London at Christmas is magic: glittering lights decorate every corner, the Christmas markets smell of spices and sweets, while the city seems to turn into a movie set. If you’re looking for a winter getaway that combines beauty, culture and the Christmas atmosphere, this 48-hour itinerary in London is perfect for you!
London is always very popular with tourists, but during the Christmas season it is filled with magic. Walking through its streets you can feel the Christmas atmosphere in every corner. This article will give you the perfect itinerary for a winter getaway in London during the Christmas holidays!
The Magnificent Attractions of London
As in any big city, you will find many attractions to see, so it is essential to prepare comfortable shoes that allow you to discover the best of the city. Your visit could start in the Westminster area, where you’ll find the imposing Big Ben. A magnificent building that represents London!
This area is perfect because you will find the London Eye, the famous Ferris wheel, and Westminster Abbey within walking distance. You can visit the abbey inside, so you can see where the coronation of kings takes place!
Continuing to walk through the streets of London you will find, a little further on, Buckingham Palace. The royal palace is a must-see! On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 am you can watch the changing of the guard, but be careful because it is an event that attracts many tourists, so it is better to arrive a little early to enjoy the ceremony.
Just behind Buckingham Palace is a huge green park: St. James’s Park. A lovely place where you can observe many animals, including many squirrels!
Walking through the park you will arrive at Picadilly Circus, a famous area of London where you can go shopping and stop to eat in some delicious restaurant!
This is the area where you can see the wonderful Christmas decorations on Regent’s Street during the Christmas season! It is a spectacle not to be missed that gives great emotions!
Another must-see for fashion lovers is Harrods! This way you can take a little break from the visits and allow yourself to make some purchases.
In London, you can’t miss the colourful district of Notting Hill. For cinema lovers, this district is full of surprises to discover!
Travelling through London by metro, convenient and efficient, you will arrive in the great City of London! Here you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Tower of London and the famous Tower Bridge.
An area full of modern buildings and right here I recommend you to climb on the The Shard, a building that gives you a great view of London! Staying here you will reach the cathedral of St Paul’s, where Carlo and Diana married.
The Magic of Christmas in London
London is full of Christmas decorations and lights, as well as Regent’s Street you can see them in other areas of the city. Covent Garden, for example, where the covered market is located, is full of beautiful decorations.
Also in front of the National Gallery you will find many Christmas stalls where you can do some shopping for friends or to enjoy some delicacies!
If you visit London during the holidays, you can’t miss Winter Wonderland! It is an event that takes place in Hyde Park, one of the royal parks in London, adjacent to Kensington Gardens. In this great winter fair you will find many Christmas markets, stalls full of food and many attractions. For a few hours of fun this is the ideal place.
For Lovers of Culture
London is home to many museums and they are free! My advice is to visit these two museums well known around the world and you must absolutely immerse yourself in art and history.
- National Gallery: See masterpieces such as The Sunflowers by Van Gogh.
- Natural History Museum: Be amazed by the majestic dinosaur skeleton and the wonders of nature.
Where to Eat
There are many restaurants in the city, but if you want to eat something local I recommend the Camden Town market. This is definitely a neighborhood well known for its alternative atmosphere! You will find many people in disguise and many peculiar buildings! Relax at the huge market where you can enjoy a lot of food. You will find many vegetarian, vegan and organic options.
Where to sleep Sustainable
In London it is difficult to find a hotel in a strategic location, but you can certainly look for an eco-friendly hotel.
The Treehouse hotel, for example, is just a stone’s throw from Regent and Bond Street and offers a beautiful view of London’s rooftops, the London Eye, The Shard, Canary Wharf and Regent’s Park. The restaurant offers dishes made from organic ingredients and the Backyard café looks like a real tree house, furnished with vintage items and second-hand furniture.
This hotel, which is being accredited Green Key, has real-time energy and water management systems, and recycling and composting of waste. On all floors of the rooms there are filtered water stations, to encourage guests to fill the bottle and eliminate plastic bottles. The green wall on the terrace favors bees and creates a pollination path through the city.
How to Get Around in London in a Green Way
Moving in London sustainably is easy:
- Use public transport, such as the metro and electric buses
- Take advantage of bike sharing throughout the city
- Explore on foot: London is a city that has surprises at every turn
London in winter is a dream come true. Between Christmas markets, glittering lights and unique cultural moments, this city will give you a magical experience and unforgettable memories. Don’t wait, prepare your Christmas escape!
