London is an expensive city. My last visit was in 2003, a passing through when I was on my way to Edinburgh to attend a University Convocation. It is good to revisit London again.

Early in the morning, I took the early train to the Victoria Station and take a tube to the booked hotel. I am welcome by the hotel staff with a surprise desert plate. It warms my heart and belly too.

There are many free things to do and free admissions to the museums and places in the City of London. The best way to explore the City of London is by foot. The City has been through the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the World War Two, it has been destroyed and rebuilt. Today, it combines the modern headquarters buildings and the Romans remains with the medieval churches around the area. Below are the places that I have visited, and they are free! 🙂

Day 1

When you see a bollard which is painted in the distinctive black, red and white design, you know that you are in the City of London. The bollards can be seen everywhere within the City. City of London, also known as “the city, is the primary financial district where the London Stock Exchange, financial institutions, insurance companies and the investment is located.

London wall first built by the Romans was later increased in height during the medieval time. Only a fraction of the London Wall remains.

Companies from all around the world have their headquarters within the city, plenty of iconic buildings around the Leadenhall Street, Lime Street and Fenchurch Street. it is also close to the tourist attraction places such as Tower Bridge and castles. Therefore it is an important business and economic places with lots of shops, eatery places and pubs around.

Day 2

I visited Trafalgar Square and spend the whole morning in the National Gallery Museum . Due to the COVID situation, I still have to book and obtain e-tickets online even though they are free. Best check on the website for more details and plan your trip ahead.

After the visit, I had my snack lunch at St James’s Park by the lake and continue the journey by foot to the Household Calvary Museum, Prime Minister’s Office No 10 Dawning Street, Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

Due to the COVID situation, the Ceremony of the Changing Guards has been cancelled until further notice. The Queen’s Guard is made up of soldiers who dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hat. I am a little disappointed as I couldn’t see them in the red costume. However, I still enjoy the visit as there are not many overseas tourists and able to get up close to the gate to watch.

Day 3

After spending the morning at the Imperial War Museum , I walked by foot to see the London Eye in the close distance, the House of Parliament, Jewel Tower and Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abby is a Royal Church. Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton were married in Westminster Abbey.

Day 4

Spending a day out in Greenwich.

Read more “ Where the time began, Greenwich “

Day 5 Leaving the city

I do enjoy this short getaway trip to London. There are a lot less tourists in the city currently and I can enjoy strolling through the streets, admiring each and every painting or artefacts in the museums, enjoy the sun and the impressive lake view in the park watching the birds and squirrels wandering around … and being stress free.