Some of the best historic places to visit in London are also the most popular. Topping the list of must-see historic places are the Tower of London, and the river walk along the Thames which goes directly past Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and to the London Bridge. A good place to start is by visiting Buckingham Palace and walking from there the short distance to Westminster Abby and the House of Parliament. As you cross the Thames and you find yourself on the historic river walk which leads you past many boutique shops and cafes to art museums, the London Eye and finally the London Bridge which you cross to arrive at the Tower itself. Walking allows you to experience the city on a more intimate level while also letting you move at your own pace.
London is full of interesting and beautiful parks throughout the city. Many of them can be used as travel routes from one section of town to the other rather than using sidewalks or the Tube, London's subway system. Two of the best and most famous parks in London are Hyde Park and Kensington Park. Hyde Park is near downtown London and not only has acres of beautiful walking paths, but also picnic areas, shaded benches, playground areas, water features and public facilities. There are also food vendors on many of the main walking paths where you can purchase bottled drinks and sandwiches. Kensington Park is adjacent to Hyde Park. Kensington was once the home to Princess Diana and while strolling the park or taking in one of the art exhibits you can also tour her home and gardens.
There are many fantastic shopping opportunities in London as well as restaurants all over town. For the most unique shopping experience, take a short ride on the Tube to historic Notting Hill for boutique shopping. There is also a market held in Notting Hill on the weekends, which gives you the opportunity to take in more local fare and browse the outdoor stalls for one-of-a-kind shopping. The best source of food in London is always going to be a local pub. A pub can be found on about every other street corner. A pub is a bar but it is also a casual family dining experience. Many are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer only local fare such as porridge, fish and chips, and of course tea and ale. The best sightseeing in London is all about experiencing the city as well as viewing the many different historical attractions of the city.
