Harrods
Camden is also known for its lively music scene. The area hosts several major music festivals, including Camden Rocks.
Nighttime also reveals one of London’s largest art installations. In 2019, artist Leo Villareal launched his endeavor to cover nine of London’s bridges with LED lights. Today, the project lights up more than 3.2 miles of the River Thames.
A Tower of London tour gives you the full Royal experience. Your guide, dressed in a classic Beefeater uniform, will take you through Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Book at the right time and you will get a front-row seat to the Changing of the Guards ceremony.
If you’ve been meaning to check out “The Big Smoke”, but only have a weekend to spare, don’t worry. The city is so compact and walkable that it is easy to make the most out of a two-day trip. Plus, you can catch cheap first-class flights to London from most major cities in Europe and the U.S.
While the entire city is known for its pub culture, the Soho and Camden neighborhoods offer outstanding nightlife experiences.
Landmarks
The walking tour gives you a chance to investigate the case by visiting crime scenes, hearing witness accounts, and tracking down leads. The tour is led by experts on the Victorian-era criminal and brings the story of his innocent victims to life.
When the sun sets, London truly comes alive. Make sure to include one (or more) of the following activities in your itinerary.
Sports fans can also explore the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum or take a tour of Emirates Stadium, home of the Arsenal football team.
London is home to some of the most impressive museums in the world. The British Museum houses more than four million objects originating from all corners of the globe. In Kensington, you will find the Victoria and Albert art museum which features a massive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and jewelry.
From the Eye, you can glimpse the splendid House of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the cutting-edge Shard building from 135 meters above the ground.
Soho and Camden
Tours
Nightlife
River Thames Illumination
The U.K.’s answer to Broadway, the West End is the hub of London’s theater district. Take a stroll down Shaftesbury Avenue and you will pass six of the most-renowned theaters in the world. The West End is also known for its culinary offerings. In the neighborhood, you can find everything from bargain comfort foods to 5-star restaurants.
Founded in 1849, Harrods is one of London’s oldest department stores. The Knightsbridge luxury mall is eight floors high and is the premier seller of international high-end labels, including Gucci, Valentino, and Burberry.
Show at West End
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
First built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous royal residences. Over the centuries, the Tower has served as a prison and fortress, housing everyone from Anne Bolyn to WWI spies.
Harrods is best known for its lavish Christmas displays -the department store’s Santa’s Grotto is one of the most desirable in the city. You can also find unique souvenirs in the gift shop.
After getting a lay of the land, you can scout out landmarks that suit your interest. London has something for everyone, from history buffs to fashion enthusiasts.
If your interests are more macabre, you can follow in the footsteps of London’s most feared resident, Jack the Ripper. In the late 1880s, Jack the Ripper terrorized East London with his heinous crimes. More than 100 years later, Jack the Ripper’s identity is still a mystery.
Tower of London Tour
At the Tower of London, you can bypass the fortified walls and view the stunning Crown Jewels. The Royal Collection contains more than 20,000 gemstones embedded in world-famous coronets, scepters, and other royal regalia.
London Eye
Once considered one of London’s grittiest areas, Soho has since transformed into a mecca of restaurants, bars, and shopping. Here, you’ll find the famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Some big names have previously graced the venue’s stage, like Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix.
Starting your trip with a tour is a great way to get oriented in a new city. You can navigate the city on foot or take a tour boat on the River Thames. You might even spot a mermaid. Some of the most outstanding themed tours include:
Home of the Queen, Big Ben, and those iconic phone booths, London is a traveler’s paradise. The metropolis offers rich history, a diverse food culture, and gorgeous architecture.
For the ultimate view of the city, take a turn on the London Eye. Similar to a large Ferris Wheel, the award-winning London Eye lies on the Thames and gives a spectacular view of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Museums