A bad day in London is better than a good day anywhere else.

HOW IT BEGAN..

I was 13 years old when I first went to London. We went on a group tour with many other unknown families. Initially, it looked like a very bad idea to me. The weather was the main reason why I started to dislike in that place. Being an inquisitive teenager, I wondered what was all the hype about. However, when I turned 16, I got an opportunity to go to Birmingham for an exchange program. And remembering my last experience in England, I really did not want to go. But my parents forced me and sent me anyway. This time, when my college authorities took me to London, somehow, it felt more familiar. With every second that I spent there, I started to fall in love with the city. And here I am today, sharing it with you.

Source

ALL THE PLACES I VISITED

1. THE LONDON EYE - When I first saw I felt scared. It was so huge I couldn't help but think what would happen if it fell. We bought the tickets and waited for our turn to go up. I wondered and wondered what would happen if the weight was too much inside the cubical. Or what if the glass broke. Yes, I was paranoid. But, to my surprise, when we finally went in and the eye moved, it was so smooth that it almost calmed me. But more than that, as we went up and i got a clearer look of city, it started to seem more and more beautiful. I had never seen something so vintage and modern together. My outlook of the city changed. It was a great experience.

Source

Source

Mean time we also got souvenirs for ourseves.

Source

2. LONDON BRIDGE - Yes I saw the bridge open! It was something I always wanted to do, watch the london bridge make way for ships. It was like a dream come true. Apart from that, the bridge is so beautiful it almost looks fictional.

Source

The guide however, gave us some general knowledge on the bridge. He told us that at the end of the 18th century, it was apparent that the old London Bridge — by then over 600 yearsold— needed to be replaced. It was narrow and decrepit, and blocked river traffic. The old bridge continued in use while the new bridge was being built, and was demolished after the latter opened in 1831. New approach roads had to be built, which cost three times as much as the bridge itself. The total costs being around £2. 5 million.

Source

3. HOP ON HOP OFF BUS RIDE - It was so much fun! It's convenient and takes you all places important in one day. They even tell you about the history of places and make sure you get a proper idea about the place you're visiting.

Source

Source

4. THAMES RIVER CRUISE- Running through the middle of the city, River Thames is the perfect vantage point for taking in some of the London's most iconic sites. So we opted for the bateaux London tour, which is basically a meal in the glass fronted vessel with a panoramic view of the riverside. They have a freshly prepared menu along with some live entertainment like a pianist or a guitarist. The ambience is lovely and you get to experience a very different kind of ride. That one meal was the highlight of our trip.

Source

Source

5. WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR- When I heard it for the first time, I was like, "WHHHAAAATTT, " I just couldn't beliebe they even have such a thing! I mean who doesn't want to have a magical day out with a behind-the-scenes-tour of Harry Potter at the warner bros. studio tour! From the costumes to props, you could see them right in front of your eyes! But, that wasn't it, they even revealed some of the actual tricks and illusions they used in the movie. It was one of the best things that can happen to a potterhead! So if you are planning to visit their studio, make sure to book your tickets before hand as they do not sell any on the doors. Also, the tickets can be a little expensive, for like around a 70pounds per person, so make sure you reach on time and make full use of it.

Source

Source

6. BUKINGHAM PALACE TOUR- What a first hand experience at what royalty looks like? Heres your place. Bukingham palace is nothing less than absolutely stunning. Its architecture looks so delicately done that even if you're not into the line, you'd still aprreciate the craftsmanship. And everything they say about the gaurds standing completely still, let me tell you something my friends, its very very true. They just don't move!

So, I couldn't go inside, but if you want to, you need to book tickets before hand for this as well.

Also, their gaurd changing ceremony is worth a watch.

Source

7. TOWER OF LONDON- Despite the tower's grim reputation of being a place for torture and death It is one of the most visited tourist places. So if you are interested in learning about where all the famous executions took place and hear the legend of the tower's raven, do visit the place. It isn't as creepy as it sounds, you can take my word for it!

Source

8. MADAME TUSSAUDS LONDON- Want to experience a red carpet set up? Well, this is the place for you! Although here you get an advantage of not just coming face to face with the movie stars, but also most of the influenial people that have existed so far in different sector. From Gady gaga to Shakespeare, you can get a picture with their duplicate wax statues, that look almost better than the real!

Oh and don't forget to get a picture with Beyonce!

Source

9. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - This coronation church of London is over 700 years old! It welcomes more than one million visiters every year. They provide you an audio guide with each ticket and it takes around an hour to finish the tour. It is very informative and the interiors are totally worth a glance. Its absolutely a stunning piece of architecture. So do not miss this!

Source

Source

10. THE SHARD - The view from the Shard has become the most a major tourist attraction since it was first built. Designed by master architect Renzo, it defines the London's new skyline. It rises almost 800Ft above the ground. You can literally see the whole city at once!

Also, if you book your tickets in advance, you save upto 5pounds on each ticket, so make sure to do that. And, apart from that, its totally worth your while. No other place can give you the chills that The Shard does. So don't miss it for anything.

Source

Source

So I hope this information helps you whenever you plan to visit this iconic city. Its beautiful and vibrant and makes you feel like home in no time. I fell in love with London, and I believe so will you. Kepp your travel spirit up and make sure to explore the city to its best. After all, You only live once, so why not seize every opportunity that you get?

Thank you.

Source