Last year, U.S. News & World Report named London one of the top five cities on the planet to visit in 2018, a fact that doesn’t surprise me in the least.
During my junior year of college, I was privileged to spend four months studying in the British capital at an international studies program recognized by my alma mater, George Washington University. The city, with all of its beauty, history and culture, will always hold a special place in my heart.
Whether you have four months or four days to visit, a trip to London definitely belongs on your bucket list.
As I reminisce about my time in the city, I can’t help but think of my first few hours abroad. I remember disembarking the plane at London’s Heathrow Airport alone and unsure of how to get to my final destination — my apartment in London’s Chelsea neighborhood. I exited the airport and quickly found one of the city’s traditional black cabs and made my way to my apartment, where my best friend from college, who I was studying abroad with, was waiting for me to arrive. I knew that together, we were about to embark on the experience of a lifetime — and that it was.
The London Underground, aka “The Tube,” which is what the subway system is called, and the city’s famous red double-decker buses make it fast and easy to visit all of the area attractions. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London are all must-see sights — and places I wasn’t about to miss. And don’t forget to experience an elegant and delicious high tea at one of the city’s hotels or tearooms.
While a visit to Buckingham Palace is de rigueur, one of the most exciting times to be there is during the Changing of the Guard, an extravagant ceremony when the Queen’s Guard changes shifts. The free spectacle — which lasts about 45 minutes — only takes place on certain days of the week, so check the Household Division website to make sure you catch it.
The Tower of London is home to 23,578 gemstones, known as the crowned jewels. The display is open to the public and includes pieces still used in royal ceremonies. Learn all about the historic tower, tour its majestic grounds and acquire some royal gossip on the Beefeater Tour led by the Beefeaters (tower guards) themselves. Once known as the Yeomen Warders, the Beefeaters have spent centuries guarding the Tower of London. I went on the tour multiple times and always learned a new piece of information about the city — it was one of my most favorite London experiences.
Tourists who want to experience London like the locals will find hidden gems all over the city, including the Churchill War Rooms. Located a short distance from Buckingham Palace, the museum takes you back in time to the underground bunkers where the late Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his advisors commanded the troops during World War II.
Portobello Road Market, the world’s largest antiques market, is one of the best places to buy unique souvenirs. Portobello Road, a street in the city’s Notting Hill district, is lined with the most charming rainbow-colored houses.
Besides antiques, the market offers fresh produce, tasty meals and unique clothes and jewelry. It’s one of the most impressive markets I have ever shopped in, and I even managed to locate an early edition of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” for my father, who collects antique books.
London also has a bustling nightlife. After a long day of touring, imagine yourself sitting at a pub in Piccadilly Circus, dining on fish and chips while sipping a pint of cider. My cider of choice was Strongbow.
Or get your culture on with a visit to the West End Theatre District to catch a classic like “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera” or “Wicked.”
The options are endless. In fact, London is almost guaranteed to make your next vacation the ultimate dream getaway. To paraphrase Shakespeare, the world is your oyster!
Aliza Friedlander is a Baltimore-based freelance writer.
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