No place like London for mixing new and old: history, food, theater, architecture, excitement
- Cookie & Keller
- Dec 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
"The Carpe Diem Kids"
"THERE'S NO PLACE like London." That a line sung by a young sailor named Anthony Hope as he marvels at London in Stephen Sondheim's brilliant musical, "Sweeney Todd."
It's a line we utter each time we visit this exciting city of nine million. We, too, are enamored. With a rich history dating back centuries and its exciting blend of contemporary and medieval buildings, it never fails to engage the traveler.
London dates back to Roman times. It has seen coronations, beheadings, royal weddings and many governments.
A terrible fire in 1666 nearly leveled the town and left thousands homeless. As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, it has rebuilt and thrived, surviving war, plague and political turmoil.
Today, millions of travelers count it as a favorite city for its wonderful delightful mix of theater, neighborhoods, architecture, museums and some of the world's best ethnic food.
London's train stations are a world unto themselves. Street scenes highlight modern buildings and stately old ones, famous cathedrals and historic bars and restaurants.
WE RECOMMEND taking organized tours to make the most of your time. We also recommend the London Pass by Go City, a digital sightseeing pass with entry to 95 top attractions including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and a hop-on-off bus tour.
Two in particular are favorites: exploring and hopping on and off London's Big Bus and taking a food tour with London's Eating Europe.
On our fun day with Eating Europe, Alexander brought London's east end to life, regaling us with anecdotes and insights into kings, queens, scoundrels, lords, ladies, and ladies of the evening.
Our gastronomic-history adventure stopped at elegant eateries, casual fish and chips joints as well as London's oldest pub, "Ten Bells," where in 1881, Jack the Ripper lured prostitute victims, to their grim deaths.
WHATEVER YOU do in London, you'll be entertained and likely want to return. We have visited two dozen times, and will return soon.
London has it all: food stores, festivals, buskers, bustling energy, world class theater and museums, nightlife, parks and distinctive neighborhoods with welcoming pubs and architectural wonders. Once you visit, you'll understand young Andrew's fascination and agree "there's no place like London."
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UP NEXT: We're always on the move, with the world our oyster. In the next few weeks, we're touting the pleasures of traveling with kids, explaining the advantages of city pass cards, touring a museum dedicated to cowboy artist C.M. "Charlie" Russell, surviving an encounter with the Komodo Dragon in Indonesia, swimming with dolphins and celebrating the New Year with fireworks, fanfare and contemplation. Remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us Thursdays for a fresh look at travel, the arts, performance, nature, family and more.
I loved touring London on a day trip with the hop on & hop off bus last summer. Next trip I would love to spend several days visiting this historical city ! Enjoyed reading your tips on what to explore in London next time I visit .
Refreshing read. Fun conversational style.
Excellent writing, beautiful photos and helpful tips.
A beautiful tribute to my favorite city on the planet. London has everything -- as you say -- food, fun, art, theater, walking tours, parks, huge history. Thanks for this.