Since London is often used as a gateway to the rest of Western Europe, a place to rest up before continuing onwards, we’ve got a quickie two-day itinerary that will help you get a real taste of The Swinging City.
Start off with a proper English breakfast and order a fry-up. This meal of sausage bacon, eggs, black pudding, mushrooms, hash browns, baked beans and toast can be found at pubs throughout the city, but our favorite version is at Hawksmoor Guildhall. Next, hit the historical highlights, most of which are located within walking distance or a quick ride on the tube from each other: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and the House of Parliament. While these are typical tourist spots, you won’t want to visit London without seeing them firsthand. End your day of tradition with the quintessential British meal — fish and chips at Seafresh near Victoria Station or The Golden Hind near Bond Street — and a pint or two at a local corner pub.
On the second day, get a more contemporary take on London. Head to the Tate Modern (housed in a former brick power station) to see modern art from the 1900s to the present. Next, walk along the Thames to the London Eye, the city’s huge, iconic Ferris wheel. From here you’ll get dazzling views of surrounding sites like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Make your way to Camden Town to shop its unique markets, which hawk goods ranging from antique furniture to fashion. For a dose of English tradition, stop into The Dorchester hotel in the Mayfair area for afternoon tea in a grand setting and then hit nearby Hyde Park to stroll off the Cornish clotted cream and biscuits. On your final night, we suggest dining at The Bull & Last — the primo gastro pub in town — for charcuterie, crispy pigs’ ears and trotter wontons.
Photos Courtesy of iStock – ranckreporter
