The ULTIMATE London Bucket List

If you’re bored in London, you’re doing it wrong. Here’s my ultimate bucket list of things to do and see around London – all of which I have done and would happily do again:

THINGS TO DO 

• See a musical/play in the West End 
• Watch a play for an incredible price at Shakespeare's Globe
• Sky Garden, one of the best FREE views of London
• Go ice skating at Somerset House or the Natural History Museum
• (For Harry Potter fans) Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour / Platform 9 3/4 
• Visit Winter Wonderland 
• Visit Notting Hill, home to the iconic pastel-colored houses and the famous Portobello Market
• The Shard, a pricey but stunning view of London 
• The London Eye 
• Try high tea!

HISTORICAL PLACES TO SEE

• Tower of London - Historic castle and fortress that used to serve as a royal residence, barracks and prison. Today it is notable for holding infamous prisoners and the Crown Jewels. 
• Tower Bridge - The castle-like bridge that may tourists mistake for London Bridge. 
• Westminster Abbey - The royal church in the center of London that serves as the coronation church and the site of many royal weddings.
• Parliament/Parliament Square - Stop by to see all of the Brexit fuss.
• Buckingham Palace (and changing of the guards parade) - The Queen is on holiday for a few months of the year, and that is the only time guests are allowed to tour the State Room and inside of the Palace. I highly recommend a visit in September. The changing of the Queen's Guards takes place a few times a week and is certainly a sight to see! 
• St. Paul's Cathedral - One of the most stunning Cathedrals, in my opinion. Climb 528 steps to the top for breathtaking views of London. 
• Windsor Castle - Another royal residence worth a visit. 
• Trafalgar Square - A public square surrounded by museums. 
• Hyde Park / Speaker's Corner - See the birthplace of free speech and how people on Sundays continue to stand on soapboxes to share their passions and beliefs with the public. 
• Millennium Bridge - Famously the bridge from Harry Potter, this pedestriation bridge links the Southbank (Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, etc) with the City of London (and a direct view of St. Paul's Cathedral).  
• Piccadilly Circus - The 'New York City' of London, located in the West End and surrounded by great food and theater. 
• Abbey Road - For the Beatles fans out there. 

MUSEUMS 

Majority of the museums in London are free!! My favorites of the semester were the following:

• Tate Modern 
• The British Museum 
• The National Gallery / National Portrait Gallery 
• The Natural History Museum 
• Victoria and Albert Museum 

FOOD 

• Chinatown + SOHO - stop by for some great food before a show in the West End 
• The Breakfast Club 
• Sketch London 
• Peggy Porschen's Cakes 

SHOPPING/MARKETS

• Oxford, Regent, and Carnaby Streets
• Liberty London 
• Harrods 
• Portobello Road Market 
• Borough Market 
• Columbia Road Flower Market 
• Greenwich Market 
• Camden  Market 
• Brick Lane Market 
• Covent Garden / Market