No one should be surprised when we say that London is the most visited city of Europe. It is the city of Chaucer, of the Queen, of Shakespeare, of Harry Potter, of Marie Tussaud (the lady behind the oh-so-famous Madame Tussauds museum). With its royal charm, and landscape dotted with historical monuments, it attracts the young and the old alike. The city is full of palaces, beautiful churches, museums (not the boring ones), open air theatres, and that-which-can’t-be-named-in-a-single-sentence tourist attractions. There are so many things to do in London that you’d fall short of time. Fikar not, for we have for you a list of some of the best things to do in London.
Thames River Cruise
In every city worth its salt, there is a river cruise to be enjoyed. It is the best way to relax and sightsee. The Thames river cruise covers many of the various highlights of the city, like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Shakespeare Globe, among others.
London Eye
This is a must. It is a giant Ferris wheel from where you see the whole of London, and hence the name ‘eye’. It is the number one tourist attraction in Britain. Needless to say, hop on.
Change of Guard at Buckingham Palace
The Buckingham Palace is one of the most impressive monuments in London. And the changing of the guard is the cherry on the cake. The ceremony is open for public viewing. This is one activity without which your London trip is definitely incomplete, and is one of the first things to do on your London holiday.
Harry Potter Tour
This is Harry Potter come alive and is a treat for all Harry Potter fans. You visit all the locales from the book – the railway platform with the sign 9 ¾ from where Harry magically disappears into the wall (don’t actually try it!) being just one of the many.
Afternoon Tea Royal style
No one does the high tea with as much panache and style as the British. When in London, have tea like the Londoners. Tea here is a tradition. The Ritz is one of the best places to enjoy an English cup of tea. And it’s not just tea that’s served. In a brightly lit ambience, with a pianist or harpist playing in the background, and with muffins and pastries of the choicest kind, you’d be served tea in fancy cutlery. You wouldn’t realize it till you do it, but it is also one of the most romantic things to do in London.
The thing to remember is to dress up formally. The English upper lip might twitch at your baggy pyjamas.
Celebrity Walking Tour
This is a tour for every movie buff. So basically this is a tour for everybody. On this tour to Notting Hill, you will spot the mansions of Madonna, Simon Powell, see locations where films like Harry Potter, Notting Hill, Love Actually were shot. At Abbey Road, you will get the opportunity to get yourself clicked in the famous pose of the Beatles crossing the zebra crossing.
Tower of London and London Bridge Walking Tour
London Bridge is one of the most photographed structures of London. If Eiffel Tower is used to represent Paris, London Bridge is seen on every poster depicting London. The London Bridge experience boasts of real actors, mind blowing special effects and is an interactive experience that makes you feel one with the royals. This is the thing to do in London.
P.S. – When you visit the many places of interest in London, don’t forget to be at your polite best. You are expected to say “Thank You” when the bus driver stops the bus for you, or when the salesgirl at the sandwich counter hands you back change. No kidding this, the British take their manners very seriously, and will take offence if you don’t reciprocate.
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