It is one of the cities in the world where expectations are never disappointed. Vibrant, unpredictable, cosmopolitan and sometimes overwhelming, London captivates tourists immediately. The first family visit to the city of the Thames remains unforgettable. Autumn and Christmas, when the city dresses up for the occasion, are magnificent times to explore it.
We start the route in the Westminster district, the heart of power and where some of the most important buildings of royalty and government are located. From its bridge, an architectural gem of Gothic style inaugurated in 1862, you can see Big Ben, probably the most famous clock in the world. Majestic with its 96 meters in height, it started ticking in 1859. Next to it, the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament), witness to the country's major events from World War II to Brexit. A guided tour is worth it, and even more so attending a debate in the House of Commons. A stop must be made at 10 Downing Street, the residence of the Prime Minister, and at Horse Guards Parade, with the mounted guards as viral video material.
The walk continues until reaching Trafalgar Square to get lost for a while in the rooms of the National Gallery. The permanent collection features works by Monet, Turner, Van Gogh, Pissarro... Not a single great artist is missing from its halls. Before leaving this district, you must visit Buckingham Palace, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and witness the changing of the guard; it takes place at 11 a.m. and lasts a little over 30 minutes. Then, a stroll through Green Park or Hyde Park, two of the city's green lungs.
Oxford Street is a must-visit at some point. It is the ultimate shopping area; two kilometers between Marble Arch and Tottenham Road that are always bustling with people. During Christmas, its lights are once again the envy of the world. Shops upon shops to buy that impulse purchase that always arises. Another area to max out your credit card is Bond Street, although you can also just take a stroll and admire its wonderful 17th-century buildings that now house boutiques of major brands (Chanel, Gucci, Cartier...).
The Carnaby Street area in Soho is more relaxed, where more modern (and affordable) brands are clustered. The neighborhood's fame began to skyrocket in the 60s linked to the swinging London movement, which turned many conventions upside down and defined a new youthful aesthetic. A fun fact: the Sex Pistols premiered their famous song God Save the Queen from the balcony of the Virgin Records store. A visit to the Liberty department store is a must; its facade alone is breathtaking. For dining in the area, it is recommended to sit at Kingly Court, a spacious multi-level space where you can try Korean, Syrian, Mexican, and Filipino bites, among others. From there, you can reach the iconic Piccadilly Circus with a pleasant walk.
Another day of the trip can start at the famous London Eye, undoubtedly a privileged viewpoint that helps you grasp the city's dimensions. Located on the South Bank of the Thames, it is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe -it held that title worldwide until 2006-. Among the figures that have made it an icon: its 135 meters in height and its 3.75 million annual visitors. The price for those 30 minutes touching the sky is around 45 euros.
On the same bank, a must-visit is the Tate Modern, which surprises inside and out. The former Bankside power station is now the National Museum of Modern Art. Its permanent collection includes works by Dalí, Rothko, Warhol, and Picasso, to name a few relevant names. In its Turbine Hall on the ground floor, there are usually interesting temporary exhibitions, and the children's activities are always a perfect excuse to spend a pleasant time in the gallery, a worldwide reference. By the way, its shop is a true wonder to get a nice souvenir.
We continue the walk, but now with the idea of stopping for a meal. We head to Borough Market, London's oldest food market. It's always crowded, but it's worth it to choose the world cuisine you want to try and find a spot to enjoy it at one of its tables. Mexican tacos, pad thais, freshly made pasta... The food quality is more than acceptable. In the surrounding areas, there are also tempting alternatives, such as Bao, Rambutan... For ice cream, Humble Crumble and La Glace by Alain Ducasse. Coffee at Monmouth.
The Tower of London and its bridge can be the last stop of the day. It was a royal palace for years, then became a prison -Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII, was executed in its gardens on charges of adultery, incest, and treason- and even housed the royal collection of animals. Today, a walk through the grounds transports you to past eras of kings and queens.
Once again, we return to street plans, with markets in focus. We focus on three: Portobello, Camden, and Spitalfields. It's best to visit Portobello during the week to avoid the Saturday crowds, a big day in the Notting Hill neighborhood. Antiques, vinyl records, bags... The buying options are extensive. Camden Lock has a slightly more rebellious vibe; among its regular visitors were Naomi Campbell, Mick Jagger, or the late Amy Winehouse, a neighborhood resident who is now remembered with a statue. Spitalfields is perhaps the most alternative in terms of brands. One of its stalls sells the best matcha tea in the city.
If rain accompanies a day, there are plenty of museums to spend the day. The British Museum offers a journey through the history of civilizations; its lobby, designed by Norman Foster, is spectacular. Another option is to head to Chelsea, the quintessential upscale neighborhood, where the legendary Harrods department store is located. Its gastronomic area is a temptation to snack or buy gourmet products from around the world. A short distance away, three other top museums: the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
And if there's one thing London can boast about, it's entertainment options. Abba Voyage, a virtual concert with real digital avatars -known as ABBAtars- showing the band members as they were in 1977, has become the sensation of the moment. The legendary Swedish group fills the ABBA Arena every day. Harry Potter fans have another essential plan: the tour of the Warner Bros studios that house the film sets of the saga. Although it requires traveling to the outskirts of the city -including a double-decker bus customized for the occasion-, it is well worth it.
Finally, a theatrical proposal, the Stranger Things play (Phoenix Theatre). However, it's only suitable for the brave with a good level of English. One more plan for this first trip: the tea ritual. Our recommendation: have it at the classic Fortnum and Mason.