Get Ready for Adventure-Filled Journeys! Survival Kit Series for Travelers: England, London!

With its historic character, captivating architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, London is truly an open-air museum for travelers. In this blog post, we share our experiences from our journey that began in Victoria, along with tips on how to explore the city comfortably and efficiently.

Transportation: The Heartbeat of the City Lies in the Underground

The first thing we can say about transportation in London is this: the Underground network is excellent! Thanks to this system, which extends to almost every corner of the city, you can easily reach anywhere you like—even if you’re not staying in the city center. We stayed near Victoria Train Station and used the Underground for all our trips around the city.

We didn’t bother buying a separate travel card — we simply tapped our contactless credit card at the gates and traveled with ease. This system is both practical and economical thanks to the “daily cap” feature: once you reach a certain limit during the day, any additional rides are automatically free of charge.

When arriving in the city, we flew into Gatwick Airport, and on our return we departed from Heathrow Airport. Both airports offer convenient access to the city center via train and Underground connections. The Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express are fast but slightly more expensive options; if you have more time, you can also choose the Underground or standard train lines as more budget-friendly alternatives.

Important:

Credit cards must be tapped both when entering and exiting the station. For this reason, each person needs to use their own contactless credit card when traveling.

Accommodation: Staying in the Center Isn’t a Must

Accommodation prices in London increase significantly as you get closer to the city center. However, the city’s transportation network is so well developed that staying centrally is almost unnecessary. We stayed in a small hotel in the Victoria area; being within walking distance of a Tube station made everything incredibly convenient.

Our recommendation: when choosing accommodation, instead of focusing solely on proximity to the center, ask yourself, “Is there a nearby Underground station?” This way, you can protect your budget while still planning a comfortable and stress-free trip.

Must-See Places in London

Every corner of London feels like a vibrant open-air museum where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Our route included both classic tourist landmarks and spots that appeal to cinema and culture enthusiasts:

Big Ben & Westminster Abbey

Located along the banks of the Thames, Big Ben is undoubtedly one of London’s most iconic symbols. Right next to the clock tower stands Westminster Abbey — not just a place of worship, but the very heart of British history. Royal weddings, coronations, and many defining national moments have taken place here.

Visiting in the early morning is the best choice if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk along the river.

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British royal family, Buckingham Palace is one of the most fascinating landmarks in London. We especially recommend arriving early in the morning to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. With its rhythmic marching, ceremonial uniforms, and live military music, it’s truly a spectacular sight to experience.

Wellington Arch

Located at Hyde Park Corner, this triumphal arch was built in the 19th century to commemorate Britain’s military victories. The bronze equestrian statue on top is one of the largest in Europe.

We usually stopped by during our morning walks. Especially at sunrise, the surrounding greenery creates a beautiful setting for taking photos.

National Gallery & Trafalgar Square

We can truly say that London’s artistic heart beats here. The National Gallery houses hundreds of masterpieces, while Trafalgar Square right in front of the gallery serves as both a hub for city events and a popular meeting point for tourists.

We visited in the late afternoon, and the lively atmosphere of the square added an energetic vibe to our experience.

Royal Albert Hall

Opened in 1871 with the support of the royal family, this hall hosts a wide range of events, from classical music to rock concerts. Its architecture is stunning both inside and out, and if you have the time, attending a concert or taking a tour is a great way to truly experience London’s cultural scene. We didn’t manage to attend an event, but it was still one of the places where we could sneak in for a quick look inside.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Located in Leavesden, just outside London, this studio tour is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans. The original sets, costumes, and special effects used in the films are displayed in full detail. One of the most unforgettable moments for us was stepping into the Great Hall — it truly feels like you’ve entered a scene from the movie.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, as they can sell out weeks ahead. We went on a tour starting from Victoria Bus Station. You can buy tour tickets directly from the official companies, but since we weren’t familiar with them, we used the GetYourGuide website, which we had used before. #NotAnAd

British Museum

One of the most comprehensive museums in the world, the British Museum houses thousands of artifacts spanning ancient civilizations to modern history. The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the Parthenon sculptures are among the most popular exhibits. Entry is free, making it a major advantage for travelers looking to balance their budget in London. We tried to explore it in a few hours, but even a full day wouldn’t be enough. You can also see many artifacts that have connections to our own country.

Leadenhall Market

Hidden among the skyscrapers in London’s financial district, this architectural gem is a covered market dating back to the 14th century. With its colorful glass ceilings, it offers a captivating atmosphere. Harry Potter fans may recognize it from the “Diagon Alley” scenes in the films. We visited in the late afternoon, and the crowd was quite manageable.

Tower of London

Situated on the banks of the Thames, this castle has witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in British history. Over the centuries, it has served both as a royal residence and a prison. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels.

Natural History Museum

One of the most beautiful buildings in London, the Natural History Museum features giant dinosaur skeletons, volcanic rock specimens, and interactive exhibits that appeal to both adults and children. Entry is free, and the exhibits inside are so extensive that you could easily spend hours exploring.

Important Note for Museums: The British Museum, Natural History Museum, and National Gallery are free to enter. However, to avoid waiting in line at the entrance, it’s recommended to make a reservation through their official websites.

King’s Cross Station

More than just a train station, King’s Cross is a cultural icon. It’s famous for its Victorian architecture as well as the Harry Potter Platform 9¾ scene. Of course, we didn’t push our luggage into the wall — that probably wouldn’t have ended well! :) The surrounding modern cafés and restaurants also make it a nice spot to take a break.

What to Eat in London

London’s cuisine is closely intertwined with international flavors, meaning there’s something to suit every taste. Here are a few classics you shouldn’t miss:

• Fish & Chips: The traditional British fried dish, usually served in pubs.

• Full English Breakfast: A hearty morning meal with eggs, sausages, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast.

• Afternoon Tea: Turn tea time into a ritual by experiencing it at a historic hotel or a cozy café. There are also tea tours where you can sip tea while touring the city on a double-decker bus — a unique experience.

If you want to save a bit, you can bring your own tea in a thermos and enjoy it while taking a city tour on double-decker buses that pass through central London and major landmarks. :)

Overall Impressions

London is definitely an expensive city, but every penny is worth it. Every corner tells a story, and every street holds a surprise. Even in April, when the weather can be chilly, the city’s energy keeps you warm.

London is a city every traveler should experience at least once. Whether you go for art and history or simply to enjoy coffee in its parks, each visit lets you discover a new side of the city.

For us, this journey began in Hyde Park and ended at Victoria Tube Station over the course of four days.