In September 2009, I had to attend a Shakespeare conference in London for a University course. This was a good opportunity to also spot some of the main sights in London. I had been once before when I was 16, however, I don’t remember much of that trip so in 2009 it was my first actual time visiting London.

Buckingham Palace

Of course, one of the first sights people flock towards when they visit London is the royal week-day residence Buckingham Palace. And if you’re lucky enough you can also see the changing of the guards.

Victoria Memorial in front of the main gate

St. James Park

From there we went on a leisurely stroll through St. James Park to head to our next destination near the River Thames.

Big Ben

The tower was completed in 1858 and is actually also known as Elizabeth Tower and Clock Tower. It’s not possible to take a tour inside the tower, unless you arrange something with government officials. So instead, we admired the clock tower from the outside. It’s such a common sight in movies nowadays that it was like I had seen it a 100 times before.

London Eye

Next to the River Thames you can also find the London Eye (aka Millennium Wheel). This Ferris wheel is 135 meters tall. At the time it was erected, in 1999, it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. Since then it has been surpassed by structures in Singapore and Las Vegas.

I’ve been told there are usually huge queues and the day that we visited it was the same. It’s worth the waiting time though, because the views (as you can see in the picture of Big Ben above) are quite spectacular. What makes it extra special is that you’re in a capsule rather than in a seat like you would in a normal Ferris Wheel. It makes you feel safer and it gives you the freedom to move around freely.

West End

When in London you cannot miss going to a famous musical in the West End. My friend and I randomly choose Grease. The atmosphere of the neighbourhood is great to experience in an evening and visiting a musical when you’re in the area is a must. There are some really cute and artsy cafes surrounding the theaters so it’s a great place to explore before the musical starts.

London Dungeon

I think London Dungeon has moved from its original location at Tooley Street, London Bridge. It has now been moved near the London Eye. This actually places most of the main tourist attractions in the same central area. When I visited in 2009, it was still under a bridge.

I cannot describe how scared I was when we were queuing for this place. I’m scared quite easily and I did not know what to expect. When I was 16 I chose not to go, and I remember that my classmates who did go were super scared. Some actually left before the end because they couldn’t handle it.

You’re actually taken from set to set by actors and you go through a whole array of historical settings containing mass murder: “Jack the Ripper”, “Sweeney Todd”, etc. It’s interactive as well, so sometimes you’re asked questions or you’re asked to participate. The anticipation of the possibility of someone lurking in the shadows behind you is killing. It’s a lot of fun though and definitely worth a visit.

Sherlock Holmes Pub

This pub has no connection to Sherlock Holmes, because it’s not even in Baker Street. Instead you can find this pub in Westminster on Northumberland Street. It’s not really a famous sight, but since I love Sherlock Holmes books this pub with Holmes-themed memorabilia was exciting to me.

Covent Garden

There are two areas in London that I really love, Covent Garden which is right next to the West End and which has a huge market….

Camden

… which has a lot of cute alternative and artsy places. We went there for a night out, because they also have nice clubs. I didn’t take any photos of the area and it was only afterwards that I found out I missed the amazing street markets in Camden. This is definitely on my list for a next visit to London.

Conclusion

London is a great European town. The sights are nothing to write home about though. They could never beat Rome or Paris. What’s great about London is the atmosphere in certain areas like Covent Garden and Camden and the West End. This is a city I will continue the visit just for the atmosphere.