Travel Diaries: London 2019
As the new year starts, and my newfound courage to start this blog continues to grow, I wanted to highlight my study abroad experience back in 2019. It'‘s been over 2 years now, but the memories have always lingered on with me simply because they were the best memories I have ever made. We all know that 2020 was a very trying and challenging year, and it prohibited me from doing something that I loved: traveling. Let’s journey back to memory lane, as I reminisce about the wonderful memories I made in London.
On January 2019, I studied abroad in London where I attended London Southbank University. As cliché as it sounds, this experience truly changed my life forever. I participated in this program at the second half of my third year in university, at this point in my life, I felt like I was just beginning my “true” college experience. For the first time, I felt immensely sure of the direction I wanted my life and career to go. Prior to this, I was not confident in myself in many areas of my life, especially with academics since I switched my major so many times (three to be exact), which to anyone reading this, is surely not the end of the world, trust me! It may seem discouraging for those reading who are unsure of what they want to pursue, but it does take time and a bit of soul-searching to envision what you want to do with your life…
One thing was clear, I wanted to study abroad in London. I put my mind and heart to applying for a program, and l was so thrilled to be accepted into London Southbank University. This school was located in the heart of south London, walking distance to the River Thames, London Bridge, Borough Market and Elephant & Castle (more on these places & many more recommendations below). I was so excited to begin this chapter of my life, as I mentioned before I wasn’t always so confident in myself. I had to leave relationships and old habits, such as self-limiting beliefs behind, as I started this new part of my life where independence and venturing into a new country was involved. I learned to not just live on my own for 6 months, but also be unapologetically my truest self. I met my best friends, who I consider to be my sisters and a brother, for life because of this experience. It was the best investment in not just my education, but my own personal development and yes as a result: I became more confident. I was able to attend a diverse university and intern at a fashion company located across King’s Cross & St. Pancras every week! More importantly, I embraced so many different cultures, traveled to other European cities and created lifelong friendships. To anyone considering studying abroad, I 100% recommend it if you are able to after this global pandemic.
Now, let’s talk about recommendations. London is one of the most unique and coolest cities in the entire world, and this is not an overstatement *I promise. London is the perfect combination of exquisite history and modernism as exhibited by their architecture and distinct boroughs. Although, I can only remember these places fondly through the perspective of a broke-college-exchange-student who devoured meal-deals from M&S on her lunch-breaks, these were some of the best memories I ever made. I can probably go on and on about all the great places you can visit in London, but then this blog post would be extremely long so I’ll try my best to list out the top places you need to visit when you are in London with clickable links so you can have a little taste of what it’s like.
Firstly, London is most distinctly recognized by two areas: the West-End and the East-End. Although I lived in Southwark, which is in South London, it is easier to identify London by these two areas. Historically the West-End of London was associated with the finer things in life – such as shopping and theatre – while the East End is considered to be much more rough and ready, but we live in the 21st century so you will be able to experience all the unique perks and offerings of both areas!
My Top Places to Visit in London:
Piccadilly Circus & Oxford Circus- this is the spot for all your shopping needs when you visit Central London and is the center of all art, music and theatre.
Covent Garden- a beautiful retreat with more fine shopping and excellent restaurants. It is absolutely gorgeous in the spring when Petersham Nurseries have floral bouquets in full-bloom which is also a perfectly paired with a scent from Jo Malone. Make sure to indulge in traditional afternoon tea at Whittard of Chelsea.
Leicester Square- stop by another area full of restaurants and of course Chinatown.
Soho- energetic streets in the West End, feature a variety of dining, nightlife, and shopping options. Not only another “posh” area, but also home to intimate cafes, restaurants & boutiques. I recommend visiting Vagabond on Charlotte St for their tremendous wines, absolutely perfect for a date-night or girl’s night!
Carnaby Street- The most lively street known for being the birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960's, Carnaby has and always will be the epicentre of culture and lifestyle in London's West End. You must eat at Kingly Court, enough said!
Trafalgar Square- the gateway between the main shopping district of the city centre and the West of the city, it’s the home of the National Portrait Gallery.
Westminster Abbey- over 3,300 people have been commemorated at this royal church, in addition to serving as a site for many royal coronations & burials.
St. Paul’s Cathedral- an architectural landmark status, which serves as the major Anglican Episcopal see in London and fun fact it was the marriage site of Prince Charles & Princess Diana.
Walk along the Thames River- you will basically be able to cross all the bridges in London such as the famous London and Tower Bridge, which are surprisingly always being confused for one another. Also watch a performance at Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre and be transported back to Elizabethan England! Along the river are popular street food options such as mulled wine & fish and chips *yum.
The London Eye- a popular tourist attraction that is essentially a massive Ferris Wheel where you can catch a glimpse of the most picturesque view of the city! A few blocks away is the train station of Waterloo *cue Abba.
Buckingham Palace- again a no-brainer, but what is visiting London without glorifying the queen’s “humble abode.” The palace is the centerpiece of the UK’s constitutional monarchy and you can experience their traditional changing of the guard.
Hyde Park- have a relaxing afternoon picnic, bike-ride or simple stroll at Hyde Park. Don’t forget your blanket, snacks such as sandwiches, cheese and of course lots of wine!
Notting Hill & Portobello Road- Yes, I am talking about THE Notting Hill where I was awaiting my Hugh Grant and where his travel bookshop actually exists here. It’s a vibrant, trendy area, with casual cafes lining bohemian Portobello Road, famed for its busy market selling antiques and vintage fashion. Make sure to soak in all the architectural glories of the Royal Borough of Chelsea & Kensington while you’re at it.
King’s Cross & St. Pancras- here you will find the most famous train station in all of London, thanks to Harry Potter and his Platform 9 3/4, and if you are planning to travel to Paris your train will most likely be in King’s Cross & St. Pancras. I was interning at a boutique in Bloomsbury which is another quaint area. Visit yet another trendy area for shopping and dining at Coal’s Drop Yards.
Sky Garden- more views! The perfect spot for drinks with friends if you want to experience the most spectacular view of London. A great place to take stellar photos for your Instagram!
The Royal Observatory Greenwich- take a ferry ride along the Thames River and end your boat ride at Greenwich. Immaculate views, fresh air and rolling green hills.
Shoreditch- although my previous recommendations were considered trendy… Shoreditch is THE trendiest out of them all. This residential district houses young creatives and trendsetters with fashionable vintage shops an eclectic dining scene with gastropubs such as Box Park. Some of my crazier memories with my friends involved partying at clubs such as Cargo and the Hoxton Pony.
Old Spitalfields Market- located in the East-End of London, at the corner of White Chapel and Brick Lane (where you will find the best curry houses in London), once a covered market that sold fresh produce in the Victorian Era, now sells antique trinkets and exotic street foods.
Elephant & Castle- I am more biased for this recommendation since I resided here during my study abroad experience. Although the Elephant & Castle shopping centre has closed, the area still hosts a pub in its namesake. Also another cool, urban food court probably my favorite dining experience was at Mercato Metropolitano, London's first sustainable community food market focused on revitalizing neighborhoods and protecting the environment. In the evening, visit the nightclub Ministry of Sound, for a night of endless dancing with your best mates!
Borough Market- if you are an ultimate foodie you must visit Borough Market! I lived only two blocks aways from this god-send! Located right next to London Bridge, it is a source of British and International produce, and is London's most renowned food and drink Market. Also, if you’re a big Bridget Jones Diary fan, *fun fact she also “lived” right above Borough Market.
Camden Town- is famed for its market, a warren of fashion and curiosities by the Regent’s Canal. A haven of counter culture, the area is popular with tourists, teenagers and punks. The thriving nightlife scene includes live music in alternative clubs and old-school pubs. My favorite bar is Simmons, they have the best fruity cocktails (which I am not ashamed to say I enjoy by the way).
Most museums in London are absolutely free of charge, so here are some museums to visit if you are a total history and art buff:
Therefore after so any recommendations later, I will leave you with some helpful tips when you come to visit London. The currency is the British pound and the best mode of transportation in the city is neither cabbie or Uber but rather the London Underground aka The Tube. The best fashion attire to wear in London would be wellies such as Hunter boots, black chelsea boots or 1460 Dr. Martens, and the classic trench coat (Mac) or Barbour wax coat. Make sure you pack an umbrella, as it is essential, in ol’ foggy Londontown. Be prepared to walk… alot, but I promise you that you will never tire from the fantastic scenery you will experience. Make sure you top-up your oyster card with plenty of fare, and you’re pretty much all set to go explore London. Cheers!
