Photo Diary: London

“Which place did you like better – Paris or London?” That’s the question that everyone keeps asking and honestly I don’t have an answer because they were both so different that there’s really no way to compare them.

After missing our train from Paris to London and ending up with first class tickets on a later train we finally made it…& welcomed with much warmer weather (if you can consider 40s warmer weather). Our first day in London was New Year’s Eve & we spent the day exploring The Tower of London (aka drooling over the crown jewelry & learning about all things royal) & of course walking over (& taking outfit pics near) The Tower Bridge.

The view of the Tower Bridge from the Millennium Bridge (a must see for all Harry Potter fans along with Platform 9 3/4!))

We passed by St. Paul Cathedral on our way back to the hotel & I was amazed how different it looked from all the catholic churches we saw in France!

Bright & early on the first day of 2015 we headed to see Big Ben &…

Westminster Abbey! Hands down my favorite part of London! I highly recommend getting the audio guide, I learned so much it’s so filled with history. After watching the Royal Wedding you think that’s all there is to see in the church, but boy was I wrong! I never thought seeing tombs would be so interesting, but it was amazed! Since I couldn’t take any pictures inside you’ll just have to see it yourself!

We ended the day walking through Hyde Park & checking out the Wellington Arch & Buckingham Palace! I was a little unimpressed by Buckingham Palace so I’m sharing a pic of this amazing arch we passed in Hyde Park after visiting the Winter Wonderland Festival.

A beautiful day for another trip to Big Ben & The London Eye!

Riding on The London Eye wasn’t a priority for me when visiting London, but I’m so glad we did it. Seeing an aerial view of the city was beautiful.

Afternoon tea! Just seeing this tray is making me hungry! Every single thing on it was delicious & we devoured it all along with the best tea I’ve ever had in my life & a much needed glass of champagne! Sharing where we ate + a way to get an awesome deal at the bottom of this post!

We couldn’t leave London without a trip to Harrods, Zara & Topshop! Harrods was amazing, between the market on the ground floor, the Egyptian escalator & Shoe Heaven (literally that’s what it’s called), it’s a must see!

Our last day in London was spent exploring Notting Hill & Portobello Market. Unfortunately is was pouring and we didn’t stay too long, the houses & doors are beautiful. If When I go back to London I’d make it a point to explore this area more!

Just like my Paris post I wanted to leave you with 5 London tips that can hopefully help you plan your future trip:

1. Stay in Kensington! I’m so glad we opted to stay in this charming, mostly residential neighborhood during our trip. We spent lots of time just wandering around dreaming of living in one of the giant gated houses with private gardens (a girl can dream right!).
2. Don’t miss the crown jewels at the Tower of London. I was literally in awe of the crowns & scepters & all things coronation!
3. Two words…Westminster Abbey! You must take the tour there, seriously amazing.
4. Afternoon Tea is a must! Hotels do it best, we went to The Sofitel St. James (so good!) & actually got a great deal through this site!
5. The second you book your trip make a reservation at Duck & Waffle! We booked ours 2 months in advance & could only get a reservation for 10:30pm…it was 100% worth it! First of all it’s located on the 40th floor of a building with unparalleled city views & the highest restaurant in the UK. Order the Guanciale & Welsh Goat’s Cheese Bread, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Wild Cornish Pollock Meatballs & of course the Duck & Waffle! My stomach is growling just thinking about it!

Don’t miss my Paris Travel Diary!
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