In London, something is happening 100% of the time. The trouble is, if you don’t know what’s happening and where, it can be a little daunting.
The London Underground (better known as the Tube) is always filled with people and can be difficult to navigate. Everybody always seems to be in a rush, and being a tourist can be a little intimidating. Nonetheless, a little Googling will bring up hundreds of tips on where to go, what to see and how to get there.
In London, the best place to start is South Bank. The atmosphere is buzzing and there are many buskers and interesting characters along the River Thames. A walk across London Bridge gives you a fantastic view of the London skyline. What makes the view unique is that it is filled with spectacular buildings that are both old and new. While some of the architecture is terrifically modern, other buildings like St Paul’s Cathedral date back centuries.
Across the river you can experience finer London in Covent Garden. It is one of my favorite places to have coffee, and there are plenty of great shops. It is also nearby Oxford Street if you want to hit high street stores. For something a little more unique, head to Carnaby Street or Notting Hill for the best alternative fashion. Better still, Camden is a cultural hub filled with Britain’s most iconic styles from punk to techno.
One great thing about London is that most of the museums are free. The Science Museum is nothing compared to the ones in San Francisco or New York, but the Natural History Museum is remarkable. The National Art Gallery is also donation-based along with the V&A and The Tate Modern – all of which are incredible.
Overall, London is a little dirty and daunting compared to other European capital cities. Still, there is a whole lot to do and in terms of buzz and atmosphere, you cannot fault it. It is as expensive as everyone says, though.