Where to Go and What to Do with 24 Hours in London
BY SABA SHAHID (ECON/IV)
As I began my humble attempt to write this column on the city of London, I started thinking about how to best describe it. The only word I could think of was "addictive." Whether it is the bustling streets packed with exclusive haute couture and fashion boutiques, the assortment of modern and historic museums, the array of cinema houses and musical theatres or the diversity of international cuisines, something or other will appeal to you. That's London's unique selling point: it has something to offer everyone, even all my girlfriends out there who've rejected the idea of going to London post-Prince William's wedding.
Many will agree with me when I say that one can get lost exploring the city's mysteries for weeks and weeks, and that it can be really challenging to decide on how to spend a very limited period of time in a city as diverse, as culturally enriching and as historic as London -- not to mention the reputation the city has gained as the world's fashion capital and as a financial center and home of the arts. However, I've outlined below where you should go and what you should do, based on your own particular tastes, if you only have one day to spend in captivating London.
For foodies: London is one place where you won't risk being disappointed in terms of food, because it has an extremely varied range of gastronomies to choose from. European, Far Eastern, South Indian, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, Afghani, South Asian -- you name it, and London has it! Here are some of the restaurants I've come across in London where I can guarantee that you'll find mouthwatering food. For genuine Italian food, try the franchise Zizzi, which boasts a very comprehensive menu of Italian dishes. Ping Pong is not unique to London, but what an impressive menu of Chinese food it has to offer! Located right next to the Thames and very close to the Tate Modern museum, this restaurant is one place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. For a trendy and colorful setting, try Giraffe. Don't be deceived by the restaurant's name, because this café will definitely surprise you with its delicious menu, which is offered from breakfast to dinner. If you're into South Asian food, the best place to go for authentic curry is Tayyab's; the restaurant claims to offer the city's finest South Asian cuisine. For snacks, ice cream and homemade delights, take a walk around Covent Garden and be sure to try all the little treats available.
For museum lovers: I don't really fancy museum tours when I'm visiting a new place; I'd rather roam the streets and get to know the city. London's museums are different, though. Plus, the city just has so many of them (over two hundred) that I'm sure you can find at least one to your liking.
The National Gallery: for an astounding collection of paintings and portraits.
The British Museum: for those who enjoy traditional museums, with renowned collections from ancient Greece, ancient Rome and Asia. Not to mention the fact that the museum's architecture is worthwhile in itself.
The Natural History Museum: for all the science junkies -- it has dinosaur skeletons, too :)
The Tate Modern: one of my favorites. Exhibitions here continually change according to different themes, but don't go to this museum if you don't really appreciate art -- some of the pieces are more of an acquired taste.
Madame Tussauds: for a chance to pose with Johnny Depp, Colin Firth and many other celebrated figures.
Other famous museums include: the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
For theater lovers: London is home to Shakespeare's Globe. Although a rebuilt version of the original is now open to the public, few can resist visiting this historic site. The Globe also stages plays now and then. But for a livelier day at the theater, London's musicals at the Lyceum Theatre are exquisite. I watched a production of "The Lion King" there last year, and it was an experience I'll never forget -- truly magical and very entertaining. The Royal Opera House and the Apollo Theatre are also celebrated London theaters.
For nature lovers: A day spent in the park is a day wisely spent. You can beat the pollution from the city's traffic, exercise in an area with plenty of oxygen, enjoy a picnic in the grass or just relax and meditate. London's Hyde Park allows you to do all of the above. It also offers paddle-boating in its lake, hosts concerts and will be holding events during the Olympics this year. Among the other beautiful parks to stroll in is Regent's Park, housing the London Zoo. London's aquarium, which has exotic marine animals, is also an entertaining place to stop by.
The London that can't be missed: It is impossible to go to London and not see some of the monuments that have gained iconic status. The following are therefore not to be missed:
London Tower Bridge: probably one of the best-known symbols of London today, and a site with great historic and economic significance.
Big Ben: a soaring clock tower that represents London for me. Without Big Ben, London would surely be incomplete.
The London Eye: a ride on this giant Ferris wheel is a perfect activity if you have only limited time in London, since it gives you a breathtaking aerial view of the entire city center.
Buckingham Palace: home to Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family, this palace is an ornate collection of courtrooms, halls and gardens.
Also be sure to see: Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and Westminster Abbey.
I hope you all are convinced by now that no matter how you spend your time in London, you definitely won't be bored; the city won't give you a chance.