What to Bring Back From Your London Vacation

What to bring back from your London Vacation

If you are one of the millions of visitors to London each year and you are considering of what to bring back, the most obvious answer is good memories.

London is a massive historic city with so much to see and do. With the Tower of London, a 1000 year old castle with later modifications at its core next to the iconic Tower Bridge (late19th century) it is easy to think that it is all about history. London also has an array of modern buildings such as the Shard that you can now visit and view London from low cloud level. The Gherkin, Mayor's Office, O2 Dome and Lloyds building are other fine examples of modern architecture. The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and a good way to see them and other parts of central London is to go on the London Eye, a viewing big wheel which takes around 30 minutes a flight / 360 degree rotation. Visitors also flock to Buckingham Palace to watch the Grenadier Guards and the Household Cavalry in a ceremony called the Changing of the Guard.

For anyone interested in Theatre, Music or the Arts London has so much to see and enjoy. The National Gallery in the magnificent Trafalgar Square, has a good number of famous paintings that even non Art fans will recognise. The British Museum has the artefacts depicting the history of the world within its walls, while the other museums in South Kensington are equally as impressive in their own specialities.

For shopping, Oxford Street, Bond Street and Knightsbridge are the most popular. As for atmosphere, walk through Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden or Leicester Square in the evening - you might just catch a film premiere and if not, it will be something to remember.

When you want to eat in London, you can be as conservative or adventurous as you like. All of the major restaurant chains are in abundance, but as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, London can offer virtually any cuisine you might imagine. China Town, just North of London's Leicester Square is as good as you will find. Another London speciality is afternoon tea in one of the upmarket establishments like the Ritz Hotel, Harrods or Fortnum and Mason.

In addition to memories, what other items should you bring back? In terms of souvenirs, London has a huge selection of goods with the most popular images being Big Ben, Grenadier Guards, London Red Buses, Tower Bridge, Red Phone Boxes, Post Boxes and the Underground Map (now deservedly recognised as a design classic). These images can be bought on t-shirts, caps, mugs, mouse mats, table cloths, money boxes, photos, mirrors, badges or statues. These items are without doubt what the majority of visitors take back as they symbolize the items that identify British culture and London in particular.

What else to bring back is more of a personal choice. The world has got a lot smaller in recent years with air travel and the internet. It is now possible to buy most things items around the world. However London's most famous shops like Harrods or Fortnum and Mason offer quintessential English goods (that can include high price items so be warned) that will have that unique London appeal. Upmarket brands or tea blends, chocolates, preserves (jams) or whiskies might just be that special something. London also has some very upmarket shops for jewellery, fashion and other classy items, so it really depends on your budget and personal preference. The memories are probably the cheapest and most cherished.

For a list and map of London most popular attractions see Londoni.com/attractions/ and for hotel accommodation, see London-Hotel.co.uk

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