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Discover the City of London Through a Visual Diary

I think we can agree when I say London is a pretty city. An estimated 20 million tourists visited the British capital last year, making it the world’s second most popular tourist destination. It’s not hard to see why. I, myself, visited the capital twice last year and fell head over heels for it. It is a year-round destination with various attractions fitting to different interests; from culture to art, to an alternative music scene, it really has it all. It is not impossible to explore while remaining budget consciousdespite its reputation for being quite expensive.

This post is designed as a visual diary, capturing the beauty of the city along the River Thames and beyond.

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River Thames

Mornings spent walking along the river is a great way to get to know the city and take in all the sights. And what a beautiful sight it is. A common misconception made by tourists (maybe just me) is that Big Ben is the name of the bell tower. Big Ben is actually the name of the 13-ton bell inside the clock. St Stephens Tower is the official name for the clock tower. Little trivia.

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The London Eye

Perched on the south bank of River Thames, it is the world’s largest observation wheel, standing at 135m. This world famous tourist attraction will take you to the skies with a bird’s eye view of the London Skyline, daily. Its alternate name is Millennium Wheel.

Ticket prices start at £23, book here.

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British Icons

If I were to list all the British Pop-Culture Icons, we would be here for ages. London has countless photo opportunities to incorporate its icons. With the quintessential red double decker buses driving the streets, Union Jacks waving in the air and not forgetting those Red Telephone Boxes, you are spoilt for choices. I admit… I have one too many typical tourist shots of myself with the telephone booths. But how can you not?

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Westminster Abbey

Did you know this is one of the oldest buildings in the city? This 700 yr old Gothic style church is the burial ground to some of the world’s most brilliant minds; Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens just to name a few. If you’re a church goer or fancy sitting in for a service, there are Sunday services or weekday services.

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Regents St

Located in the West End of London, it is a major shopping street famous for its fashion and lifestyle stores. Over the Christmas season and various other celebrations, it undergoes a makeover with lights and decorations covering the length of the street. If shopping isn’t your cup of tea, the buildings along this street are impressive with a classic style, making for an enjoyable stroll between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus Station.

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Trafalgar Square

The Square signifies the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar against French and Spanish combined forces in 1805 led by Admiral Nelson, who died during the battle. Considered to be the heart of the city, it is the largest square in London. Surrounded by museums, cafes and a cultural space, there is a lot to see and do around the area. In front of The National Gallery, there are a lot of buskers and street artists showcasing their talents.

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Neighbourhoods

London is full of cosy neighbourhoods, worth a visit. Hop on the tube and check out Chelsea and Notting Hills as previously mentioned in the Budget Guide: London,. If you wanted to get your ‘gram on, there are endless opportunities in the neighbourhoods, with pastel houses as a background, it’ll be hard to go wrong.

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Tower Bridge

Built in 1894, it is one of the world’s most recognisable bridges. In spite of this, the famous landmark gets mistaken for London Bridge. I regret to inform that London Bridge is a little… underwhelming. To find London Bridge, walk along the river towards Millenium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll pass under a couple of bridges and it’ll be one of them. It may be possible to miss the bridge even though its name is etched on the supporting columns. Keep a look out.

Fun fact: It is a combined drawbridge and suspension bridge. It’s the only bridge on the Thames that can be raised, allowing river traffic to flow through.

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St Paul’s Cathedral from the Millenium Bridge

First built in 604 AD and destroyed thrice, the Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Paul. First destroyed by fire in 675 AD followed by the Vikings in 962 AD and lastly by the Great Fire of London (1666). Millenium Bridge (otherwise known as London Millenium Footbridge) is a suspension bridge for pedestrians. On one end, St Paul’s Cathedral and the other is Tate Modern.

London is a bustling tourism and business hub with rich history and amazing architecture. It’s quite easy to get lost among the buildings and watch as life passes by. I used to think London was just another big city but after visiting it a couple of times, I’ve realised there’s more to it. All the quirky stores, colourful streets and historical buildings at every turn. It is safe to say that I may have fallen in love with the city.

Peace, love and good vibes.

 

This Post Has 27 Comments

  1. Ellie Cleary

    I think you came to London when the sun was shining! Haha, just kidding, it really is a beautiful place (I’m biased as it’s my hometown). One of the things I love most is strolling along southbank on a sunday afternoon, and there’s such an array of cultural activities you can do for free here too! Happy travels, Ellie

  2. Penny

    London has always been my dream ever since I have been a child. It is just so disappointing that I have never managed to make it there. Something always seems to come up!

  3. Lynn

    These photographs are incredible! I love the idea of a visual diary, as I’ve done a few of them myself on my blog in the past. 🙂 My friend and I have been OBSESSED with London ever since we took a week-long trip back in October, so this has me seriously missing that gorgeous city! Thank you for sharing!

  4. London seems so dreamy, even on a cloudy day! Would love to roam up and down the neighborhood streets! They are all so picture perfect!

  5. penelopi

    Dream to be! I lived in Scotland for 1 year but I never visited London! Great article!! 🙂

  6. Kyntra Strickland

    So beautiful! I can’t wait to see London one day. Thanks for sharing!

  7. Sheena

    Very beautiful. Thank you for sharing, I cannot wait to visit London some day!

  8. Joy Sheehan

    I haven’t been to Europe yet, so I loved looking at all of your awesome photos and getting more info on London! Time to start planning a future trip there I guess! Hahah

  9. Kelly

    I love how much you love this city. I love this city because everywhere you turn, there is sole cultural icon or some emblem of world history. I also love the great diversity here. Your pictures really do a fantastic job of capturing the soul of London.
    Cheers!

  10. Oh wait, that tower is not Big Ben? I have been deluded, ha! Love that pic of the Tower Bridge! London holds some dear memories of mine when I visited many years ago. Seeing your posts reminded me of my trip there. =’)

  11. Abbi @ Spin the Windrose

    I haven’t been to London enough times considering I live an hour away by train! I did really enjoy Camden Market though, you can find some real bargains. Loved the photos in this post!

  12. Hendrik

    London is and will always be one of my most favourite places. The spirit of this city is incomparable and amazing. You made some very nice shots of this city – I really like how you managed to exclude on nearly every photo people. It gives your shots a very special character, which is nice!
    The one with the Red Telephone Box is my personal favourite 🙂

  13. Leiha

    London is amazing. I spent a couple of days there, and it wasn’t enough. There’s so much to see and do. I only made it to a couple of the places you visited. Your photo of St Paul’s Cathedral from the Millenium Bridge makes me want to go back right now. Thanks for the beautiful images.

  14. Some day we hope to visit London. Our kids have been there, so it’s only fitting that we give it a go, as well. Thanks for sharing the insightful information.

  15. I lived in London for 10 years and it is absolutely stunning. I used to work north of the river and live south, but every time I crossed the thames, I wouldn’t smile to myself and think “wow! I love this city”

    Great post!

  16. Doro

    London’s always worth a visit! 🙂 But I agree with you on the tower bridge being a little bit underwhelming 😀 Sometimes I just don’t get why certain sights are so popular…

  17. Yes. London is a beautiful city. I love visiting London. You have a great post here and highlighted the best things. Thanks for sharing.

  18. I only spent a few hours in London on a layover but I couldn’t stop snapping pictures! It definitely is a very photogenic city and I hope to return one day to explore more.

  19. Abari

    So Wonderful Article! Thank you for your sharing!

  20. Ariane

    I totally get what you are saying… London is not just another big city! Of course ita has all those known locations but I think that when you are in London you can literally feel that special vibe… and of course the brittish hunmour 🙂

  21. C-Ludik

    Wow… Amazing pictures ! I love this city too. Your post gives the ultimate checklist for things to do in London ! ☺

  22. Milijana

    It is always a delight to return to London. Have you climbed the dome of St. Paul’s cathedral to enjoy the view? If not, I highly recommend it. 😉

  23. Emily

    Ah I miss London – lived there for 10 years! You got some great photos of the main sights. Next time try going up the Shard for an amazing view, or you could also try the Sky Garden in the Walkie-Talkie skyscraper which is free! You can spend a week in London easily and not see everything; so much to do.

  24. Maria

    London is a great city and reading your post brings to memory so many nice moments I’ve spent there. Is not always possible to get sunny days, but your photos are really nice, nevertheless.

  25. Rajkumar Gaikwad

    London is a pretty and a amazing city as well. On top priority of my bucket list after I get hitched, my fiancee is really in love with London. So hope to get there soon.;-)

  26. Brian Joseph

    I am a regular reader of your blog. Your blogs help me a lot.

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