"The Big Smoke's" Museums

Live installation at The Tate Britain; The Museum of London; The National Art Gallery

All museums are free, but check their websites for bank holidays. 

British Museum: This museum is one of the largest museums in London. It has such a vast collection of world history that it is easily one of the best museums in London. 

Museum of London:  I worked here and I love it. MOL is constantly opening new exhibits and has great walking tours. The museum is also right near St. Paul's Cathedral (St. Paul's Station)... kill two birds with one stone. Though not commonly known, this area of the city is full of Roman history. There are actually a few underground Roman baths that date back to the 4th century ad. 

Victoria and Albert (V&A):  The V&A is great for a number of reasons. Naturally, it is full of great English history, but it has a large collection of fashion throughout the centuries. Cases of shoes, jewelry, dresses, corsets, etc. It has a ton of other stuff, but this is something that always stands out in my memory. It is also close to the Natural History Museum. and isn't far from Kensington High Street. Along this street there a lot of quick bites - another Wagamama, a Whole Foods if you are homesick and runs parallel to Hyde Park. For orientation purposes think of Hyde Park as the strip of land that divides Notting Hill and Kensington Road. Kensington Palace is a small section within Hyde Park so you are close to the palace, which to me is more like a red house... 

The Tate Britain: This is a gorgeous art museum that holds numerous collections. Surprise, I am a fan of their pieces from the 15th century. The Tate Modern, as you would expect, is a separate museum that displays contemporary works of art and is on the South Bank. However, it all depends on your taste... both are really great. 

The Clink (Prison Museum): This museum breaks my heart. I would go here if you have children, otherwise, it is a little immature. My cousin and I learned that The Clink has more of a theatrical and Disney World feel to it. It kills me that they created such a kitchy museum here because The Clink is possibly one of the oldest prisons in England. It was in use from the early 12th century to 1780. The museum shows a lot of the tools and techniques that were used to torture people, but it is distracting when the display looks like a scene from Peter Pan. If you are history person you should go by even it is just to experience being on the spot of such great history. Either way, I am sure you'll pass it anyways as you walk on the South Bank (it's on Clink Street)

Note: Lots of museums have field trips going on during the week. Personally, I think it is kind of cute to see 6 year olds sketching a copy of a painting, but if that's not your thing and want to avoid a little extra chaos, go mid week. 

London's Parks And Markets

(top photo: Hyde Park, middle photo: Portobello Road, bottom photo: Hyde Park)

Rain or shine you should visit the city's the markets and parks! They are incredible. Grab a sandwich, camera, blackcurrant Ribena and walk around.  

Nibbles and Pubs...

Wagamama near the Tower, Chicken Katsu Curry #71, Drink and "crisps" in The Six Bells,  The Churchill Arms, Gordon's Wine Bar

England isn't England without its pubs and international cuisine. Incredible Thai and Indian food can be found on every street. I was never a fan until I went to England, but I am definitely one now. Their McDonald's even offers a curry dipping sauce! (Note: delicious with chicken McNuggets. But then again, everything is good with chicken McNuggets). London is filled with tasty places to eat and cozy (packed at 5:00 pm) pubs to enjoy a pint. Go in, buy a drink, find a seat and tuck into a bag of Walker's Salt & Vinegar "crisps". It is my opinion that pub fish and chips are the best. "Chish and Fips" are a must and something that you have to eat least once. Here are some of my favorite pubs and restaurants! 

Gordon's Wine Bar:  Embankment Station (literally right outside of it) 

This is the oldest wine bar in London and therefore a must! A narrow flight of stairs lead you down to a cave where the wine is excellent and choices of cheese plates are abundant. Though sitting down below is fantastic I would also venture outside! It is packed after work, but still worth going. Gordon's is also right next to Victoria Embankment Gardens. I'd grab a pizza from Pizza Express up the street, go back to the park and enjoy a picnic (Alcohol is not permitted in public, but it is common to see a glass of wine. Worse comes to worse someone tells you to put it away). 

The Churchill Arms:  Notting Hill Station; http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=43    

Here is one of the best traditional pubs I have discovered in London. All kinds of antiques hang from the ceiling and there is a fantastic Thai restaurant in the back. Go, go, go!! Be ready for it to be a little busy. 

Westminster Arms:   Westminster Station            

This pub is a little small, like most traditional pubs are, but its location is what makes it so great. It is right near Westminster Abbey, Parliament, St. James's Park, and Parliament Square. so it would be easy to pop in and grab a quick drink (avoid after work hours). Due to it's location the pub is a little overpriced, but hey, that's London. A Francese family favorite for a reason...  

Wahaca: Covent Garden Station; http://www.wahaca.co.uk/ 

I love the Wahaca in Covent Garden near TGI Fridays. It has the BEST margaritas I have ever had... anywhere. Yes, even in Texas. Their selection is pretty darn good. They have "Street Orders". They are mini sides. Get three or so each (maybe 4 for guys).. I love the bean and cheese quesadillas, huilacoche quesadillas, taquitos, and cup of frijoles. No queso though! You'll get a plate of food worthy of any appetite. They also give you jalapeño seeds when you leave. You can't get reservations though, so get their semi-early. A line builds quickly! The little extra effort is worth it! Beware, the margs are strong! 

Basaba Eathai:  Oxford Circus Station on Wardour Street; http://www.bertorelli.co.uk/ 

Basaba is one of my favorite Thai food restaurants (Doesn't beat Wagamama, but nothing does). If you aren't big into Thai, no worries, there are a number of other scrumptious choices. I prefer the one on Wardour Street (off Oxford Street), though there are ones on Store Street and Bird Street. (Get something with noodles)

Bertorelli:  Piccadilly Station; http://www.bertorelli.co.uk/

I only ate here once, but I'm mentioning it because it was that good. I went here with my roommates and we all left extremely satisfied. A little upscale, but unforgettable. Coming from an Italian family I am pretty hard to crack on what I consider "good" Italian food, but this passed the test with flying colors! 

Hong Kong: Leicester Square Station

This is a Francese Family favorite resturant right behind Leicester Square in 'China Town'. We typically eat here before we go to a show. A lot of theaters are near by. It isn't cheap, but taaasty and fun on a night out. Go for the lettuce wraps with duck! Ymmm!

Going Out? How about you head over to...

Soho, Absolute Ice Bar and Hoxton Square

This will be a list that I add to... but for now... 

East End: Shoreditch, Hoxton Square (Mother Bar and Blue Kitchen) and Old Street. (That is kind of repetitious because they are all overlapping areas, but it's good to know their names) There are a lot of places to go. Just walk around and into any of them. 

Soho: Soho is very popular so I am sure you've heard of it. You are spending more money, but there are great restaurants and upscale bars. And don't forget about about Dean Street! It has a lot of jazz clubs. Soho and Old Compton Street are popular on the gay scene, which might even be more of a reason to go in my opinion... 

Snooty Booty/Pay on entry: Regent and Piccadilly Street! Though you might be spending some more moola you are guaranteed a fun night out. This area of London is a lot of fun. This includes Soho. Note: This is a popular area so go one night, but don't miss out on the other great places the locals would suggest! Ice Bar is a lot of fun and off of Regents Street... 15 pounds cover.  http://www.belowzerolondon.com/

Indie/Retro: Camden! Dodgy, hold onto your purse, but great bars and clubs in the market. Camden is alive during both day and night!

Parsons Green/Fulham: You might encounter some snooty people (boys from Eaton), but it's a young scene. The White Horse Pub, aka "Sloaney Pony", is pretty lively at night and ver popular.

Notting Hill: I did not spend too many evenings in Notting Hill, but one of the ones I did was a blast! Notting Hill Arts Club! Go, go, go! This lil gem is so much fun. One of the nights I went there it was a Michael Jackson vs. Prince night. Clutch.. to say the least. 

My Must Sees

Westminster Bridge, Street walk, Hyde Park, Cave inside Gordon’s Wine Bar, Covent Garden street show, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Whitehall, The Tower of London

When I combine my passion for medieval history and my time in London I come to the conclusion that these are my must see sites and places. In my opinion, sitting in a park with a curry pie from EAT can be just as important to the London experience as visiting the Tower of London. London is so large that its size and popular "to do's" can actually work against you. Some of those popular "must sees" are far from worth it. For example, don't waste an hour and £23 on a trip to The London Dungeon... just go to Disney World if you want to see a cheesy dungeon. With so much to see, what do you make sure you do? 

I am going to start from east London and move west. I note the nearest station, but I would walk as much as possible. Everything in London is much closer than it seems. Most stations are literally a street away from each other. It can be quicker to talk and saves you some money. Plus, time to burn the calories from the extra pint you drank last night. 

The Tower of London:  Tower Hill Station

http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/ 

One of the places with the most history in London. The wardens (guides who live inside the walls of the tower) are  a lot of fun and truly add to the experience. They give the extra tid bits that will keep your attention until the very end of your tour. During December an ice skating rink is put inside the moat! For £1o you can ice skate next to The Tower in a moat where alligators used to swim!  Nearby is Boaden's BBQ.. not too shabby if you ask me. There is also a Wagamama across from the Tower. Stop and grab a #71 Chicken Katsu Curry before crossing Tower Bridge (Tower Bridge is NOT London Bridge) to walk to South Bank (pronounced Suth-uck). 

South Bank: 

Cross over Tower Bridge and snap some great shots of the Thames. When you cross over take a stroll down the waterfront (South Bank). There aren't too many actual 'go in sites', but it is a great way to see another side of London. The walk passes the Globe Theatre (This is not Shakespeare's original theatre so I don't think it's worth going in, but your call. It wouldn't take long if you did), The Tate Modern (This museum depends on your taste. I am not a contemporary fan so I prefer The Tate Britain located on the north bank), Millennium Bridge that provides a gorgeous view of St. Paul's, the famous mimes that clutter a strip of the bank, London Bridge (which is not the original, but is still at the same location. The first bridge had houses, pubs and shops all along bridge! Amazing! Take a look! http://wordsndreamz.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/old-london-bridge.jpg). Soon you will pass the London Eye (The Eye gives an incredible view of London and sometimes all the way out to Windsor Castle, but I would watch the weather and go near the end of your stay. If you go at the end of your trip you will be able to recognize where you have been, and in my opinion, it will mean more). Finally, you will end near the Dali Museum (next to McDonald's) and at Westminster Bridge! There are some great pubs along the walk and number of places to run in and grab food! This is section doesn't go into all the great places on the South Bank behind the water. The South Bank has been around since the Saxons occupied the area. Behind the water there are a lot of markets, pubs, stores, churches.. tons of history.

Covent Garden:  Covent Garden Station

Personally, I think that Covent Garden is a lot of fun, but not what you expect. It's not a place you spend a lot of time in. You should go, but it's not that big. It is a perfect starting point on the day you want to explore the West End. However, here you can catch a street show in the plaza, walk around the market, grab a cup of coffee at one of the cafes or enjoy a pint up at The Cove Pub. You can't miss it. It is upstairs and has a beautiful balcony that overlooks the Plaza. This is a great place to watch a show. From here I would walk to Leicester Square... 

Leicester Square:  Leicester Square Station

Walk through the square and check the ticket board for cheap tickets to see a play! (Les Mis, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing... you can't go wrong)  If you go early or by mid day you can get a great deal! China town is parallel and has a great restaurant called, Hong Kong. It is a Francese family favorite and has incredibly delicious lettuce ducks wraps. From here continue walking down Charing Cross to the Strand towards Trafalgar Square... 

Trafalgar Square:  Charing Cross Station

The infamous lions and Nelson's Column! The monument is a great place to stop, take a breather, and naturally, climb a lions! Behind it is The National Art Gallery. It is free and something I would suggest. If standing on the balcony of The Natural Art Gallery, facing the monument, you will see Whitehall.. a famous street. It leads right to Parliament (Big Ben) and Westminster Abbey. So naturally, start the walk down. (There is a McDonald's on your left and a pub called, The Clarent). Along the walk you will pass the Horse Guards on your right, the Ministry of Defense on your left, a view of the London Eye, Downing Street on your right (where the Prime Minister lives) and the Foreign Common Wealth Office (where I used to work!). You are now are looking at Big Ben (outside the Westminster Station) in Parliament Square... look to your right and there is Westminster Abbey. 

Westminster Abbey:  Westminster Station

Definitely go in and make sure to listen to a automated guide. I would read up on the abbey before you go, otherwise, you miss out on all the history and its significance. It was founded in 960 ad and every monarch since Edward the Confessor has held their corination ceremony here! It is one of the most important buildings in London. Hands down. You mainly have to go for its significance. You'd be a fool not to. Nearby is Westminster Arms! This is a classic, tiny. English pub. This is another Francese favorite. I suggest stopping in and grabbing a pint of cider (Preferably Bulmers or Magners!) Now you are next to St. James's Park... 

Cross the street to Birdcage Walk (a street) and stroll along or through the park. At the end of your walk is Buckingham Palace... 

Buckingham Palace:  Green Park Station (you could walk through Green Park once you exit the station)

I have only been once and I was too young to remember. I need to go again... However, always associated with Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard. This happens at 11:00 am and I honestly don't see the big deal. Go if you are nearby, but don't coordinate your day around it. It is boring, a lot of people with cameras and not a lot of action.