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| London phone booths at Berkeley Square Gardens (c) 2017 by David Ourisman |
How do you explore a new city? One way is to step out the front door of your hotel and start walking. You don't need to have a destination in mind. Just meander in whatever direction suits your fancy. Wander down the little side streets. Window shop (or engage in more intensive retail therapy, if that's your thing). Go into the stores and markets. Reward yourself with that incredible-looking pastry, as you'll be walking off the calories! This is the first of three great ways to get to know a city.
1. Get lost ... and find yourself again. Last spring when I was in London, I came across some picturesque parks (Berkeley Square Gardens and Grosvenor Square) as I wandered through Mayfair. I spotted a duo of old London phone booths by the side of Berkeley Square (pictured above).
2. Join a scheduled walk. Very reasonably priced, London Walks offers a weekly schedule of experiences. No reservations necessary, just show up at the scheduled time and meeting place. 10£ for adults, 8£ for senior and students, and free for kinds under 15 walking with their parents, this small investment will pay instant travel dividends. You'll get a local resident's insight on what you're seeing, the neighborhood you're in, and something of the history and culture of the place.
3. Plan exclusive, skip-the-lines experiences. This can get pricey, but you'll have a lifetime of travel stories to tell. Here are some of my favorite experiences in London:
We have travel partners in London, Paris, Rome, and many other cities who can make this kind of travel magic happen for you. Discover More!
- watching the changing of the guard from inside the Wellington Barracks
- visiting the Churchill War Rooms before opening and sitting in Churchill's chair
- seeing the Crown Jewels after closing
- climbing the spiral staircase at St. Paul's cathedral
