My Splendid Trip to London

I remember being a kid playing to the tune of the famous English rhyme “London Bridge is falling down” and I remember telling myself , “One day, I am going to visit the city of London.” So on my 32nd birthday, I flew and toured to two European cities I have always dreamed of visiting – London and Paris. Being my first time to travel to Europe, I was very, very excited yet a little bit scared.

What are the best and (cheap) ways for first-timers to explore Europe?

1. Travel with someone.

2. Book through a travel agency or try Groupon

The amount paid for this voucher is $1,799.00 (for two travelers) and an additional $115 (per person) for flying out from an airport not listed as part of the deal. What did I get for paying $1,014.50 for my London and Paris vacation from go-today?

Welcome to UK, Love!

I’ve done few to many immigration/security checks in my life but I was never called “Love” by an immigration officer before. Usually, it’s a grumpy-looking officer with a flat affect and monotone voice. However, in UK, they warmly welcome you with the sweetest smile and the sweet word of endearment. I love British people, very warm and friendly!

Things to Do and See in London

Get on the hop-on hop-off bus tour

Whether it’s a close top or open top bus, the hop-on hop-off bus tour will definitely provide you the best sightseeing experience. You will get to enjoy visiting as many tourist attractions spots as you want at your own pace and convenience. And not only that, company bus drivers/commentators provide a very thorough history of the city with some personal local travel tips. Click here for London Bus Tours Tickets & Prices from Big Bus.

Tower Bridge

Spanning across River Thames, this blue-colored combined bascule and suspension bridge, the Tower Bridge, has become of the most iconic symbols of London. Purchase a ticket from Tower Bridge Exhibition to experience the stunning view of the bridge, the glass floor and the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn more of the interior architecture of one of the most famous bridges in the world. Click here to see Tower Bridge Exhibition prices.

Tower of London

If there’s one world to describe the place, it would be the word MAJESTIC! I have always been fascinated about royalties, monarchies, kings, queens, princesses, princes, etc. and it was very amazing for me to see the grandiosity of it with my own two eyes. There is one part of the tower called “The Crown Jewels” which is used for security storage of the precious ceremonial objects.

 Picture-taking is not allowed in this room but I was able to sneak and snap some photos. There were crowns with thousands and thousands of diamonds in them I thought they were soooo grand! With ticket prices starting at £21.00 for adults, £9.50 for children, £16.00 for full-time students ages 16 and over, disabled visitors and seniors age 60+ with ID and £52.10 for family of 2 adults and 3 children, enjoy access to the Tower and the Crown Jewels display, Coins and Kings and Line of Kings exhibitions, Yeoman Warder guided tour, live historical re-enactments, White Tower tour, children’s activity trails and so much more. Children 5 and under are free of charge. Tip: Online booking could save you few £.

  London Bridge

Whose childhood here doesn’t include singing the famous nursery rhyme…..

“London Bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My fair lady?!”

London Eye

Towering at 443 feet, London Eye provides the most favorable viewing spot in London. Known as Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attraction in London drawing almost 4 million visitors each year. With general standard ticket price starting at £19.97, enjoy a 30-minute rotation with entry to 4D cinema experience. Flexible and fast track entries are also available for purchase as well as specialized guided tours. Additional attractions include a combo of London Eye + River Cruise, London Eye + Shrek’s Adventure, Private Capsule experience, and Southbank packages. Tip: Again, book online to save you some £.

Big Ben and The House of Parliament

 

Although it is still unclear up to this where the nickname Big Ben originally inspired from, the Elizabeth Tower or St. Stephens Tower (Big Ben’s other official names) is inarguably one of the most famous landmarks not just in Europe but around the world. Currently, Big Ben holds the record for being the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and is one of the top tallest free-standing tower in the world.

Famous Red Telephone Booth

 

With the popularity of wireless and smart phones, the use of London red telephone both fared badly over time. Thankfully, the effort of Britons to keep this iconic symbol is stronger than the popularity of mobile phones. Thus, a number of red telephone booths are still present around London while some have been transformed into ATM machines, solar-powered mobile chargers, sofas, and more.

Tip: In front of the Big Ben sits the most photographed crimson-colored phone booth in London.

There are so so many tourist attractions and famous world landmarks to see in London I tell you. Part 2 of my London trip coming up soon!

And I reckon that London is such an exquisite and regal city to see and visit!