Unmissable in London - What to do in the city

Travel to London and be enchanted

London is a city that attracts millions of tourists every year, and it's not hard to see why. With a rich and vibrant history, full of iconic landmarks and unique attractions, it's easy to fall in love with the English capital. In this article, I'll tell you what's not to be missed in London.

In fact, this is quite difficult, there are so many attractions in the city, after all, what would be a must-see in London? I'll try to be practical and quick, even though I find this mission almost impossible! Laughs. London, which was already among the cities I love most in the world, has now become even more special, being the first destination that little Francisco has flown to in his life!

It's all so exciting and pulsating. I really couldn't wait to get back and show it all to my little ones, so let's get started, shall we?

The city is home to several bridges, such as the famous London Bridge, and of course it wouldn't be left out of your must-see London itinerary.

London Bridge

London Bridge is one of London's most iconic bridges and one of the city's main tourist attractions. It has been demolished and rebuilt several times over the centuries, but has always retained its historical and cultural importance. As you walk across the bridge, you can enjoy spectacular views of the River Thames and the surrounding area, as well as passing statues and monuments that pay homage to important figures in British history. It's a must-see for anyone visiting the city and a great opportunity to learn more about London's rich history and culture.

Another must-see is Leadenhall Market, a beautiful Victorian structure that is home to a variety of stores, bars and restaurants, but that's not all that attracts attention there.

Right next to Londo Brigde, we find another unmissable tourist attraction! The London Tower

London Tower

The London Tower has a very rich and interesting history. It was built in the 11th century and has served as a fortress, palace and prison over the years. It is famous for being where the crown jewels are kept, including St. Edward's Crown, which is used in the coronation ceremony of British monarchs.

The tower is also surrounded by legends and curious stories. One of them is the legend of the ravens, which says that if the ravens that live in the tower leave, the British monarchy will fall and a great disaster will happen. For this reason, since the 17th century, the British government has maintained a team of guardians to look after the ravens and ensure that the legend doesn't come true.

Another curiosity about the London Tower is that it was the scene of several executions, including that of two queens of England: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. In addition, the tower was used as a prison for several important historical figures, such as the religious leader Thomas More and the famous pirate Sir Walter Raleigh.

Even today, the London Tower is one of London's main tourist attractions and receives thousands of visitors every year. You can take a guided tour and learn more about the history and mysteries surrounding this medieval fortress.

Leadenhall Market

The market is known for its restaurants, bars and stores selling high-quality products, including fresh food, clothes and souvenirs. In addition, many Harry Potter fans recognize the place as the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the famous magical market frequented by the characters in the series. When you visit Leadenhall Market, you can feel the magic and charm of the Harry Potter universe, while enjoying a unique shopping experience in one of London's most charming markets.

If, like me, you love to try the local cuisine of the places you travel to, Leadenhall Market is the place to go and will undoubtedly be on your must-see London itinerary, apart from Harry Potter lovers, as it's where the Lamb Tavern is located.

Lamb Tavern

It's a pub and was recently awarded "Best Pub in the City of London" by The London Pub Awards. The awards recognize the best pubs in the city in different categories, such as food, drink and atmosphere. The Lamb Tavern was chosen for its excellent selection of beers and wines, as well as its delicious food and exceptional service. The pub is also known for its connections with royalty, having been visited by Prince Charles in 2016, the royal visit was a great honor for the pub and its staff, helping to cement the Lamb Tavern's reputation as one of London's best pubs.

When you visit the pub, you can experience the same level of quality that impressed Prince Charles and the judges of the London Pub Awards.

Of course, we took advantage and tried both the famous hamburger and one of London's most traditional dishes, the famous Fish and Chips.

And if I'm talking about symbols of the city, Big Ben couldn't be left out! In fact, if you go to London and don't visit Big Ben, you haven't been to London! Of course it would be here in the text, a must-see in London.

Big Ben

Big Ben is one of London's most iconic monuments and one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Located in the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is the name given to the great bell that stands inside the Clock Tower. Built in 1858, Big Ben is a wonderful example of Victorian architecture and is a symbol of London's history and culture. The Clock Tower, which is adjacent to the Palace of Westminster, is also an architectural masterpiece, with its red bricks and Gothic decoration. You can take a guided tour of the Clock Tower and learn more about its fascinating history and inner workings. For photography lovers, Big Ben offers a unique opportunity to capture the beauty of the city and its iconic architecture. It really is a must-see for any visitor to London.

And speaking of Westminster, of course we'll talk about the Abbey and its connection with royalty.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a place full of history and curiosities about British royalty. The Abbey is the place where monarchs have been crowned since 1066 and where the historic coronation of the current king, King Charles III, took place. It is also the place where many of them are buried. In addition, the abbey also houses a large number of memorials and monuments in honor of historical figures from the United Kingdom, such as William Shakespeare, Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. It's a magical place to visit and learn about the fascinating history of British royalty.

And if we're talking about royalty, of course we can't leave another icon out, Buckingham Palace, it's beautiful! And very majestic.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of London's most famous sights. Located in the heart of the city, it is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. You can see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the palace, which takes place daily during the summer and every two days during the winter. In addition, the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has impressive architecture dating back to the 18th century. If you're lucky, the King or one of the members of the royal family can be seen entering or leaving Buckingham Palace. Be sure to visit the Palace on your next trip to London!

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular attractions in London and takes place daily, usually at 11am, from April to July, and on alternate days during the rest of the year. It's an event that attracts many tourists, so it's important to arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the ceremony. It's worth remembering that the time of the changing of the guard can change due to weather conditions or special events, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information before you go.

How about a picnic break? St. James Park is perfect!

St. James Park

St. James Park is one of London's most charming parks and an unmissable destination for visitors to the city. Located right in the center, next to Buckingham Palace, it is a true oasis of tranquility in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. With its beautiful gardens and lakes, it's an ideal place for a picnic, a walk or simply to enjoy the scenery. What's more, the park is home to a wide variety of animals, including squirrels, ducks and even pelicans. Be sure to visit St. James Park during your stay in London!

Green Park is also great for a break!

Green Park is one of London's most peaceful and serene royal parks, with its lush, wooded landscape. The park is very popular with tourists because of its central location, close to Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. Visitors can walk through the vast lawns, relax on benches in the shade of the trees, have a picnic or simply admire the beauty of nature. The park is also a great place to spot wildlife, with its many squirrels and ducks feeding in the ponds. With its tranquil atmosphere and views of the city, Green Park is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a bit of nature in the heart of London.

Like St. James, Green Park is part of the Royal Parks and was originally part of the garden of Buckingham Palace. The area was fenced off and used for hunting by the royal family for centuries. Nowadays, it is still common to see royals crossing the park in their cars or on foot, as it is located close to many of the main palaces and royal residences.

Real Curiosity

Another curiosity about British royalty! I love trivia and this one has to do with a very strong English custom: afternoon tea.

Did you know that Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II, was responsible for bringing the tea habit to England? She was a lover of the drink and used to drink tea in Green Park. And the tradition of afternoon tea, so popular here in England, has its roots with this Portuguese queen. So, if you're looking for a super cool and relaxing outing in London, why not visit Green Park, have a picnic and enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea? It's a worthwhile experience!

Continuing with the charms and tales, let's go to Kensington Gardens.

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens is one of London's most beautiful parks, known for its beautiful scenery and the famous statue of Peter Pan. What many people don't know is that if you point your cell phone at a QR code at the base of the statue, Peter Pan can actually "call" you! This is thanks to an augmented reality trick that makes Peter Pan's voice appear to be coming out of the phone. It's a magical and fun experience for children and adults who visit the park. In addition, Kensington Gardens is a lovely place to walk, have a picnic or simply relax and enjoy nature. The park also has several interesting historical sites, such as Kensington Palace, Princess Diana's former residence, not to mention the various fountains and statues scattered around the park that make walking even more enjoyable. If you're looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the middle of a busy city, Kensington Gardens is the perfect place to go.

Diana Memorial Playground.

Near Kensington Palace, we found the Diana Memorial Playground, an incredible place for children to have fun and unleash their imagination! It was inspired by the story of Peter Pan, one of the princess's favorite tales, and is full of cool toys, such as a pirate ship and a sand area with a fountain. Children traveling to London can feel at home in the playground, which is a place for them to run, play and be free. Emmanuel absolutely loved it, we played there for hours! It's a special place, full of magic and fun, Princess Diana would be happy to know that it continues to bring joy to children all over the world.

And if you want more fun and you're a museum lover like us, or you're going with children, or you just want to have a good time, you should go to Exhibition Road.

Exhibition Road

Exhibition Road is a super cool street in London, especially for those who are fans of museums. This is because it is home to three of the city's best museums: the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. And best of all: entry to all of them is free! It's a great option for those who want to learn more about science, natural history, art and design without spending too much. The street is also famous for its iconic and modern architecture, full of impressive buildings and structures. It's worth taking a stroll and exploring all that Exhibition Road has to offer.

Of course we didn't miss this opportunity and rushed to the Natural History Museum, one of my favorites in the world!

Natural History Museum

London's Natural History Museum is an amazing place to visit, especially if you love learning about the natural world in a fun and interactive way. The museum has a variety of exhibitions and galleries ranging from dinosaurs to the world's most exotic animals. In addition, the museum is famous for its majestic appearance, with a grand entrance reminiscent of a fairytale castle. Although it doesn't have a direct association with Hogwarts, the museum's architecture can be somewhat reminiscent of the famous school of magic and witchcraft.

Real Curiosity

Another curiosity about royalty, now with the Natural History Museum

The patron of London's Natural History Museum was Queen Elizabeth II, who assumed this role in 1952. The museum also has a historical relationship with royalty, as its founder, Sir Richard Owen, was the superintendent of the British Museum's Natural History Department during Queen Victoria's reign. Furthermore, in 1881, Queen Victoria officially inaugurated the museum building in South Kensington. Since then, the institution has become an icon of British culture, attracting visitors from all over the world with its interactive and informative exhibitions about life on Earth.

All this history took us to a place called Notting Hill

It's a super charming and vibrant neighborhood in London. And you can't talk about Notting Hill without mentioning the famous movie "A Place Called Notting Hill", starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. The love story between a famous actress and a bookshop owner in the neighborhood won many hearts. And it's not hard to find the bookshop that inspired the movie in the neighborhood. It's a great option for those who want to stroll around a super cool area of London.

Portobello Road Antiques Fair

The Portobello Road Antiques Fair is one of the main tourist attractions in London's Notting Hill district. Held every Saturday, the fair is a true paradise for antiques lovers and collectors. With more than a thousand stalls spread across the street, you can find everything from rare and valuable items to curious and unusual objects. The fair has a lively and relaxed atmosphere, with street musicians, artists and street vendors. In addition, the Portobello Road antiques market became famous after being the setting for the movie "A Place Called Notting Hill", starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. This must-see London attraction is well worth a visit.

Of course we want to see everything and know every unmissable spot in London! Let's go to the vibrant Piccadilly Circus!

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is a very busy place in the heart of London, where several important and famous streets converge, such as Piccadilly, Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue. It's a very popular tourist spot because of its vibrant atmosphere and the many giant illuminated signs that catch the eye of passers-by. It's a perfect place for shopping, seeing a show or simply enjoying the big city vibe. It's well worth a visit when you're exploring the British capital!

Two stores are worth mentioning in Piccadilly Circus: the M&M and LEGO stores

In the LEGO Store, you can find exclusive and rare sets, as well as assemble your own creations in the interactive play area. In the M&M's World store, you'll find an incredible variety of M&M's in different colors and flavors, as well as a large selection of M&M's souvenirs. Both stores are very busy and offer a unique shopping experience in London.

If, like us, you love a good time, good food and rock music, then sit down.

Hard Rock Café

Hard Rock Café Did you know that the first Hard Rock Café was founded in London? In 1971, two Americans opened the restaurant in a historic building in the Mayfair area, offering burgers and live music. The success was immediate and, since then, London's Hard Rock Café has become a popular tourist spot, with thousands of visitors coming from all over the world to try the American food and see the many rock music memorabilia displayed on the walls. Today, the Hard Rock Café in London is still a popular destination for music and food lovers and an iconic venue in London's food and music scene.

What many people don't know is that the Hard Rock Café in London has an underground vault that houses an impressive collection of rock'n'roll items, including iconic guitars, famous costumes, handwritten lyrics and much more. Among the most valuable pieces is Jimi Hendrix's guitar, which he played in 1967 at the Monterey Festival. It's a truly immersive experience in the world of rock music, well worth checking out if you're in London!

We did all our sightseeing by public transport, and having the Oyster card was essential for that, making it much easier!

Oyster Card?

The Oyster Card is a rechargeable public transport card used in the city of London. It can be used to pay for journeys on the subway, buses, trains and ferries. The card can be loaded with different amounts of money and the fare is automatically debited each time you travel. You can also buy daily, weekly or monthly passes which entitle you to unlimited travel during the period of validity. The Oyster Card is an economical option for those who use public transport frequently, offering discounts on individual tickets. To use it, simply touch it to the card reader at the turnstiles or at the boarding and alighting point, and the fare will be discounted automatically. The Oyster Card can be purchased at metro stations, bus stations, train stations and airports.

Go beyond London and discover the incredible Hampton Court.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court is one of the most iconic and interesting places to visit in London. As a former royal residence, the palace has a lot of history to tell, from its construction in 1515 to its use by famous monarchs such as Henry VIII. In addition to the beauty of the palace itself, its gardens and labyrinth are also incredible attractions. If you're interested in history, architecture or just want to spend a pleasant day outdoors, Hampton Court is definitely worth a visit. With the option of a self-guided tour or an expert tour guide, you can explore this fascinating site in the way that suits you best.

Hampton Court with children

If you go to Hampton Court with children, as we did, you won't regret it! I'd say it's a must for anyone going to London with little ones! There's so much to explore and discover. One of the most popular attractions is the Tudor Kitchen, where children can see how food was prepared in the time of the Tudors and even try some period delicacies. In addition, there is a wide range of interactive activities and themed exhibitions, including a treasure hunt and an outdoor maze, which are great options for entertaining children while they learn about the history of the palace. With its fascinating stories and characters, Hampton Court Palace is a great choice for an educational and fun family visit.

How do I get to Hampton Court?

To get to Hampton Court Palace, there are several transportation options available. One option is to take the train, the nearest station being Hampton Court Station. Another option is to take the boat, which is an interesting way to get to the palace and enjoy a unique view of the River Thames. You can also get there by bus, with several lines passing through the area. Regardless of the means of transportation chosen, a visit to Hampton Court Palace will certainly be an incredible experience for tourists.

These are just a few of London's many attractions. The city is rich in history and culture, and there is something for everyone, from museums and art galleries to stores, bars and restaurants. It's no wonder that London remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world! We already miss it and can't wait to get back to this incredible city!!!