Sightseeing in London: The Ultimate Travel Tips!
This year, London is the place to be. In June, the Queen of England will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years in reign, and the summer Olympics kick off at the end of July. And with famous sites such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, there’s no shortage of things to see and do while visiting in London.
But if you’ve already checked out these favorite sights (or you just like to stray from the overpopulated tourist destinations), check out our list below for alternative things to do when touring this mega city!
Take a champagne cruise on the London Eye
One of London’s most famous landmarks is undoubtedly the London Eye, which is the tallest Ferris wheel in all of Europe standing at almost 450 feet high. On a clear day, the London Eye offers visitors a view of Windsor Castle, which is about 25 miles away.
The London Eye, which stands on the banks of the Thames River near Big Ben and Parliament, offers many different options for visitors, including private capsules, group deals and even sunset rides. But for a special experience, take part in the champagne cruise. During the London Eye’s “Champagne Experience,” enjoy priority boarding into one of the capsules, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute trip while sipping Pommery Brut Royal Champagne.
For more information or to book these tickets online (discounts are sometimes offered online), visit LondonEye.com. The champagne tour costs around £30.
Underground stations: Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster.
Shop at the Apple Market
Covent Garden is known as one of the most popular shopping and tourist sites in all of London. Here, you can find small cafes, shops and bakeries. But also in this square is the Apple Market, which features 40-50 different stalls with vendors selling mostly handmade goods, including jewelry, candles, soaps, artwork and antiques.
To get the best experience, walk there. For example, from Piccadilly Circus walk toward Covent Garden by way of Leicester Square.
Underground station: Covent Garden
Watch a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
London is a city known for its theater, film and musicals. From the West End to Leicester Square, there are enough plays and musicals to keep any theater-buff thoroughly entertained. But instead of seeing Wicked or Les Miserables, why not head over to the Globe Theatre and check out one of William Shakespeare’s classic productions.
The current Globe Theatre on the bank of the Thames River was rebuilt from the original theater, where many of Shakespeare’s greatest plays were performed.
This year’s main theater season begins June 7 with the new production of Henry V. Also being performed at the Globe are such classics as The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet and Twelfth Night. Tickets run anywhere from £15 to £30.
To get the best views, get a ticket in the yard (though it’s standing room only). For more information on the Globe Theatre and ticket prices, check out ShakespearesGlobe.com.
Underground station: St. Paul’s.
See the sights from atop Tower Bridge
You’ve enjoyed a glass of bubbly on the London Eye, so now it’s time to get a whole new view of London. This time, at the top of Tower Bridge!
This bascule and suspension bridge over the Thames River has become a landmark of this bustling city. The two high-level pedestrian walkways were officially reopened in the ’80s as part of an exhibition and offer amazing panoramic views of the city below. The bridge’s exhibition also includes a self-guided tour, which lasts about an hour and a half and explains how and why the bridge came into existence.
Cost of getting to the top of the bridge is about £8. For more information or to book tickets in advance, visit TowerBridge.org.uk.
Underground station: Tower Hill
BONUS TIP!!
For a great (and cheap!) place to stay, check out the Piccadilly Backpackers hostel. Even in one of the most expensive cities, budget travelers will love this hostel. Located direct in Piccadilly Circus, this hostel is in walking distance to most sites and is also a stop on the Underground. Piccadilly Backpackers is also located right next to popular nightspots, including Leicester Square and China Town. The hostel offers private rooms and dormitories, including some with up to 10 beds. The cost of a bed starts at £12. The hostel offers 24-hour reception, an Internet cafe, breakfast and included linens. For more information on Piccadilly Backpackers or to make reservations, visit PiccadillyHotel.net.
Underground station: Piccadilly Circus
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Photo Credits (in order of appearance): Annie Mole, oatsy40, Kedume, kevinofsydney, siddhu2020 via Flickr
