(Content by Simone F)
London is reported to be one of the most visited cities in Europe with close to 27 million tourists visiting each year. It may be the smallest city in England built by the ancient Roman but it’s nothing short of spectacular. This metropolitan city is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities on the globe with 9 million people calling it home. Whether you are there for leisure or work, London has so much to do that you cannot simply narrow your favorites. Below, however, is a few must-do activities that you can’t miss out while in the city;
VISIT LONDON’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
London was built over 2,000 years ago by the Romans who turned their settlement into what the city is today. The walls and buildings are simply not slabs of concrete and mortar rather tell important stories of the city’s history. Most of the buildings that the Romans built were either the religious house or the residence of the royal family. The majority of the buildings were destroyed during the war or by the great fire of London but those that stood the test of time and now historical references to tourists. The Buckingham Palace, London roman Amphitheatre, Big Ben, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the list goes on and on are some of the monuments that you have to visit.
HARRY POTTER
For some people, London means culture, museums, rich history, huge job opportunities, independence spirit, and one of the true capitals of the world. For some other people – and not just few – London means magic. London means: Harry Potter.
Potterheads from around the world gather in the British capital to discover in real life the magic from the books and movies. There you can have a free Harry Potter tour, where you’ll be delighted to see some of the most iconic spots in the movies. That’s right, you’ll have a nice walk along Diagon Alley – and maybe stop to search for your personal wand – and visit the Ministry of Magic and search for your Prophecy Orb. Whether you want to dream to be a magician or you would just consider yourself a muggle, you won’t escape the magical atmosphere that these locations inspire.
SHOPPING IN LONDON
London doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping, from luxury shops such as Harrods, retail outlets to bargain fashions at London’s markets. London is the birthplace of famous designers such as Alexander McQueen and is a thriving hub to notable newcomers who have revolutionized the fashion industry in England. If you are looking for a classic cocktail dress or an elegant gown for the red carpet, then Harrods is the place to shop. Oxford Street tends to the young at heart who are looking for edgy and trendy designs. It offers 1.5 miles of shopping stores that caters to all things fashion, beauty and homeware.
ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT
London is heavily invested in sports and a tourist can choose to enjoy the sport by either playing or watching. Football is the number one sport in the UK with some world-known premier league teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham, Spurs and Crystal Palace calling this home. If you are a football fan, you can schedule your trip around an international match and get to watch live in the stadium.
TAKE A STROLL AT THE PARK
For nature lovers or those seeking a rest from a busy day of sightseeing in the city, there are plenty of parks to chill. Hyde Park is one of the greenest and largest parks in the world covering an area of 350 acres. The park has over 4,000 species of trees, a huge lake and ornamental flower gardens. There is something for everyone in this park from swimming, boating, skating to boating. The park is home to some historic monuments such as The Serpentine Bridge, the Joy of Life fountain and the famous Achilles statue.
Interesting read, Thanks Simone.