I have had the joy of visiting friends who have intermittently lived in London over the years and from someone who loves major cities, this is a great one! It’s one of those cities that has it all—iconic landmarks, rich history, incredible food, and a pub on every corner. Whether you’re exploring royal palaces, quirky neighborhoods, or just looking for the best fish and chips, London never disappoints.
The Must-See Landmarks
You can’t go to London without hitting the big-name sights—and trust me, they live up to the hype.
London Bridge & Tower Bridge – First things first, London Bridge is actually kinda basic, but Tower Bridge is the real star. It looks like something out of a fairytale with its massive towers and bright blue accents.
Big Ben & Buckingham Palace – You have to snap a pic with Big Ben (even though it’s technically called the Elizabeth Tower), and of course, check out Buckingham Palace to see where the royals do their thing. If you time it right, you can catch the Changing of the Guard—it’s pretty cool to watch.
Windsor Castle – This one’s a bit outside the city, but it’s totally worth the trip. It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and yes, the Queen actually used to live here.
Notting Hill – If you’ve ever dreamed of colorful houses, cute bookshops, and weekend markets, Notting Hill is as charming as it gets.
The Food
London is a melting pot of flavors with an endless amount of delicious places. Hot take: most of it is not English food. Aside from fish and chips (delish!) and clotted cream, I personally can’t think of any other traditional English food I like. But that’s just a personal opinion, take it with a grain of salt!
Fish & Chips – The classic British pub meal—golden, crispy fish with perfectly salted chips (fries). Find a spot that serves it with mushy peas and malt vinegar for the full experience.
Indian Food on Brick Lane – London is famous for its Indian food, and Brick Lane is THE place to go. Whether you want a spicy curry or buttery, fluffy naan, you won’t leave disappointed.
Chinatown – If you’re craving dim sum, roast duck, or bubble tea, head to London’s Chinatown near Leicester Square for some of the best Asian food in the city.
High Tea – Want to feel fancy? Go for high tea at one of London’s many tea houses—expect tiny sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a ridiculous amount of tea options. This is as much of an experience as it is a meal!
Nightlife & Vibes
To-Go Beers – The best part? You can grab a beer from a shop and drink it on the street. No weird looks, no rules against it—just pure freedom. Something I’m certainly not used to coming from the US! I hid my beer under my jacket walking down the street for a while I was so uncomfortable.
Camden – If you want edgy, alternative vibes, Camden is where it’s at. Think punk rock shops, street art, live music, and an awesome market with food from all over the world.
Piccadilly Circus – London’s version of Times Square—bright lights, big billboards, and a ton of energy. It’s the perfect spot for a late-night wander.
Transportation
London’s Tube system (aka the Underground) is a lifesaver. It’s fast, efficient, and gets you anywhere you need to go without the nightmare of London traffic. Just grab an Oyster card or use contactless payment, and you’re set! Plus, there’s something oddly charming about hearing “Mind the Gap” every time you step on or off a train. Going around at night? Buses will replace the Tube after hours!
London is a mix of history, culture, and an incredible food scene, all wrapped up in one super walkable city with great public transport. Whether you’re checking out royal landmarks, stuffing your face with curry, or drinking a pint at a historic pub, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, you can easily jump on the train to get to other parts of the UK or even into Europe! As a major hub, you have to add London to your “must visit” list!
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
