Discovering London: An Insider’s Guide to the City’s Most Iconic Attractions
Posted May 13, 2024
🕑 7 minutes 44 sec read
Welcome to the vibrant city of London, where history meets modernity, and adventure awaits around every corner. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a savvy traveller looking for the best hostel Londonhas to offer, this guide has you covered. We’ll be exploring some of the most iconic landmarks in London and giving you insider tips on the best affordable hostels to crash after a long day of sightseeing. Let’s dive in! 🎯
Sky Garden: The Best View in London 🌇
Location:1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Opening Hours:VisitSky Gardenfor the most up-to-date opening hours and more information.
Imagine sipping coffee at the Sky Pod Bar while gazing over London’s jaw-dropping skyline. Welcome to Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden that offers unbeatable views ofthe city’slandmarks like The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Oh, and did I mention it’s free?Just booka ticket in advance, and you’re set for one of the most Instagrammable experiences ever. 📸
Pro Tip:Visit around sunset for a golden-hour spectacle! 🌅
Covent Garden: A Hub of Entertainment 🎭
Location:Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
Opening Hours:Check outCovent Gardenfor opening times and the latest info.
Street performers, quaint cafes, and high-end boutiques – Covent Garden is a melting pot of culture and style.Make sure to catch a performance at the Royal Opera House orjustenjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you wanderaroundthe marketplace.🎨
Pro Tip:Covent Garden is home to someawesomebuskers. Bring a few pounds to tip the talent! 🎤
The London Eye: Take a Spin 🎡
Location:Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
Opening Hours:Find the latest info atLondon Eye.
Ready for a bird’s-eye view of London? The London Eye is your ticket to the most spectacular sights in the city. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to spot Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more. 🏰
Pro Tip:Book your tickets onlineto skipthe queue and snag some sweet discounts.🎟️
Tower of London: A Historic Fortress 🏰
Location: St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
Opening Hours:VisitTowerof Londonfor opening times.
Take a step backin timeat the Tower of London, home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and centuries of captivating history. From its medieval architecture to the eerie tales of prisoners once held here, it’s an unmissable experience for any history buff. 🏯
Pro Tip:Join one of the Yeoman Warder tours to get the juiciest stories and fun facts about the tower’s past. 🗝️
National Gallery: Art for Everyone 🖼️
Location:Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Opening Hours:Check outNationalGalleryfor current hours.
Feast your eyes on masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci at the National Gallery. This world-class museum offers free entry, making it the perfect cultural pit stop fortravelerson a budget. 🎨
Pro Tip:Try the free guided tours tomake the most ofyour visit. 🗣️
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs Galore 🦖
Location:Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Opening Hours:VisitNaturalHistory Museumfor more info.
Channel your inner dino enthusiast at the Natural History Museum.From colossal dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gems and minerals, there’s so much to explore.💎
Pro Tip:Don’t miss the animatronic T-Rex! 🦖
Where to Stay:
Astor Kensington Hostel
Conveniently located near the Natural History Museum,offersan affordable lodging optionthat’sideal for cultural enthusiasts. This hostel provides a prime location for exploring the city’s historical treasures.
Changing of the Guard: Royal Tradition at Its Finest 👑
Location:Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Timing:Check theofficial sitefor the current schedule.
Get a glimpse of British pomp and pageantryat the Changing of the Guard ceremony.It’stotallyfree and quintessentially London, so make sure to arrive early for a good spot. 🎺
Pro Tip:Stand near the Victoria Memorial for the best view. 📍
British Museum: An Epic Collection
Location:Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
Opening Hours:Find more info atBritishMuseum.
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer breadth of the British Museum’s collection.From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles,you can explore thousands of years of history under one roof.🗺️
Pro Tip:The museum offers free daily tours and talks. 🗣️
Where to Stay:
Astor Museum Hostel
Literally next door to the British Museum, this cheap hostel is a no-brainer for culture vultures. 🎒
Victoria Station: Your Gateway to London 🚉
Location:Victoria Station, London SW1V 1JT
Whetheryou’rearriving from Gatwick Airport or taking a train to Brighton, Victoria Station is your gateway to exploring the best of London. From the bustling markets of Camden to the historic halls of the Natural History Museum, you can hop on a train or the tube and be there in no time. 🚇
Where to Stay:
Astor Victoria Hostel
Just a stone’s throw away from Victoria Station, this is the perfect hostel Londontravellersshould consider for easy access to Sky Garden. Plus, you’re close to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbeytoo! 👑
Hyde Park: London’s Backyard 🌳
Location:London W2 2UH
Opening Hours:Open daily from 5 AM to midnight
More Info:Royal Parks – Hyde Park
Spanning 350 acres, Hyde Park is London’s ultimate green oasis. Whether you’re into paddle boating on the Serpentine, cycling around the trails, or just lounging on the grass with a picnic, there’s something for everyone. 🍃
Must-See Spots:
Diana Memorial Fountain:A touching tribute to Princess Diana. 💧
Speakers’ Corner:Hear thought-provoking (and often hilarious) public speeches. 🗣️
Rose Garden:A beautifully manicured floral paradise. 🌹
Fun Activities:
Horse Riding:Book a session at the nearby riding stables. 🏇
Open-Air Swimming:Take a dip at the Serpentine Lido. 🏊♀️
Sports Galore:Play tennis, football, or lawn bowls at the Tennis and Sports Centre. 🎾
Events & Festivals:
Winter Wonderland:A festive extravaganza featuring an ice rink and giant observation wheel. ❄️
Concerts & More:Check the calendar for epic live music gigs. 🎤
Reviews & Ratings:
TripAdvisor users have given Hyde Park glowing reviews, often rating it 5/5. Here’s a snapshot:
Fadilah F(5/5):Lovedthe park’s vibrant atmosphere and proximity to the palace. 🏰
Susan S(5/5): Enjoyed the park’s safety, wildlife, and gift shop. 🦢
PrimeCritique(4/5): Impressed by the vast space and quiet spots. 🌳
Craig C(5/5): Described it as a “jewel in the crown of London.” 💎
Getting There:
Tube Stations:Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line). 🚇
Bus Routes:Multiple buses stop around the park. 🚌
Where to Stay:
Astor Hyde Park Hostel & Astor Kensington Hostel
Both are within walking distance of Hyde Park, making them perfect choices for your stay. 🏨
Wrap-Up 🎉
London is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, from the majestic Tower of London to the breathtaking views of the Sky Garden. And the best part? With Astor Hostels offering the best cheap hostel locations London has to offer, you can explore the city without breaking the bank 💸
Special Offer:
Use discount code3NIGHTSwhen booking directly atAstor Hostelsfor stays between 3 and 10 nights, and enjoy extra savings. Happy travels! ✈️
