At the turn of December and January 2022/2023, my friend Rolo (shoutout to him) and I decided to take a trip together, just like we did in Vienna once before, but that time with a group. I had been working during the winter holidays in the Italian Alps, so we were looking for something that would give us a break from our everyday responsibilities. We were calling, texting, video calling, and searching for the right path, feeling like the CIA carrying out a secret operation. In the end, we found a flight from Košice to London for around €55, and we couldn’t resist – we booked it right away!
Accomodation and Transport in London
We found our accommodation through Airbnb, in a house with separate rooms, although we didn’t know that at the time since we received the details later. We stayed just two metro stops away from Wembley Stadium, at Dollis Hill, and for two nights, it cost us around €100 per person – a pretty great price.
The metro was only a 5-minute walk away, and we were satisfied. The transport from the airport was well-organized.
Transfer from Airport
After arriving at Stansted (served by Ryanair), we had to take a train to the city center, which takes about an hour and costs around €28 one-way (€56 round trip). Tickets can be purchased in advance on the stanstedexpress.com website, and they are valid for the date, not a specific time. When we arrived at Liverpool Street Station in London, we were stunned by its beauty – we had never seen anything so grand.
Getting aroud in the City
Be extra careful at crosswalks. Cars drive on the left side, so you need to look to the right first. Fortunately, the Brits are quite clever and have written “Look Right” at every crosswalk to remind you.
It took us a little while to get used to it, so we decided to stop at a McDonald’s at the station for a quick snack, saving the bigger meal for when we reached our accommodation. London’s subway system is very intuitive. With the help of Google Maps, we had no trouble figuring out where to board and where to exit. The signs in the subway are also very easy to understand, guiding you to the correct entrances and platforms.
Payments in Subway
Paying for London’s transport is incredibly easy and convenient. Simply tap your contactless card on the terminal at the entry turnstile and again at the exit turnstile. The system calculates the fare based on the distance traveled, with prices ranging from €1 to €3 for short trips and higher fares for longer journeys. Despite this, overall travel costs remain very reasonable.
London is truly a multicultural city. In certain areas, you’ll find it surprisingly rare to encounter locals, as the city boasts a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to explore.
First Stop: British Museum
Our journey to London began on a Friday morning. After arriving, we stopped for a meal at a local restaurant near our accommodation – Dollis Grill, which offers delicious Portuguese cuisine. Following a quick siesta, we headed straight to the British Museum, a must-visit landmark in London. Entry is free, although you may occasionally need to book in advance to manage visitor numbers.
Opened in 1753, the British Museum is a treasure trove of exhibits from various cultures and historical periods. It houses everything from ancient artifacts from colonial times to massive stone sculptures and walls. You could easily lose yourself here for hours, exploring everything from mummies to exhibits dedicated to entire nations – one of which is China.
We noticed an unusually large number of Chinese visitors, which made sense when we learned that Chinese New Year was just around the corner. Trafalgar Square was already adorned with festive decorations in vibrant red and gold. While we were at the museum, a group of young Chinese women, dressed in traditional festive attire, approached us with warm smiles. At first, we were skeptical when they offered us sweets and treats, half-jokingly wondering if we were being poisoned. But curiosity won, and we tasted the candies – they turned out to be deliciously sweet traditional Chinese goodies.
They kindly explained that they were gearing up for the Chinese New Year celebrations, which typically fall between late January and early February. Their attire, reminiscent of decorative curtains, added to the festive atmosphere. The entire experience gave us a glimpse of their culture and their excitement for the upcoming celebrations. It was a charming and unexpected highlight of our day!
The Rest of the Evening
In the evening, we headed out to admire the illuminated London Eye and Big Ben alongside the Houses of Parliament. To wrap up the day, we treated ourselves to a pint at a local pub, The Walrus Bar & Hostel, which cost around €9. The atmosphere was cozy, with quirky décor like animal skulls on display, giving the place a wild vibe—though the beer itself wasn’t the best.
If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’re better off grabbing a Czech or German beer from a store—or even a Belgian Leffe, which is always a solid choice. The Brits are famous for their landmarks, not their beer. Focus on exploring their historic buildings and natural wonders rather than their pints!
London is truly a fascinating city, full of experiences at every turn. From historical landmarks to its unique culture and unforgettable culinary adventures – this place has a charm that will captivate you! After a busy day of exploration, we slowly made our way back to our accommodation to recharge. What did we manage to experience in the next 24 hours in this nearly 10-million strong city? I’ll show you and tell you all about it in the next part. Stay tuned, the adventure continues!
Flying Eastener
Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden
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