London is one of the world's most famous cities steeped in history and culture. Over 30 million people visit London each year on holidays in order to take in what the city has to offer. From the historical royal palace to the cosmopolitan areas such as Whitechapel the city has a lot to offer no matter what you are looking for. Offering everything from sporting events, shows, art, food and nightlife it is a city where you will never find yourself bored. I have compiled all the need to know’s in one blog for those who are visiting London for their first time so you don’t have to.
The London Eye is the city's most well known tourist attraction and with good reason. The structure on the bank of the Thames is surrounded by truly historical buildings in Big Ben and Westminster. Standard tickets are £27 for a spectacular view right across the city, where you can spot the skylines most famous structures like the shard. Step into the unique bubble with a 360 degree view all the way to windsor castle on a good day.
Buckingham Palace is where the monarchy of the British isles is located. If you want to step into the past and view what once was a powerful empire then the walking tour is only £9 and includes a tour guide for your own group which will add a personal feel to the occasion. There is no photography allowed inside the building which is a rule that is strictly enforced. A piece of advice that is only available right here on this blog.
Trafalgar square marks the centre of London. A wide sprawling city that can seem endless is marked by a 145 statue of Lord Horatio Nelson. The square is repeatedly used for demonstrations and public gatherings. The most famous ones have been Bloody Sunday in 1887 and the anti war gatherings. The most recent ones have all been around climate change as it is the most pressing current issue.
Although Picadilly Circus is in its most basic form only a road junction, it is a lot more then that. The surrounding areas of Leicester square which is the home of movie premiers and regent street which is full of high brow shopping are just two examples of cultural places to visit. The circus is known for its video display of neon signs which advertise all of the latest movies and other forms of entertainment.
This is the place to go for brunch if you are ready to be treated like a king. It is located in Mayfair where it is based in a vintage car showroom that adds to the rustic ambience. It has an over the top feel to it where the dress code is most definitely formal. The food and service are some of the best in London and make sure you pre-book in order to guarantee a place.
Dishroom is one of many Indian restaurants in London that is a taste window into the Eastern country. Dishroom however, is leading the way in taste, service and experience. This restaurant has created a modern take on the traditional Indians that are sprawled right across the city. When you are eating you could well believe that you were in Asia the setting is that good. The best and most notable items on the menu are the lamb chops and chicken curry. There are a number of dishrooms around the city however the one in Shoreditch is the most well known.
The best tapas bar in all of London, the food is really simple. They make simple food but it tastes incredibly good. There are three locations across the city and all are as good as each other, however, Covent garden is the place to be for the ambience. This location has an incredible bar with an unbelievable winding old street to look out on for the best people-watching. You cannot book so you will be waiting for a table but the bar provides a welcome midpoint.
This is the ultimate meat-lovers venue in London. Everything about this restaurant is quality from the way it is laid out to the service it is very hard to find an element that isn’t up to scratch. Unlike most meat feasts this one won’t hurt your bank account too much. For £20 each they will include pre-main bites to eat and a stack of juicy pork chops. For main the steak is the only option along with one of the many quality sides. Lastly, the cheesecake is the best dessert in the city. It comes out still in its baking tray and you have the option of decorating it with a number of different sweet treats.