London Checklist

This post is going to be filled with all the London tourist clichés and no, I refuse to apologize for being so touristy because… I’m a tourist after all. LOL. So,

Big Ben? Check!
London Eye? Check!
Westminster Abbey? Check!
West End? Check!
Buckingham Palace? Check!

As you’ve probably seen on the itinerary I made for this trip that happened 3 years ago (yes it’s been that long), it was a carefully thought out day beginning with a tour around Buckingham Palace and eventually getting a glimpse of the changing of the guards. Now, before you go marching to the Palace, you have to make sure to check the “changing of the guards” schedule in advance. On the day we went, there was an 11:30am schedule. We were at the Palace by 9am and as early as that, a bunch of people were already by the gates, securing their places, making sure they get the best spot to watch the changing of the guards. My rookie mistake was that I went in the Palace and decided we had enough time to tour around the place. By the time we finished out tour, the gates were packed! It’s good that I’m Asian and tiny and found some nice people who let me take their spot when they decided they’ve taken enough photos and videos. So here’s my tip: go early, secure a spot and wait patiently.

After that, we headed straight to Trafalgar Square–took a few photos, then proceeded to sightsee around Whitehall, Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben before making our way to the famous Westminster Abbey. All these places are so close to each other, it’s an easy stroll around the city. And this was what, a little after midday? And already I feel like we’ve seen most of London’s postcard-friendly places!

We then had enough time to just shop and unwind around Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, Monmouth Street and the surrounding streets. These are a bunch of small streets that are all close together so everything we did today, we did by foot. And yes, all while wearing my fancy #CoexistByCamilleCo dress. Honestly, I felt especially proud walking around London in my own creation– all the more when random strangers would come up to me and ask me where I got my dress. “Um, I designed it.” Insert big smile here. Eeeeep!

Our day ended with an awesome night at the Prince of Wales Theater. I’ve always wanted to watch the Book of Mormon but it’s impossible to book in New York. Good thing I was able to get us seats here instead. I forgot about my jetlag the moment the show started. I honestly think I’ve never laughed this much watching a musical! I highly recommend it.

All in all, this touristy day was awesome! Again, if you want to follow my itinerary, you can download it here.

Coexist By Camille Co dress | Chanel bag | Numero Ventuno slides