So many of my readers have been asking me to share my Europe Itinerary so here it is! I listed all the things you need to DO and EAT in London and which Metro stations you should alight. Follow my day to day itinerary so that you can save time and see more of London!
I traveled London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Milan, Dubai for almost a month and spent about $2600 inclusive of airfares, hotels, Eurail trains and domestic flight! Want to know how I did it? Sharing it all here! Who say you need at least $10,000 to go Europe? Of course if you are going there to shop for branded items, you’ll need that kind of amount and more!
It’s a little tedious doing all the homework but you have the freedom of time and choosing exactly where you want to go! I’ve always loved planning for trips even to nearby countries. The adrenaline of getting everything together and the flexibility of adding more cafes or shopping along the way as we tour.
I flew by Emirates and I love it for you can always stopover in Dubai for a few days at no cost! Emirates service is really good, food is yummy and has a wide variety of entertainment on-board.
I’ve always enjoy staying at Ibis Hotel for it is very clean, comfortable, has all the basic essentials, good location, value for money and most importantly… what you see is what you get! You know some hotels you see they have nice pictures and decorations but when you read reviews, you get like dark corridors, bad smell and dirty. Nothing like what you see on their pictures. This WILL NOT happen to Ibis Hotels! Which is why I decided to go with Accor Hotels for my entire trip minus Venice. I thought there is only 1 type of Ibis but little did I know my honest “mistake” saved us quite a bit of money.
Instead of checking into normal Ibis Hotel, I booked Hotel ibis budget London Whitechapel – Brick Lane. Everything is the same, cosy beds, private bathroom and a canteen where you can dine in. The essentials done well, comes with a generous double bed, a practical bathroom with a separate toilet, a flatscreen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi. No frills, what you see on their website is what you get. Bright and clean which is really important to me. The only difference is that the Ibis Budget room doesn’t come with fridge, no mineral water bottles drinks given in room so you’ll have to get them before checking in. If not you can always buy it from the canteen. You can also get your coffee and tea there. Hot water is free!
Did I also mention that the location is merely a 5-6mins walk from Aldgate East Station? Very convenient because Aldgate East Station is rather centralized and there are a lot of eateries along the way to the hotel! There is also a huge supermarket at the back of the hotel.
We started venturing on Day 2 due to the bad jetlag. We spent Day 1 exploring near our hotel, ate a little and did some window shopping. Headed back around 3-4pm, showered and slept all the way from 5 till next day 10am! LOL #jetlaggone
| Name | Address | Station | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Street Kitchen - eating | "10 Bread Street London EC4M 9AJ 0203 030 4050 info@breadstreetkitchen.com" | St Paul's - 4 min walk | Walking distance to St.Paul (19mins) Reservations: email -info@breadstreetkitchen.com, or telephone: 0203 030 4050 |
| St. Paul's Cathedral | St. Paul's Churchyard, The City, London | 5 min walk from Bread Street | This landmark cathedral was designed by Christopher Wren and construction took 36 years until its completion in 1711. However there were five previous churches which stood on this site, the first dating back to 604AD. |
| London Eye (Landmark) | Millennium Jubilee Gardens, SE1, South Bank Phone Number: 0870/5000-600 | Waterloo | Waterloo is about five minutes walking distance. Exit the station following signs for the South Bank. |
| Houses of Parliament & Big Ben (Landmark) | St. Stephen's Entrance, St. Margaret St., Westminster, London Phone Number: 020/7219-4272 | Westminster | take exit one and follow signs for Westminster pier |
| Westminster Abbey (Church) - take pic outside | Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London Phone Number: 020/7222-5152 | 4mins walking from big ben | closed at 3.30pm! |
| The Guards Museum | Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London Phone Number: 020/74143428 | 11mins from Westminster abbey | closed at 4pm! |
| Pollen Street Social - eating | 8-10 Pollen Street, London W1S 1NQ (1 star michellen) | Oxford Circus Tube Station | 3 mins from Pollen Street Social from oxford circus tube |
| Oxford Street (Shopping) | Oxford Street, London, UK LONG STRETCH OF SHOPPING 2.4km | start from Tottenham Court Road tube walk down to Oxford Circus tube and walk down to Bond street tube and continue walking down to Marble Arch tube | Oxford Street is the main artery of London shopping. It’s not the place to head for independent shopping, as only massive brands can afford the rents attached to Oxford Street premises, but it is unrivalled in its offering of cheap high street shopping and jumbo department stores. |
| Byron Hamburgers - eating | "1a Saint Giles High Street London WC2H 8AG, United Kingdom Tel: _44 20 7395 0620 Road" | in oxford street tottenham court road tube | Byron Burger may be a burger chain but There are 8 options on the burger menu, with the classic hamburger starting at £6.75. Other options include Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger (£7.75), Chicken Burger (£8.95) and the Cheese Burger (£7.95) which you can choose from an array of cheeses like mature cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, blue cheese, or emmenthal. |
Delicious hamburgers that are big in portion made fresh from British beef and best paired with a cold craft beer or an extra-thick shake! The mister was so hungry he didn’t want to share and I was a little worried I might not be able to finish 1 on my own. My worries were unfounded cos i end up finishing everything on my plate! Byron Hamburgers are a MUST try and I will certainly have it when I head back to London.
| Name | Address | Station | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Duck & Waffle - eating" | "110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY +44 203 640 7310" | Liverpool Street | "Dress Code: Casual Elegance We welcome and encourage style, however, we kindly ask that guests refrain from wearing shorts, beachwear, flip flops and sportswear, including athletic trainers. Smart jeans are permitted. Photography is prohibited when celebrities happen to dine in the restaurant." |
| Harrods Shopping Mall | 87-135 Brompton Rd, London, United Kingdom | Knightsbridge Tube Station (3mins walk) | Harrods is one of London's most famous stores, it is not the kind of place where you'll find bargains or do a big shop-up but it is an iconic symbol of elite, high-end and high quality products. The Knightsbridge department store has 90,000m² of store space and is the biggest department store in Europe. |
| Maitrechoux eclair - eating | "FORTNUM & MASON 181 PICCADILLY, LONDON W1A 1ER" | Maitre Choux is the first and only choux pastry specialist patisserie in the world. They are a modern version of a French patisserie, redesigned to cater to the most discerning of tastebuds. Three Michelin star experienced chef Joakim Prat bakes the most perfect eclairs, choux and chouquettes. |
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| Piccadilly Square | "58 Dean Street London W1D" | Piccadilly Circus tube | Also known as Picadilly Circus, Piccadilly Square is one of London’s most iconic locations. This major street junction forms a large open space with easy access to main shopping and entertainment areas. |
| Smack - Lobster Roll - eating | " 58 Dean Street London W1D | 5 min walking from Piccadilly Square | BEST and cheapest lobster roll in london!! for only 10pound! The avocado and lobster-laden California roll is most popular, as is the £4.80 lobster chowder, but it’s the ‘Happy Ending’ roll that’s the real star – lobster, shredded cabbage and Japanese mayo are a match made in heaven. Pair with a side of perfectly cooked courgette fries and skip the alcohol. The soft drinks are delicious, organic and refillable." |
| Ripley's Believe It or Not! | "The London Pavilion 1 Piccadilly Circus London W1J 0DA " | Piccadilly Circus tube | |
| Jamie Oliver’s Diner- eating | "23A Shaftesbury Avenue London W1D 7HA " | Piccadilly Circus tube | Within pick-pocketing distance of Piccadilly Circus. Burgers, hot dogs and cocktails in dinosaur-decorated, family-friendly restaurant with takeaway. |
| M&M's World store in London | "1 Swiss Court, Soho, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DG TELEPHONE020 7025 7171 " | "Piccadilly Circus Tube Station 3 minutes walk Leicester Square Tube Station 3 minutes walk" | A space big enough to house more than 100 double-decker buses dedicated to M&M's, those sugar coated chocolate-y treats, might seem a little OTT. But the M&M's World store in London is a colourful, kitsch delight filled with 7 foot statues of the M&M's characters and offering four floors of 'retail-tainment' in the heart of London's Leicester Square, next to the W Hotel. |
| Piccadilly Theatre (to catch a musical) | "4 Denman Street London W1D 7DY | Piccadilly Circus tube | When in London, watch musicals! |
A glass lift will whizzed you in seconds up to Duck & Waffle on the 40th floor with views that are so stunning, I bet you will be as mesmerized as I did! You can try to request for a sitting at a window table many of which are for 2 diners only. Be sure to order their signature Duck & Waffle £15 (S$27), Ox Cheek Benedict £11 (S$19.80) which is really delicious and that braised ox cheeks so very tender and lastly Duck Egg En Cocotte £13 (S$23.40) which was mind blowing! A must order for all egg lovers!
| Name | Address | Station | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway Market | "Broadway Market London E8 4QJ " | Bethnal Green tube | The Street & Schoolyard Markets are open 9am – 5pm every Saturday, with shops, bars and restaurants open throughout the week. |
| Buckingham Palace | Buckingham Palace Rd., St. James's, London Phone Number: 020/7766-7300 | London Victoria | This is the official residence of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II; it is used for official events, State occasions and ceremonies by the Royal Family. The palace is conveniently located close to central London and accessible by the London underground. The palace is surrounded by public Royal Parks: Green Park, St. James Park and Hyde Park. |
| Trafalgar Square | Westminster, London | Charing Cross Tube Station (3mins) | Trafalgar Square is a traffic intersection in central London, the large square at its center is used for many major events and celebrations in London. |
| Covent Garden | The Piazza, London | Leicester Square Tube Station (4mins) | Covent Garden is a London district located between Martin's Lane and Drury Lane; but Covent Garden is best known as the site of the city's oldest market where there are now boutique stores, classy restaurants, theatres, a place to see street performers and shop in typically English markets. |
| Crème de la Crêpe - eating | "29 MARKET BUILDING COVENT GARDEN (inside covent garden) LONDON WC2E 8HD" | Leicester Square Tube Station (4mins) | Crème de la Crêpe in Covent Garden's Market Building offers a diverse menu of sweet and savoury gourmet crepes. |
| Tower Bridge | Tower Bridge Rd., The City, London Phone Number: 020 7403-3761 | London Bridge Tube Station (8mins) | Tower Bridge, London crosses the Thames River next to the Tower of London, the stunning iconic drawbridge is often confused with another Thames bridge referred to in the children's song "London Bridge" is falling down. |
| Tower of London (optional) | Tower Hill, The City, London Phone Number: 0844 482-7777 | The Tower of London is in fact the oldest fortified castle in Europe, it is located on the bank of the Thames next to Tower Bridge and from the moment you are greeted by the Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) in their traditional garb you will feel like you have stepped back in time. | |
| Flat Iron - eating | 17 Beak St, Soho, W1F 9RW | Oxford Circus Tube Station (5 mins) | Cheapest best steak! |
| Regent Street | Regent Street, London, UK | Oxford Circus Tube Station (4mins) | Regent Street is one of London's most central shopping streets, the street is lined with listed buildings and many Grade II listed facades, the entire street is considered an important part of London's architectural heritage. The street can be accessed from the Central, Piccadilly and Bakerloo tube lines which reach the Piccadilly Circus station and Oxford Circus station. Regent Street is conveniently close to Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Hyde Park. |
We ate like crazy at Broadway Market! I will most certainly visit again!
Where to find £10 for a generous plate of steak? Super value for money and warrants a visit!
| Name | Address | Station | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio in London | "Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Studio Tour Drive Leavesden WD25 7LR" | Leicester Square Tube Station (2mins) | Golden Tours Visitor Centre Victoria 08:00 AM, be there by 7.45am!!!! http://wbsstudiotour.gttix.com/ |
| Regent Street | Regent Street, London, UK | Oxford Circus Tube Station (4mins) | Regent Street is one of London's most central shopping streets, the street is lined with listed buildings and many Grade II listed facades, the entire street is considered an important part of London's architectural heritage. The street can be accessed from the Central, Piccadilly and Bakerloo tube lines which reach the Piccadilly Circus station and Oxford Circus station. Regent Street is conveniently close to Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Hyde Park. |
IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! Oh yes, this Harry Potter Fan is going to celebrate her birthday at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter! Getting there on your own can be quite a challenge so I strongly suggest you booking your tickets + return transfers from Golden Tours. They have very clear instructions and maps on pick up points which I really appreciate. Not forgetting the coach is comfortable and playing Harry Potter movies! hahaa
I had such a great time it was surreal. Seeing all the props, the costumes, the many scenes coming alive right before my very eyes… and oh ya, HAVE TO order Butterbeer! It is soooooooo delicious I had to buy the Butterbeer ice cream to try and I’m glad I did!
| Name | Address | Station | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Cereal Killer Café - eating " | "139 BRICK LANE LONDON E1 6SB 020 3601 9100" | Whitechapel Tube Station (12 mins) | Customers will be able to choose from a menu of 100 cereals from around the world for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Cereal aficionados will also be able to customise their bowl with 12 different varieties of milk (catering for 'vegans, vegetarians and awkward children’) along with 20 different toppings. |
| Bricklane Market | Brick Lane (plus Dray Walk), E1. UpMarket & Backyard market: The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL | Aldgate East tube or Liverpool St tube/rail | The best day to visit Brick Lane market is on Sundays, though the shops and restaurants are open every day. On Sundays the streets are lined with people hawking their second-hand wares. |
| Oxford Street (Shopping) | Oxford Street, London, UK LONG STRETCH OF SHOPPING 2.4km | start from Tottenham Court Road tube walk down to Oxford Circus tube and walk down to Bond street tube and continue walking down to Marble Arch tube | Like it or not, Oxford Street is the main artery of London shopping. It’s not the place to head for independent shopping, as only massive brands can afford the rents attached to Oxford Street premises, but it is unrivalled in its offering of cheap high street shopping and jumbo department stores. |
I had so much fun at Cereal Killer and you can bet I will return for I’m a huge cereal eater! I even bought cute souvenirs for myself like the Kellogg’s frosted cereal lip gloss! HAHA super cute! A little bird told me they serve killer shakes too! Coming back for you real soon!
We went back for more shopping for the mister bought sooooooooo many clothings from Primark and with the many sneaker shops available, I think he bought another 4 pairs?!
| Name | Address | Station | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notting Hill | Alternatively, use Westbourne Park station or Ladbroke Grove station on the Hammersmith and City line and Circle line, then walk along Portobello Road towards Notting Hill Gate. | Notting Hill Gate | Notting Hill is one of London's most desirable areas. You can find everything from world-famous events and restaurants, to cutting-edge galleries and theatres in Notting Hill. Perhaps you'll even meet a film star in a travel book shop. |
| Humming Bird Bakery - eating | "133 Portobello Road Notting Hill London W11 2DY" | Notting Hill Gate | The first bakery opened its doors in 2004 on Notting Hill’s famous Portobello Road, so in many ways this is the home of The Hummingbird Bakery! Drop by and try our famous American cupcakes and desserts in the vibrant surroundings of Portobello market. |
| Portobello Market | Inside Notting Hill | The world’s largest antiques market with over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectible. Visitors flock from all over the world to discover one of London’s best loved landmarks which contains the most extensive selection of antiques in Britain! | |
| Spitafields | "Spitalfields Market E1 Brushfield Street Spitalfields, London E1 6AA" | Liverpool Street Station | Famous for its markets, the Spitalfields Estate is now a seven-days-a-week destination. Resplendent under a Fosters & Partners-designed glass canopy, Spitalfields Traders Market, Spitalfields Arts Market and the Market Street shops offer cutting edge fashion and interiors, original artworks as well as food. |
Hoping and wishing I’ll catch Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. HAHAHA I’ve watched the movie ‘Notting Hill’ at least 5 times so being here is kinda surreal.
You didn’t think I was going to leave London without having their signature Fish & Chips?
I hope you’ll like this itinerary for I put in such much effort compiling everything and sharing it here.
I love London so much for the people are friendly and it’s so easy to navigate around. Take the buses too for it’s really easy and you get to sight-see while resting your feet.
Next, PARIS!
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