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No other city truly can compare with London – brilliant in offering a rich cultural history dating back centuries to a modern day city to which people from all over the world aspire to be able to move to and live. I fly often to London every month but cherish the years my family and I lived in London – a few streets down from Harrods in Knightsbridge. A wonderful and exciting time with family!
In planning your trip, I recommend a minimum of three days to venture out and truly enjoy your visit. I will highlight those places I truly enjoyed and trust you will do. I would love to hear about your travel adventures to this magnificent city!
The “Hop on Hop Off” Bus tours are a must – very inexpensive and can give you an overview of the city. You can also use them to get off and see a particular site, only to jump back on to venture to your next destination! You can also purchase passes that are good for more than one day, so be sure to ask the driver! London’s metro and city bus lines are very efficient and inexpensive. I do enjoy the taxis and the drivers are very knowledgeable about their city and helpful to answer any questions though cost is a bit pricey.
Top on my list is a visit to the London Eye! What better perch to get a complete overview of the city and its sights! The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. Get their early to avoid long lines as well as you can purchase tickets on the internet though you can purchase at the site. From the London Eye you can see the House of Parliament, Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral which after you may wish to walk over and visit.
The London Bridge of course is a must see and why not break for lunch and indulge with a view of the bridge at restaurant Le Pont de la Tour combines traditional yet innovative French cuisine, knowledgeable and friendly staff, thoughtful design that evokes the Parisian chic of the 1930s, and glamorous views of the City and Tower Bridge.
For my art lovers, Tate Modern Art Gallery and the most famous in the world, the British Museum! You may want to become a member of the British Museum, very inexpensive and you can sign up same day – avoid lines and be ushered into your own tea room to refresh yourself! A real bargain for once inside if you like art as I do, you may have to spend two full days at this museum. From the Egyptian room – where they house the greatest collection of Egyptian art outside Cairo to the view the famous Elgin Marbles.
What are the 'Elgin Marbles'?
The 'Elgin Marbles' is a popular term that in its widest use may refer to the collection of stone objects - sculptures, inscriptions and architectural features - acquired by Lord Elgin during his time as ambassador to the Ottoman court of the Sultan in Istanbul. More specifically, and more usually, it is used to refer to those sculptures, inscriptions and architectural features that he acquired in Athens between 1801 and 1805. These objects were purchased by the British Parliament from Lord Elgin in 1816 and presented by Parliament to the British Museum.
What is so remarkable is that you can see the thread of similarities of Egyptian art to Roman art – and further see the influence 1000 years later when Michelangelo began his drawings of “The Creation” now in the Sistine Chapel in Rome – he influenced by the magnificence of sculpture. The sculptures seem to scream out to you as you see their beauty, trying so desperately to capture what they are expressing, what they want you to understand. A very special place to visit – and permanent collections are free entrance. I promise if do plan a visit; you will be captivated more than any other museum in the world!
From Hyde Park, Regents Park you have plenty of walking and exercise to do! Kensington Palace and the Orangery next door where you can grab a cup of tea and refreshments! For shoppers Knightsbridge with Harrods is a must see visit – as well as Marylebone High Street. Many restaurants and shops to keep you busy.
Don’t forget Buckingham Palace to see the Queen as well as Piccadilly Circus and Marbel Arch! In fact, with all to see three days will not cut it! A minimum of a full week if you truly want to see the city and uncover its’ magic!
Let me hear about your favorite places!!
Happy Travels!
April 3, 2023
