Are you heading to London this year? Make sure you plan ahead because there’s a lot to do! You should also be flexible because every corner comes with a different surprise that you probably didn’t expect. You’ll definitely need more than 48 hours to inhale all that this city has to offer.
So, if you’re planning your trip now, ask yourself these questions to maximize your experience:
- What type of adventure am I seeking?
- How much time do I want to allocate to activities?
- How far am I willing to travel?
- How much am I willing to spend?
Answer these questions and start planning your trip. In London, you’ll find that there is something for every personality type, taste preference, and age. You just have to decide what works best for you!
During my first 48 hours in London, I made sure to explore these locations to make the most of my experience:
1. Borough Market
When you’re traveling, you probably want to know, “where’s the good food?” Well, when I stumbled upon the Borough Market after getting off the popular train stop of London Bridge, my taste buds went wild!
Borough Market is London’s most renowned food and drink market that was established in 1885. It’s the shopping mall for foodies! You’ll find fresh produce plus vegan and vegetarian options for the more health-conscious eaters. There are over 100 stalls filled with London’s finest foods so browse around and choose what your taste buds desire!
2. Chislehurst Caves
Can you imagine living in a cave? You’ll get to explore what cave-life was like when you take a tour of the Chislehurst Caves. These caves are known as London’s largest public air-raid shelter. They are man-made tunnels that were used as shelter for thousands of men and women during World War II.
During the tour, you’ll see how people built an entire community within this dwelling. There were areas for the barber, dentist, hospital, and other skilled workers that helped where needed.
It was quite fascinating to see it all come together. It was even more interesting walking around with a lantern for light and then having it removed to navigate the area in pure darkness with loud sounds from the outside. You’ll have to experience this to learn more!
3. The Shard
Get the best views of London at The Shard. And while you’re getting swept off your feet by the fantastic scenery, make sure you stop by Shangri-La, At the Shard’s restaurant, TĪNG.
I had a three-course dinner with wine pairings. My meal included a muffin-style Dorset Crab with cucumber and granny smith apple juice as a starter, Monkfish with coconut and lemongrass sauce, brown shrimp, and spring onion as my main course, and Cherry Pavlova with cherry sorbet and pistachio cream for dessert!
The food was light, refreshing, and perfectly paired with the best wines from around the world. Dinner at TĪNG is a great way to end your night.
4. London Eye
If seeing the London Eye is on your list of items to-do, you’re in luck because there’s so much more to do in that area. Before locking eyes with the London Eye, I was able to watch the famous Big Ben tick, visit the National Art Gallery (for free!), eat at Southbank Centre Market, and get 10,000 steps in the Whitehall Gardens.
So, if you only have a short time to explore London, go where all the action is! When you get off the Waterloo stop to check out the London Eye, you’ll be greeted with other popular attractions and beauty that take your breath away. Make sure you are camera-ready because you’ll find a lot of Instagram-worthy photos!
Charlene Rhinehart is an award-winning speaker, consultant, and coach who uses digital technologies to share inspiring stories with the world. She helps others live their best life as a Financial Coach at Wealthy Women Daily, Founder of the Career Goddess Academy, and Travel & Lifestyle Writer at BlackCoupleTravels.com.