One of the most cosmopolitan and photogenic cities in the world always was, is and will be London. If you travel and love travelling one way or the other, you will pass through this town along the Thames River. For teenagers, I once was one of those, London has a certain appeal with its fashion trends, music, or art scene. It is also a gateway for most tourists to Europe as London is very well connected to many international destinations and makes it easy to connect to almost everywhere in Europe. If you pass through any of the London airports I recommend having stop-over for a day or few days.

As usually with this blog post I try to help you planning for the next trip and also highlight some great spots to take unique photos as a reminder of your travels.

Travelling to London

As mentioned above London is an easy gateway no matter from where in the world you’re coming. With six (yes, six) airports you find a flight for any budget.

The main Airport of the city is Heathrow Airport (LHR). Getting from there to the centre is fast and convenient. For me the best is with the Elizabeth line which gets you to Paddington (but also further on to Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street) in 30-45mins. The fastest though is the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station (15-20 minutes). If you got time and the Elizabeth Line is not an option, take the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground (50 minutes to Central London).

The second biggest airport is Gatwick Airport (LGW). Like Heathrow it has a dedicated express connection, only this time with the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station (30 minutes). Alternatives are the Southern or Thameslink trains to various London stations (35-45 minutes).

Both Airports have frequent domestic, regional and intercontinental flights.

The best airport for domestic or regional flights is London City Airport (LCY). It has the shortest travelling time form the City of London and Canary Wharf. Take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank Station or Canning Town (20-30 minutes).

Luton Airport and Stansted Airport are popular with low-cost airlines in particular Ryanair and Wizz Air. Both are further out and not very conveniently located. Stanstead though has the Stansted Express train to Liverpool Street Station (45 minutes).

London Southend is the sixth airport but doesn’t have many connections. Most flights are to Continental Europe. There are bus and train connections to downtown.

Another option especially coming from other parts in the UK or from Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam is by train. If arriving from continental Europe, Eurostar trains arrive at St Pancras International, which is well-connected to the rest of London by tube, bus, and taxi. From other parts of the UK, you will most likely arrive in Waterloo from Southwest of the country, Paddington from West and Northwest, or London Bridge from East and Southeast of England.

What to do

London has so much to offer and things to do that it will be difficult to cover everything. Hence, I want to focus on the must-see items in London and give you also few off-the-beaten track sights.

Big Ben through an Arch — **Big Ben through Arch of Westminster Bridge**

Big Ben is the most iconic building of the city and the one that every first-time visitor wants to see. It’s the bell tower of the Parliament which is known as Palace of Westminster. Rights next to it you’ll find the Westminster Abbey, which holds every coronation since 1066 and many royal weddings. To get there take the Circle, District or Jubilee Line to Westminster station. You can also take the boat or ferry to Westminster Pier.

Buckingham Palace is today the seat of the royal family, and the starting point of the parade street called the Mall. Since 1837 after Queen Victoria’s accession, it became the residence of the British monarchs and since then functions as centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It is surrounded by some of the nicest parks in town: The Green Park, St. James Park and Buckingham Palace Garden (unfortunately, for this one you need tickets).

One of the greatest museums in town and ideal for rainy days is the British Museum. It’s free and perfect for exploring world-class collections of art and historical artifacts. Kids will love it too. To get there take the Central Line to Tottenham Court Road or Piccadilly Line to Russell Square. From there it’s few steps to walk.

St Pauls Cathedral is an Anglican church and the seat of the Bishop of London. It is on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London. Walking towards the river you’ll get to the Millennium Bridge with the Tate Modern and the Shakespeare theatre on the other side of the river. From the bridge you have a magnificent view on the cathedral, the City of London and Big Ben.

Another must-see you can’t miss on your visit to London is the Tower Bridge and the close by Tower of London. The bridge serves the city since 1896. On the northside of the river crossing the bridge you will get to the Tower of London, which houses the Crown Jewels. For over 500 years it was the luxurious residence of the English monarchs but has also been a visible symbol of awe and fear. You get there with the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill Station.

On the south side of the Tower Bridge, you find a big square with the City Hall and few steps to the west The Shard and Borough Market. From almost every point along the river you see the Shard and similarly if you go up you have stunning panoramic views of the city. Around the corner at Borough Market, you’ll find a variety of food stalls offering everything from artisanal cheeses to international dishes. Walking along St Thomas Street passed the Shard you reach an area for great food and dining options, especially the Vinegar Yard. Further along, the street becomes Druid Street, which is the also known as Bermondsey Beer Mile. Take your time to stop every now and then by the different breweries in the arches of the railroad and ty some of the most delicious craft beers in town.

If you ask me to stroll along the Thames River is the best way to explore London. Walking from Westminster to Tower Bridge you have plenty of opportunity to see all the big sights. If you can’t or don’t want to walk that far take a Thames River Cruise. For a more unique experience take an evening cruise for a different perspective of the city's landmarks.

Next to New York’s Broadway, you’ll find some of the entertaining shows and musicals in the world in West End. Besides the theatres, West End includes Covent Garden, Chinatown, Soho and with the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts, and the National Gallery some interesting museums if the weather doesn’t play along. Enjoy wandering around Covent Garden with its street performances, vibrant atmosphere, and some great food. London’s Chinatown till today is one of the most authentic ones with plenty of Chinese restaurants and shops. Don’t miss the big entry gate in Wardour Street.

In South Kensington you find some more exceptional museums to visit like the Natural History Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum which are free of charge. Kids will love the Natural History Museum. In the great central hall, Hintze Hall, you find a life-size skeleton of a Blue Whale. Back in the days you had the T-Rex skeleton there, but that moved now to a paid-section of the museum. At my recent visit I went to the Victoria & Albert Museum, and I was blown away. There are huge halls with artifacts from all over the world. The central yard includes a small pool, perfect to cool your feet on a hot day. If you want to visit a lesser-known museum, make sure to stop by the Leighton House Museum in Kensington, the former home of Victorian artist Lord Leighton, showcasing stunning interiors and artwork.

If you’re more into exploring neighbourhoods, I highly recommend visiting Notting Hill or Shoreditch. Notting Hill was made famous by the movie of the same name and since then there are plenty of people visiting. It is still fun to wander through the charming streets, stopping by Portobello Road Market for antiques and unique finds. If you come in August, make sure to visit the Notting Hill Carnival which is an annual Caribbean Carnival event. It’s colourful, fun and full of flavours. Shoreditch on the other side in the East, has some vibrant street art, trendy bars, and a wide array of dining options. Visit Dishoom Shoreditch (it’s a chain with multiple locations in town) for a unique Indian dining experience. For beautiful flowers and a great atmosphere head to the Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday. Bordering Shoreditch to the south you have the infamous Whitechapel. Home to the funky vintage and food market in Brick Lane, but also Jack the Ripper. It’s also a good area for going out for drinks and dinner.

St Pauls Cathedral — **St. Paul's Cathedral**

If you want to explore London beyond the central parts, head out to Camden Market for lunch, exploring its eclectic food stalls and unique shops. It’s a must-see for all those looking for the latest trends and more unique souvenirs. Hampstead Heath & Kenwood House are also perfect to escape the city's hustle. Enjoy a walk through the park, and visit Kenwood House, an elegant stately home with an impressive art collection.

For some of the greatest views on the financial district in Canary Wharf make your way out to Greenwich. For me the best is to take the Light rail to Island Garden and then take the Foot tunnel to the southside of the river. Then walk through Greenwich University and up the hill to the Prime Meridian. From there you have a magnificent view of the London and Canary Wharf. Another place in London with stunning views is Primrose Hill in Regent's Park. Explore the park, including the Queen Mary's Rose Gardens, and then take a walk-up Primrose Hill.

I hope with this sort of itinerary I can help you plan your visit to combine London’s must-see sights with unique experiences, offering a comprehensive and memorable visit for both first-time and returning visitors.

Where to stay

If it is your first time to visit London, I would recommend staying either in Covent Garden or South Kensington. Covent Garden is a great central location with easy access to theatres, restaurants, and shopping. South Kensington on the other side is close to museums and parks, offering a more residential feel.

If you’re a returning visitor check Notting Hill or Shoreditch. Notting Hill provides a more charming neighbourhood with colourful houses, boutique shops, and a local vibe. Shoreditch offers a trendy area with great nightlife, street art, and independent shops.

For stop-over visitors and budget friendly accommodation stay around Heathrow airport. With the Elizabeth-line you have a fast and convenient way to explore central London.

Food & Drinks

In a place like London, you will find anything your foodie heart craves. Be it dinner in a riverside restaurant, such as Sea Containers near Blackfriars or the British stable Fish and Chips at Poppies in Spitalfields or Camden. A full British Breakfast at The Wolseley in Piccadilly. Or a Sunday Roast in one of the many pubs.

When in London I take advantage of some of the best Indian and Chinese restaurant in Europe, some of them are also quite budget friendly. I mentioned before Dishoom. It has multiple locations in town and offers some unique and exceptionally good Indian cuisine. Another great more high-end Indian restaurant is Colonel Saab close to Holborn station. For vegetarians interested in some impeccable Indian food check Saravana Bhavan. It’s as well a chain with multiple locations in town, including one in Southall (the traditional Indian neighbourhood in London) close the Heathrow Airport (two stops from the Airport on the Elizabeth line). As mentioned above for some stunning Chinese food head to Chinatown. My favourite there is Kung Fu Noodles, with as the names say some great noodles and soups. Prices are reasonable so good for budget conscious travellers.

England and with-it London has some of the best teas and tea shops. My favourite is Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly. The teas are exceptional and if you look for biscuits or fudges that’s the place. It also offers traditional setting for classic afternoon tea. Another good place for teas is Whittard of Chealsea, with the main shop being in Covent Garden.

For great bars and nightlife head out to Shoreditch. If you like Jazz, check out Jazz Café (Camden) or Ronnie Scott's (Soho). In both you can experience live music and some nice drinks.

Craft beer lovers shouldn’t miss the Bermondsey Beer mile. Go there early as it gets packed. Most breweries are open on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon/evening. Another unique experience are the BrewDog bars, my favourites being Waterloo Station or Chancery Lane (actually in Fatter Lane).

Travelling around London

Getting around London is easy with the Tube and particular fun with the double-decker buses. Today the only thing you need is a credit card to get on or off the system. Make sure though to always use the same card to take advantage of the Pay-as-you-go-caps. I always us this in my favour from Heathrow as the daily cap is around 15 GBP which is basically the return fare. So, any additional trip in London itself you don’t pay.

London is as well a quite walkable city and quite safe in the most touristy areas. Just be careful at night.

Best Photography Spots in London

As you know by now, I like to give some tips for the more unique photo spots in town to get a great picture. For Big Ben check the arch on the south side of the river next to Westminster Bridge. It gets quite crowded there so go early or late after dark. For stunning images of the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London go to the square in front of the City Hall. For impressive halls and rooms check the Hintze Hall in the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. The stroll along the river on either side offers exceptional vistas and I prefer the south side as it offers the view on the other riverbank. Walking along the river make sure you go on the Millenium Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge for scenic views of the city. Again, one of the best photos in London I took while in Greenwich, especially from Island Gardens and from the Prime Meridian hill.

I hope with all the above, I could help you planning your next trip to London. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out if you need help with your travel planning.

Here a link to my London site which hopefully gives you some ideas what to expect.

London - the Swinging City