How to Plan a Trip to London

Last summer, I and my brother were thrilled when we found out that our parents were
taking us on a trip to London.They had been saving money for this adventure for quite some time
and now it was about to happen.

We immediately rushed to the computer and launched into researching our travel
destination, looking for tips you need to know before visiting London. At first, it was
overwhelming. London is a huge city and we were perfectly aware that it would be impossible to
see everything in four days. So, we had to decide upon a few landmarks and attractions. We
made a list:

Buckingham Palace, the officialresidence of the Queen which opens its doors to the
public between July and October.TheChanging of the Guard is one of the things that nobody
should miss. The ceremony is free to watch and takes place in the forecourt at 10:45AM on
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The London Eye is the world`s tallest observation wheel.You can climb aboard one of
the 32 capsules for a breathtaking experience.

TheShardSkyscraper towers above London, giving a bird`s eye view of the city.

Another place that can offer you a panoramic view of London is the Tower Bridge.You
can venture inside, check out the engine rooms with the old and new machinery, then head up to
the glass-floored viewing platform above the draw bridge.

Madame Tussauds Museum displays worldwide celebrities made out of wax.

TheElizabeth Tower , commonly called Big Ben, is among London`s iconic landmarks.
Technically, Big Ben is the nickname given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, which
weighs more than 13 tons. The tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are
illuminated.

St. Paul`s Cathedral is the place where Princess Diana was married.Visitors can climb
to the top of the dome and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of London.

Dating back to 960, Westminster Abbey is another magnificent building that should not
be missed. Seventeen monarchs are buried here, along with dukes, countesses and history`s
celebrities (Darwin, Dickens,Hardy,etc).

Tours of the Houses of Parliament offer a unique combination of one thousand years of
history, modern day politics and stunning art and architecture.
 Shopping in London is very expensive, but visiting the shops is free and can be an
attraction in itself. So, Oxford Street and Harrods were added to our list.

London Zoo is the world`s oldest zoo and houses a vast collection of 755 species of
amazing animals.

There is plenty of advice on the internet with regard to booking tickets to the main
attractions, finding accommodation or choosing the most convenient means of transportation.

We found out that a London Pass with an Oyster Card is a must for anyone sightseeing
in London, as the complete package will save you time and money, making your experience
hassle free. It is advisable to purchase them online.

A London Pass offers you free access to 80 top attractions. It also includes a free one-day
hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket and a Thames river cruise. You can sit back, relax and let the
sights, sounds and culture of this incredible city come to you as you are being driven through its
streets while a guide is narrating your journey or you can admire some of the oldest and most
impressive buildings London has to offer as you are floating along river Thames.

The Oyster card is a sort of electronic ticket which can be used for all public transport
and is much cheaper than paying for single-ride tickets.

As about accommodation, a hotel or a hostel in central London is the best choice.

Staying in the center makes visiting London so much easier because many of the main attractions
are within easy walking distance or just a short drive away. Father read some good reviews of a
hostel named the Walrus Bar and Hostel, located in the heart of the city, 400 meters away from
the London Eye and booked a 4-bed room.

The itinerary had already been planned and the London Pass purchased when the big day
arrived. We drove to Bucharest and embarked on the plane. It was a 3-hour flight. We landed at
Gatwick Airport and took a taxi. It was not one of London`s famous black cabs, since they are
very expensive, but a minicab. After checking in, we did not waste too much time resting.We
hurried out into the city, being determined to cross off everything on our list and see even more,
which we did.

With its cultural riches, historic buildings and gorgeous parks, the magnificent city of
Queen Elizabeth II impressed us. And it did not rain as much as we had expected. Sightseeing
in London afforded us an unforgettable experience. Hopefully, we will be able to repeat it
someday.

Ionut Birescu, clasa a VIII-a A

Profesor coordonator: Liliana Simescu