My wife and I are traveling to London and Paris (both first timers) in a couple weeks. We have 2 1/2 days in London and then 5 days in Paris. We arrive at 7AM in London on 9/8 and then take the train to Paris late afternoon of 9/10. We are staying at The Rubens at The Palace near Buckingham Palace. Without going at a crazy fast pace, what are your tips/suggestions for how to approach our time in London? We have a dinner reservation for Friday the 9th at The Mayfair Chippy to eat fish n chips. Would love to find a good Pub to sample beers. Gordon's Wine Bar looks neat. My wife is interested in afternoon tea somewhere not overly formal. We are hoping to see a few sights and just enjoy strolling around. FYI our time in Paris is more organized around sightseeing and thought we would take a more casual approach to London. Thoughts?
Posted by
Stratford upon Avon
470 posts
I make that two months in London
Posted by
258 posts
What would I do? Go past Big Ben (the clock), Tower of London, Tower Bridge. Otherwise, stick to a particular neighbourhood. You will be there long enough to get ideas for future visits, where you can actually do something, and not glance at it. It is so big, you need a plan, or you just waste your time going from place to place, and not appreciating anything. I think "afternoon tea" is a complete waste of money, designed to rip tourists off. But that is just me, maybe.
Posted by
Irving
3277 posts
On your day of arrival tour the Tower of London followed by taking photos of Tower Bridge. Both sights are located in The City which is London’s birthplace 2,000 years ago. You might then be ready for afternoon tea: https://london.eater.com/maps/best-afternoon-tea-london.
For your full day in London start your day at Buckingham Palace since you’re three blocks away but don’t go inside. Find the Green Park tube station to the Westminster station and check out Parliament Square, tour Westminster Abbey (rent the audio unless you’re familiar with British history), the Churchill War Rooms (buy tickets before leaving home) the walk to Trafalgar Square. I don’t know what metro stop will get you to Gordon’s Wine Bar or The Mayfair Chippy but your hotel will.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks for the information. Great advice!
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
I’m going to suggest The Albert which is 10 minutes from your hotel. Now surrounded by modern architecture this is a venerable pub ( built in the 1800’s) is where you might over hear members of Parliament chatting.
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/albert/about-the-pub/
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
A boat ride along the Thames between Westminster Bridge and the Tower would be a nice orientation to the city, with worthwhile sights at both ends. St. Paul's Cathedral is also near the Tower. With so little time you'll have to be very selective and think of it as scouting for a much longer future trip. I doubt if you'll have any trouble finding good pubs or other eating/drinking options, including afternoon tea. Don't spend precious time searching for perfection, just eat and drink. It's all good. Your hotel can recommend nearby places.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3896 posts
"We are staying at The Rubens at The Palace"
Lucky you!
There's your place for afternoon tea.
They do a splendid tea.
My sister and her friends (all of them nurses and very picky) were staying there and they enjoyed the afternoon tea very much.