48 hours in London

by Brian Webb

London is one of the most populous and prestigious cities in the world and in being so it has plenty to offer visitors. London is home to historical sights, world-class shopping, top-notch sporting, and wild nightlife. Think of every large city you’ve been too, toss in a good dose of historical significance, and mix with a distinct accent and style; you have London. Now, get moving!

Hours 0:00-24:00

Morning

Begin your day with a full English breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, sausage, warm tomatoes, and even black beans. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even try black pudding, which is a sausage made by cooking animal blood.

Make your way to the Contiki basement located in the heart of London. Here you can meet other travelers, share advice, and get information about London. You can even grab an espresso or check your email.

With maps in hand and knowledge in head, it’s time to explore. Using London’s underground railway system, also called “the Tube”, you can visit all the wonderful sights of London has to offer including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the House of Parliament. Make sure to take pictures!

Afternoon

The London Eye, which is also known as the Millennium Wheel, is a great way to view over fifty of London’s most famous landmarks in half an hour. The Eye is the world’s largest observation wheel, standing at 443 feet high. It’s a Ferris wheel on steroids. It’s located on the South Bank of the River Thames between Westminster and Hungerford Bridges.

Check out an interesting landmark and get a taste of London’s gruesome past with a tour of the Tower of London. Free tours are offered daily. They are a great way to hear some interesting tales which have been passed down for hundreds of years. The tower is located centrally on the north bank of the River Thames and Tower Bridge.

Evening

Dine out at one of England’s traditional pubs such as Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for an authentic London experience.

Ye Olde Chesire Cheese dates back to the 17th century and many pubs occupied the site even before then. The pub offers an authentic historical atmosphere, low-priced beer, and a great selection of meals to patrons including the standard yet delicious plate of fish and chips.

There are a number of bars and nightclubs to choose from after dinner. One of the cooler bars, pun intended, is the Absolut Icebar. The bar is kept at a temperature of negative five degrees and everything (tables, walls, glasses) is made of ice. Patrons can enter the bar for 40 minutes and are given warm clothing to wear and vodka to drink.

Other interesting venues include Volupte Lounge and Jewel bar. Volupte Lounge is a cocktail bar with a burlesque theme. Here you can smoke cigars, watch old movie clips, and enjoy a cabaret show. Jewel Bar is a Parisian themed bar which is decorated in rich velvet cushions, crystal chandeliers, and buckets of jewels. The venue is even lit with a great deal of candles to give it a distinct ambience.

Hours 24:00- 48:00

Morning

London offers shopping for everyone, whether you’re a fashion connoisseur or a thrift store junkie. Some of the best areas for shopping include Oxford Street, Notting Hill, and Knightsbridge.

Oxford Street is home to more than 300 stores including a range of department stores and retail chains. Selfridges is one of the world’s most famous department stores. The six-floored shop offers everything from the latest fashion trends to custom tailoring.

Notting Hill offers a lot of unusual and vintage clothing. The area is also home to a famous market on Portobello Road. Toby Shop offers a selection of printed t-shirts with silly sayings such as “I will ruin your life” and “This t-shirt isn’t mine”.

The corner of Knightsbridge and Brompton Road is home to a number of shops and department stores offering the latest fashion and the most popular brands. Soletrader is a unique shop which offers almost any shoe you want, no matter how obscure.

Madame Tussauds is the original was museum which offers life-like replicas of celebrities ranging from Oprah Winfrey to David Beckham. Visiting these figures up close and personal is almost like seeing the celebrities in real life. The museum also offers an optional celebrity experience which allows you to live the life of a celebrity for by being interviewed about your new movie, and being snapped b paparazzi.

Afternoon

Catch one of London’s intense sporting games such as rugby or soccer if you have the chance. Watching a live game is a great way to partake in true English culture as you’re surrounded by diehard sports fans who have no problem telling the players and referees what to do.

If there are no games while you’re in town, the Chelsea Stadium Tour is a suitable replacement. The tour takes you all over the stadium to the field, the player’s tunnel, and even the locker rooms.

English afternoon tea is a unique custom which allows you to refresh yourself with tea, coffee, sandwiches, and pastries in an elegant and cozy environment. Afternoon tea can either be elegant or casual, depending on what you are looking for.

The Ritz offers one of London’s classiest afternoon tea experiences. In addition to the meal, the experience offers top-notch service, fancy china, and even live music.

If you’re looking for something more low-key, the Tea Palace, located in Notting Hill offers a similar experience for a much cheaper price.

Evening

Have a picnic in the park next to the River Thames and the Millennium Wheel. Europe is different from America in the fact that you can enjoy a nice bottle of wine in public with no hassle. So enjoy your newfound freedom, relax with friends and family, and enjoy the beautiful views of London as you relax the night away.

St James’s Park is another great location for a picnic. It’s located in central London and covers 58 acres. There are plenty of animals including owls, woodpeckers and bats.

If you’re looking to end your trip with a little more of a bang, the Ministry of Sound is one of the most popular and crazy clubs in London. The club is world famous and plays everything from Dance, Trance, House, Garage, Drum & Bass, Hip-Hop, Rap, Progressive, and Hard House. Every night is sure to be a memorable one at this club.