If you live to travel, then there’s probably no destination more lovely than London in autumn. With crisp, colorful leaves to the picturesque country, London has something for everyone. So when it comes to creating your itinerary, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. You could hit all the top tourist spots, but there’s so much more to do and see. If you’re ready to see everything London has to offer, here’s some to the top places to add to your itinerary.
Vacation Prep
Aside from packing for the often-chilly temperatures, you need to make sure you have enough to do the things you want to do. That’s where financial planning comes into play. If you’re been saving up for a while, you still need to crunch the numbers and plan for unexpected costs. These typically include cancelled flights, transportation, meals, and clothing. If you’re planning on vacation in a whim, you still need enough money to make it worthwhile. In this case, you could apply for a personal loan to cover the cost. Even if it’s not for all of your expenses, you can apply for a loan that covers your flights and lodging. That way, you can use the money you do have to play for meals and any other expenses that come your way.
Walking Tours
Instead of hopping on a tour bus, why not take a walking tour? London is a big city, so there’s no shortage of themed tours you can take. You can choose a street art tour, or you could go on a walking food tour. If you get tired, there are also plenty of hip-on, hop-off bus tours you can do as well. Just don’t forget to bring your raincoat. In the fall, it’s a given that there is a lot of rain, so the last thing you want is to be soaking wet on top on a bus.
Visit Museums
There are plenty of museums to see in the city, including the museum of the year, Horiman Museum. Some offer museum at night specials, like at ones hosted by Culture 24 while others will host fall-themed events. Since Halloween is right around the corner, be on the lookout for spooktaculars held by local museums.
Hyde Park
Coined as one of the most famous parks in the world, Hyde Park is not to be missed. It’s rich in history and is also one of the best places to go paddleboarding, have a picnic, or simply sit and watch the swans swim by. Regardless of how long you’re in town, seeing Hyde Park is a must.
Westminster Abbey
Considered the main political hub, Westminster Abbey is also home to Big Ben and Parliament. Big Ben is the most famous clock tower in the world. It’s open to the public most days, and houses some of the most statues of Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
Check out Covent Gardens
Located in the West End between Drury Lane and St. Martin’s Lane, Covent Gardens is one place you don’t want to miss. You can enjoy local fare, sit and watch tourists go by and of course, shop until your heart’s content. In addition, you’ll find the Theatre Royal, St. Paul’s Church, and the Covent Garden Market. There is also a slew of pubs to wet your whistle.
The Tube
While it’s not a landmark the Underground is not to be missed. The subway is so impeccably clean that you might want to stop and take a photo. It’s a far cry from what you find in big cities like New York.
Visit Camden
Camden is a quaint quarter that is known for its international flair. There are plenty of authentic restaurants, vegan bakeries and stalls where you can buy trinkets to take home. There’s also no shortage of vintage shops where you can look for hidden treasures.
The London Eye
Have you ever seen pictures on Instagram of people standing in front of a huge ferris wheel? Well, that’s the London Eye. This Instagram-worthy spot lights up at night and is also adorned with Christmas lights during the holiday season. It’s also a short walk away from the aquarium, which is another place you definitely need to visit.
Soho
Soho used to be the place where people looking for companionship, usually only for the night, would go. However, Soho has come a long way and is now full of jazz clubs where you can enjoy a night on the town. It’s also close to Leichter Square, another hotspot to grab a nightcap.
Shoreditch
Also known for its high-end restaurants and cocktail bars, Shoreditch is worth visiting. Even if you don’t drink, you should still go and enjoy a mocktail. The Trapeze, which is a circus-themed bar, serves drinks in popcorn tubs whereas Far Rockaway is a visual delight with comic book displays and band posters on the walls.
Hampstead Heath
Spanning over 790 acres, Hampstead Heath offers stellar views of Parliament Hill. There are plenty grassy knolls to stretch out on by glistening ponds to admire. You can also walk to Kentwood House, which is known for its curated collection art.
British Film Institute
Film buffs need to check out BFI. Situated in South Bank, you can watch the most popular movies to cult classics that you want to watch time and again. There is also an on-site restaurant where you can grab a bite to wat before or after the show.
Take a Thames Cruise
If you love all things water and want to see this beautiful city by boat, you can take a cruise down the Thames. You can choose to cruise the Thames by night to see the city lit up, or you can enjoy the views of day and snap photos of all the major attractions.
Baker Street
To wrap up your trip, you should head over to Baker Street. It’s said that this is the street where Sherlock Holmes used to live. Madame Tussauds is nearby, and here is a great place to get Madame Tussauds London tickets, so don’t forget to stop by.