Visiting London, England: The Old Blighty
Beautiful London
From San Francisco, London is a 10-hour flight away. While that might sound long, the journey is well worth it as London is one of the world's premier travel destinations. On such a long flight, remember to get up, walk around, and stretch frequently. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also help you avoid swollen ankles and dehydration.
Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, you have several options for getting into the city center, depending on your budget. If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi or other road transport might be best. However, if you're traveling light, consider purchasing a London Oyster Card. This card offers significant savings on travel using the Tube (underground), trains, and buses within London, often reducing a £4 trip to less than £2. While the train offers direct routes from the airport to various London locations, be aware that the London Underground is an older system with many stairs and limited escalators or elevators, so be prepared to climb. The London Tube is not fully accessible for those with mobility issues. For instance, traveling from Heathrow to East London via the Tube can take up to two hours. Keep in mind that jet lag can make carrying luggage up and down stairs even more challenging, but with an Oyster Card, the cost will be under £6, which is relatively inexpensive.
Houses of Parliament
During your visit to London, a trip to the British Museum is a must. The Egyptian exhibition is particularly outstanding and highly recommended, even if you don't have plans to visit Egypt. Like many major world museums, the British Museum often hosts temporary exhibitions. The "First Emperor" exhibition, where visitors could stand face-to-face with soldiers from the Terracotta Army—an experience not even possible in China—was truly remarkable.
Taking a stroll around Leicester Square, Regent Street, Covent Garden, and Nelson's Column is also time well spent. These vibrant areas offer a real feel for the people and atmosphere of London. The Tower of London is another fascinating site. Home to the spectacular Crown Jewels, this historic castle, right in the city's heart, is worth a visit in itself. No trip to London these days would be complete without a ride on the London Eye, offering magnificent panoramic views of the city from high above.
Regent Street
For those interested in war history and memorials, a visit to the HMS Belfast, a distinguished warship from World War II and the Korean War, might be just your cup of tea. Moored on the Thames since 1971, it offers a compelling glimpse into naval history.
At the Royal Observatory Greenwich, you can stand with one foot on either side of the Prime Meridian (zero degrees longitude). While its practical significance might be debatable, it's certainly a unique photo opportunity. To get there, consider taking a Thames ferry, which offers fantastic views of London from the river along the way.
These are just a few of the many attractions awaiting you in London. To miss the chance to visit this incredible city before you die would be to miss out on a truly amazing life experience.