London Tourist Attractions For Nerds: Then vs. Now – A 15-Year Travel Reflection

London has always been a city that captivates travelers with its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Back in 2010, my wife Cristina and I spent an unforgettable day exploring London tourist attractions for nerds like us during our first major European adventure. It was the last day of our stay in the city, and we crammed as much sightseeing as we could into our itinerary.

Fast-forward to 2025, and life looks very different. I’m now managing a form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and traveling as a parent, which has completely reshaped the way I experience the world. Revisiting our journey to London’s famous landmarks feels like looking through a time capsule—so much has changed, yet the magic of the city remains timeless.

In case you missed it this is part of a series of us looking back on our 2010 30-Day Trip through Europe

Let’s explore how my perspective on London tourist attractions for nerds who love history and books has evolved over the past 15 years as I reflect on that memorable trip and share tips for navigating London today.

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London Tourist Attractions in 2010: A Day to Remember

Our last day in London in 2010 was packed with visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Here’s how we explored the best of London tourist attractions as young, energetic travelers. I have kept the original writing with only some grammar fixes.

Long Days

As two social studies teachers, we knew the concept. However, it wasn’t until we were in London that we completely understood it. In fact, it wasn’t until I went to the bathroom at around 4:30 in the morning that I fully understood the Earth’s tilt. 

The sun, about to rise, was giving off enough light for the day to start. Also, it was well after 9:30 that it was completely dark at night. Having not traveled much, it was a hard concept to get my head around. Living as far south as we do, the sun usually sets around eight at the height of summer.  The sun set mostly after nine pm for most of the trip, which means we didn’t really see much of Europe at night. We were just too tired.

The British Museum

Whilst on the subject of being tired, we decided to postpone the time we were going to wake up. We had seen a lot and needed the rest. After all, adventures waited in the British Museum, the British Library, and Harrods. 

First up was the British Museum, and it didn’t disappoint. This place was built for people who love history; hence, it is a history museum. It’s easily the kind of place the future wife and I could spend a couple of days just roaming and learning, especially since the price of admission is however much you would like to donate. 

The hard part of touring a Museum like that is limiting yourself to just the highlights. We realized in the first two days that we needed to travel as if this were the first of many trips. If you don’t plan on coming back, you won’t be willing to compromise, and you will end up just having too many arguments. A month-long trip to Europe costs quite a bit of money (but maybe less than you think), and you don’t want to waste money by arguing over what to see instead of actually seeing something. 

While at the museum, we decided to focus on classic antiquity, which is fantastic because this is what makes up the bulk of the museum’s “acquisitions.” Seeing the Rosetta stone in person made me feel as if a lesson in the sixth grade was finally finished. After viewing the antiquity collection, Cristina spent quite a bit of time perusing the exhibits highlighting the Orient. It is not an area of expertise for me, but one that fascinates Cristina.

The British Library 

Next, we traveled on foot to the British Library. The permanent collections here are again amazing (and were actually three blocks from our hotel). Some of the items displayed in the Library: one of the original copies of the Magna Carta, the handwritten notes of Lewis Carroll about a girl named Alice, lyric sheets by Lennon and McCartney, medieval illuminated manuscripts, and one of Shakespeare’s folios.

Other Sights and People Watching

At this point, we decided not to go to Harrods. I’m not sure why. We did go to King’s Cross to take the Harry Potter picture, but couldn’t get to the platform due to the heightened security since the terrorist attacks of 2005. 

We decided to go back to the Tower. We took some pictures in front of the Tower Bridge and in front of the Tower. We saw a yeoman’s son walking with a girl and a dog on the grounds. I kept thinking to myself how cool that had to be for a teenager to live there. I mean it’s a castle for god’s sake. And on a date, using a line about her being a princess would actually work. Lucky bloke. 

We then went back to Westminster. Here, I took a page right out of Rick Steves. It was nearing seven in the evening, which meant back in Lockport, LA, it was nearing one. Big Ben was about to strike. I switched my phone off airplane mode and called my mom. I told her where I was lying down in the grass in the shadow of Westminster Cathedral and told her to listen. 

We ended our stay in London with a trip to see where Sherlock Homes “lived”. We then went for a stroll through Regent’s Park. Parks are a must when traveling. Don’t just make it a point to see places and things while in Europe; make it a point to see the people and how different places in world go about their day. 

Our train for Paris was leaving at 6:30 the next morning, and you should treat the Eurostar as you would a plane trip. Luckily, it was safe to walk that early due to plenty of sunlight.

A Different Person Wrote That

Looking back on this writing about London tourist attractions, I realized how privileged some of this sounds, especially the part of the British Museum. No criticism of how the Museum took their artifacts, and no discussion of how they have refused in some cases to return them. Yes, I enjoyed the museum, and we treated it as a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but there are consequences we didn’t consider about the Museum’s actions over the centuries. Would we go again? Yes, but with a more educated viewpoint, one that our daughter would have the first time she visits.

Also, the word “Orient” is an outdated term and not very descriptive. Over the years, the meaning of the word has changed from the Near East to the Far East (Near and Far from what?). There are better, much more descriptive words. I don’t even like saying Asian now because what do I mean? India, Israel, Korea?  Nowadays, I do my best to be specific. Also, I don’t get to determine what other races find offensive. (I highly recommend reading this article: ‘What’s the Matter with Saying ‘The Orient‘?)

Planning for London Tourist Attractions for Nerds: Then and Now

• British Museum: At the time, we searched the British Museum Website and other blogs for what to see. Now, we download the audio app and use the Google Arts & Culture App to preview what we want to see. I also read up on the latest problems with the British Museum.
• British Library: While the library’s permanent collection remains a highlight, I would definitely check to see if they have any family activities now that we have a kid. I would also use their digital guide to make sure we got the most out of our time.
• Tower Bridge and the Tower of London: We took a bus tour there, but this time, I would probably do a self-guided tour due to having all the history and guidance at my fingertips. There are plenty of voice apps and audio tours.
• Westminster and Big Ben: FaceTime has definitely changed this. In the writing above, I did an audio postcard, but adding the visuals would make all the difference.
• Regent’s Park: I wouldn’t do anything different. I would put away my technology and enjoy.

How Travel Has Changed Since 2010

Here’s how life as a parent and managing my type RA has reshaped my travel style:

1. Prioritizing Accessibility

In 2010, I didn’t think twice about walking miles or climbing stairs. Today, living with rheumatoid arthritis, I plan trips with accessibility in mind.

• Changes: I now choose attractions with accessible public transport and use apps like Wheelmap and the UK’s Access Card website to find mobility-impaired-friendly locations if I’m having a flare. I would also make sure all tickets are purchased before we get to wherever we are going because lines are the worst.
• Tip: Many of London’s major attractions, like the British Museum and the Tower of London, are wheelchair accessible. Check their websites for detailed accessibility information.

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2. Traveling with a Child

In 2010, we planned our days around what we wanted to see. Now, as parents traveling, we focus on creating family-friendly itineraries that balance fun and learning.

• Kid-Friendly Stops: Museums now include interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, and play areas, making them enjoyable for kids.
• Packing Smarter: Traveling with kids means carrying snacks, entertainment, and a flexible attitude to handle unexpected detours.

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3. Technology: Then vs. Now

In 2010, we relied on paper maps, guidebooks, and limited Wi-Fi. Today, technology has revolutionized how we experience London tourist attractions.

• Then: Bulky cameras, guidebooks, and occasional Wi-Fi at Starbucks.
• Now: Smartphones with GPS, translation apps, and travel guides make navigating London easier than ever.

Must-Have Apps for 2025:

• Citymapper: For navigating London’s public transport.
• Google Translate: For language assistance in understanding English (just joking…kind of)
• Visit London App: For information on attractions, events, and discounts.
• Rick Steves Apps: If you read any of the other blogs in the series, you will understand that he is our number one trusted resource for European Travel.

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Lessons Learned Over 15 Years

Reflecting on my journey from 2010 to 2025, here are some key takeaways for anyone visiting London tourist attractions:

1. Plan Ahead: Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or traveling with kids, preparation is key.
2. Take Your Time: Don’t try to cram too much into one day—focus on quality over quantity.
3. Embrace Change: Travel evolves with life, but every stage brings its unique joys.
4. Look for Life: Yes, you are traveling to see things, but don’t forget to look for the people. Stop at a pub and talk to locals. Your trip will be all the richer for it.

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Conclusion

Exploring London tourist attractions in 2010 was an unforgettable experience, and revisiting those memories 15 years later has been a joyful reflection on how much life has changed.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, London offers something for everyone. Its timeless landmarks, vibrant culture, and welcoming spirit make it a must-visit destination.

So, no matter where you are in life—whether you’re navigating parenthood, managing health challenges, or simply seeking adventure—London will always have something new to offer.

Here’s to your next adventure in the heart of this incredible city!

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