Coming back to London after more than 30 years carried a special kind of anticipation. I lived here for 18 months decades ago, and so many memories came flooding back even before landing. While many things felt familiar, it also seemed as though I was experiencing London for the very first time. This blog is meant to share the best ways to enjoy the city, along with some handy tips for making the most of a visit.

Westminster Wonders

Starting out from Victoria Station, where my accommodation was based, I began a classic walking tour around Westminster. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey are as impressive as ever. Watching the guards outside Buckingham Palace was a quintessential London moment, and later I continued on to Trafalgar Square to soak in its lively atmosphere and admire Nelson’s Column.

Self Guided Walking Tour – London Icons

Route: Victoria Station > Buckingham Palace > Westminster Abbey > Big Ben > 10 Downing St > Horse Guards Parade > Trafalgar Square

Distance: Approximately 3 Km’s & 50 minutes walking (excluding Stops)

Victoria Station – Begin your journey here and walk 8-10 minutes up Buckingham Palace Road. 

Buckingham Palace – Snap photos at the gates, watch the changing of the guard (if timed right). The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace typically occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. However, the schedule can be affected by events in central London, such as state visits or sporting events, and also by weather conditions. It’s always recommended to check the official Household Division website for the most up-to-date schedule. The ceremony starts at 11:00am, but the action begins earlier, around 10:30am, with the guards assembling.

Head along Birdcage Walk toward Westminister Abbey – approximately 7 minute

Westminster Abbey – A historical coronation and burial site of monarchs. It was also where the wedding of HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the wedding of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh occurred. Optoinal paid entry or admire from the outside.

Walk toward Parliment Square – approximately 2 minutes

Big Ben & House of Parliment – Admire Big Ben and the palace of Westminister. Cross the Westminster Bridge for some great photo angles. There are also some old red phone boxes in the area to pose in front off with Big Ben in the background.

Walk up Whitehall – approximately 3 minutes

10 Downing Street – The Prime Ministers residence located behind black gates visable through the bars. Continue a little further along Whitehall for approximately 2 minutes.

Horse Guard Parade – Look for the mounted cavalry at Horse Guard Arch. Grab a selfie with the horse and the mounted Guard in traditional uniform. Continue walking along Whitehall for approximately 5 minutes.

Trafalgar Square – A bustling public square in the centre of London. Admire Nelsons Column or visit the National Gallery (free entry). Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting is part of the collection at the gallery.

St James Park – Walk down the Mall alongside St James park Follow the signs to Victoria Station. This is a scenic and pleasant walk. Alternatively catch the tube back to your accommodation.

Why a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is Ideal in Any Big City

Using a hop-on hop-off bus is one of the easiest ways to see all the major sights in a new city, and London is no exception. It allows you to cover a lot of ground quickly while giving the flexibility to jump off at stops that interest you most. London has been here for 2000 years and seeing everything in a day is almost impossible so I purchased the 48 hour ticket which included a cruise along the River Thames, providing a completely different perspective of the city and its landmarks from the water.

Over the next two days, the bus made it simple to move between key attractions, from the Tower of London to Greenwich, while the river cruise added a relaxed sightseeing experience. I also included the night tour for a little extra money which highlighted London’s bright lights, turning familiar landmarks like the London Eye and Tower Bridge into magical nighttime scenes.

While the Tube is the fastest way to get around, the hop-on hop-off bus allows you to see the city beyond just the major sites, giving a feel for the neighborhoods, architecture, and streets in between the main attractions.

Portobello Road Market & Notting Hill

No Saturday visit to London is complete without a trip to Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill. The vibrant market is a feast for the senses, with antiques, fashion, fresh produce, and quirky souvenirs lining the streets. The pastel-colored houses and charming cafés make Notting Hill a perfect spot to wander, grab a coffee, and soak in the neighborhood’s unique character.

A must-see for fans of film is the iconic blue door from the movie Notting Hill, located on one of the charming streets near the market. It’s become a popular photo spot for visitors, and it adds a cinematic touch to the colorful neighborhood. Just put in blue door from Notting Hill movie in google maps and it will take you there.

Saturdays are the liveliest, so arrive early to avoid the crowds and catch the best finds. If you’re not in London on a Saturday, there are smaller numbers of street vendors operating on other weekdays and it is still worth a visit to this vibrant district in West London where you’ll find a mix of trendy boutiques, charming cafes and colorful houses.

Eating Cheap in London

London has a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of ways to eat well on a budget:

Supermarkets & Meal Deals – Chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Boots offer meal deals (sandwich, snack, and drink) for a few pounds—perfect for lunch on the go.

Pub Grub – Many pubs have affordable lunch specials or hearty meals that won’t break the bank.

Ethnic Eats – Explore Brick Lane for cheap curry houses, Chinatown for affordable dim sum, or small neighborhood cafés serving authentic food at local prices.

Parks & Picnics – Grab supplies from a supermarket and enjoy a picnic in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or along the Thames for a budget-friendly dining experience with a view.

Market Halls Victoria Station – If you are staying near Victoria Station you’ll find Market Halls Victoria, a vibrant food hall with a wide range of affordable options from street food classics to international dishes, all under one roof. It includes a bar and roof top dining on those nice evenings where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Theatre in the West End

No trip to London is complete without experiencing its world-renowned theatre scene. The West End, often compared to Broadway in New York, offers everything from blockbuster musicals to thought-provoking plays. Classics like Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera continue to draw audiences, while new productions bring fresh energy to the stage.

For affordable tickets, try the TKTS booth in Leicester Square or look online for day-of deals. Even if you can’t commit to a show, a walk through the West End at night, with its glittering marquees and lively crowds, is an experience in itself.

Other Practical Travel Tips

Oyster Card or Contactless – The cheapest and easiest way to travel on the Tube, buses, and trains is by using an Oyster card or simply tapping a contactless bank card. I use a Wise Card when travelling and I had no problem using that to move around on public transport.

Walking Shoes – London is best explored on foot, so pack comfortable shoes—you’ll walk more than you expect.

Plan Ahead for Big Sights – Book timed tickets online for popular attractions like the London Eye or Tower of London to skip long queues.

Stay Central if Possible – Accommodation in central London may cost more, but it saves time and money on transport.

Download City Apps – Apps like Citymapper help navigate the transport system, while restaurant apps can point you to budget-friendly meals nearby

London is a city that never stops surprising you, whether it’s history, culture, food, or theatre, there’s always something waiting around the corner. Come with an open mind, a good pair of walking shoes, and unleash your Sense of Adventure.