
What I learned in London can save you hours —and headaches—
A quick guide to discovering London without wasting time: my real tips to move around, save money, and enjoy the city like a local.
TRAVEL GUIDES
Annette Ghan
11/23/20253 min read
Thinking of Visiting London? Read This Before You Go.
From a travel advisor who has walked its streets, felt its rhythm, and knows how to help you enjoy it fully.
The first time I arrived in London, I remember stepping out of the station and feeling the city breathe around me — a mix of history, energy, and quiet confidence. London doesn’t try to impress you. It simply is, and somehow, that’s enough to make you fall in love with it.
As a travel advisor and guide, I’ve helped many travelers explore this iconic city, and every single one comes back saying the same thing:
“London felt like a place I’ve always known, even though I had never been there.”
Let me tell you why.




London’s Magic Doesn’t Shout — It Whispers
What makes London unforgettable isn’t just its landmarks.
It’s the way the city blends old and new, calm and chaos, tradition and rebellion — all in one breath.
I’ve walked along the Thames on foggy mornings when everything feels like a scene from a movie. I’ve crossed Tower Bridge at sunset, watching the sky turn gold behind the city skyline. I’ve sat in tiny cafés in Notting Hill, listening to the gentle hum of everyday life.
London isn’t overwhelming — it’s inviting.
It quietly says: “Take your time. Explore. Let me show you something.”
The Landmarks You Think You Know — and How They Actually Feel
You’ve seen them in photos, movies, postcards… but experiencing them in person hits differently.
• Big Ben & Westminster
Standing under Big Ben while the bells ring is a feeling you don’t forget.
It’s London’s heartbeat — steady, elegant, timeless.
• London Eye
Yes, it’s touristy.
Yes, it’s worth it.
If you catch it at dusk, the city lights sparkle in a way that makes you inhale sharply and whisper, “Wow.”
• Tower of London
History here doesn’t feel like a lesson — it feels alive.
You can almost hear the footsteps of centuries.
• Buckingham Palace
Whether you’re into royalty or not, watching the Changing of the Guard is a reminder of how rich London is in tradition.
The London Most Travelers Don’t See
My favorite moments in London aren’t in tourist spots.
They’re in the quieter corners where the city softens a little.
• Hyde Park early in the morning
Joggers, birds, fresh air, and the soft glow of the sun.
It’s a peaceful paradise in the middle of a fast city.
• Camden Market on a good day
Color, music, street food, creativity everywhere.
London’s wild soul lives here.
• Covent Garden at night
Street musicians, soft lights, and a kind of magic you can’t explain — only feel.
• The hidden bookstores in Bloomsbury
If you love books, this area feels like a gentle hug.
Food in London: It’s Better Than You Expect (Trust Me)
People laugh when I say London has amazing food… until they try it.
Because London isn’t about one cuisine — it’s about all of them.
I’ve had some of the best:
Indian dishes
Middle Eastern plates
Fresh pastries in local bakeries
Traditional fish & chips (yes, you have to try it at least once)
Cozy afternoon teas that feel like a warm pause in your day
London tastes like the world.


Why I Always Tell My Travelers: “London Isn’t a Trip — It’s an Experience”
London doesn’t demand anything from you.
It simply opens its doors and lets you decide who you want to be while you’re there.
You can spend your morning in museums, your afternoon in markets, and your night by the river watching the city shimmer.
London adapts to you.
And that’s why it stays in your heart.
If You’re Thinking About London… Go.
Go for the history.
Go for the culture.
Go for the feeling of walking through a city that has lived a thousand lives and still has room for yours.
And if you need help planning the perfect London trip — from must-see spots to hidden gems — I’d love to guide you.
It’s what I do, and London is one of my favorite stories to help people write. 💛🇬🇧
