Lost in London – Best 17 Places to Visit (Day 1)!

The following London sections are included in this post. Also, check out my post on Day Two for shopping tips and places 13-17 (click to navigate directly to the section)!

• 1. Hyde Park/Kensington Palace & Gardens
• 2. Buckingham Palace
• 3. Brunch in London
• 4. Westminster
• 5. London Eye
• 6. South Bank Area
• 7. Shakespeare’s Globe
• 8. Borough Market
• 9. The Shard
• 10. London Tower (Bridge & Tower)
• 11. St Paul’s Cathedral
• 12. Tate Modern

Flights & Accommodation to London

I booked reasonably priced flights from Dublin via Aer Lingus. However, because it was last minute, I found it difficult to find somewhere central and at a reasonable price. Nevertheless, I searched Booking.com, where I found The Gresham Hotel. The hotel was just under £100 per night – though I think it was the smallest single room that I have ever stayed in! However, it was clean, in a good part of the city, and breakfast included. Moreover, the hotel is in a pleasant location in Paddington, close to Hyde Park and Little Venice. Unfortunately, I did not know of Little Venice in London at the time! Upset to have missed a visit to it!

​Districts of London

“I’ve been walking about London for the last thirty years, and I find something fresh in it every day.” – Walter Besant

I chose the opening quote, from Walter Besant, for this post because Besant’s words reflect the number one thing that I love about traveling – exploring! Additionally, the advantage of a large city is that you can walk on foot to explore all day without spending much money. I love getting lost in a city and discovering new areas!

Indeed, London is composed of many different districts, all with unique personalities. Surprisingly, I managed to cover a lot of these districts! For example, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, City of Westminster, South Bank, Southwark and Bankside, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, City of London (the Financial District), Covent Garden, SoHo, Trafalgar Square, South Kensington, and Knightsbridge.

​Getting Around London

Although I walked for most of my trip, I also found the tube super easy to follow and very quick to get around the city.

Streets of London

As mentioned, I spent a lot of time walking (I covered 27k steps in one day! 🙈) to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel of the city. I discovered impressive architecture of both old and modern, colorful street art, book and food markets, plenty of great museums, and a beautiful sunset over the River Thames.

1. HYDE PARK/KENSINGTON PALACE & GARDENS

As I was close by Hyde Park, I started my day here. Indeed, I was very thankful for the nice weather because there is a lot to explore here! Hyde Park sits immediately beside Kensington Gardens – both are Royal Parks of London. Also, Hyde Park is not too far from the main entrance to Buckingham Palace. The Serpentine and the Long Water lakes divide the parks.

Hyde Park

Undoubtedly, Hyde Park is quite big – you could spend a lot of time here! Its website provides a lot of information about the park. For example, an opportunity to explore the Great Exhibition virtual tour. Also, free speech, and demonstration are known features of Hyde Park. For example, ‘Speakers’ Corner’ was created for free speech/debate in 1872. Rotten Row is a track in the park – it was a fashionable place for upper-class Londoners to horse ride during the 18-19th century.

Additionally, there are several statues and memorials in the park, including Diana, the Princess of Wales memorial, and The Cavalry Memorial. Also, some beautiful arches surround the park – Decimus Burton designed the main entrance and the Wellington Arch of Hyde Park.

Many large concerts have been in Hyde Park. There are also sporting facilities, including football pitches, a tennis center, cycle paths, and horse riding is popular here too. Also, for those interested in a boat ride, Serpentine lake allows for this!

Kensington Palace & Gardens

To the west of Hyde Park, you will find Kensington Gardens and the royal residence of Kensington Palace. The Palace has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century. Indeed, you can visit parts of Kensington Palace (the State Rooms are open to the public)!

You are free to wander the peaceful gardens where you are sure to see squirrels running up begging for food from you! Also, keep an eye out for the Italian Gardens, the Peter Pan Statue, Serpentine Gallery, The Albert Memorial & Princess Diana Memorial Garden, Queen Victoria Statue, and Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

2. BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Undoubtedly, everyone visiting London is likely aware of the residency and headquarters of the monarchy! Just along the perimeter of Hyde Park is where you will find Buckingham Palace. The palace has 775 rooms, and its private garden is the largest in London. It’s often used for receptions, State banquets, garden parties, visitors of Parliament, and foreign Ambassadors. Additionally, St James’s Park sits right by the palace too.

Visiting the Palace/Queens Gallery

The State Rooms are used for official and state entertaining and are open to the public during some summer months (with some tours operating for part of winter too). Additionally, the Buckingham Palace website provides photos, information and facilitates booking tickets to visit.

I walked over to the palace to see the Changing of the Guard. However, it was cancelled for the day! I was disappointed to have missed it – check the scheduled times for this before you go! Also, The Queens Gallery opened to the public in 1962. It exhibits works of art from the Royal Collection.

3. BRUNCH IN LONDON

Peggy Porschen Cakes

Not too far from Buckingham Palace is the pretty (and popular!) Peggy Porschen Cakes. This bakery has the ultimate fairy-tale setting! It is composed of beautiful pastel colours and has a whimsical decor that sweeps you into a dream-like world. I visited the Bulgarvia bakery (there is another in Chelsea too). It was small inside – most customers were therefore opting for a takeaway. With champagne on the menu, it’s the ultimate girly brunch spot! However, be willing to perhaps wait outside for a table – their website advises that they do not take reservations.

Other Brunch Spots

Undoubtedly, you could write several articles on places to dine in London! Read Bruncher’s post for some of the most instagrammable brunch spots! Another location that I wanted to visit was The Farm Girl (Notting Hill). However, after a long walk (with many distractions along the way), I found a HUGE and very slow-moving queue. In the end, I had to leave as there was so much more I wanted to fit into the day. 😢 I visited over the weekend – perhaps try to book in advance if you are planning a weekend trip too!

Also, read my Post on Day two for some Chinese restaurant recommendations (under the Chinatown section).

4. WESTMINSTER

This area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in London.

Palace of Westminster

The government district of Westminster is a short stroll from Buckingham Palace. Here you will find the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) with a ringing bell from its famous clock tower, Big Ben. The Houses of Parliament has over 900 years of history and has survived a fire in 1834 to 14 bombs during the Second World War! Generally, most people are familiar with the iconic photos of Big Ben overlooking the River Thames. It is a well-known landmark of the London skyline. Furthermore, the Palace of Westminster is the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is possible to visit areas of the Palace.

Westminster Abbey

Similar to the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey has quite a Gothic style of architecture. Moreover, this church is one of the UK’s most notable religious buildings and where the coronation and burial of the English and British monarchy traditionally occurs. Subsequently, many royal weddings have taken place here too. There’s plenty to see in Westminster Abbey, including

• The Lady Chapel, Coronation Chair (the centrepiece of coronations for over 700 years)
• Poets’ Corner (Charles Dickens is one of the many famous writers buried here)
• The Queen’s Window (beautiful stained glass)
• Pyx Chamber
• Royal tombs (resting place of 17 British monarchs)
• The Quire (daily choral services)
• The Cloisters (place of meditation, exercise, and annual rituals)
• Chapter House
• Abbey gardens
• Modern Martyrs (Dr Martin Luther King Jr and St Oscar Romero feature in these ten statues of modern martyrs found above the Abbey’s Great West Door)

Additionally, you can check out the Westminster Abbey website for more information on visiting.

Westminster Cathedral

Westminster Cathedral is another stunning building found in Westminster. Furthermore, the Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales – it opened in 1903 and is of Byzantine Revival architectural style.

Other

Other areas around Westminster worth noting include Number 10 (home to the British Prime Minister – not accessible to the public for tours though) and St James’s Park.

5. LONDON EYE

London Eye (Millennium Wheel) is on the South Bank of the River Thames. It has become another iconic part of the London skyline and is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Additionally, it is only roughly a 10-minute walk to the wheel from the Palace of Westminster.

However, I was not brave enough to go up the observation wheel! If you are, you can book tickets here to gain a 360-degree sky view of London city! When it opened in December 1999, it was the highest viewing point in the U.K…. until The Shard opened its observation deck in 2013 (at a height of 245m)! Tickets are usually cheaper to buy online. The wheel is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the U.K.

6. South Bank Area

Markets

After crossing the beautiful Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges (which offers fantastic views of the Palace of Westminster/London Eye), I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon the Southbank Centre food market! It was a beautiful sunny day for wandering around the market. From here, you can enjoy views of the River Thames while munching on some Churros Garcia (hot Spanish Churros and chocolate). 😍 Also, a Winter Market is held here over the Christmas season.

Beside the Southbank Centre food market, under Waterloo Bridge, is the Southbank Centre Book market. Another lovely gem I wandered upon and stopped off to browse through the secondhand and antique books.

Cultural District

Indeed, South Bank is the cultural district of London. Without even knowing this at the time, I could sense the hub of creativity while walking the area. Thus, South Bank is a pleasant area to walk along the River Thames. Additionally, read the South Bank website to find out more about what is happening in the area when you visit. Some activities in the area include:

• Sea Life London Aquarium
• London Dungeon
• Jubilee Gardens
• SouthBank Centre
• Royal Festival Hall
• National Theatre
• BFI Southbank

7. SHAKESPEARES GLOBE

Just beside South Bank is Southwark district – where you will find Shakespeare’s Globe. Less than 5 minutes from the Globe, you will see the fantastic William Shakespeare Mural (see above gallery). The Globe theatre is an education centre and a cultural landmark. Furthermore, it is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre (an Elizabethan playhouse for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays)! In 2015, it was the first in the world to make its plays available as video-on-demand! The theatre’s website is fantastic – it provides not only streaming but also online workshops, podcasts, teaching resources, and a virtual tour of the theatre. Additionally, you can read more about it on Shakespeare’s Globe website. You will find replicas and interpretations of the design and architecture of the theatre in other countries around the world.

Also, Tate Modern is only a short 5-minute walk from Shakespeare’s Globe. However, I decided to continue walking to London Bridge and then loop back over the Millenium Bridge (to Tate Modern) on my way back to the hotel. I did this so I would arrive in time for sunset views from the Tate!

8. BOROUGH MARKET

Also located in Southwark District is one of the largest and oldest markets in London – Borough Market. The market has roots dating back to at least the 12th century.

I visited the market because I’d heard so many references to it throughout the years. You will mainly find speciality foods, such as fresh fruit and veg, pastries, cheese, and milk, on sale here. Traditional European products are also imported and sold. Food lovers would likely love this market but, for me, just a quick walkthrough sufficed. I grabbed a coffee in the beautiful glass atrium by the entrance to the market. It was a pleasant walk over to the market with some pretty streets close by – many films were shot in the surrounding streets. Also, it’s located close by many other landmarks, including London Bridge, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe/Mural, and Anchor Bankside pub. It is thus worth popping into the market if you are visiting any of these.

The Borough Market website is very informative. Check out its website for opening times too.

9. THE SHARD

“A skyscraper that is recognised immediately and which is already considered London’s new emblem” – Emporis Skyscraper Award judges

(Shard was placed first in 2014 at the Emporis Skyscraper Awards)

A mere 5-minute walk from Borough Market is where you will find The Shard. It is one of the most famous buildings of the London skyline! The building itself was even more impressive when I saw it in reality. Its beautiful silhouette emerges nicely at sunset – there are fantastic views of it while walking along the Thames. Undoubtedly, the way the light hits the building makes for an impressive sparkle (gaining its reference as the Shard of Glass)! The Shard impressively features 11,000 panes of glass, covering 56,000 square meters.

The building is 95-stories standing at 309.6 meters in height. Subsequently, it is the tallest building in the U.K. (sixth-tallest in Europe). However, the Shard was constructed quite recently (completion was achieved in November 2012). Renzo Piano was the project’s architect. Furthermore, he designed it with the aim of a spire-like sculpture emerging from the River Thames. Interestingly, he drew inspiration from the railway lines next to the site (see photo gallery for views of the railway lines).

Observation Deck of The Shard

A visit to the observation floor of The Shard was one of the only things on my to-do list that I had opted to pay for during my quick trip. The observation floor opened to the public in 2013 as London’s highest and best view, offering paralleled 360-degree views for up to 40-miles, on floors 68, 69, and 72. There was plenty of space for everyone to wander around, enjoy the views, and get fantastic photos of the city. Its location in the centre of London makes it a perfect spot for great city views over some very well-known landmarks in the heart of London, such as the beautiful Tower Bridge!

Though tickets were pricey, I was not disappointed with the views here! Check out The Shard website to book tickets.

10. LONDON TOWER (BRIDGE & TOWER)

London Bridge

I didn’t realize it until I walked across the bridge, but you can enter the bridge’s twin towers, the high-level walkways, and Victorian engine rooms. You can also see films, photos, and an interactive display about the bridge as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition (check the admission details here).

​Tower of London​​

By London Bridge, you will find the historic Tower of London (officially known as ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London’). Undoubtedly, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Additionally, it is protected under the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

This Tower has a lot of history stemming back to its founding towards the end of 1066. Indeed, it has served as a royal residence, survived several besieges, served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, a prison, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and is famously home of the Crown Jewels of England. Also, it has survived several bombings too!

There is a traditional belief that ravens protect the kingdom. There are thus six ravens kept at the Tower under the care of a Ravenmaster. These ravens may be seen as part of the tour available in the Tower of London. Also, it is possible to view the Crown Jewels, which are still used in royal ceremonies today, as part of the tour. Read the Tower of London website for further tour details.

11. ST PAULS CATHEDRAL

St Pauls Cathedral

Approximately a 20-minute walk from the Tower of London, you will find the impressive St Pauls Cathedral. Also, the Cathedral is only a 10-minute walk across the bridge from Shakespeare’s Globe.

This stunning Anglican Cathedral sits beautifully at the end of the Millennium bridge. It is the mother church of the Diocese of London – the original church on this site dates back to its founding in AD 604. The Cathedral was constructed in an English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren and is another notable building of the London skyline (its dome is among the highest in the world!). Impressively, the Cathedral is 111m and was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1963. Indeed, many services and celebrations have occurred here, such as the Jubilee celebrations. Furthermore, it was the venue for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

However, there is a fee for tourists to enter the Cathedral (check out the Cathedral’s website for more information).

Millennium Bridge, London

Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that opened in 2000 (costing £18.2 million). Its official name is London Millennium Footbridge. The bridge connects the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Modern. Thus, the bridge frames St Paul’s Cathedral beautifully! Additionally, the bridge has been featured in music videos, on t.v. shows, and films (for example, Harry Potter).

12. TATE MODERN

On the opposite side of Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s cathedral, you will find Tate Modern. However, it is important not to confuse Tate Modern with the Tate Britain (another Tate Group Museum). I chose to visit Tate Modern as I prefer modern art.

About the Tate London Building

As a modern and contemporary art lover, this museum was number one of my places to visit while in London! Indeed, I am not alone in this – the Association of Leading Visitors listed it as the number one art museum to visit in Britain (number 6 in the world!). Moreover, this museum is not only of interest to modern art lovers; it also offers fantastic 360 views of London – including an outdoor section on the 10th floor! Also, for those on a budget (who don’t want to spend a lot on the views from The Shard/London Eye), Tate Modern is a good alternative. Additionally, the Tate Modern is free for general admission (with a fee for major temporary exhibitions) with an option to pay what you feel is appropriate. Indeed, all National galleries and museums in the U.K. are free!

Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. It holds the British national collection of art from 1900 to the present day (as well as international modern and contemporary art). The museum opened in 2000 on what was previously the site of Bankside Power Station. Thus, the Tate Modern building was designed by Herzog & de Meuron to keep to an urban, raw, and industrial design. I was not a big fan of the brick style of the museum (to match the original power-station building). Nonetheless, I appreciate what they have achieved in keeping to the roots of an industrial style. Also, I do like the twist design of the Switch building.

Inside the Tate London

For sure, I wanted to see the city views from the Tate at sunset! However, this meant that I had walked all day long and, because Tate Modern is so big, you require a lot of energy to enjoy walking all of the floors of artwork! Therefore, I would like to return and spend more time here when my legs are not so tired! However, check out the above gallery for some of the fantastic artwork I saw on the day (for example, Picasso and Mondrian). The museum has eight areas with a named theme/subject within its main collection. It has ten floors – you can download the museum map (under ‘visiting tips’) in preparation for your trip! Furthermore, it also has work from the Artist Rooms collection and, it holds temporary exhibits too. Additionally, the museum houses the following:

• Performance space
• Auditorium/seminar room
• Clore Education Centre
• Shops (selling books, merchandise, and prints)
• Cafe, espresso bar, and restaurant
• Members’ room
• Community garden

Also, the Tate Moderns website offers online exhibitions – this is a fantastic alternative for those unable to visit!

Tate London Viewing Level

As mentioned, the 10th and top floor of Tate Modern offers fantastic 360 views of London. Indeed, it is a great option if you are on a budget because it is free to enter! Additionally, there is even an outdoor observation section to take some fantastic shots. Also, there is an indoor bar area where you can sit and enjoy the views over some snacks and drinks. Thus, I spent a lot longer on the observation floor than I had planned as it was so fantastic! Read the Tate Moderns website for more information on visiting the viewing level.

Also, check out my Day two post for the other areas (13-17) visited during my trip! Moreover, let me know if there is anywhere else that you would add to the list!