London, The World’s Most Exciting City

Hello, fellow travellers! I hope you are all enjoying wonderful weather!

One of my readers challenged me to name the most exciting city in the world. That is a difficult question to answer. I have been to many exciting cities, but I have to say that London is the most exciting. In fact, London is still the capital of the world, even if the British Empire is long gone.

Soho looking vibrant

During the Nineteenth Century, Queen Victoria set about making London a truly global city as the capital of her empire. Today, the city is endowed with a cosmopolitan tradition of intermingled cultures, beautiful landmarks, fantastic museums and a legacy of every sort of event. There is literally something exciting for everyone to do in London.

London is easy to reach regardless of your mode of travel. It is amongst the busiest international flying destinations with five airports serving the metropolitan area. And it is also a major rail destination. You can even cruise or sail into as many have done for centuries. Finally, judging by the extensive motorway network, many choose to visit by car or bus. London has one of the best and most convenient underground networks in existence.

Don’t be a noob, take the tube!

Here’s a Pro-Tip: Use the Heathrow or Gatwick Express high-speed train into Central London and then the  Underground to reach your hotel the quickest with the least hassle. The taxis are pricey from the airport and they are much slower than the rail and ‘tube’ network. Once you are close to your hotel, you can always jump into a black cab for a quick and inexpensive ride to your ultimate destination.

Eye love you, London!

Once in the City, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the exciting options at your disposal. I love the museums all over the city. They are some of the very best in the world. I skip ‘tourist’ choices like Madame Tussaud’s for the traditional world-class venues. My favourites include the Victoria and Albert Museum (the ‘V&A’), the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum but there are many excellent collections throughout the city. There is no charge for most of these exciting venues but you can provide a charitable donation if you wish.

There are notable landmarks all over the city. The Tower of London is one of my favourites along with Westminster Abbey and nearby Buckingham Palace. To feel part of the Medieval city, check out Saint Paul’s Cathedral. To experience nature within the City, visit Hyde Park, Green Park or walk the embankment by the world-famous Thames river. The London Eye charges for admission but provides a birds- eye view of the entire city from its position on Southbank across the river from Big Ben and the House of Parliament.

Speaking of Southbank, it is full of cool places to see, things to do and great places to eat! Enjoy the view of Tower Bridge from Southwark. Check out a play in the Globe Theatre, visit the Tate Modern art gallery, then visit Borough Market for the very best street food in the entire world.

Market fresh produce and incredible street food

A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without sampling its fantastic and varied cuisines. Visit Edgeware Road for the best Middle Eastern food, China town for scrumptious authentic oriental food, and literally every street in London for excellent Indian food. Indian food is the most popular cuisine. A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without sampling the fare at its gastro-pubs.

The city’s buzz is intoxicating!

My favourite pub is ‘The Punchbowl” in Mayfair. It is one of the oldest pubs in Mayfair, has a fantastic menu and is owned by the Movie Director, Guy Richie. It’s a great place to spot celebrities downing a pint or two!

As you would expect, there are a myriad of options for hotels to serve any lifestyle and taste. Some of the world’s best hotels, but they can be pricey.

I suggest that you checkout some of the quirkier hotels that London has that offer world-class service like the Sanderson Hotel, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel and the Novotel London Canary Wharf for super-cool venues that won’t break the budget.

London has been a centre for shopping and commerce for centuries but is an especially good value right now with the Brexit-impacted Pound Sterling. Trade your foreign currency when you arrive or use a local cash machine for the best rate. Then, visit Oxford Street for the obligatory shopping experience. Locals eschew Harrod’s for Harvey Nichols a few hundred meters further east. Soho offers eclectic and quirky shopping while Westfields is a temperature controlled mega-mall for when the weather prohibits walking outside. London has a store to sell anything you wish to buy!

Another Pro-Tip: Visiting London during the long summer evenings is the very best. The weather is warm and (mostly) dry, the light has a special soft quality and the City has a buzz like no other place in the world.

London is the most exciting city in the entire world and it is the best value right now for many years. Visit when you can, use my recommendations, and think of me fondly!

Love,

Isabella