London is the capital of the United Kingdom, not only of England, It is also one of the world’s most impressive centres of culture, history, art and gastronomy. It may be synonymous with royalty, Shakespeare, punk culture and red phone boxes; Londontoday offers so much more. From the British Museum to the Tate Modern, from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye , the city is like a living museum. At the same time, chefs from all over the world, It is also a meeting pointfor designers and creatives.
London is one of those cities that shows a different face every time we visit. Even though we have visited countless times so far, it is still possible to come across a new story in every walk. Especially with its neighbourhood culture, parks and rich culinary diversity, London is not only a touristic city, but also a place that slowly draws you into its daily life. When planning your trip, taking a look at the weather forecast and the city’s cultural calendar makes your experience much richer.
When to go to London?
London can be visited all year round, but considering the weather conditions, May-June and September are the most ideal periods. In the spring, the parks come alive, the pre-summer crowds have not yet formed, we were very lucky and in March we were welcomed by a sunny London that was almost like summer and it never rained. In the winter months, although there are fewer tourists, the city is still very lively with exhibitions, theatre plays and markets.
How many days to spend in London?
London is a large city and every corner harbours a different identity. It is not possible to visit the whole city at once. In our opinion, you should spend at least 4 days to visit the historical buildings in the centre, museums and the banks of the River Thames. If you want to explore neighbourhoods such as Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Hampstead or go to cities such as Oxford and Cambridge for a day trip, it is better to increase the time to 8-10 days.
How to get to London? How is transport in London?
Direct flights from Turkey to London are mainly operated from Heathrow and Stansted airports. It takes about 1 hour to reach the city centre from Heathrow by metro (Piccadilly Line). At Stansted, there are bus or train options. If there are two or three of you, you can call a taxi from Stansted using Bolt or Uber applications. If you are going to use a taxi in the city, prefer these applications. You can use the metro, buses and trams with Oyster Card or contactless bank card. Single boarding costs approximately £2.8-3.5, and since there is a daily limit, you will not exceed a certain fare in a day even if you use a lot of public transport. You can check the TfL (Transport for London) website for ticket information and transport timetables. Do not forget to use the same card at the entrance and exit of the metro with your contactless card.
Where to stay in London?
We stayedat Numa Bloomsbury on our last trip. This apartment building is located right behind the British Museum, It was ideal for reaching many of the city’s iconic spots on foot. If you are thinking of staying in Numa, For stays of 2 nights or more , you can benefit from a 15% discount by using the valid KISNISNUMA15 discount code.
For whom? Those who like to visit museums, those who are looking for a calm atmosphere in the centre.
Why should it be preferred? It is located right next to the British Museum. It is possible to reach Soho, Covent Garden and Oxford Street on foot. It is a peaceful area with its wide squares, streets full of bookshops and architecture.
For whom? Lively nightlife, restaurants and shopping enthusiasts.
Why should it be preferred? It’s where the heart of London beats. Chinatown, West End theatres and countless bars and restaurants are here. It is quiet in the early morning and has a lively spirit in the evening. It may be a little busy for those with noise sensitivity.
For whom? Young travellers, art and design enthusiasts, alternative soul seekers.
Why should it be preferred? Street art, independent boutique shops, coffee shops, It’ s full ofsecond-hand shops and creative studios. Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market are also located here, with a more industrial and bohemian texture.
For whom? Those who want to have a romantic London experience.
Why should it be preferred? It is a peaceful but stylish neighbourhood with its colourful houses, Portobello market, elegant cafes and streets that have been the subject of movies. It is a bit further out than the city centre but easy to reach.
For: Those who love elegance and classical architecture, who want to visit museums.
Why you should choose it: V&A Museum, Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall are in this area. It is a quiet, safe area with a high density of luxury hotels. Accommodation prices may be slightly higher.
In London, you can taste the best examples of many world cuisines from Indian cuisine to Basque cuisine. Michelin-starred restaurants, centuries-old pubs, Here are our favourites from London, full of delightful bars and unique artisan bakeries:
Restaurants:
* You can find the detailed blog post about these restaurants here.
Pub, Cocktail Bar & Wine Bar:
Street Food / Burger / Pizza:
Bakeries / Bagel Shops & Sweets:
* You can find the detailed blog post where we reviewed these cafes and bakeries here.
Breakfast / Brunch:
Specialty Coffee / Cafe:
Museums with Free Entrance:
* Periodical or some exhibitions have a charge but in general museums are free of charge.
Museums with an etrance fee:
Architectural Masterpieces You Must See in London:
London’s Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens:
Must Visit Markets in London:
Best Bookshops in London:
The Best Shops in London:
Favourite Tea Shops in London:
British Museum: One of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. Entrance is free but you may need a ticket for popular exhibitions. Tickets here.
Tate Modern: It hosts the most important collections of modern art. On the banks of the River Thames, it is pleasant to reach on foot. Some exhibitions may require advance tickets. Details here.
Tower Bridge: This bridge, one of the iconic silhouettes that come to mind when you think of London, was built as a retractable bridge to allow ship traffic on the River Thames. If you want to see when the bridge will open, you can find the official timetable here.
Westminster Abbey: Historic church known for royal weddings, coronations and commemorations. Entrance fee, online booking recommended. Buy a ticket.
Accommodation: We stayed in Bloomsbury. Recommended areas: Bloomsbury (central and quiet), Notting Hill (romantic), Shoreditch (creative and alternative), South Kensington (ideal for museum buffs ).
Early Booking: Good restaurants in London, theatre shows, Early booking is almost essential for popular exhibitions and tourist attractions. Especially in the summer months and during the Christmas period, restaurants and hotels fill up quickly.
Airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) and the closest to the city centre is London City Airport (LCY), which is similar to Linate.
Public Transport: Metro (Tube), bus and tram systems are well developed. You can pay with Oyster Card or contactless bank card. Economical thanks to the daily spending limit. Information about public transport is here.
Bike Sharing: Santander Cycles offers bike hire with stations throughout the city. The mobile application is very practical.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Black cabs are a classic option, but Uber and Bolt apps are also widely used.
Safety: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas and at public transport stops, in fact everywhere. A lot of people get their phones stolen in London, it can happen while walking on the street, sitting in a restaurant or when the tube doors are closing. You have to be very careful.
Shopping and Design: Iconic department stores such as Liberty London and Selfridges, as well as designer shops in areas such as Shoreditch and Hackney.
Covent Garden & Seven Dials: A versatile area with shopping, street performances and stylish restaurants. It is especially lively on Sundays.
These neighbourhoods are the first stop for almost everyone who visits London. We describe the streets of Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and our first meeting with London through a walking route. You can read the venue recommendations in the rest of the article here. But don’t forget to come back later 🙂
The best way to discover a city is to wander its streets on foot, even to get lost in its streets like a flaneur without a plan. We are going back to one of our days in London and we start our walk today from the hotel where we stayed during the trip.
Starting from Tottenham Court Road, we will discover hidden corners and interesting details on the streets of Soho and Covent Garden. This pleasant walk, which will take about 3.5 km, will eventually take us to TrafalgarSquare.
Seven Noses of Soho
In 1997, mysterious sculpted noses began appearing on Soho’s buildings. For many years it was unknown who made them and why, and all sorts of legends have grown up around them – according to some, whoever could find them all would make an infinite fortune!
Finally, in 2011, artist Rick Buckley announced that he had installed them as an art protest against the culture of surveillance. Initially there were 35 of them, but today only 7 remain.
Statue of Charles I
During the English Civil War, Parliament ordered the statue of Charles I to be destroyed. The task was given to a blacksmith named John Rivett, but instead of destroying the statue, Rivett secretly hid it. He even took advantage of the situation to sell fake cutlery to the public, which he claimed was made from the metal of the statue!
Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 , the statue was un veiled. The statue was erected at Charing Cross , its present site, in 1675. Today, the statue of Charles I looks across Whitehall towards the site of his execution.
London’s Smallest Police Station
On the south-east corner of Trafalgar Square , of what appears to be an ordinary stone lamppost you can see that it is actually the smallest police station in London. This mini outpost was built in the 1920s, to a phone line directly connected to Scotland Yard It used to have a light signal to alert nearby police of incidents.
Today it is only used for storage – but it is still fun to explore.
Iconic Red Telephone Booths
Britain’s most recognisable one of the symbols of the red telephone booths, with two different designs:
The K2 model was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1926.A lighter and smaller version , the K6 , was developed in 1935. Although not in active use today, these huts are still an indispensable part of classic London photographs.
Cleopatra’s Needle
Located on the banks of the River Thames, Cleopatra’s Needle is one of the oldest man-made artefacts on the streets of London. It dates back to about 1450 BC, to the reign of Thutmose III in Ancient Egypt, so it is almost 3500 years old.
It was not taken by force like many historical artefacts; it was gifted to England by the Egyptian government in 1819. However, it could not be brought to London for a long time because the transport costs belonged to England.
The monument, weighing 224 tonnes, was brought to London in 1877 with the support of British citizens. It was almost lost in the Bay of Biscayin a storm during the transport and unfortunately six crew members lost their lives.
Today it is located on Victoria Embankment. If you visit, you can also see shrapnel traces from World War Iunderneath.
Neal’s Yard
Tucked away near Covent Garden, this colourful little courtyard is today one of the loveliest corners of London. In the mid-1970s, however, it was a rather dilapidated and derelict place.
Visionary Nicholas Saunders bought a derelict building here in 1976 for less than £7,000. He initially planned to live there, but when permission was refused, he took a different route and opened a natural products shop.
Using materials salvaged from demolition sites, the shop quickly attracted a lot of attention thanks to its affordable products and friendly atmosphere.
Over time, Neal’s Yard became a gathering place for independent and green businesses, with a warm neighbourhood feel. Today, it is still a living corner full of stories of friendship.
Soho House Greek Street: The Birth of a Creatives Club
One of the places that shaped the spirit of Soho streets is Soho House. Opened in 1995 at 40 Greek Street by Nick Jones, this exclusive club was designed for artists, writers and media professionals from the creative industries.At the time, Soho was one of the most energetic and bohemian areas of London, and Soho House became an intimate meeting point that reflected this free spirit.Today, although there are branches all over the world, this first Soho House on Greek Street is still the “starting point”. If you are passing by, don’t forget to take a look at this historic building where the modern concept of a membership club was born.
London’s Famous Red Buses
First double-decker buses, It started in 18 29 with horse-drawn carriages introduced in London by George Shillibeer.
In the early 20th century motorised versions became common on the streets of London. Commissioned in 1956, the AEC Routemaster, It became a symbol of London with its open rear platform and durable structure.
This legendary model remained in active service until 2005.
In the early 1900s, competition between transport companies in the city was fierce.
The London General Omnibus Company painted its buses red to stand out from the rest – thus the iconic colour that today is synonymous with London was born. Today, more than 7,500 buses operate in London on more than 700 routes.
And they carry around 6 million passengers every day!
Opened in 1894, this iconic bridge is a retractable bascule bridge designed to facilitate ship traffic over the River Thames. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the glass-floored walkways and explore the bridge’s mechanical systems. The bridge is free to cross, but access to the towers is chargeable.
Visiting Hours: Daily 09:30 – 18:00 (Last entry 17:00)
Entrance Fee: Adult £12.30, Child £6.20 towerbridge.org.uk
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this baroque cathedral was completed in 17 10. Visitors can see the unique view of London from the dome.
Visiting Hours: Monday-Saturday 08:30 – 16:30 (opens at 10:00 on Wednesdays)
Entrance Fee: Adult £20, Child £8.50 stpauls.co.uk
This 135 metre high Ferris wheel is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. A tour lasts about 30 minutes and offers a 360-degree view of the city.
Visiting Hours: Varies according to the season; it is recommended to check before visiting.
Entrance Fee: Adult £32.50, Child £29.50 londoneye.com
This clock tower, one of the symbols of London, was completed in 1859. Visitors can explore the tower with guided tours.
Visiting Information: It is not open to visitors but you can photograph it from outside. One of the most beautiful spots to photograph is the Fountain of St. Thomas Gardens. Thomas Gardens location, you can take great photos from here and from the walls in front of it.
This palace , the official residence of the British monarchy, is open to the public during the summer months. Visitors can visit the state rooms and gardens.
Visiting Period: 10 July – 28 September 2025 Entrance Fee: It is cheaper to buy tickets in advance. Adult £32, Child £16 rct.ukrct.uk
Dating back over 1000 years, this gothic church is famous for coronations and royal weddings . Visitors can explore historic tombs and architectural details.
Visiting Hours: Monday-Friday 09:30 – 15:30, Saturday 09:00 – 15:00
Entrance Fee: It depends on the type of ticket. Tickets here. Official website: westminster-abbey.org
This building , which is the centre of the British Parliament, attracts attention with its gothic architecture. Visitors can visit the parliament chambers with guided tours.
Visit Info: Guided tours must be booked in advance. parliament.uk
This palace, where members of the royal family lived, offers visitors historic rooms and gardens.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last entry 17:00)
Entrance Fee: Adult £24.70, Child £12.40 – hrp.org.ukhrp.org.uk
This building, which attracts attention with its neoclassical architecture, hosts art galleries and events. Entrance is free; tickets may be required for some exhibitions. There is also a very famous restaurant called Spring inside.
Info: somersethouse.org.uk
This hotel is characterised by its Gothic architecture and is integrated into King’s Cross Station. Visitors can experience the historic atmosphere of the hotel, Harry Potter fans will remember this hotel from the films.
Home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of human history, this museum houses iconic artefacts such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon statues and Egyptian mummies. Admission is free, but online booking is recommended to avoid queues during peak periods. britishmuseum.org
It has a rich collection of natural history, from dinosaur skeletons to a model of a giant blue whale. Admission is free, but tickets may be required for some special exhibitions. Home | Natural History Museum
Housed in a former power station on the banks of the River Thames, this museum is dedicated to Picasso, It exhibits modern and contemporary works by artists such as Matisse and Yayoi Kusama. Admission is free; tickets may be required for special exhibitions. tate.org.uk
The V &A, the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, houses 2.3 million objects spanning more than 5.2.3 million objects spanning more than 5,000 years. Admission is free; tickets may be required for some special exhibitions. Victoria and Albert Museum
Located in Trafalgar Square, this gallery houses works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci and Rembrandt. Admission is free; tickets may be required for special exhibitions. nationalgallery.org.uk
The museum offers interactive exhibitions on the history of science and technology and is especially ideal for families with children. Admission is free; tickets may be required for some special exhibitions. Science Museum
Showcasing over 500 years of British art, this museum is characterised by the works of J.M.W. Turner. Admission is free; tickets may be required for special exhibitions. tate.org.uk
This museum, which houses eighteenth-century French furniture, armour and paintings by old masters, is housed in a historic mansion. Admission to the permanent collection is free. The Wallace Collection
This museum has a unique collection of the history of surgery and exhibits examples from the 18th century. Admission is free; advance booking is recommended during peak periods.
This gallery exhibits leading examples of contemporary art, It also hosts various events. Entrance is free of charge.
General admission is free. However, a fee may be charged for some special exhibitions npg.org.uk. Featuring portraits of important figures in British history, this gallery is ideal for art and history buffs.
*Prices may vary according to the date of visit.
Entrance Fee: Entrance to the exhibition ‘Flowers – Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture’ exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery for a starting price of £10.
A pioneer of contemporary art , this gallery is known for its innovative and experimental exhibitions.
Entrance Fee: Standard tickets for theatre tours are £17, £10 for children, £13.50 for students and a family ticket is £46 londonpass.com.
Guided tours and live performances are offered in this theatre, which gives the atmosphere of the Shakespearean era.
Entrance Fee: £19 for adults, £17 for discounted tickets and £14 for children sherlock-holmes.co.uk.
Designed as the home of the famous detective, this museum offers a unique experience for his fans.
Entrance Fee: £14 for adults, discounted tickets are £9 leightonhouse.digitickets.co.uk.
Home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton , this museum reflects the fusion of Eastern and Western art.
Entrance Fee: Adults £33 members and under five ‘s free. iwm.org.uk. This museum is notable for its extensive collections of war history, offers visitors an impressive experience.
Admission: adults £24, children £12 for the Royal Observatory; adults £22, children £11 for the Cutty Sark rmg.co.uk. Recognised for its rich collections of maritime and astronomical history, this complex is particularly recommended for science enthusiasts.
Entrance Fee: Tickets entitle you to unlimited entry to the museum and one ride on the Mail Rail train. Adult ticket £18.5 – discounted for teenagers and children. Info: postalmuseum.org
This museum, which tells the postal history of England with interactive exhibitions, is a fun stop especially for families.
Kew Gardens, home to one of the richest plant collections in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flowers and greenhouses blooming in spring offer a unique experience to visitors.
This large green area in north London is known for its natural walkways and ponds. Kenwood House is a historic mansion and can be visited free of charge.
Regent’s Park, with its landscaped gardens and open-air theatre, offers a panoramic view of London from Primrose Hill, especially at sunset or sunrise.
Kensington Gardens is known for the Diana Memorial and the Serpentine Gallery, while Hyde Park is famous for its Serpentine Lake and Speaker’s Corner. Two huge parks in the centre of the city.
Located in Kensington, this park is known for its Japanese Kyoto Garden and outdoor activities.Especially in spring, when the surrounding sakura and magnolia trees bloom, it takes on a marvellous spirit.
Located on the banks of the River Thames, this park is ideal for families with its ponds, playgrounds and art gallery. In spring, it is a wonderful park covered with different flowers every season.
Located in East London, this park is known for its large green spaces and ponds. There are many good bakeries and shops in the neighbourhood. It is ideal for a picnic in the park.
This roof garden is located in the city centre, It offers 360-degree views of London and can be visited for free. You can observe iconic buildings such as Tower Bridge, London Tower, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye from this terrace garden.
Opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, this small garden with its reflecting pool offers a tranquil atmosphere. It is a tiny green space but a great place to photograph the cathedral.
These gardens are located on the banks of the River Thames, It is famous for its floral arrangements and events organised during the summer months.It was a gift from Egypt , but it didn ‘t arrive in London Cleopatra’s Needle obelisk , which has survived many events, is also here.
Richmond Park , London’s largest royal park, It is home to hundreds of free-roaming herds of red and fallow deer. Nature awakens in the spring and the Thames A peaceful getaway with views overlooking the sea. The area around Pembroke Lodge in particular is ideal for walking and picnics.
London’s oldest and most famous food market. Full of fresh produce, street flavours and gourmet stalls.
Tuesday – Friday 10:00-17:00, Saturday 9:00-17:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00 boroughmarket.org.uk
A historic market full of handmade goods, antiques and street artists.
Open daily; Monday antiques, Tuesday-Friday general market, Weekends arts and crafts coventgarden.london
A flower market full ofcolourful flowers and plants, only on Sundays .
Sunday 8:00–15:00 columbiaroad.info
The world’s largest antique market, famous for antiques, vintage clothes and street food.
Monday – Wednesday 9:00-18:00, Thursday 9:00-13:00, Friday – Saturday 9:00-19:00 portobelloroad.co.uk
An indoor market full of modern design products, vintage items and various food stalls.
Monday – Wednesday, Friday 10:00-20:00, Thursday 8:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-17:00
A historical covered market; it attracts attention with its architecture and hosts various restaurants and shops. It is also one of the Harry Potter filming locations.
Open every day; shop and restaurant hours variable
A lively market in Hackney, where local producers offer fresh produce and street flavours.
Saturday 9:00-17:00
A small but high quality food market under the railway arches in Bermondsey.
Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 11:00-16:00
A modern market set in a former church building, serving a variety of international cuisine.
Monday – Thursday 12:00-23:00, Friday – Saturday 12:00-00:00, Sunday 12:00-22:30 mercatometropolitano.com
Daunt Books (Marylebone & Notting Hill)
An independent bookshop famous for its Edwardian architecture and travel-themed book arrangement.
Hatchards (Piccadilly)
is Britain’s oldest bookshop, foundedin 1797. Serving the royal family , this five-storey store, Fortnum & It is located right next to Mason.
Libreria Bookshop (Spitalfields)
Notable for its mirror ceilings and thematic book arrangement, an independent bookshop.
The Notting Hill Bookshop
A charming bookshop known for its travel books, made famous by the film”Notting Hill”.
Maison Assouline Piccadilly
This London branch of Assouline, known for its luxury lifestyle publications, is more like a cultural salon than a bookshop. Located in a former bank building from the 1920s, the space is surrounded by shelves of large table books, travel and art books. The Swans Bar inside offers the possibility of having a cocktail instead of coffee in a bookshop.
Waterstones Piccadilly
Europe’s largest bookshop, with shelves eight miles long.
Word on the Water (King’s Cross)
moored on Regent’s Canal, Floating bookshop located on a barge fromthe 1920s.
Books for Cooks (Notting Hill)
In this shop full ofcookery books, In the test kitchen at the back, recipes from books are tried out.
Pickled Pepper Books (Crouch End)
A family-friendly bookshop that stands out with its children’s books and activities.
Gosh! Comics (Soho)
A store known for its comic book, graphic novel and manga collections.
Foyles (Charing Cross Road)
A large six-storey bookshop with shelvesfour miles long.
John Sandoe Books (Chelsea)
Foundedin 19 57, is an independent bookshop stocked with over 30,000 books.
One of London’s most prestigious tea houses. Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason symbolises the elegance of British tea culture. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon inside the store is one of the most iconic addresses for traditional afternoon tea.
📍 Address: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
fortnumandmason.com
This five-storey store, which brings the French tea house culture to London, offers more than 1,000 types of tea. The Tea Museum downstairs and the Tea Room upstairs offer both shopping and experience. Lavender Earl Grey, Marco Polo and Marco Polo Roiboos are our favourites. Their earl grey truffle chocolates are also delicious.
📍 Address: 38 King Street, WC2E 8JS
mariagefreres.com
Offering teas from small producer tea farms from around the world, this boutique shop promises one of the most special tea experiences in London with its minimal design and serene atmosphere.
📍 Address: 9 Dering Street, W1S 1AG
postcardteas.com
This cultural centre, where you can experience Japanese aesthetics and tea culture, offers ceremonies, tastings and exclusive Japanese green teas.
📍 Address: 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
japanhouselondon.uk
The historic shop of England’s oldest tea brand. This small but impressive store offers both shopping and a mini museum experience telling the history of the brand.
📍 Address: 216 Strand, WC2R 1AP
twinings.co.uk
Timeless and functional household items, handmade brushes, boutique with an industrial spirit, full ofceramics and stationery products.
📍 Address: 85 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DJ
An aesthetic and modern delicatessen that stands out with its products from sustainable agriculture. Notting Hill branch serves with a café section.
📍 Address (Sloane Square): 245 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, SW1X 0BP
📍 Address (Notting Hill): 309 Portobello Road, W10 5TD
Dairy products, olives from local producers, a friendly neighbourhood deli full of fresh vegetables and bakery products.
📍 Address: 211 Victoria Park Road, E9 7JN
This shop brings the aesthetics of Pophams bakeries to homeware; full of handmade ceramics, jams and coffees.
📍 Address: 19 Prebend Street, Islington, N1 8PF
E5 , one of the best sourdough bakeries in London, also serves flour, olive oil, also offers culinary products such as jams and cereals.
📍 Address: Arch 395, Mentmore Terrace, E8 3PH
A boutique wine shop specialising in natural and biodynamic wines. Offers a simple but thoughtful selection with food pairings.
📍 Address: 107D Broadway Market, E8 4PH
An aesthetic selection of stationery and tabletop products, from Japanese pens to handmade notebooks.
📍 Address: 21 Tower Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 9NS
London branch inspired by rural aesthetics, combining an organic market, bakery and lifestyle boutique.
📍 Address: 208-212 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH
It doesn’t take long to realise that exploring London on foot is like nothing else. This time, we cross the west side of the city on foot, slowly getting lost on a route that stretches from royal history to the Victorian era, from lush green parks to pastel streets.
We start from the shadow of the stone walls of Westminster Abbey. Here, around Big Ben, one of the landmarks of London, we follow the history of these streets that once crowned kings, and the rituals of the British monarchy today as we proceed to Buckingham Palace.
Two important tips, if you want to visit Buckingham Palace, remember that it is only open to visitors in summer and it is more affordable to buy tickets in advance. The “Changing the Guard” ceremony held every morning around 11:00 is famous.
1. Westminster Abbey & Big Ben
Big Ben is not actually the name of the clock tower, but the 13.5 tonne bell inside it. The official name of the tower is “Elizabeth Tower” – this name was given in 2012 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.
All British kings have been crowned in Westminster Abbey since 1066. In addition, the graves of famous names such as Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking are here.
2. Pelicans in St James’s Park
Did you know that the parks in the centre of London were once only for the use of the royal family and that King James I had a zoo in the 17th century where he brought crocodiles, elephants and camels?
Today, this park is mostly inhabited by exotic birds. St.James Park is famous for its pelicans, which often sunbathe around Duck Island.
The first pelicans were sent to England in 16 64 as a diplomatic gift from Russia. Since then , pelicans continue to live in the park – and in a very pleasant way.
3. Hyde Park
Speakers’ Corner in the east of the park has been a platform for public speech es since 1872. Names such as George Orwell and Karl Marx gave speeches here. Today it is still possible to go and set up your own pulpit on Sunday mornings.
4. Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road was a simple country lane known as “Green Lane” in the 1700s, named after the 1739 British victory over the town of Porto Bello in Panama. The market, which became a centre for antiques in the 1940s when ‘rag and bone’ dealers set up stalls, is now a world-famous vintage and design haven. On Saturdays, hundreds of stalls open in the shadow of Victorian houses and the street turns into a real open-air museum.
5. Notting Hill: The Neighbourhood Turned into a Film Set
The 1999 film “Notting Hill” made the neighbourhood famous worldwide. The “Travel Bookshop” in the film is actually it was an antique shop that was converted into a bookshop for the shoot.
The bookshop where Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ “Can I help you at all?!” scene takes place is located at The Notting Hill Bookshop, 13 Blenheim Cres.
Here are some bookshops you can visit while you are in Notting Hill:
Books for Cooks is a delightful shop full of cookery books.
Daunt Books is another bookshop that resembles a film set with its wooden shelves and stairs.
Notting Hill Carnival, which started to be organised after the anti-racist Notting Hill riots in 1958, has a much stronger cultural history. This event, which has become the biggest street festival in Europe, takes place at the end of August every year.
Big Ben is closed to visitors, You should come early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists and take the best photos. The best photo spot is on the other side of the river, you can locate it on the maps as St Thomas’ Riverside Garden.
We are still in one of the most touristic places in London. We slow down our steps with the Londoners walking in Hyde Park and salute the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington Gardens.
On our way, we can visit London’s favourite museums, the V&A and the Natural History Museum from the backyard of Kensington Palace; from there we head towards the hidden Kyoto Garden of Holland Park and the pastel streets of Notting Hill.
The route passes through the vibrancy of Portobello Road Market and ends in small but characterful bookshops.
Not only the city but also the memory of London awaits you on this walk of about 5 kilometres.
