London Things to Do

Opened in 1863, London’s underground metro system, called the Tube, was the first in the world. More than 26,000 people used it each day in its first six months, and 11.8 million people rode the rails in the first year of operation. To celebrate the Tube’s historic 150th anniversary, the city of London has planned several events throughout the year

Along with the vintage red telephone boxes, black taxi-cabs and the red-suited Royal guards with their towering bearskin hats, the double decker bus, traditionally painted in fire-engine red, has become one of the most famous symbols of London. While the classic red versions are now more commonly found emblazoned across souvenir mugs and key rings than chugging along the streets (although there are still some in action), the double-decker bus is still one of the most popular methods of transport for Londoner’s to get from A to B.

With its magnificent dome presiding over London’s skyline, St Paul’s Cathedral is not only the seat of the bishop of London, but is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. One of the largest churches in Europe, dedicated to Paul the Apostle, the cathedral sits atop Ludgate hill, the highest point of the City of London financial district, and remains a major tourist attraction, not least for the spectacular views afforded from its tower.

You could spend weeks exploring London’s myriad of tourist attractions, but with so many sights just a short bus or train ride away, there’s no excuse to only stay in the city. Whether you want to hit the beach or explore England’s historic towns, here are some of the best day trips to take from London.

London’s new Shard is not just the tallest tower in the city, but also by far the best building to experience the most spectacular 360 degree views of the city and beyond. Walking up to the Shard we were straight away in awe of this building’s magnificent size and striking structure.

Like the fire-engine red telephone boxes, double decker buses and suited Royal guards in their bearskin hats; London’s famous Black Cabs are so iconic, they’ve even been immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds. Despite recent fears that the Coventry manufacturer who produces the ubiquitous Black Cabs is going bankrupt, the Austin FX designs are still very much a part of everyday life in the capital. London celebrities fall in and out of them on a seemingly nightly basis; politicians opt for them over a limo; Sir Laurence Olivier and Stanley Kubrick owned their own; and even Arnold Schwarzenegger allegedly had a fleet shipped out to California. Regardless of economic difficulties, it seems like the time-honored Black taxicab is here to stay.

A creative hub where London’s flair for the eclectic is center stage, Camden has long nurtured its reputation as the city’s most rock’n’roll district and its unique markets are as popular among London’s mohawked youths as they are with international tourists.

Photography enthusiasts, don’t miss the inspiring Ansel Adams exhibition at the National Maritime Museum which is on until 28th April 2013. Along with the iconic Snake River and Yosemite images, you’ll also get the chance to some of his earliest work. The video of him being interviewed is worth watching–I liked the idea of the “negative” being like the score in music, and the “developing” like a conductor who interprets and brings the image to life.

In a country where you’re never more than 113 km (70 miles) from the coast, it’s little surprise that London is a popular cruise destination, with the southern England ports of Southampton, Dover, Tilbury and Harwich frequently used as launch points for domestic and international cruises. First stop on the itinerary has to be the capital, but with limited time to explore London’s myriad of sights, book a shore excursion and dodge the crowds.

Whether you want to sip champagne overlooking the London skyline or party the night away on a River cruise, you’ll plenty are of ways to impress your lover in the British capital. Here are a few ideas for romantic things to do in London.