London: My Experience

London is one of those cities that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. Every trip reveals something new, from its iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye to the hidden corners of its vibrant neighbourhoods. The mix of history and modern culture is what makes London so captivating and its why I never get fed up of visiting. I first visited London in 2011 and have been almost every year since. The short flight time and excellent public transport system make it such an easy and stress-free trip and the wide range of things to see and do ensure that you are never left fed-up or bored. 

ACTIVITIES 

Having travelled to London many times, I have experienced most of its famous and iconic landmarks and have formed a list of my all time favourites. 

No trip to London would be complete without visiting the world-famous Big Ben. This iconic clock tower, attached to the Houses of Parliament, has long been a symbol of London. Seeing Big Ben in person for the first time all those years ago was surreal—the structure's intricate Gothic design and towering presence felt even more imposing than any picture I had seen. Standing on Westminster Bridge and hearing the bell chime was a moment that truly encapsulated the essence of London for me. It made me appreciate the blend of history and modernity that the city offers. Located only a 5 minute walk from Big Ben is the world-famous London Eye. While some may say the attraction is "overrated" or "overpriced", I couldn't disagree more. The structure itself is magnificent to stand and gaze up at and it is the perfect place to snap a few pictures of the iconic skyline with Big Ben and the Thames river in the background. The ride itself is extremely captivating as it slowly rotates you into the sky. The panoramic views of the city are simply breath-taking and allow you to get a birds eye view of other landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. It lasts 30 minutes and is

priced at around £30.00 per person. 

Another essential activity when visiting London is taking a boat along the Thames river. The boat trip, which passes along some of the cities most famous attractions, never fails to be one of the highlights of a trip to London. You can hop on or off at any stop along the way to explore more, making it a fast and convenient way to see the city. The boat trip generally takes an hour to complete and costs around £15 per person. For a different perspective of the Thames, I also love to take a ride on the cable cars located in North Greenwich, which stretches across the river from Greenwich to the Royal Docks. The views from the cable car are incredible, offering a bird’s-eye view of the river and surrounding areas. It is a thrilling way to enhance any trip to London, costing only £4 and lasting just 10 minutes in each direction. 

Although London has many amazing sights, there are a select few that I personally would avoid. Madame Tussauds, although an enjoyable experience, was very crowded and quite expensive in my opinion. It was difficult to take the time to appreciate each part of the experience as there were constantly people behind wanting to get through, meaning it wasn't as enjoyable as I'd expected, especially for the £33.50 price. Another sight I'd skip when visiting London is the Sea Life aquarium. Similar to the Madame Tussauds, it was very busy and I thought that it didn't offer anything special that any other aquarium could offer. The cost is also very steep at £40pp so I would spend my time and money elsewhere. Finally, I would advise against going on the popular hop on/ hop off bus. I found it didn't live up to expectations as we were constantly stuck in traffic meaning the journey took much longer than expected. Although it did have an informative tour guide, I would personally save the added expense it has over a regular bus and visit the sites on my own. 

FOOD + RESTAURANTS

London is a culinary haven, boasting an incredible array of restaurants and food markets that reflect its diverse culture. From traditional British fare like fish and chips to international cuisines from around the globe, the city offers something for every palate. Iconic spots such as Borough Market are a must-visit for food lovers, where you can sample artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and street food from various cultures. Meanwhile, trendy eateries in areas like Shoreditch and Soho showcase innovative dishes that blend traditional ingredients with modern techniques. With Michelin-starred restaurants and hidden gems alike, London’s dining scene is an exciting adventure waiting to be explored. My personal recommendation is Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant in Oxford Street. The food is top tier and the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. 

COST 

When planning a trip to London, it's essential to consider the various costs associated with your visit. Accommodation can vary widely, with budget options starting at around £50 per night in hostels or budget hotels, while mid-range hotels typically range from £100 to £200 per night. Dining costs also depend on your preferences; a meal at a casual eatery may set you back around £15, while dining at a nicer restaurant can easily exceed £50 per person. Public transport is relatively affordable, with an Oyster card or contactless payment allowing you to travel around the city for about £2.50 per journey. Attraction fees also vary, with iconic sites like the London Eye costing around £30 and museums like the British Museum offering free entry, making it possible to tailor your trip to fit your budget. Overall, while London can be pricey, careful planning can help manage expenses and ensure a memorable experience.

CONCLUSION 

My adventures in London over the years have reminded me why this city holds such a special place in my heart. From the iconic presence of Big Ben to the breath-taking views from the London Eye, every experience added another layer to my appreciation of this vibrant metropolis. Cruising along the Thames provided a unique perspective on the city's historic landmarks, while the incredible food and dining experiences in the cities restaurants solidify London as a cultural hub. While London can be expensive, it is possible to do it on a budget as mentioned previously.