1. Hyde Park
Start the day with a relaxing walk through Hyde Park and forget that you are right in the center of one of the most famous and important cities in the world. One of eight royal parks in the city, this is also one of the largest in the world, at 142 hectares, over 4,000 trees, extensive flower gardens and a meadow, as well as the stunning Serpentine Lake.
Take the opportunity to visit the famous “Speaker’s Corner” and “The Rose Garden”. If you prefer to start the day with a more invigorating activity, such as swimming or horseback riding, you can also arrange…
Recommendation: don’t miss the beautiful monument dedicated to the Princess of Wales, “Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain”.
2. Harrod’s
Are you ready to start your shopping day? So here we go: leave the park towards South Carriage Drive and head towards Brompton Road, where you will quickly come across one of the most luxurious and exclusive department stores in the world, the unbeatable “Harrod’s”, with its 90,000 m2.
What can we suggest here?… Lose yourself in the more than 330 departments spread over seven floors and, if you can, lose your mind, shopping until you lose your senses. After all, how can you resist a store whose motto is “All things, for all people” (Omnia Omnibus Ubique)?
3. Picadilly Circus
After a whole morning of shopping, you really need to unwind a bit: take the walk to Picadilly Circus to do just that.
Yes, because if you haven’t seen what is one of the most famous and photographed spots in London on its theater night, then you can’t put it off any longer. You just need to realize that you are going to be “swallowed” by a sea of people and then enjoy the views: the famous statue of Eros and, obviously, the inevitable giant advertising panels, also known as “Lights of Piccadilly”. Circus”.
Curiosity: the omnipresent “lights” were turned off during the Second World War and, due to mourning, at the time of the death of Winston Churchill and, later, of Lady Diana.
4. Covent Garden
After diving again into the sumptuous world of London’s luxury department stores, there’s nothing like returning to the street, this time heading towards one of the most intense and vibrant areas of the city.
But don’t think you’ve got rid of shopping… Covent Garden’s real appeal lies precisely in the market, with its trendy boutiques, picturesque handicraft cornersappealing specialty stores and charming cafés.
Tip: be sure to check out the performances of the many lively entertainers who present the most varied performances there. If you feel like it, don’t hesitate to join them and enjoy the shower of applause.
5. Camden Town
Camden Town is a region in north-central London, which became famous for its craft market, opened in the early 1970s, and mainly for the public that this market attracted, with many punks and goths.
As well as markets, Camden Town is home to hundreds of designer workshops and studios, shops, cafes, restaurants and bars selling a wide range of products, from alternative clothing and accessories, vintage or from local stylists, to antiques, furniture, trinkets in general, records and CDs, jewelry, souvenirs, handicrafts, in addition to tattoo and piercing shops.
6. Notting Hill/Portobello Road
Well, you’ve almost certainly seen the movie Notting Hill, with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Because the action of the film takes place in the center of one of the most inspiring and lively street markets that you can find in a London itinerary.
On Saturday mornings, especially, Portobello Road fills up with countless stalls and street vendors selling almost anything you can imagine. There are also many street performers and food and drink stalls.
Hint: The shop where Hugh Grant worked in the movie actually exists. There’s something to look for. It is already clear that it was never, nor is it, a travel bookshop.
