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When Americans imagine their dream trip to Europe, Big Ben and London’s unforgettable skyline are the highlight of most travelers’ fantasies.
No bucket list is complete without the opportunity to wander the streets of the Big Smoke and enjoy all that this cosmopolitan European capital has to offer.
Being one of the largest and most iconic cities in Europe, it’s no surprise where Americans fly to London more than any other European city this year.
History
Exploring Europe’s cities can feel like stepping back in time, as there is such an abundance of historic sites and ancient architecture that simply cannot be found in a country as young as America.
London is no exception, and the sheer amount of history to be discovered here is one of the most exciting things about this urban metropolis.
Places not to be missed are Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.
For those willing to venture further out of town: a visit to the prehistoric monument Steenhenge makes an unforgettable day trip.
Museums
Any trip to London wouldn’t be complete without spending an afternoon or two admiring the incredible collections of one of this city’s world-class museums.
The best part? Many of these incredible institutions offer free admission.
Whether your interest is in art, natural sciences or world history, there is sure to be a museum that piques your interest.
The Tate Modern, British Museum and Museum of Natural History are some of our favorite choices.
We recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to explore and avoid visiting museums for several days in a row to avoid brain burnout.
Shop
London is an excellent destination for travelers in need of some retail therapy.
It doesn’t matter if your weakness is designer brands or if you’re a thrift queen; this city has enough shops for every style.
Budget-conscious and sustainability-conscious travelers can spend their time searching for second-hand gemstones in London’s ‘charity shops’ (British English for thrift store).
You’re sure to leave Camden Market or Brick Lane with an epic thrift store action.
To discover designer brands, emerging brands and boutiques, Oxford, Regent and St. James Street are the places to be.
Accessibility
Another factor that makes London so attractive to Americans is its accessibility.
Travelers can fly from JFK in New York to London Heathrow in just 7 hours.
With London’s multiple airports and large number of connections to the US, travelers can easily find affordable and convenient flight choices.
Food and nightlife
While most people agree that English cuisine itself is not that special, the international influence and diversity of this city has created an exciting and eclectic food scene.
While you can certainly enjoy ordering the classic English favorite fish and chips, there is always more to discover in this city.
Foodies will never be bored when eating in London; you can start your day with an English breakfast, stop for a delicious sandwich from a Swedish bakery and, if you wish, find first-class Jamaican cuisine for dinner.
When it gets dark, it’s time to have a drink in a real British pub.
Like its food scene, the diversity of London’s nightlife means no two nights out have to feel the same.
A good starting point is Soho, the center of LGBTQ nightlife and famous for its trendy restaurants, chic clubs and music venues.
Another popular option is Camden, a great place for pubs, live music and bohemian atmosphere.
The art
It is not without reason that London is at the epicenter of the global art scene, next to Paris and New York City.
This city continues to attract the best music, art and theater talent from around the world and the arts thrive here.
This city has plenty to captivate art lovers, from its impressive architecture to its many galleries and enticing live theater.
Seeing a play is a unique activity to add to your itinerary, and London always has new shows and timeless favorites to watch.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
