Okay, so greatest city may just be my opinion. But it was my first trip overseas and I’ve been back 3 times since. I can’t think of a better place to start wandering to. I’ll try to break things down, give you hints, tips, and tricks for navigating about.
Transportation – 🐇 Easy AF to use. Just know where you’re headed and don’t be afraid to look at the maps! Remember, it is a tap-in-tap-out system. We ordered Oyster Cards ahead of time and had them shipped to our house so we could skip the hassle at the airport. The Tube also has a great deal where “Zone 1” rides after 6 pounds a day are free. We even ventured out to Zone 3 and got back on a night bus no problem!
Also walking around pretty much anywhere but Hyde Park is easy AF and beautiful. Sometimes it is the journey, not the destination. Or some other BS like that.
Communication – 💂 English is obviously Queen…see what I did there? But if you have a nice NY accent in Zone 3, you might get called out for talking funny. And they are right, I do.
Cost – 😰💰 Yes, London is expensive. But there are ways to game the system so be ready for it! It is a wonderful experience, soak it all in. Having beers with your mates in a pub, buy some at an off licence (like a convenience store with booze) and go sit in the parks. You won’t regret it and can save some £££.
Tourist Olympics – 💣Did London invent the tourist olympics? No. Do they take the cake? ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY. London Pass is great. You pay up front for all the sights and hop to the front of lines. I’ve bolded everything on the list that is included there.
Lamb & Flag – Tucked away in what seems like a back alley, this historic pub was the haunt of Charles Dickens. There may be no bare knuckle fighting anymore (SHAME!) but on a nice day the front will be full of revelers. On a nasty day, you can find a cozy spot to warm up.
The Porcupine – A haunt near Leicester Square station, you’ll enjoy that good old Victorian pub feel.
Carnaby Street London – home of the speakeasy and kitchy bars you should TOTES go to
- Milk & Honey – Members club that lets in non-members before 11. Make sure to make a reservation!
- Disrepute – Fun, 60’s vibe. Where you pick your drinks by reading short stories
- Cahoots – An underground bar modeled after a tube station during WWII
Let’s be honest, just about everywhere you go will have great atmosphere, great drinks, good company, and maybe a little history. Remember, Google Maps is your friend and the key phrase is “Pubs Near Me.”
Bill’s Restaurants – great place to get a cheap breakfast. And you’re going to need it. There are a few scattered about London.
Burrow Market – Yo, I’d live at this place if I could. Don’t miss the South Bank in general. It is really a lovely walk from Big Ben down to the Tower (about 2 miles). You won’t regret spending a morning walking through London and ending it with a MASSIVE egg sandwich.
Flat Iron – The menu is steak and what sides do you want with your steak. They give you ice cream after. If you want anything else in life, GTFO.
The Churchill Arms – Delightfully weird inside and out. A pub with a dank Thai restaurant in the back. I didn’t stutter, I meant Thai. Trust me.
Bold is on the card. Italics is free.
Hyde Park is great – just eat before you get there! During the warm months you can rent chairs for £1.80 an hour. It’s a pleasant place for a happy hour (bring your own non-glass supplies!)
Churchill War Rooms – They left the bunker just as is at the end of WWII. Great insight into life and government during the Blitz.
Tower of London – The Beefeaters of gin fame give wonderful tours included in your ticket. Check the times and take them, because it is just wonderful.
St Paul’s – This is an additional cost BUT SO WORTH IT. One of the most spectacular buildings I’ve ever seen. There were no pictures allowed on the inside and it made it such a refreshing change.
British Museum – Free, amazing. If you have a rainy day, and LOL it is London so you will, you could get lost in here.
Wallace Collection – Low key one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. It is a mansion converted into a crazy art/armory. Gunswords bro. You can also book lunch in their awesome looking atrium.
Victoria and Albert Museum – Wonderful to wander about on a rainy day. There are rotating exhibits along with some bits to pay for. The courtyard is a cozy little spot to soak up the sun.
Natural History Museum – One of the main reasons London wins the tourist olympics is the fact that this is next to the Vicky & Al. So if you get bored with one, go meander around the other. If not, a pub must be close by…
Westminster Abbey – Get there early in the AM as the line is almost always very long
- You can also buy timed tickets and skip the line if you aren’t doing the card.
- You can pay a bit extra and go to the Diamond Jubilee gallery. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH. Amazing views of the church, amazing extra displays. Did I say it is EFFING AMAZING?!
Look Up London Tour – One thing you’ll find out is a walking tour is the absolute best. These people are passionate about this, do it for a living, and are GREAT local sources. I always try to stick with local companies, and although I love me a free tour Look Up London was worth every penny. The woman who runs it is knowledgeable and WONDERFUL. I did her Southwark’s Saucy Secrets tour and it was wonderful. I also recommend following her on insta for great history tidbits and trivia!
Okay, this is a bit more to preference. But I will say:
- Stay central, there is no point saving a few dollhairs if you’re spending an hour on a train coming to and from.
- Try to stay by a few stations. That way, there is always an option where you are in the city to get home.
- Keep in mind the rooms are SMALL. Like litterbox small. So be super friendly with who you’re staying with.
That being said I love staying in the Seven Dials slash Covent Gardens area.
to wander - verb 