London, Capital of England
Currency: Sterling Pounds
Language: English 🙂
Tax Refund: Although not part of EU, it can be done together on your final departure from European Union
From London Heathrow to Hotel and vice versa
Most efficient way is to take the Heathrow Express. Most economic way is to take the Heathrow Connect. Both takes you from Airport to Paddington station then transfer to Tube for other destination in the city. Difference being Connect stopping in between and taking a longer time. The Express connects you thru and fro in 15 mins and the frequency is higher, the bad, it cost twice as much. Return ticket for Connect cost £19.80 and it can be purchased online.
Attractions
Tower of London
A castle on the north bank of river Thames, it will be possible to see crown jewels. Nearest station is Tower Hill Underground Station. Recommended timing will be 2-3 hrs to see everything.
Opening hours:
01 March – 31 October
Tuesday – Saturday 0900 – 1730
Sunday – Monday 1000 – 1730
Last admission 1700
Tower Bridge
After visiting the tower of London, there is no harm visiting the Tower Bridge, if you are lucky or have check the timing, you might get a chance to see the lifting of the Bridge.
London Bridge
The icon of London and heard from many folk songs, can be visited on the way to Borough Market. Nearest tube, London Bridge.
Buckingham Palace
Nearest Tube: St James Park Station and Victoria Station
The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace is only open from 27 July -31 August. Open daily from 09:30-19:00(last admission 16:45) recommended to go and see even if it is not possible to enter. Changing of guards start at 11am daily.
Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Westminster Abby, Palace of White Hall
Nearest Tube: Westminster
The sights that are not to be missed in London, all located near each other. Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic, church in the City of Westminster, London, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the parliament of UK and also the world famous Big Ben.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Nearest Tube: St Paul, Mansion House
St Paul’s Cathedral, London, is an Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. It will be good to admire the surroundings and the magnificent church. It is located near Bread Street Kitchen.
London Eye and Cruise
All Near St James Park Tube station and Westminster Station, London eye shows you a panoramic view of the city Highlights include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
London eye + London eye river cruise
Tickets: Adult £25 senior citizen £20
The combined ticket includes:
- Visit the London Eye any time during the day of your choice
- 30-minute rotation
- Entry to 4D cinema experience
- Samsung interactive in-capsule guides
- 40 minute London Eye River Cruise – choose your time when booking
The London Eye River Cruise is available all year round and in any weather. The boat has covered and sun deck seating and is fully wheelchair accessible for disabled ticket holders. Toilets are available on board. Audio commentary is available in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin. T-loops system is also available. The London Eye River Cruise operates daily (excluding January each year when we cease operations for annual maintenance).
All seating on the top and bottom decks is allocated on a first come first served basis. Cruises depart at 10.45am, 11.45am, 12.45pm, 13.45pm, 14.45pm, 15.45pm, 16.45pm, 17.45pm and 18.45pm. Opening times may vary so please see dates below for opening times.
Soho
Great place to look for food and just walking around. Within walking distance of oxford street. It is between Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square.
British Museum
The most popular museum in UK and the second in the world, this is a must visit. It is also the filming site of night in the museum. Expect to learn lots on natural, art, cultural and human history with the crowd. Some of the must see also includes the Parthenon marbles, the Rosetta stone and one of the world’s biggest collections of mummies. Best of all, the place is free and open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. On fri there is late opening till 8.30pm
Natural History Museum
The museum dedicated to the natural history and showcase a vast range of specimens, with collections over botany, zoology and others. It also have a collections of prehistoric dinosaur’s specimens. It is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, admission is free.
Hyde Park
The largest park and the queen of parks in the world, it is absolute delightful and full of greens and lakes. It is located right in the heart of central London and a great place for a picnic. There is a small lakes with birds, fountains.
Kensington Palace
A royal residence that was once the residence of Queen Victoria, Diana it is now the home to Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. With more than a hundred years of history it now housed a museum that tell the history of the royal family too. Tickets are cheaper online and cost 13.20 Pounds with concessions. It is open daily from 10am to 4pm in winter and to 6pm in summer.
Royal Albert Hall
Open in 1871, this place is one of the most famous venue in London for hosting pop and rock concert as well as classical arts. The exterior of the hall is extremely gorgeous and deserved a look. The hall is also next to the Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
Westminster Abbey
One of the icon of this world class city it is definitely recognisable and a must visit in this part of the world. You would probably have recognise it from many movies and shows. Located near the banks of River Thames along the Big Ben and Palace of Westminster. It is also the church that host all British coronation. It is open from Mon to Sat. A building over 700 years of history.
Palace of Westminster
The place that parliament seats. It is the meeting place of the House of Commons and House of Lords. The seating example for other countries governance. With an impressive façade built it the 1835 the building is absolutely gorgeous. A tour can be book online and the guided tour gives you detail information. It is usually available on Sat. It cost 21Pounds for concession and you are recommended to book in advance.
Piccadilly Circus
One of the most famous place to be in London, it is also great for a photograph. Lined up with neon signs, statue and multiple theatre and shops it is the place to be for all sorts of activity. Perfect place for dinner and show.
Trafalgar Square
The other central area in London, it sits right in front of a Charles I statue and also the area in front of the National Gallery. The crossing is through a fountain and nearby are all the artwork and shops. This place is always hype and crowded.
Westminster Cathedral
A Roman Catholic cathedral, it is located near Victoria station. It has a red brick façade with a towering tower. It is huge and impressive, perfect for a stroll past and a photograph taken.
Abbey Road
This place is famous for two things, Abbey Road Studios and also the Crossing located right outside it. This recording studio can be said as the birthplace of the Beatles and the famous crossing, legit just a zebra crossing which came to famed due to it being used as an album cover. The thing to do here would be getting a picture of yourself crossing the zebra crossing.
Soreditch
This area of London can be said as a hype and upcoming place to be. It is full of arts and culture. The main itinerary here would be walking thru the Shoreditch High Street seeing all the street arts and buskers. It is a lively place with no stress. Enjoy the quirky style of East London.
Soccer Match
London is home to more than 5 BPL clubs. With this it is probably able to catch at least one of the match in central London during the season. The vibes are great and English football ranked among the best in the world. Prices may not be cheap but the experience are priceless.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
The line which represent Greenwich, GMT+0. A funny thing that people would do would be taking a picture while standing right on the line. Located a little out of the city centre the surround area are great to explore and the gardens beside the observatory. The 18th century astronomical observatory is built right on the line and is a museum. The building itself have a history since 1676. The place is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Kings Cross Station
One of the most famous train station in London and also to the Harry Potter fans. Besides admiring the great station itself and also the architecture. The attraction would be the Platform 9 ¾ at the station where it is the main setting for the characters to go to Hogwarts.
PrimeRose Hill
Located near Regent Park and Camden, it is one of the best spot for some greenery in London, this place is also perfect for some outdoor adventure and catching the sunset.
London West End Theatre
One of the best thing a tourist could do and experience is to watch one of the best theatre shows in the world at London West End. Any one of the theatre would be showing world class exhibits. Plan in advance to grab cheap tickets. Some are even possible at the last min. Some of the popular shows to catch are Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables or even Jersey Boys
Tumbling Telephone Boxes of Kingston
The place of the iconic photo that you always see on your Instagram, this place has the iconic London telephone stack up but in a nice fashion where they are all like tumbling dominos blocks. Explore the vicinity and grab a picture with the tumbling telephone boxes. The place is located on Old London Road.
Shopping
Oxford Street and Bond Street
2 of the most famous street for shopping in London. Must visit Selfridges food hall.
Harrods
A huge department store located near Knightsbridge Tube Station. Open from Monday-Saturday 10am until 8pm. Sunday 11.30am – 6pm. Please note the Ladurée restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday 9am – 9pm and Sunday 11:30am – 6:30pm.
London Westfield
Nearest Tube: Wood Lane, Shepard’s Bush and Shepard’s Bush Market. One of the world largest shopping malls, putting Vivo City to shame. Here, you are able to find all sorts of brands, from normal till Prada. It is open from 1000 – 2200 and Sunday from 1200 – 1800.
London Borough Market
Directly opposite, Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge Station
One of the largest and oldest market in central London located near London Bridge, there is a wide variety of street foods sold during Lunch time, good to eat and walk around at the same time. Open during. Mon – Tues 10am to 5pm, Wed – Thurs 10am to 5pm, Fri 10am to 6pm and Sat 8am to 5pm. Must try includes fish & chips and all the different roasts. Focus more on Bedale Street.
Bicester Village
50 Pingle Drive Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6WD
The fames and famous one near London, makes it a super desirable destination to get all your loots and buys. Furthermore the train station is right outside the shopping village, making it fuss less. It is open from 9am to 8pm on Mon to Wed, 9am to 9pm on Thurs, 8am from 8am to 10pm and 9am to 7pm on Sun.
Camden Market
If Borough is about all the divine food, Camden is about the electric art, fashion, music. It can be said as a hype upcoming area. The many stalls and stands sell much unique and fashion items, making it a delight to walk thru and screen all the items. It is also located near the Camden Lock which is great for a stroll also. It is open from 10am till late daily although individual stalls opening hours may be different. Bus may be an even efficient way to reach here.
Maltby Street Market
Another great food market in London but this time around it is located in the south east. It is significantly smaller than the Borough but has many quality offering. Popular Stalls includes the Monty Deli sandwiches and St John Bakery. The market is open Saturdays between 9am-4pm and Sundays between 11am-4pm. It is located opposite the banks of the Thames from the Tower Bridge.
Old Spitalfields Market
A covered Victorian market since 1871, its vintage stalls sells all sorts of stuff from food to clothes and fashion items. The street shopping are great and prices are also slightly cheaper here. It has boutiques to street stalls. Open daily each day sells different stuffs the main days will be from Thurs to Sun. it is open from 10am to 5pm.
Portobello Road Market
Located in Notting Hill, it is located west of Hyde Park. A Street dedicated to street food, vintage clothes and other antiques. It has been here since the 1800s and it is open daily, although the main days that you should go for would be on Fri and Sat where there are more traders. They are usually open from 9am.
Restaurants
Poppies (Fish Chips)
6-8 Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR Nearest tube: Aldgate East
Famous for fish and chips, located near tower of London by taking the tube, can visit the Spitalfields Market nearby. Open from 11am – 11pm from Mon – Thurs, Fri – Sat from 11am – 1130pm, Sun from 11am – 1030pm.
http://poppiesfishandchips.co.uk
Aubaine Café
31 Dover Street, London W1S 4ND, United Kingdom Or 4 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BS, United Kingdom Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
A highly recommended café, famed for its breakfast, cakes and pastries. The Dover Street outlet which is located near to Millennium Hotel is open from 7am on weekdays and 8am on Sat till 10.30pm. While the Heddon street outlet is open from 9am on weekdays and 11am on Sat till 10.30pm. Reservation is highly recommended.
The Riding House Café (All Day Brunch)
43-51Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7PQ
Near Oxford Street, nearest tube: Oxford Circus
Open from 0730am to 2300pm on Mon – Fri, 0900am to 2300pm on Sat and 0900am to 1030pm on Sun. Recommend either breakfast which is until noon on weekdays or until 1130am on weekends or brunch which is from 1130am till 1600pm. Not cheap. Reservation is highly recommended.
Balthazar Restaurant (All Day Brunch)
4-6 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HZ
Nearest Tube: Convent Garden
Open 7 days a week, Breakfast is on Mon – Fri, 0730 to 1100, Lunch is on Mon – Fri 1200 to 1530, Brunch is on Sat and Sun 1000 to 1600, Dinner is from 1730 to 0000 everyday. Brunch and Breakfast is recommended, expect to splurge. Reservation is highly recommended.
Bread Street Kitchen (Gordon Ramsey)
One New Change, 10 Bread Street, London EC4M 9AJ, United Kingdom. Nearest Tube: Mansion House
Brunch is served till 1pm every Sat and Sun with a live band on Sun in the Bar (Lazy Loaf). Mon – Fri, Breakfast 7am to 11am. Lunch 1130 to 5.30pm, Dinner till 11pm. Sat, Lunch from 11am to 5.30 pm and Dinner till 11pm. Sunday Lazy Loaf from 11am till 8pm. Located near tower of London, Borough Market and London Bridge. Reservation is highly recommended.
The Ledbury (2 Michelin Star)
127 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AQ, London, United Kingdom. Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate
The Square’s sister restaurant is a sophisticated yet relaxed alternative to London’s more formal Michelin-starred venues. Australian chef Brett Graham’s modern French menu includes his signature celeriac baked in ash and Lobster with tomato butter and basil. Open for Lunch on Wed to Sun from 12-2pm and Dinner on Mon to Sun from 6.30pm till 9.45pm.
Burger & Lobster (Soho)
36 Dean Street, SOHO, London, W1D 4PS
Near Oxford Street, nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Rd
Open from 1200pm to 2230pm from Mon – Sat, 1200pm to 2200pm on Sundays, closed on Public Holidays. Famous for Lobster, very expensive 20pound for one meal, only 3 main meal, highly recommended.
Jamie’s Italian
11 Upper St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9FB Nearest Tube: Convent Garden or Leicester Square
Opened from 1200pm to 2330pm on Mon – Sat, 1200pm to 2230pm on Sun. Reservations is only available on lunch time except Saturday. Cheaper when compared to other restaurant recommend in this list. Can go on the way to Trafalgar Square for lunch or dinner on the way back to Oxford Street. Reservation is highly recommended.
Golden Union Fish Bar
38 Poland Street, SOHO, London, W1F 7LY
Located in SOHO district near Oxford Street, famous for Fish and Chips, cost 13.50 pounds for a meal of cod fish. Nearest tube station is Oxford Circus. Open Mon – Sat from 1130am to 10pm.
The Breakfast Club
33 D’Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8EU, UK
A great place for good brunch and breakfast, there is a few outlets in central London although the most popular one would be the one in Soho. The yellow façade is definitely recognizable. You will probably need to queue too! Their pancakes are divine. It is open from 8am to 10pm on weekdays and till 10pm and 7pm on weekends.
Muffin Man Tea Shop
12 Wrights Ln, Kensington, London W8 6TA, UK
Definitely the right place for some high tea just like the way the Brits like it. Fancy tea cups, great décor and most importantly the scones here are the best. You should only eat and order that here. Some would say old school and cosy is the best. It is open from 8am to 8pm on Mon to Sat and from 9am on Sun.
Dishoom
12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9FB, UK
Modelled after a Bombay café, it wipes the London food scene by storm. It was ranked the best in London. It serves up modern Indian cuisine with a twist, such examples include its famous bacon naan. Prices are fair too. The popular Bacon Naan is only available during breakfast. The famous convent garden store is open from 8am on weekdays and from 9am on weekends till late.
Duck & Waffle
40th floor, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Known as the highest 24 hour restaurant in London, this place never closed and boost sweeping view of the city on the 40th floor. While different menu are available depending on the timing you are here, the must order would definitely be the Duck & Waffle. Prices are not cheap. The Duck & Waffles cost 15 during Breakfast and 17 during other timing.
Baileys Fulham Fish & Chips
115 Dawes Rd, Fulham, London SW6 7DU, UK
It is once said to be the best fish and chips in town. Located near Stamford Bridge and in Fulham, it is popular with the locals. Open daily from noon till 10.30pm from Sun to Thu and till 11pm on Fri and Sat. there is also a lunch promotion from 12 to 5pm.
Poppies’s Fish & Chips
Kiosk in Camden Market & Old Spitalfields Market
6-8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR
Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 6HW
Retro Fish & Chips shop selling the freshest battered fish with their seafood coming daily from the local fishmonger. A Larger cod cost 14.90 Pounds. Open from 11am till 10pm.
Coppa Club @ Tower Bridge
3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St
A little bar and bistro on the banks of River Thames located in the vicinity of Tower Bridge, the real highlights here is the igloos that Coppa Club have install on the outdoor sittings of their restaurant, the atmosphere is great and the food is good. Reservations are recommended. They are open from early till late.
Aqua Shard*
31 St. Thomas Street, London, UK SE1 9RY
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Located on level 31, this great restaurant boost great views over the city of London. Both the lunch set menu and brunch are affordable with the brunch being served on weekends and also bank holidays. Reservation are open three months ahead
Dabbous*
39 Whitfield Street, London W1T 2SF
Nearest tube: Goodge Street
Known as the next culinary hotspot in town and together the head chef Oliver Dabbous as the next cooking king in town. The price is reasonable and reservation are equally hard to get. The place is famous for its barbecued Iberico Pork. In fact it won a Michelin star barely 5 months after opening. Open from Mon to Sat. The set lunch is a good one at 28 Pounds or 35 Pounds for 3 or 4 course. Reservations open 1.5 months ahead.
Kitchen W8*
11-13 Abingdon Road, London W8 6AH
Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington
A well-known one star place that is worthy of it and also come at a light burden to the wallet. The Set lunch on Mon to Sat is the one to go for. Priced at a healthy 24 Pounds for lunch. Reservation are highly recommended and open 3 months ahead.
Pollen Street Social*
8-10 Pollen St, Mayfair, London W1S 1NQ
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
A one star restaurant that serves up no fills modern British cuisine. Reservation are highly recommended. It is also highly affordable during lunch. Using local fresh produce, they are open from Mon to Sat. The set lunch come at a 37 pounds for 3 course. Reservations open 3 months ahead
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal**
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge
The famed and famous one, located in Knightsbridge this two star restaurant is a stone throw away from Harrods and Hyde Park. The restaurant is an attractions itself, serving up well priced 3 course set lunch at 40 Pounds. Reservation are required and open three months in advance. The set lunch is available from Mon to Fri from 12pm to 2pm. Ranked as the 7th best restaurant in the world.
The Blind Pig @ Social Eating House
58 Poland Street, Soho, London W1F 7NR
A bar located in Soho that is part of the restaurant called Social Eating House. This bar is special in a way that they creates many legendary cocktail from stories, movies and from fantasy. The menu consists drinks such as the Butter beer and things like Nuclear Daiquiri and Cereal Killer. It is open from noon till 11.30pm on Mon to Thurs and till midnight on Fri and Sat.
Seeing The World In Steps 