I flew into London because it was the cheapest option to get into Oktoberfest in Munich, but overall London adds to the very few cities in Europe that hasn’t blown me away. Besides the famous sites of Tower Bridge, Big Ben (currently under construction), there wasn’t much of a site to see nor that good food to consume. My one regret is not staying an extra two days and booking a tour bus to see Stonehenge. If you aren’t staying for that, I think London is easily accomplished in 2 days; and your wallet will thank you as well.

Itinerary

  • September 2017 - 2 days in London @ Wombat Hostel (one of the most expensive hostels I’ve stayed at. 6 female bed dorm was $46 a night!)

highlights

  • Having a nice transition to solo travel. It was a great way to start off my solo Europe trip because London is such a metropolitan area, and everyone speaks English I had no trouble getting around. Also, added bonus of feeling safe walking around the streets late at night!

  • Admiring all the fashion everywhere. Everywhere you go people are so dressed up and its sexy.

  • Getting high tea at Sketch. Unlimited afternoon tea + snacks for $60! If you can’t make reservations, they take in walk in ala carte. Sketch is most famous for its atmosphere-- 6 different rooms all decorated as if you stepped into a scene from Alice in Wonderland and even their bathrooms are incredible (pod shaped)!t

  • Drinking Boddingtons. One of my favorite beers (and a bit hard to find in the States). If anybody watches Friends, ya’ll know I’m not the only fan. 

  • Walking around and shopping around SoHo. Similar to New York, the area has huge cobblestones and lots of shops and restaurants.

 

lowlights

  • Really crappy traffic everywhere. It takes 30 minutes just to get anywhere. On top of that, public transit is one of the most expensive I’ve experienced-- $20 to take the express to the airport!

  • The worst weather in what is suppose to be a great fall season. I now understand the concept of the London Fog. 

  • Lack of authentic food. Nothing exciting or new to try that I wouldn't be able to find in SF.

    • Seriously…. I do not need to eat anymore fish & chips or bangers and mash (though, if you are craving Mother Mash is probably one of the best places to get it).

  • Big Ben is under construction. Not worth the trip to go see it. It’s like playing “Where’s Waldo?” in a mix of buildings.

  • Not planning ahead for tea time-- at Sketch all I got was a walk around the place because line was too long and they ran out of reservations for tea.

 

for next time

  • Come back to take Stonehenge tour.

  • Recommended Dishoom (as one of the best for Indian food) just as I had left London.

  • Team time at Sketch with my girls, where I will make reservations ahead of time instead of just oggling at how gorgeous the restaurant is.