Unforgettable London Trip!

Tanu Batra
Chew the Journey
Published in
3 min readApr 24, 2024

Royal Architecture:

London has amazing old buildings influenced by many European countries. It felt both historic and modern at the same time. I also saw a marathon race, and it was heartwarming to see families cheering on their runners.

Oxford

Planning is Key:

A little pre-trip planning goes a long way! Studying a map beforehand is much more helpful than getting lost and trying to figure things out on the fly.

Royal Albert Hall

Afternoon Tea Delight:

I loved the British tradition of afternoon tea with all the yummy treats.

Knowing the city:

To become a taxi driver, you gotta master the city’s streets, including shortcuts and alternate routes.

Offline is the Way to Go:

Download offline maps before you travel! Cell service can be unreliable in the underground tube.

Focus on One Thing at a Time:

Trying to cram food, shopping, and museums into one day is a recipe for stress. Take your time and savor each experience.

Embrace Solo Travel:

Don’t be afraid to travel alone! You might meet amazing people who could become lifelong friends.

Market Buzz:

Market is a must-visit. The lively atmosphere and the sheer variety are incredible.

Borough Market

Pub Culture Reigns Supreme:

London’s pub culture is alive and well! Stepping into a Victorian-era(1800s!)) and even Charles II (1600s) pub feels like stepping back in time.

A City Steeped in History:

London’s history stretches back to Roman times.

Buckingham Palace Secrets:

With 770 rooms, Buckingham Palace is a true marvel. Look for the Royal flag — if it’s flying, the King is in residence! (There’s even a saying — the Queen’s birthday is her actual birthday, but the King’s birthday is celebrated on a specific day in June, regardless of his actual birthdate.)

Buckingham Palace
St Paul’s Cathedral

PS:

  1. The moving escalator in Tower Bridge was a unique experience!
  2. Smart shops these days ditch the queue altogether! Customers “enjoy” placing their orders directly, then waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for their food. Sure, everyone waits in the end, but hey, at least you weren’t stuck in that awful queue, right?
  3. The Scottish guards’ helmets identify their regiment.
  4. I saw a prison in Oxford. The punishment for prisoners is to do pointless task like to get water you will have go far even if its available nearby.
  5. For museums, bring wired earphones for the audio guides. A local tour guide can also be a worthwhile investment.

Thank you for reading!

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