with its own color, so memorizing these can help you navigate the system. The colors also appear on the station maps and signs.
All stations have ticket barriers where travellers can insert their paper tickets or tap their Oyster cards. Look for a yellow pad displayed with a green arrow, which indicates that the barrier is open and you can travel through it.
A free app called CityMapper is a great way to find routes and get door-to-door directions (download it before your trip). Also, pay attention to Tube hours and routes as they can fluctuate on weekends or nights. You can also track these on Transport for London’s website, and apps like CityMapper will update your routes automatically. Consider investing in a money-saving attraction pass as well, like the London Pass.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most popular museums and home to a vast collection of dinosaur bones and exhibitions. The most famous feature is the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, featuring a giant suspended blue whale, but there are several other exhibits worth visiting as well.
Whether you’re planning to take in a guided tour or just want to wander on your own, make sure to arrive early. If the museum is busy, you may find yourself waiting for an hour or more to enter – especially on weekends. To avoid this, purchase your tickets online before arriving at the museum.
The Natural History Museum is located on Cromwell Road, a short walk from South Kensington Tube station (Circle, District and Piccadilly lines). Gloucester Road Tube station is also about a 12-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can use a taxi. Parking is available on-site for a fee, but is usually full by mid-morning.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London has a rich history as a palace, a fortress and a prison. It is also home to the Crown Jewels and famously incarcerated many famous people. A guided tour of this large complex is a great way to see as much as possible in the least time.
Plan to visit during the week if you can, as this is when the Tower is quieter. During the UK school holidays, it can be very busy.
It’s best to travel light here as the site is crowded and there are some narrow stairs. A small backpack or bag is ideal, and you can use a London city luggage storage location for larger items. Visit the Crown Jewels first as they are the most popular attraction. Then walk around the outer wall, which has nine protection towers. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Yeoman Warders, who will happily pose for photos.
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