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These are a few of my favorite things...
London is one of those places that no matter how many times I have been, I can tell you with certainty that I still have not spent enough time there – and I am determined to go back again and again (even if they can’t figure out this whole Brexit situation!).
My first time to London was with a group of friends before my senior year of college, where our time was spent in pubs, getting giddy over seeing American fast food joints everywhere, and doing super touristy things of course. The most recent time was a quick stop over on the way home from Paris. But, the time before that was a trip with the hubs, where we spent days among the historic sites and wandering neighborhoods – with the occasional requisite stop at a pub.
There are of course the few things that are the standard check-the-box things to do, such as touring Westminster Abbey (tip: check the website beforehand for hours), walking the Thames, getting Indian food on Brick Lane and minding the gap while navigating the Tube. But like any major city, there is so much to do in London, and here are a few of my favorite things:
Europe has an extensive showing when it comes to museums (think: the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris, the Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis museum in the Hague), and for me, the National Gallery is at the top of my list. Best part, it is open daily and entrance is free!
No surprise here that anything to do with food tops my list of things to do. Borough Market is a covered outdoor market that is open Monday through Saturday, though Monday and Tuesday is technically a limited market. My first time here I was blown away by the size of the pots warming up the best looking, smelling and tasting curries I have ever encountered. Bring an appetite and sample as much as you can.
I almost went to college for theatre after falling in love with the stage behind the scenes in high school during my theatre director’s 1950s rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Lucky me that my first time to London my friends and I were able to get tickets to that summer’s showing of Macbeth. The history and excitement of seeing a play here is electrifying, and I highly recommend it. Plus, if you’re adventurous, you can get tickets in the Yard (standing section) for less under £10.
While walking through Covent Garden a few years ago, we stumbled into Leicester Square and upon the TKTS booth. It was our last night in London and we decided to ask if there were any last minute tickets available for can’t miss shows. Lucky for us, we scored third row seats to Book of Mormon, which was musical genius. The cast was down right incredible, and the Prince of Wales theatre was stunning.
I try to plan as many dinner destinations as possible when traveling to take the stress out of figuring it out after long days of walking and exploring. So, when we got our last minute tickets to the Book of Mormon, we had to do a quick search for restaurants near the theatre. Just a few short blocks from the Prince of Wales theatre, we knew we had time to enjoy a meal before the show – and the Hawksmoor Air Street location more than delivered. Everything from service to the drink recommendations to the meal itself exceeded our expectations. So much so that we returned for a night cap after the show!
Not one to shy away from a good martini, I jumped at the chance to order one at the famed Duke’s Hotel, where it is reported Ian Fleming drummed up the character of James Bond. Tucked a few blocks away from the bustle that is Piccadilly, you’ll find Dukes Bar serving up the most beautiful presentation of martinis you’ll likely ever encounter, in an equally exquisite setting that is as stylish as it is welcoming.
Whatever you decide to do whilst (see what I did there) in London, it’s hard not to enjoy your time there.
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