From the perspective of 2025, I find myself reflecting on that initial London trip with Cristina back in 2010. It marked the start of our European journey through fourteen cities, with London leaving a distinct impression. For those planning their first time in London today, our experiences from fifteen years ago and the technological changes since might offer some useful tips.
Our First Time in London
We arrived at Heathrow exhausted but found navigating the airport and the Tube surprisingly straightforward. London proves accessible even to newcomers. Someone gifted us a travel card (though first-timers in London today would use an Oyster Card or contactless payment instead). Definitely look at your options and read up on what smart travelers, like Rick Steves, do.
We checked into our hotel near Euston and, fighting jet lag, decided to explore rather than surrender to sleep.
Buckingham Palace
Our first stop was Victoria Station, followed by Buckingham Palace.
Standing before the royal residence, I felt the weight of history around us, as someone who teaches and values historical context, seeing this landmark firsthand connected textbook knowledge to physical reality. It transformed abstract history into something tangible.
Westminster Area
We then walked toward Westminster, where Big Ben and Parliament created a striking silhouette against the cloudy London sky. The Gothic architecture and the Thames flowing nearby offered a perfect introduction to London’s character, old and dignified, yet vital and evolving.
10 Downing Street
We passed 10 Downing Street during our walk. Security prevented close access, but glimpsing this famous address where countless decisions affecting world history originated added depth to our understanding of London’s significance.
After getting some fish and chips in a pub, we realized that we couldn’t do much else. Neither of us slept on the plane. To this day, I still can’t sleep on planes. We went back to the hotel, took some Benadryl, and fell into a deep sleep.
Key Attractions for First-Time Visitors
The next day, we joined the family for a bus tour of London. Sure, bus tours are touristy, but that isn’t always a bad thing. Remember, this was before you could purchase international plans for cheap, so taking a bus tour gave us images for our mental map of London.
Plus, it was great spending time with my sister-in-law (Cristina’s sister) and brother-in-law. BIL was taking a long-needed vacation from work overseas, which inspired us to make the trip. We didn’t tour Europe together, taking different routes, but we would meet up again in Italy.
The bus tour was excellent. We saw many major sites, and our guide was a brilliant man named Damon. You could tell this was more than a job for him. He loved talking about his city and its history.
Tower of London
Our first stop was the Tower of London. This was a highlight for Cristina, who has given enough money to Philippa Gregory for the author to buy half of Wales. The yeoman who guided us knew his stuff and showed us how to use our limited time well. We managed to see all the parts of the tower we wanted and were allowed to visit. While the Crown Jewels were impressive, I actually enjoyed seeing the ravens and hearing their story even more.
River and Royalty
Next, we took a river cruise on the Thames, which gave us great opportunities for photos. After the boat ride, we watched the guards change at Buckingham Palace before heading to lunch.
Lunch Break
We ate at the Saint near St. Paul’s Cathedral. I ordered a crayfish salad sandwich (menu spelling, not mine), which was better than I expected. Cristina got a meat and cheese board. Travel tip: When you order lemonade in England, you’ll get Sprite. I wish I had known this before our trip.
St. Paul’s Challenge
After lunch, we went into St. Paul’s Cathedral. Our tickets included access to the Whispering Gallery, which meant climbing 254 steps. For anyone planning a European vacation, I recommend training on a stair master beforehand.
At the top, we tested the whispering effect by separating and saying “New Orleans” to each other. We chose that instead of “I love you,” like other couples, because we wanted to make sure we could actually hear the words clearly.
London Eye
Despite some height anxiety, the London Eye provided a valuable perspective. Seeing London’s layout from above helped me understand the city’s geography and development. I recommend the fast pass option to avoid spending valuable exploration time in queues. I also recommend having a brother-in-law who didn’t want to wait, so he purchased it!
Technology’s Impact on London Travel Since 2010
Looking back from 2025, the technological shift in how we experience London stands out:
- Paper maps have been replaced by navigation apps
- Phone plans that make traveling cheaper
- Physical tickets transformed into digital passes
- Guidebooks supplanted by real-time information
Yet technology serves merely as a tool. The substance of travel, cultural understanding, historical perspective, and personal growth remains unchanged. Get lost and try new things!
In fact, this is what we did. We decided to stay aboveground and walk back to the hotel using the BT Tower as our guide. We knew our hotel wasn’t far away, and what a difference it made. We saw all of the West End theater district, walked through Soho, and just saw how Londoners go through their day.
And we can’t stress this enough: Rick Steves is still the person to listen to when going to Europe.
Reflecting on Travel’s Purpose
This 2010 London trip reminds me why travel matters: it connects us to history, exposes us to different cultural approaches, and helps us understand ourselves better through contrast and comparison.
That’s why I want to revisit these posts. Most of these posts appeared on the first incarnation of our website. When we migrated to self-hosting, not all the pages made it through the migration. That’s why I want to redo our 30-Day European Trip in 2010 with a series of updated blog posts.
These posts aren’t meant as comprehensive guides but rather personal observations from someone who values travel as education, both about the world and ourselves.
Plus, the real audience for these blogs is our little one born in 2018. One of the main goals of running this site is to allow her to read about our lives. Of course, we share stories with her in person, but these written accounts will give her a window into who we were before she came along – our adventures, perspectives, and the experiences that shaped us into the parents she knows today.
Someday, when she’s old enough to plan her travels, perhaps these stories will inspire her journey, becoming a bridge between our experiences and hers.
TL;DR – First Time in London
What’s the best way to get around London for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the London Underground (the Tube) is both iconic and practical. In 2010, we used a travel card, but today, you’ll want to use an Oyster Card or contactless payment for seamless travel. Walking is also a must—London’s charm often hides in its streets, so don’t hesitate to explore on foot. Just take all the precautions you normally would take in a big city!
How has technology changed traveling in London since 2010?
The shift has been incredible! In 2010, we relied on paper maps, guidebooks, and physical tickets. Today, navigation apps, digital passes, and affordable international phone plans have transformed the travel experience. These tools make exploring easier, but remember, technology is just a tool—the essence of travel remains in discovery and connection
Are bus tours worth it for exploring London?
Absolutely! Bus tours might feel touristy, but they’re a fantastic way to see a lot in a short period, especially during your first visit. In 2010, we took one and loved how the guide’s passion for London brought the city’s history to life. Plus, it helps you map out the city in your mind for further exploration
What cultural tips should I know before visiting London?
Londoners are generally polite and value queueing (lining up)—so respect the line, no matter the situation! Also, when ordering drinks, note that “lemonade” often means Sprite, so clarify if you want something else. Take time to enjoy a pub meal, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. Be respectful and polite and you will be treated the same way in kind.
What are the must-try foods in London, and where can I find them?
You can’t visit London without trying fish and chips, preferably in a cozy neighborhood pub. For a more local experience, explore local markets. Plus, London is a global city meaning there is a lot to choose from. Be adventerous!
What’s one piece of advice for first-time visitors to London?
Don’t rush. London is vast, and while it’s tempting to pack your schedule, leave room for wandering. Some of our favorite memories were made walking back to the hotel, discovering Soho and the West End by accident. Sometimes, the unplanned moments become the most cherished.
Join the Conversation
While our daughter may be our primary audience, we genuinely hope these reflections inspire practical insights and a touch of wanderlust in all our readers planning their European adventures.
What aspects of travel have taught you the most? I’m curious how your experiences compare. Share in the comments below!
