London! Bustling, lively, bountiful London! There is so much to see and do in this city, it would be impossible to get it all down on this page. London is super easy to travel around, the tube system is great and easy to navigate once you get used to it. Central London is also relatively walkable, with many sights and landmarks just short distances away from each other. I’ve tried my very best to narrow it down to just five highlights below.
1. Westminster and Big Ben
Big Ben was the first major landmark I saw when I arrived in London for the first time. I guess going to see Big Ben goes without saying when you’re in the city, as one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in the world. Westminster Palace and Westminster Abbey are also incredible to see. I actually didn’t go inside Westminster Palace, but it was still absolutely worthwhile to walk around the area and admire the architecture. I did however go inside Westminster Abbey, which was up there with some of the most beautiful churches I had seen on my entire trip around Europe. There was an entrance fee of £31, but I felt as though it was well worth it. It included an audio tour of the church and its history.
2. Tate Modern
If you’re an art fan, London has several large art galleries to explore. I paid a visit to Tate Modern the last time I was there, and spent a good few hours wandering and learning. Tate Modern displays a huge range of modern and contemporary pieces, which I found to be interesting and thought provoking. I went at about midday, and the gallery is so large that it didn’t feel overly crowded, and I actually found it quite peaceful which can be unusual in London. It would likely be even better if you were to go as soon as they open, or on a weekday if possible.
3. Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
Notting Hill is one of my favourite areas of London. The colourful houses, vintage stores, and of course, the Portobello Road Market. I’ve been to this market twice now, and honestly could spend an entire day walking up and down, checking out every artsy store and vintage clothing rack. I’m a big fan of a market, and this one has everything. On top of all the outdoor stalls with food, drinks, antiques, clothing and art, the actual stores on this road are definitely worth checking out too. There are some wonderful boutiques with unique jewellery and clothing and also some curated vintage stores that are well worth a visit. The street gets pretty packed by about 10-11am, so be sure to visit early if you want to try avoid the crowds a little!
4. Natural History Museum & Paradox Museum
The Natural History Museum is an incredible free experience in London. The outside of the building itself is beautiful, and inside are hundreds of exhibits from marine life to mammals, volcanoes to crystals, fossils to dinosaurs. Such a great experience for all ages. I also went to the David Attenborough experience, which does have a cost but is absolutely worth seeing. It’s a projection of the story of earth and human evolution by David Attenborough, and is projecting 360° around the walls and on the floor for an immersive experience. The Paradox Museum is also a great activity for all ages, this museum does cost with adult tickets starting from £24.00 and children from £18.50. This museum is all things optical illusion, set up as a loop to walk around and enjoy the interactive exhibits. This was thoroughly enjoyable, however you make walk out feeling slightly dazed and cross eyed!
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
This one is specific to the Christmas period, however I would absolutely recommend taking a stroll through Hyde Park at any time of the year! I visited the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland a few weeks ago with a friend, and it was so much better than I anticipated! It was about £5.00 for entry and once you’re in you can pay for rides, games, food and drink. It’s another activity that would be perfect for all ages, with rides and games for younger children, bars and live music for adults. My friend and I went on one of the rollercoasters, and as someone from little old New Zealand with one very average theme park, we had a lot of fun. Winter Wonderland was open from the 14th November, and goes right through to the 1st January, shutting just for Christmas day. We went in November and it was busy, but the lines and waits for rides, food and drink took little to no time at all. I assume it gets a lot more busy in the lead up to Christmas, but I would absolutely recommend if you get the chance to be in London over this period.
Life Across the Globe 
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