London in a Weekend

If you are planning a weekend trip to London, take a look at all these places that mustn't be missed!

Firstly, for a good walk, you could start next to the Thames, in the area by the Houses of Parliament. There you will find Big Ben, which, contrary to popular belief, is the name of the bell inside rather than the clock or the tower, which chimes every hour on the hour.

On the Thames you can catch a boat that does a tour along the river with a guide that explains all the main monuments and bridges on the way. If you don't have much time, this is an ideal activity as it gives you a general idea about London. That said, if you go to London in autumn or winter, take a coat and a hot chocolate because the area by the Thames is the coldest because of the water.

If a boat trip isn't for you, on the other side of the river is the London Eye, a huge Ferris wheel (which is quite expensive), from which you can take in the best views of the city.

Near to Big Ben is Downing Street, the street where the British Prime Minister lives. There is also St. James's Park which is home to lots of birds, a lake in the middle with a bridge, and is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch. On the other side of the park to the west is Buckingham Palace, the home of the Queen of England, and where you can see the changing of the guard at 11. 30 am. If the weather is really bad the ceremony probably won't happen. In my opinion, it is quite overrated because there are lots of people so you can't see much and you have to wait a long time if you want to get a good spot to see a one and a half minute-parade. You also can't go inside the palace.

Across the other side of the park to the north is Trafalgar Square, a large square with a tall statue of Nelson in the centre and some lions surrounding it. Also in the impressive square is the National Gallery, which is free to enter and very recommendable as it houses works such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, the Arnolfini Portrait, and a wide collection of impressive works like that of Monet, my personal favourite.

Two streets further up is Piccadilly Circus, a square with a fountain in the middle and has a big screen with public announcements. There are also singing and dancing performers in the street. It is without a doubt the meeting place for many Londoners.

From there you are a stone's throw from the shops on Regent Street and Oxford Street. These streets are all very beautiful and elegant, they border Soho, and they are full of theatres showing a variety of musicals. For example, the Queen's Theatre which is currently showing Les Miserables, which is highly recommended.

On a trip to London, you can't miss a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, after crossing the Millenium Bridge. If you don't have much time you can get to the cathedral on the tube. The nearest stops are Blackfriars or London Bridge. Following the course of the river to the right you will find London Bridge, known throughout the entire world and after crossing it you get to the Tower of London which is a fortification surrounded by grass. The Crown Jewels are kept here, protected by the famous Beefeaters (and a large flock of crows). It is definitely worth visiting inside.

If you have some more time, you could visit Camden Town, the hometown of Amy Winehouse, hippies and punks. There are lots of street markets where you can buy all kinds of things. However, although it is very touristic, it wasn't my cup of tea. Instead, I would recommend visiting Notting Hill, famous for the same name film with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts; it has colourful buildings and a beautiful market on Portobello Road. Don't miss it!