Are you planning a budget trip to London for a week or less? Look no further! As someone who loves solo travel, I recently visited the dreamy city of London for seven days during Christmas - and it was unforgettable. While I'm usually a planner, this time around, I didn't plan much because I was busy studying for my PLAB exam and ALS course. However, I did save some Instagram reels for reference. I decided to go with the flow and let spontaneity guide my trip. And you know what? It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
As a first timer in London, I found myself excited and overwhelmed with all the possibilities the city had to offer. Of course, I had done my little research beforehand and had some tips and tricks up my sleeve, but nothing could have prepared me for the actual experience of being there. If you're in the same boat as I was, and you're looking for some guidance on how to navigate this bustling metropolis, don't worry, I've got you covered. At the end of this blog post, I'll be sharing some helpful tips that will make your trip to London a little easier.
DAY 1
I woke up early in the morning, packed my bags, and made my way to the train station in Manchester to begin my journey to London. As I boarded the train, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous about what was to come. After all, I was travelling all alone to a big city like London.
Two hours later, I arrived at London Euston station, and as soon as I stepped off the train, it started to rain heavily. I felt like a lost little girl in a new city, with a big suitcase in my hand and no solid plan in mind. But I wasn't going to let the rain dampen my spirits, so I set off in search of my Airbnb in Canada Water.
After wandering around for a bit, I finally found the bus stop and caught a bus to my destination. The rain had completely drenched me and my baggage, but being able to dry off a bit and breathe in the London air was a welcome relief. As we drove through the city, I caught my first glimpse of iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. Despite the rain, I was falling in love with the city.
Once I arrived at my Airbnb, I was relieved to find that it was a cozy and comfortable place to stay. It was the perfect home base for my adventures in London. After freshening up, I headed out to explore the city.
Before I came here, I stumbled upon an amazing way to explore the city without breaking the bank – Strawberry walking tours! These tours are a unique experience where you pay as you like, meaning you decide how much the tour was worth to you and pay accordingly. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you get to explore different parts of the city while learning about the history and culture. I had booked one such tour on my first morning here as I was eager to learn as much as I could about this incredible city. My first tour was the Sherlock Holmes Tour, which was a dream come true for a huge fan like me. We visited locations from the books, movies, and TV series, and it was a fantastic introduction to inner London.
Next, I wandered around Covent Garden, soaking in the sights and sounds of the bustling crowd. It was a great opportunity to mingle with both tourists and locals alike. I also visited Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery (free entry). As an art lover, visiting the gallery was a one-of-a-kind experience. The views of Trafalgar Square and Big Ben from the top of the gallery were breathtaking.
I made my way to Piccadilly Circus, the heart of London. I had seen it in the opening credits of Sherlock Holmes series and seeing it in person was surreal. As the day started to fade into evening, it was time for Christmas lights, something I had only seen on Instagram reels. Oxford Street, Regent Street, you name it - every street was decorated with lights, making it impossible to stop clicking pictures.
Next up was the Soho Walking Tour, which focused on the rock and roll history of London. I learned so much and even had the chance to experience the Carnaby Celebrations. During the tour, I met some amazing people, including a guy who played the ukulele and jammed with me on the streets. I also made another friend who joined me for a quick dinner that evening.
Finally, after a long and exciting day of exploring London, I headed back to my Airbnb, took a shower, said hi to my roommates, and promptly crashed.
In just one day, I had experienced the best of London, from its iconic landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods. It was a day I would never forget, and neither will you. I couldn't wait to see what the next day would bring.
DAY 2
I wanted to relax, unwind and explore the city at my own pace. The best part of solo traveling is that you have the freedom to be as flexible as you want without having to follow a fixed itinerary.
My day typically started late in the morning, usually around 10 am, and on my second day in London, I was well-rested and ready to explore the city on foot. I set out to explore the vibrant city of London on foot. While the city's public transportation system is fast and efficient, I found that taking a stroll for shorter distances allowed me to soak in the sights and sounds of the city and appreciate its stunning architecture and historical landmarks. Google maps was my trusty companion, guiding me to my next destination.
As it was Christmas Eve, the city was buzzing with excitement even on a holiday. I decided to kick off my day with a solo brunch at the Breakfast Club near London Bridge. The meal was delicious (around 15-20 pounds), and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solo brunch date. After brunch, I came across the Borough Market and spent some time exploring its various stalls and vendors.
As I continued my walk, I couldn't help but feel awestruck by the towering Shard, the grand Southwark Cathedral, and the majestic River Thames. Finally, my eyes landed on the iconic Tower of London, and I knew I had to take a closer look. It was surreal to finally see the Tower of London in person, and I spent a considerable amount of time taking pictures and soaking up the atmosphere.
Determined to make the most of my day, I decided to hop on an Uber boat ride from Tower Bridge Pier to Westminster (around 6-7 pounds). The stunning views of London Eye, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament were simply breathtaking. Despite missing my stop (happens a lot when you travel solo, trust me :P), I decided to continue walking towards Westminster and take in the sight of the famous Big Ben, House of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey and clicking pictures with the telephone booths. The boat ride was one of the highlights of my trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting London.
As the sun began to set, I headed towards Trafalgar Square to see the Christmas market and decorations. By this point, I was starting to get hungry and decided to head towards Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown to explore the area and see the famous Christmas roads. The bustling streets were teeming with a sea of people, and I found myself unable to resist the temptation to keep strolling amidst the lively crowd.
Eventually, I ended up near Leicester square and found some delicious middle eastern food (12 pounds). As it was now around 8 pm, I sat down near Leicester Square to eat and watch the various street performers. I was thoroughly entertained, and as a music lover, I couldn't resist staying put for a busker's performance for a couple of hours. It was the perfect Christmas Eve.
As the night went on, I realized that public transport would soon stop for Christmas day, and I had to head back to my Airbnb. I took a bus and then the tube from Westminster, enjoying the city's vibe until the end.
Little did I know that there were more surprises in store for me. When I arrived home at 11 pm, my new roommates (whom I had only met once) were waiting to celebrate Christmas and have dinner together. They were from different parts of the world and had cooked up a feast of dishes from their respective cultures. We played Christmas games, shared stories and traditions, and enjoyed each other's company late into the night.
Reflecting back on my incredible day, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience London in such a unique and personal way. From the stunning sights to the delicious food and heartwarming camaraderie, Christmas Eve in London will always be a special memory for me.
DAY 3
As someone who loves to travel and explore new places, I was thrilled to be spending Christmas in London. However, I soon realized that Christmas Day in London is quite different from what I was used to back home. As a pro tip for anyone planning to visit London during Christmas, keep in mind that all transport facilities are shut on Christmas Day. So, unless you're ready to walk for long hours or have your own vehicle, you won't be able to make the most out of the day. Additionally, make sure to sort out your food situation in advance as most shopping marts and restaurants are closed too.
I had initially planned to spend the day walking around my Airbnb and exploring on my own, just like I had been doing for the past few days. However, my roommates and their friends also had similar plans and they asked me to join in.
I decided to tag along, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. They showed me around Canada Water, a lovely area in Southeast London, and we visited the observatory tower there. The views from the top were breathtaking, and we could see the entire city from there. We then took a long, beautiful walk to London Bridge and the Tower of London. It was a picturesque walk, and I was in awe of the stunning architecture and the festive atmosphere.
Despite the cold weather, everyone in London was on foot that day, enjoying the festive vibe. We had to wait in a long queue for an hour at Starbucks just to use the washroom as all public restrooms were closed. Most of the restaurants were also shut, except for coffee places. But it was a whole new vibe, and I had an amazing company. We spent the day in east London walking, chatting, having coffee and sightseeing together.
After a long day of exploring, we came back home at around 5.30-6 pm and had our leftover Christmas meal together. We talked for a long time, sharing stories and experiences. I was grateful for their company as it made my Christmas Day in London even more memorable.
Later that night, I decided to call it a day early and watched a nice movie and slept as I needed a break after exams, traveling, and studying. I was having an amazing trip so far, it wasn’t just a solo trip, but all this self-exploration only helps me know more about myself and the world, and I'm grateful for it.
Tips for first time traveler:
Getting to London: If you're coming from elsewhere in the UK, I recommend using the Trainline app for fast, albeit slightly more expensive travel. Alternatively, you can take a bus with National Express. I've used both options and can attest to their smooth journeys. Be sure to buy a rail pass for discounts on trains and plan your journeys in advance. By booking ahead, I was able to snag tickets for as little as £10-15 each way.
Getting around London: The quickest way to travel around London is by tube. You can purchase an Oyster card or use your wireless debit or forex card. The system has something called "capping" which means that once you've scanned your card a certain number of times in a day, you won't be charged for any additional travel. (At most, you'll be charged around £7.50 per day.) Don't forget to scan your card when entering AND leaving a tube station, as failure to do so will result in the maximum charge. For a unique experience, consider taking an Uber boat to travel in and around central London. If you're not in a rush, taking a bus can also be a fun way to get around the city. Capping applies to bus travel as well, and while the traffic can be slow, the views from the front row of the upper deck are worth it.
Accommodation in London: Airbnb is a great option for finding affordable accommodation in London. You can choose the location and price that suits you, and communicate with your host ahead of time to address any questions or concerns. If you're looking to make new friends and explore the city with fellow travelers, consider staying in one of London's many hostels.
Eating in London: London is a foodie's paradise, with takeaway options available for virtually every cuisine you can imagine. Alternatively, you can buy ingredients to cook your own meals in your accommodation. During my stay, I purchased milk, coffee, cereal, and some ready-to-eat meals just in case I was too tired to cook or too broke to buy takeout.
Planning your visit: There's no shortage of things to see and do in London, but don't feel pressured to cram everything into one trip. To make the most of your time, consider signing up for walking tours or exploring new neighborhoods on your own. TripAdvisor and other online resources offer plenty of itinerary ideas, and you can always ask locals for recommendations. Above all, be sure to relax and enjoy the vibe of this vibrant city.
Weather: As you may already be aware, the weather in London can be quite unpredictable. It's always a good idea to be prepared for rain and chilly temperatures, especially during the winter months. Don't forget to bring along an umbrella and a warm jacket to stay comfortable, as the weather can change from sunny to rainy in the blink of an eye.
As I sat down to write about my trip to London, I realized that I have so much to share that it might require two separate blog posts! From the bustling streets and iconic landmarks to the hidden gems and memorable experiences, there's just too much to cover in one go. So, get ready for a double dose of London adventures, as I take you through my journey and share my tips and insights along the way. Stay tuned for the next post!
Wonderful blog post TJ! Really takes you there.