BUTOHI ODYSSEY

I live in London since 2015. It has always been a fascinating destination for visitors around the world. Its rich history, iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions make it an irresistible city to explore. Let’s delve deeper into why London continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of travelers.
It’s good to have a map of the city when you’re traveling. Even with Google Maps at your fingertips, you never know when it might come in handy if your phone dies or you get lost. In London, the public transportation with the underground and buses are awesome, so you don’t need a taxi or a tour guide to get around. You can use your own card without purchasing any ticket and travel with contactless. However if your card doesn’t work you can choose for travelpass between Zones or purchase Oyster Card and top up with some credits.

DAY1
I always start my journey from Charing Cross station and I reckon others should do the same. When you come out of the station, you can stroll over to Trafalgar Square, which is like super famous. From there, you can take different routes to places like Leicester Square, Westminster, and Buckingham Palace.
I usually take the path from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, which goes through St James’s Park. It takes about 15-20 minutes, and you can just chill in the park, especially in the summer. After hanging out around Buckingham Palace, head left and go through St James’s Park again. Another 15-20 minutes and you’ll be at Westminster, where the iconic Big Ben is located.

There’s so much to explore around Big Ben! Once you cross the Thames River bridge, you’ll come across the magnificent London Eye. It’s absolutely worth taking a spin on this massive wheel because the view of London great. And if you’re in the mood for some excitement, you’ll find the Shrek Adventure and the London Dungeon nearby. You pick up a LondonPass, you’ll have access to some iconic locations. You can select the number of days you want to use it for, and sometimes you might even get a great discount. Just remember, the more days you choose, the more cost-effective it becomes.

You and your family can enjoy a lovely break in the garden near the London Eye. Take some time to relax and try out the delicious street food available. Next, hop on a boat ride from the Thames to the Tower Bridge. Using Uber Boats is a great, affordable option for this scenic journey. Take in the views of London during the 30-minute ride, consider ordering some food and drinks on the boat. Don’t forget that the upper deck offers spectacular views, but you’ll want to be at the front of the line to secure a seat there.
Once off the boat, you can explore the Tower Castle if you have a London Pass. Alternatively, capture beautiful pictures of the London Bridge and wait for the stunning sunset and evening lights. The glittering view of the Tower Bridge at night is truly unforgettable. Lastly, make your way to Borough Market, just a 10-15 minute walk from the Tower Bridge, to experience delicious street food from around the world, ending your day on a delightful note.

DAY2
Start your day in London right where you left off. Begin at Borough Market, a vibrant and bustling spot. For a truly delightful lunch experience, make sure to visit Padella, a top-rated Italian restaurant that always draws a crowd. Be prepared for a short wait as this place is immensely popular.

Once you’ve your meal, make your way to Sky Garden and Bishopsgate. As you stroll across the London Bridge, you’ll arrive at Monument station. I strongly recommend walking rather than taking the train at this point.
Next on the agenda is a visit to the Skygarden, offering views of London. Remember to book your free entry in advance and capture some remarkable moments from the top. And if you’re amazed by Skygarden, you’ll be even more impressed by the stunning views from Horizon22 at Bishopsgate. Compare and choose your favorite moments from both locations.

In addition to exploring Borough Market, be sure to also check out the vibrant markets such as Spitalfields and Camden Market.
After your delightful visit to Horizon22, you can enjoy a leisurely 10-15-minute walk to the lively Spitalfields Market, known for its diverse collection of arts and exhibitions. This is especially appealing for art lovers.

Hop on the Central Line at Liverpool street station and make a transfer at Tottenham Court Road for the Northern Line to reach Camden Town, another well-known market in the area.
Camden market is a bustling hub where you can find popular brands and of unique items. The ambiance is lively and it’s a great place to shop and explore.Additionally, Camden has small canal, offering boat rides which reminds me of Amsterdam.For a delightful evening, grab some dinner from one of the stalls at Camden market, creating a perfect ending to your day before heading back home.

DAY3
After spending a delightful few days exploring the traditional spots and markets of London, it’s time to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Soho. Known for its pubs, restaurants, casinos, and luxury establishments, London’s Soho district encompasses Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Covent Garden, and more.

Begin your day by visiting Leicester Square, a gateway to the Piccadilly, Chinatown, and Covent Garden. Navigating the streets can be quite a challenge, so consider using a map to navigate the area in the midst of the heavy crowds.
If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you’re in for a treat as Chinatown has array of restaurants offering authentic Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Japanese, and Thai dishes. Two of my top picks are the acclaimed Golden Dragon and Rasa sayang in Chinatown. Indulge your sweet tooth with Asian delicacies at the China town bakery and Kova.

As you stroll from Leicester Square to Piccadilly Circus, you’ll encounter London’s famous casinos. Feel free to step inside and try your luck – just remember that you must be over 18 and have valid identification to enter.
Piccadilly Circus, often likened to London’s version of Times Square, showcases street performances. Adjacent to the station, you’ll find the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and a diverse selection of top-notch restaurants, including the renowned Zedel and Dishoom, a popular French and Indian restaurant. A short walk in the opposite direction will lead you to Her Majesty’s West End Theatre on the Haymarket, where you can indulge in unforgettable experience of watching shows like Phantom of the Opera.

I recommend taking a walk from Piccadilly Circus towards Green Park, a journey of a few kilometers. Turning right from the Ritz Hotel will lead you to Mayfair, renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury brands. some of them such as Novikov, SexyFish, and the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Benares caught my eye.

Heading right from Benares restaurant, you’ll come across Burton Street, where Queen was born, an area adjacent to the Bugatti showroom. Continuing along the same path, you’ll arrive at Regent Street, that leads to both Oxford Circus and Piccadilly. Regent Street is synonymous with prestigious global brands, offering shopping experience.

DAY4

You can explore the O2 Mall and take a ride on the nearby cable car in Greenwich, which offers a breathtaking view of London. Close to the O2, you’ll find the famous Greenwich Park, where the Greenwich Mean Time originated. Enjoy the hilltop location and get tickets to the museum. Right next to the park is the renowned Cutty Sark ship, which was one of the fastest vessels in the 19th century.

The O2 hosts various events and artist performances throughout the year, offering the chance to see your favorite stars in action. In November, the ATP finals take place, featuring the top 8 ranking players competing for the master title.For a thrilling adventure, consider outdoor climbing on the O2 roof and spend your evening there.

DAY5
Take the opportunity to explore these iconic establishments before calling your day Enjoy your delightful shopping spree and make the most of your time in this lively atmosphere.

Once you set foot in London, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re a sports lover or not, London hosts sporting events that is meant for every interest. From iconic football clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, to the dream destination for cricket enthusiasts at Lords, and the opportunity to visit the prestigious Wimbledon stadium for tennis lovers, there’s something for everyone. You might even get lucky to get tickets to witness a match at these venues.
So come and visit London and make it a truly remarkable experience.

London’s list of restaurants for the Food Lovers
Govinda (Indian Pure Veg) – Tottenham court Road
Sagar (Indian Pure Veg)- Tottenham Court Road
Dishoom (Indian) – Carnaby, Covent Garden, Kensington
Masala Lounge (Indian) – Covent Garden, Piccadilly
Palms of Goa (Indian)- Goodge Street
Lahaore Kabab House (Pakistani) – Aldgate
Tayyabs (Pakistani)- Whitechapel
Savoy (British)- Charing Cross
Padella (Italian) – Borough Market
Zedel (French)- Piccadilly circus
Cote (French) – Various Locations
Barrafina (Spanish)- Charing Cross
Barrica (Spanish)- Goodge Street
Eat Tokyo (Japanese)- Soho
Tokyo Diner (Japanese)- Chinatown
Cafe Pacifico (Mexican)- Covent Garden & Soho
Haz (Turkish) – St. Pauls
Efes (Turkish)- Aldgate
Hafez (Iranian) – Notting Hill
Golden Dragon (Chinese) – Chinatown
Rasa Sayang (Malaysian) – Chinatown
Roti King (Malaysian)- Euston
Kiln (Thai)- Soho