Curated Texan
By Sherri Walker Cline Photography courtesy of HK Cline
Just about any list of the best cities in the world includes London–and for good reason. This diverse metropolis embraces both its past and future, creating a now that demands to be explored and experienced with intriguing walks, irresistible dining, and compelling museums. With non-stop flights from several Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston, London offers an ideal short break before, or after, a longer European vacation. And while you could easily spend a lifetime exploring this iconic capital of culture and style, a long weekend presents the perfect opportunity to get a taste of what this legendary city has to offer.
See the sights
No other city on earth offers as many exemplary buildings and views as this one does and if it’s your first visit––even if it’s just a short one––spend some time seeing in person what you’ve so often seen represented on screen and in art. Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus are all within a relatively short walking distance and the Tower of London and Tower Bridge are just a quick ride on the tube. Once you’ve seen the sights and snapped your shots, it’s time to start exploring the rest of what brings people back again and again.
Make it to a market
From the irresistible antiques at the Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill (think of the 90s eponymous romcom) to the anything-goes clothiers in Camden Market, shopping in London is best done at one of its myriad outdoor markets. Dozens of markets dot the city’s landscape and its calendar, finding your favorite is a simple matter of matching your interests and the dates you’ll be there. Borough Market, open six days a week, is a foodie’s paradise, with local British produce, food products from around the world, and a never-ending cornucopia of food stalls offering everything from paella to grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate fondue to freshly shucked oysters. Spend a few hours here and you’re bound to leave with your appetite sated and your eyes opened about the diversity of culinary culture.
That’s not to say London’s markets are the only shopping destination. As befits a city of its renown, London is home to some of the top designers in the world as well as shopping meccas like the iconic Harrod’s Department Store, where eight floors are barely enough to contain the luxury. Looking for that perfect London souvenir? Head to Fortnum & Mason’s flagship store on Piccadilly, where you’ll find everything from bespoke teas to fine china and their coveted and renowned picnic hampers.
Catch a show
London’s West End has more theatres than anywhere other than Broadway, and a long weekend wouldn’t be complete without a show (or two). Catch the latest musical or dive into a thought-provoking drama. Like New York City, if you have your heart set on a particular production, get your tickets as soon as your travel dates are set in stone. On the other hand, if you are open to whatever the theatre gods might have in mind, stop by the West End once you arrive. Discount tickets are often available at the box office or the TKTS booth in centrally located Leicester Square.
Take a walk
While London’s black cabs, double-decker busses and oh-so-convenient Tube make getting around the city simple, there are few places more perfect for walking than London. Take a stroll beside the Thames, saunter along The Strand, or meander along The Mall. Wherever you walk, you’ll find what has intrigued millions of visitors for generations: this is a city where thousands of years of history are laid bare, but also one that is continuing to evolve, embracing the future with the confidence of a city that has earned its legendary status.
While you can easily find plenty of interesting London walks on your own; London Walks offers some of the best walking tours in the world. Much imitated but never replicated, London Walks offers small group walking tours focused on, well, whatever interests you. Want to know more about London during the Blitz, royal scandals, or modern architecture? There’s a London Walks for that, along with dozens of other topics, all led by engaging tour guides whose depth and breadth of knowledge impress both first-time London visitors and life-long residents. Most tours are about two hours, which fits perfectly into a short city stay.
Do like the locals do – and don’t
London mythos abounds with traditions – some true, some not so much. Grabbing a pint at the local pub is an integral part of British life. Just about every block sports its own pub––many of which are older than our country. The London pub scene explodes after the working day when it seems like the entire city stops for a pint or two before going home. Don’t miss the chance to check out a few local pubs and find a favorite.
While Londoners are just as dedicated to their tea as their pubs, afternoon tea is more of a tradition for the tourists. That doesn’t mean you should skip it. Some of London’s most esteemed establishments have made an art form out of afternoon tea. A particular favorite experience is offered regularly at the Orangery at Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana and the current London residence of her eldest son and his family.
Get outside
Speaking of royals, the stamp of the monarchy can be found throughout the city, on everything from place names to palaces. One area of the city where the monarchy’s influence and input are particularly appreciated is in the amount of green space in London. What were once royal hunting preserves and palace gardens, now act as public parks, relished by Londoners and visitors alike. Although still owned by the Crown, these sprawling open spaces, including Green Park, Kensington Gardens, and St. James Park, invite exploration and are a haven of peace in the bustle of the city.
Save time for a museum or two
London is home to some of the best museums in the world and even a brief visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without some time spent wandering the galleries, slack-jawed with awe. The Tate Modern, the Wallace Collection, the Natural History Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery all warrant a visit, but on a short stay, it’s best to pick one and vow to return to see the others. Two of London’s top museums are also its largest and it’s always hard to choose between the two:
- Brimming with cultural treasures collected – or pilfered, depending on your point of view — from around the world, the legendary British Museum can consume several days of fascinating discovery.
- One of the city’s largest museums is the Victoria & Albert, which is home to seven miles of galleries showcasing the power of creativity, with more than 2.8 million objects spanning every aspect of human art and culture.
respite in the city
evolves around it
Like the rest of the city, you can either determine a plan of action in advance to see the highlights of these museums or trust that serendipity will reveal a wealth of wonders.
Whether your next flight takes you on to more European adventures or home to Texas, by the time you are aloft with a gin and tonic in hand you’ll be planning your return. After all, a short stay sampling London’s pleasures simply whets your appetite for more time spent in this magnetic city.
