London is a city where you can easily entertain yourself for days. With nearly 9 million inhabitants, London is the third-largest city in Europe. The size of London is evident from the fact that its attractions are spread out over a large area. If you only have two or three days to explore London, it’s important to plan what you want to see. In this blog, I will share the best attractions and tell you what to do in London.
City Trip to London
London is the ideal city for those who love a city trip filled with attractions and a modern atmosphere. With nearly 9 million inhabitants, London is one of the largest European capitals. When you visit London, you’ll often use public transportation since many attractions are far apart. Fortunately, the public transportation system is well-organized, although I found it disappointing that the subways run underground, so you don’t see much of the city. If you plan to visit multiple attractions and use public transportation, make sure to get a City Pass for one or more days. This pass allows you unlimited use of the Hop on Hop off double-decker buses, which lets you see much more of the city than the subway!
✈ Best time to visit London: London is suitable for a city trip all year round. We visited in early May and had good weather.
✈ Cycling: A guided bike tour through London is definitely worth it. During the tour, you’ll cycle through the city with a guide, visiting the most beautiful places you might not discover on your own!
How to Get to London
London is located in the south of England, about 500 km from Utrecht. You can get there in three ways: by boat and your own car, by train, or by plane.
By Plane to London
Various airlines fly from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven to London in about an hour. KLM offers round trips to London starting at 100 euros. It’s best to compare all flight tickets on the Skyscanner or Tix websites for the best deal. Skyscanner allows you to view the cheapest days to fly on a calendar. Once you’ve found a date, you can compare prices on Tix as well. Prices and conditions can differ, so it’s always good to compare. Often, Tix offers more flexible conditions, so paying a bit more might have its advantages.
By Car to London
It’s only a 500 km drive to London, making it ideal to combine a city trip to London with a visit to southern England. From the Netherlands, it’s best to drive to Calais in France. From here, DFDS operates a boat to Dover 15 times a day. From Dover, it’s only a 2-hour drive to London.
✈ DFDS Boat: Make sure to reserve your boat tickets as soon as possible, as they often become more expensive as the departure date approaches.
By Train to London
In just over 4 hours, you can be in the center of London by train. This is the ideal solution if you want to get there quickly. Flying may sound fast, but you need to arrive several hours earlier, and the journey from the airport to the city center takes additional time. All in all, taking the train is the fastest option. Another advantage is that you’re not limited to hand luggage since there’s no weight restriction! Return tickets can be purchased from 88 euros, and the earlier you book, the cheaper it usually is.
My Favorite Hotels in London
London is a huge city with countless accommodation options. The Cornor London City offers neat rooms and is within walking distance of Tower Bridge and close to a metro station. If you prefer a package deal to London where you don’t have to arrange transportation yourself, check out TUI, Prijsvrij, or Vakantiediscounter. They often have great deals, and you won’t need to worry about flights and airport transfers.
Top Attractions in London
There are so many attractions in London that it’s impossible to see the entire city in just a few days. Here are the 10 best attractions you shouldn’t miss!
Big Ben in London
You can’t visit London without seeing Big Ben. It’s one of London’s most famous landmarks. Big Ben actually refers to the clock tower, but many people think it also includes the adjacent Parliament House. It’s an impressive building that has existed since 1097. During our trip, Big Ben was unfortunately under scaffolding. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck when you visit London.
London Eye in London
Near Big Ben is another famous London icon: the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel on the River Thames offers a stunning view of London. I will share tips below on how to get tickets for the London Eye at a discount and skip the line.
Tower Bridge in London
One of the most beautiful bridges I’ve seen in Europe is definitely Tower Bridge! This stunning bridge over the Thames has been standing since 1894 and is a must-see when you visit London.
St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
Completed in 1711, this beautiful cathedral is a sight to behold both inside and out. You can spot it easily from the famous Millennium Bridge.
Platform 9 3/4 in London
Fans of the Harry Potter films will enjoy visiting Platform 9 3/4, where Harry Potter departed for Hogwarts. You can take photos at Platform 9 3/4, but be prepared for a long line. There’s also a Harry Potter shop for all sorts of merchandise. If you’re a true fan, don’t miss the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio for a behind-the-scenes tour!
Westminster Abbey in London
Westminster Abbey is a special place where all British kings and queens have been crowned and buried since the 11th century. It’s also used for royal weddings.
Buckingham Palace in London
Proud Britons value their monarchy, and Buckingham Palace is a must-visit. This 18th-century palace is the queen’s residence. Many people visit during the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Banksy Tunnel in London
London has plenty of street art, but the highlight is the Banksy Tunnel, officially known as Leake St. Tunnel, near Waterloo Station. Graffiti is allowed here, and it’s fascinating to see. A street art walking tour with a guide is also a great way to explore these artistic spots.
LEGO Store in London
The LEGO store in London is an attraction in itself. Besides buying LEGO in all colors, you can see large objects made of LEGO, such as Big Ben, a phone booth, and the Underground. It’s free to visit and located in central London.
M&M’s World in London
Opposite the LEGO store is M&M’s World, a paradise for candy lovers. You can buy M&M’s in various colors and flavors not available elsewhere. Like the LEGO store, it’s a fun attraction to visit!
London, this captivating city full of history, has left a deep impression on me. As the third-largest city in Europe, London not only boasts vast size and a large population but also exudes a unique charm in every corner. Whether it’s the modern skyscrapers or the historic buildings, London provides a blend of ancient and contemporary allure.
London’s diversity is evident in its culture and history. Walking through the streets of London, you can see the convergence of cultures from around the world. Various museums and galleries, such as the British Museum and the Tate Modern, showcase the splendid history and artistic achievements of human civilization. Historical landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace make you feel as if you’re in a space filled with legendary stories.
London’s public transportation system is very convenient. Whether it’s the subway, buses, or trains, you can easily reach every corner of the city. While the subway mostly runs underground, the sightseeing routes of the double-decker buses offer excellent cityscape views. If you have time, make sure to try the London Eye, where you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the city from above.
London is also a paradise for shopping and food. Whether it’s the luxurious Bond Street or the bustling Oxford Street, you can find your desired products. In places like Covent Garden and Borough Market, you can not only experience local London life but also taste cuisines from around the world. Afternoon tea, whether in traditional tea rooms or modern cafes, allows you to enjoy that unique British charm.
Besides the bustling urban scenes, London has many beautiful parks and green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. In these places, you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy peaceful natural scenery. Whether it’s cycling, walking, or picnicking, these green spaces provide rare relaxation opportunities for the busy urban life.
Lastly, I must mention the friendliness and warmth of London’s citizens. Whether seeking directions on the street or shopping in stores, the locals are always willing to offer help and advice. Their warmth and inclusiveness make you feel the city’s warmth and human touch.
London is a fascinating city. It has a long history and culture, as well as modern prosperity and convenience. Whether it’s a short trip or long-term exploration, London can bring endless surprises and wonderful memories.
