I love London. Â I was lucky enough to live there for 18 months, and after 12 years finally made it back for a proper (albeit short) visit en route to India. Â Here are some of my favorite things about London that I dearly miss.
Eat
High tea – this lovely British tradition is also an excellent way to recharge at the end of a day with lovely cakes, finger sandwiches, and of course a soothing cup of tea. Â It is a MUST when visiting the UK. Â My absolute favorite tea is PG Tips (with a generous squeeze of lemon and a spoon of sugar), but I also like Twinnings and Tetley. Â I recommend heading to the St. James Restaurant at Fortnum & Mason for their afternoon high tea, and heading to the shop afterwards to stock up on your favorite teas.
Indian takeaway – I rarely dine at Indian restaurants when in the States, but it’s a must when in London. Â As British food was quite terrible while we lived there (in the pre-Jaime Oliver & Gordon Ramsey days), we often dined at our local Indian restaurant, Jenny Tandoori. Â British Indian food is simply more flavorful, less oily, and masses spicier than its American counterpart, and their wine and beer lists are pretty excellent to boot. Â If you find yourselves trapped in your hotel on a rainy night in London, you should ask your hotel concierge where the nearest Indian takeaway is and enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of the indoors.
See
Green Park – I can’t explain why this is my favorite park in London, but it simply is. Â I love its ornate gates, its expansive green lawn, and the proximity to Buckingham Palace (as touristy as it is, I enjoy watching the changing of the guards) and both St. James Park and Hyde Park. Â There are few things better than a sunny, warm day in London, and few worse ways to spend one than a picnic in a lovely park.
British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum – Both are my favorite museums in London, due to their expansive history collections and, in the case of the V&A, the fashion collection. Â I’ve spent many a lazy Saturday wandering throughout both of these museums, and credit that time (and two phenomenal history teachers during my London days) to my history addiction. Â While London has countless museums to choose from (and the Tate is another favorite), I would argue that no trip is complete without a visit to at least one of these museums.
Do
London Eye – This massive, slow-moving Ferris Wheel singlehandedly offers the best views of London. Â While it can be a bit pricey (tickets start at 16 quid), the amazing pictures you capture while on the Eye are worth the fee. Â If you want to make the experience even more special, you can opt for a champagne or Pimm’s flight, a sunset and night flight, or a private capsule.
Harrods – London’s legendary department store, while out of my price range, is one of my favorite places to visit for two reasons: the Egyptian escalators and the food hall. Â Having visited and been in awe of Egypt, I can say that these escalators are impressive and worth dealing with the tourists for. Â The food hall is heaven for a foodaphile like myself; everything you could possibly want (for a price) is there. Â I always stop to purchase the chocolate truffle roses wrapped in foil, and usually have eaten at least one before leaving the store. Â If you want true high end fashion, Harvey Nichols (Harvey Nic’s for short) is right next door.
What are some of your must see’s and do’s while in London? Â Add them in the comments below!
