My London Eye - a quick guide to the perfect layover

Can't get enough of London!!! In the last couple of years I have enjoyed several stops in this unique destination. Some short, some others long but ALL of them with one thing in common - my layovers in London were MAGICAL. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, it seems like every time I find something new and charming to do. I have tried the food, the party, the shopping, the sight seeing and every time I fall  more and more in love with this place.

Catching the sun in the south bank of the River Thames 

Take a stroll around Buckingham Palace

These are my favorite things to do if you ONLY have 24 hours and this is your first time here:

Of course you need to be cultured and check off your list all these main spots that make London so POSH: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace ( in this last one try to catch the change of guard). Depending on the beauty of the sky and the season you should get on the London Eye to enjoy a beautiful sunset. If there is enough time please do squeeze in the boat ride on the River Thames. It's truly magical to see such a vibrant city from the water (bring a jacket or heavy cover because no matter if summer or winter it gets COLD on the  boat). If you love walking like me and the weather allows it, do this city tour by foot. It's virtually impossible to get lost in London and if you do, you will discover new things to make you fall in love. Also, another option is the red bus. This last one for about $40 will drive you around and give you some history on the way. Not a bad deal if you want to feel like a total tourist.

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster

The famous Nelson's Column 

*Gabriela_Wanderlust TIP: If visiting after September 1st come on an even day because there is NO changing of the guard on odd days.

THESE attractions will pack your first 24 hours and you will wish to stay another day. If you do and you have 48 hours here, then this is my list to do:

Kensington Palace - quick stop for your bike ride

The Big Ben SELFIE

Sports are in my blood so one my favorite ways to explore London is by bike. They are easy to rent throughout the city and if you are feeling adventurous, you will discover a whole new face of the city. Try to ride as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic and enjoy the beautiful colors of sunrise. Prime time (depending on the month) is 7am and temperature of 50 degrees - SIMPLY HEAVEN. There are multiple trails to choose from. London is very friendly for biking so get started in one of the fabulous parks and ride your way down to the financial district. These will be the BEST couple hours spent exploring. Don't forget to take quick refreshing break along the river and in the local Pubs while you are at it.

These is a list of parks to visit:

Victoria Park, Greenwhich Park, Hyde park, Kensington Gardens (Of course), Regent's Park, Richmond park and St James Park. In some of these parks you must get off the bike and walk in. Again, depending on the weather you can have a enchanted picnic on the lawn (bring wine, cheese and snacks). The beauty of the natural setting in the middle of the city will literally take your breath away!!! 

Fall ride in Victoria Park

*Gabriela_Wanderlust TIP: Take a few minutes to visit the beautiful Swans at the Serpentine Lake at the Hyde Park. Simply a MAGICAL experience.

If you woke up early enough then after this little park tour you will be hungry and ready for a late lunch/drink. My TOP recommendation for a sunset lunch/early dinner would be to head up high to the Sky garden or Top of the Shard. In these 2 roof tops you can watch the city winding down. It's truly an spectacular sight. A little touristy but still very enjoyable. Another great place for sushi on top of London is the Sushi Samba. They have an popping outside terrace and the design is so beautiful. It will become a lounge if you stay late enough.

SkyGarden - Make sure you reserve your visit in ADVANCE!!

View from TOP OF THE SHARD!! A must see

Still have energy? Head to Mayfair for a posh drink and to mingle with the locals.

Some of my favorite spots to eat and drink after a long day are: Novikov, Zuma, Bodega La Negra, any of the many restaurants at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Room at Grosvenor House, La Petite Maison, Corrigans, Cut at 45 Park Lane, Espelette, Hakkasan, Pescatori Fish and Seafood, Coya, Cecconis.

YOU MADE IT!!! Your first 48 hours were a total sucess. Have some energy to burn?? In the next 24 hours you should get in the tube and explore the following areas. By the end of the day you will feel like a local LOL

Bloomsburry, Mayfair, Wembley and Whitechapel. Canary Wharf has recently developed into a new financial and commercial hub in the Docklands to the East. Great around happy hour time. The west End is London's main entertainment and shopping district. Kengsington and Chelsea are my favorites to see the locals in their everyday lives. These last 2 areas can also show you some of the most spectacular pieces of property in the city. And  PRICEY - the average home sells for about 4million pounds!

Oxford Circus - The equivalent to our Times Square in NYC

This third day I highly recommend to visit HARRODS! This iconic shopping experience will be one in a life time. Reserve in advance for Tea time or do champagne for lunch. It  is a unique department store that would make you feel like Royalty EVERYBODY LOVES HARRODS, you will not regret spending most of your last day here.

Try everything you can afford at HARRODS!! 

Hope these options can help you plan your layover in London. Being one of the biggest hops in the world, I felt the need to talk about what you can do in your quick stops there. Nonetheless, I would recommend to spend at least a week exploring London. Each area transforms into little villages and they offer a million different options for food and entertainment. Here you can find and enjoy all cultures, move around easily in the public transport and enjoy fun for all ages. Simply one of the best cities to visit!!! A lay over in London will leave you hungry from more. POSH POSH POSH 

Summer days relaxing and people watching

THE SHARD: 87-story Skyscraper in Southwark 

Interesting facts about LONDON:

This TOP Global city is one of the capitals of the world. It posses strengths in arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport.

London has the world's largest airport system. It's the 5th GDP and the largest concentration of higher education in Europe.


LONDON has it all!! THE END