London On the Fly

Queens and Kings and Castles… oh my!

What not to miss

What to do

What to eat

Where to stay

Know before you go: London

 

  • Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) 5 hours ahead of the U.S. EST
  • Language: UK English
  • Climate: A temperate oceanic climate which gives the city cool winters, warm summers with precipitation fairly evenly distributed all year round
  • Currency: Euro
  • Electricity: The UK operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will need a plug Type G travel adapter
St Paul's Cathedral

What NOT to miss in London:

London’s 400 years of history is reflected in its diverse architecture and eclectic mix of people, cultures, and traditions. With its historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class attractions, London is truly an unforgettable city. Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace (11:00 am daily), the official London residence of the King. Visit the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, is a historic castle that has been used as a royal palace, a prison, and an observatory.

View from the top of St. Paul's Cathedral

What TO DO in London:

  • Churchill War Rooms: Descend into the underground bunker where Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his staff planned Britain’s strategy during World War II
  • Tate Modern: This converted power station houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, from Picasso and Matisse to Rothko and Warhol
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral: This magnificent cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It took over 30 years to build, and its dome is said to be the second largest in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
  • Westminster Abbey: This royal church has been the site of coronations for centuries, and it’s the final resting place of many famous Brits, including Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin
  • National Portrait Gallery: This gallery houses a vast collection of portraits of famous Britons, from kings and queens to writers and artists
London's Tower Bridge

Places TO EAT in London:

A few of our favorites:

  • Duck & Waffle – 40th floor with panoramic views of London, open 24 hours per day
  • Borough Market – one of the largest and oldest food markets in London
  • Hide, 85 Picadilly – charming three-story, Michelin starred restaurant
  • Clos Maggiore (french)
  • Gymkhana (indian)
  • Bao dumplings – fast casual asian (Soho, Kings Cross, Borough)
Duck & Waffle

Where TO STAY in London:

  • Near Buckingham Palace & St. James Park: St. Ermin’s Hotel, 2 Caxton St.
  • Near Trafalgar Square: The Royal Horseguards Hotel, 2 Whitehall Ct
  • Near The British Museum: Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, ​​1-8 Russell Sq
St. Ermin's Hotel courtyard

Off the beaten path London

  • Sherlock Holmes Museum: Step back in time and enter a world of Victorian curiosities, including the objects, letters and characters from the detective’s most famous cases.
  • Leake Street Arches: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of street art in this underground tunnel transformed into a captivating canvas for local and international artists. Admire the ever-changing murals, from bold social commentary to playful graffiti.
  • Saint Dunstan in the East: Step back in time and explore the remnants of a medieval church, Saint Dunstan in the East. Once a bustling center of worship, the church was ravaged by the Great Fire of London, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful ruin. 
  • The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History: This eccentric collection houses an eclectic array of artifacts, from medical oddities and ancient relics to taxidermy specimens and historical artifacts.
Kim on the Fly
Tate Modern Museum neighborhood