my holiday in london essay

London as a Place for a Tourist Vacation Essay

Introduction, works cited.

Saying that London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world is saying nothing about it. I have been going to this city since I was two years old and there were some years when I visited it four or five times a year; despite this, I will never stop getting amazed by it every time I get there. London is the best place for me and my Kuwaiti friends to spend a vacation in because this city is full of sights and nice places to visit with its shops and department stores offering goods for any taste; apart from this, a vacation in London can help non-English speakers, such as the Kuwaitis, perfect and sophisticate their English.

To begin with, London offers its visitors a number of sights the beauty of which is sometimes impossible to describe. Its parks are absolutely amazing; they are so diversified that one visit to London will not suffice if a person wants to see at least a part of them. London has a number of parks which are absolutely amazing. I can state for sure that none of other cities in the world has so much green and open space. There is at least one park in every part of London; at this, it does not matter “if it’s just a small pool with surrounding trees or a park like the magnificent and slightly wild in appearance Richmond Park” (“London Parks”).

The most prominent, perhaps, is Hyde Park which all the visitors go to play tribute to Princess Diana. The park is 360 acres in size and one can rent a boat to paddle in the lake there. There are also St. James’ Park, Primrose Hill Park, Alexandra Park, Regents Park, Syon Park, and an incalculable number of other parks. Theme and adventure parks are also numerous. A visit to any of them will become the greatest fun day a person could ever have.

Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon are the most famous adventure parks in London, though the others are no less great. It is impossible to leave London without visiting Westminster Abbey, seeing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and having dinner in Covent Garden (Porter’s English Restaurant would be the best choice) (Moore and Porter 243).

London’s ancient buildings strike the visitors with their mysteriousness and one cannot stop wondering what hides between those old walls and columns created by famous architects and visited by no less famous people. So, visiting London is the best way to spend a vacation because after leaving the hotel one gets into a real fairy-tale where the sights whizz by and the memories about them remain in the mind forever.

Moreover, London is known as a city of shopping this is why doing shopping there is one of the duties each of the visitors is expected to fulfill. Shopping becomes a special entertainment in case the weather is not suitable for sightseeing. I for one adore London weather, though most of the visitors find it rather gloomy. I adore London for its rains for they are a rare occurrence in Kuwait where the weather is sunny hot.

Shopping is the best way to have fun during rainy days in London. The main shopping areas “center around Oxford Street and Regent Street, while Knightsbridge is home to stores stocking even more upmarket goods” (“London Shopping”). Major international and British brands can be found at these shops, but the visitors who look for specialist items will find them in Covent Garden. New Bond Street is for those who search for exclusive shops, while Hatton Garden is the best place to buy jewelry and watches.

Those who are interested in music, especially in rare cuts, will feel like in a dream in Soho where a great number of independent music shops offer the music items of all the possible genres. Therefore, the rainy weather of London is perfect for those who cannot imagine their lives without shopping and who are interested in goods which cannot be found anywhere but in London.

Finally, London is a great place to visit for Kuwaitis in particular because they can meet their nationals there and perfect their English speaking skills. Most of the Kuwaitis speak English well enough, but being in the natural environment will make their English absolutely great. British English is nothing like American English; it is like a song where all the words acquire special meanings. London natives sound so beautiful that all the visitors, regardless of their native language, get British accent because it is impossible not to wish resembling this mysterious language. London is full of people of different nationalities; the Kuwaitis are also numerous there this is why my friends will find London even more attractive and friendly.

Though the population of London is extremely diverse, most of people speak namely English there. This is the best place to improve spoken English because nothing except the communication with a native speaker can make your language richer. The communicative skills get improved after spending several days in London and the excitement, which speaking to the natives (who are, by the way, unbelievably sociable and polite) brings, stays with the visitors for a long time.

What is even more important is that learning English in such a way is entertaining rather than difficult or boring like some of the classes may be. Natural environment allows imitating not only language, accent, and even slang of the native people, but even some of their gestures and facial expressions. This makes the process of learning entertaining and favors the acquisition of knowledge. Thus, a vacation in London is especially useful for the Kuwaitis because English speaking environment can help them make their English even better.

In conclusion, London is indeed the best place for a vacation, especially for people whose native language is not English, such as the Kuwaitis. Ordinary, theme, and amusement parks of London will bring joy to all the visitors; they strike with their beauty and variety offering a number of ways to have fun. Shopping in London will satisfy the needs of even the most exigent shoppers. London shops and department stores not only ensure the visitors with an access to a wide range of goods, but open their doors for the buyers who look for something exclusive and provocatively expensive.

Lastly, a visit to London is extremely useful for the non-English speakers who can improve their English speaking skills, perfect their English, and adopt the beautiful accent of the true English language. I really doubt that there is at least one person who will find a vacation in London boring because it is the best place to have fun and to learn simultaneously.

Moore, Jennifer and Porter, Darwin. Frommer’s Europe. New York: John Willey and Sons, 2006.

“London Shopping.” London Guide. 2008. Talking Cities. Web.

“London Parks.” Life in London. 2009. London for Fun. Web.

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IvyPanda . 2021. "London as a Place for a Tourist Vacation." November 20, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/london-as-a-place-for-a-tourist-vacation/.

1. IvyPanda . "London as a Place for a Tourist Vacation." November 20, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/london-as-a-place-for-a-tourist-vacation/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "London as a Place for a Tourist Vacation." November 20, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/london-as-a-place-for-a-tourist-vacation/.

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The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Your First Trip to London

Are you planning your first trip to London?  

This global city is endlessly popular with travelers from all over the world. With its famous landmarks and iconic sights, the number of things to see and do in London can easily excite and overwhelm first-time visitors.

In this post, you’ll find a cheat sheet compiled over 3 separate visits to London packed with information about how to get to London from the airport, where to stay in London, how to get around once you arrive, and best of all,  mapped-out London itinerary planning tips .

Are you ready to make your first trip to London a success? 

How to Plan a Trip to London

It can seem daunting to get started on your London trip plan. It’s a huge city with lots of iconic sights and experiences. In fact, I think it’s often underestimated by travelers who often write to tell me what a great time they had in London and that the city was such a surprise…in a good way!

So, as any good teacher will tell you, start with an outline. In this case, you want to break down each step you’ll need to do to plan a trip to London and then work on filling in all the details.

Start with deciding when you want to visit London and how many days you’ll stay. (I recommend at least 3-4 days.)

Once you know this, you can work on booking your London accommodations. (I recommend staying in a central-ish area within walking distance of a Tube station. Keep reading for more below) The further out you book your London hotel, the more available options you’ll have with competitive pricing.

ProTip: If you have flexibility, you might even look at London flights and hotels first to find the cheapest combination of dates and rates. In this way, you’re letting the deals decide when you travel versus looking for a deal on the dates you need/want to travel.

Once you’ve got the major logistics set, it’s time to work on your London itinerary. (I’ve got specific itinerary ideas below so keep reading!)

At this point in your planning a trip to London, you’ll want to make a list of the London sights and attractions that are your must sees and dos. Then, using the maps below (or Google Maps), start grouping them by area.

One really important thing to know as you plan your London trip is that the city is huge. The distances between places can be far, and with limited days, you don’t want to backtrack or plan activities on opposite ends of the city on the same day.

From here, figure out what can be booked ahead…and actually book it ahead! London is a popular destination. It’s normal for there to be lines at top sights and restaurants that are completely booked.

You can use sightseeing passes like The London Pass (my complete review) to pre-plan and save money. Or you can book individual tickets through a platform like Get Your Guide .

Once you know where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing each day, you can round out your London trip planning by looking at the Tube Map to orient yourself and decide how you’ll get from the airport to the city center. (More tips on this below!)

What to See and Do on Your First Trip to London

This London trip planner is set up in different sections to help you plan a trip to London from start to finish. The first part helps you get ideas about how to plan your days in London with landmarks, attractions, museums, markets, and activities in a logistically sensible way.

You want to maximize your time in London without backtracking or zigzagging around the city. These ideas can also help you piece together a complete day because not all of them require a full day.

You also note that I’ve included the Tube stops for individual attractions. This is to help you in case you visit these places outside of the order I’ve suggested in the Google Map for each itinerary idea.

After these itinerary ideas for planning your trip to London, you’ll find tips and helpful information so you can navigate the city confidently.

Are you ready to plan your trip to London?

London Itinerary Planning Idea #1 – History Buffs and Foodies

Tower of London – Tower Hill Tube Stop – Circle and District Lines

The  Tower of London  with its crown jewels is an absolute must with its thick, ominous walls, dark past, resident black ravens, and informative Beefeaters. The Tower and the nearby Tower Bridge sit stalwartly as a link to the past when Kings and Queens sent prisoners to “think” about their choices and to wait for the inevitable… execution.

The Tower of London was the inhospitable home to infamous gangsters, spies, Dukes, Bishops, Princes, and even Queens!

Undoubtedly the most famous Queen of them all was the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The Tower of London is where Henry the VIII’s executioner beheaded her on charges of adultery and conspiracy, however, Henry actually blamed her for not producing a male heir.

Today, visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time. The daily traditions involving this historic castle have continued for hundreds of years. The resident Beefeaters live at the Tower of London and maintain the rituals and routines of the past. But they also offer free tours (once inside) and comically share their vast Tower of London knowledge.

These tours begin every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing with the last tour at 2:30 p.m.

Pro Tip:  Arrive in the morning when the Tower first opens. It becomes quite crowded later in the day. Use your  London Pass  to get Fast Track Entry and bundled savings when compared to buying attraction tickets individually.

Tower Bridge & Borough Market – London Bridge Tube Stop – Northern and Jubilee Lines

After a morning at the Tower of London, time your escape for lunch at  Borough Market . It’ll be easiest to walk from the Tower of London. Walk across Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge as shown on the map above. The walk is a bit longer than crossing London Bridge, but historic Tower Bridge is a sight in its own right.

You can tour the Victorian-era engine rooms, as well as climb to the bridge’s upper walkways for gorgeous views over London and the River Thames. Get your Tower Bridge ticket in advance or use The London Pass to visit the bridge.

You can also cross the River Thames with a river bus using your Tube Oyster Card (more on these below) from Tower Pier to London Bridge City Pier.

Once at Borough Market, the market lanes are lined with food and grocers selling every imaginable food item. It’s a great place to sample a variety of foods from all types of global cuisines. Not to mention, no London trip is complete without taking advantage of the city’s amazing international food scene!

From famous falafel to perfectly spiced Indian food, huge skillets of paella, and savory British pies from Pieminster, you’ll be thankful to visit with an empty stomach on your first trip to London and every time you return like I do!

Restaurants and cafes fill the upstairs level and the surrounding streets (in case you’d prefer to sit rather than sample and roam) making this Southwark neighborhood a foodie’s delight.

ProTip: From Borough Market, you’re just a 5-minute walk to The Shard , London’s tallest glass skyscraper to see the highest views over the city. If you have it, you can use your London Pass for access. Be sure to follow the pass instructions to pre-reserve a time.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #2 – Royalty and High Tea

Westminster Abbey – Westminster Tube Stop – Jubilee Line

Coming out of Westminster Station, you’ll immediately be in the shadow of Big Ben and London’s iconic Parliament Building. You can walk back onto the Westminster Bridge to capture fuller photos of these London landmarks. If you’re lucky, you just might get a classic shot with a red doubledecker bus!

Continue on to  Westminster Abbey , just a couple of minutes walking from Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m. The Abbey is closed on Sundays so keep this in mind when planning your London trip.

Use your  London Pass  to gain access to Westminster. Once inside, admire the architecture and the Abbey’s gorgeous choir room. Westminster is also the final resting place of numerous kings, queens, and dignitaries. You can see the monuments in their honor, as well as learn about their place in history.

If you’re a fan of the Royals, you’ll be visiting the spot where Kate and William were married.

Pro Tip:  If you want to take a ride on the London Eye , it can be included with the stops you make in and around Big Ben because it’s just a short walk over the bridge you see in the photo below. Avoid the lines by choosing the fast-track ticket option. It’s also quite popular to depart from the Westminster Pier for a cruise along the River Thames to take in the sights of London from the water.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Churchill War Rooms. They’re not far from Westminster Abbey, along the edge of St. James’s Park. These rooms served as the secret headquarters for Churchill during WW2. The rooms have been preserved just as they were during the war and give a fascinating look at how Churchill operated and made decisions during this dark time in history.

If your trip to London is 3 days or less and it’s your first visit, this WW2 museum may not be a top priority. But if you or a travel companion is interested in visiting WW2 sights and museums in Europe, The Churchill War Rooms are a great way to divert from the typical first time in London sights.

Buckingham Palace-Green Park Tube Stop-Jubilee, Victoria, & Piccadilly Lines

Next, make your way to  Buckingham Palace  where the  Changing of the Guards  happens.

The ceremony is all pomp and fanfare. The King’s Guard outside the castle has been on watch for hours and the new guard comes to take over in grand style! A marching brigade of guards along with a mounted cavalry and a marching band head up The Mall and through the palace gates.

This ceremony draws a crowd so it’s best to arrive ahead of time so that you can get yourself in a position to see the fanfare. I’ve watched from both the gates of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument directly opposite the palace gates.

You’ll have to choose the location you want because it’s typically too crowded to move from place to place. To get a spot along the fence at Buckingham Palace, be prepared to arrive up to an hour early and wait.

If this is the case, you also may need to reverse the order and visit Westminster Abbey after so that you can stake out your Changing of the Guard spot in the morning.

Pro Tip:  Check the  Changing of the Guard schedule  before you go to make sure the ceremony is planned for the day you intend to visit.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park Corner Tube Stop – Piccadilly Line

When the ceremony is finished, keep those royal juices flowing for a stroll around  Hyde Park . It’s one of the largest parks in London, as well as one of the Royal Parks. Enjoy its monuments, bridges, fountains, gardens, and lake, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Finish up with a classic afternoon tea experience at  The Dorchester Hotel .

No doubt, it’s a luxurious splurge, but after having experienced life as a royal, it’s the perfect way to properly finish the experience. From finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweets, and of course, tea, you’ll have had a quintessential London outing.

Alternatively, if you plan afternoon tea for another day, you might want to visit London’s Natural History Museum or Kensington Palace on the other end of Hyde Park.

The latter has been a royal residence for hundreds of years and was where Princess Diana lived with Princes William and Harry. Today, you can tour the apartments and staterooms and see the sunken gardens where there is a statue of Princess Diana commemorating the 20th anniversary of her death.

While the Natural History Museum displays animal specimens, dinosaurs, and exhibitions about the history of the natural world and the people who evolved in it.

If you intend to walk into Hyde Park and casually make your way towards Kensington Palace or the Natural History Museum, the walk will be broken up by the time spent in the park.

Otherwise, if your aim is to get to either of these sights without a long walk, use the London underground. The Queensway stop along the Central line is the closest to Kensington Palace and the South Kensington stop along the Circle and District lines is near to the Natural History Museum.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #3 – Architecture, Theatre, & Art

St. Paul’s Cathedral – St. Paul’s Tube Stop – Central Line

Start off at  St. Paul’s Cathedral  to admire this Anglican Church’s architecture. You can explore the crypt or head in the opposite direction and climb the dome’s 528 steps for spectacular panoramic London views.

If you have it, entry is included with your London Pass .

Take your time crossing the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge on your way to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is a great spot to watch boat traffic along the River Thames.

Tate Modern & The Globe Theatre-Blackfriars Tube Stop-Circle & District Lines

These 2 London attractions are just next to one another.

The  Tate Modern  has a vast permanent collection of modern art by the likes of Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock, as well as temporary exhibitions. There are beautiful views looking back on St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, as well.

It’s free to enter the museum and there’s no need to book ahead, unless there is a specific exhibit you’d like to see that requires a reserved space.

The nearby  Globe Theatre  is a replica of Shakespeare’s original which burned in a fire many years ago after the thatched roof was ignited during a production of Henry VIII.

For your first trip to London, you’ll want to use your  London Pass  to tour the theater during the day and hear about its historic past. The Globe also has evening performances during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The ambiance of the open-air theater makes for a fantastic night out!

Pro Tip:  Check times to coordinate visits to both the Tate Modern and The Globe in a way that lets you see one after the other. The Globe performance tickets sell out so purchase them in advance, especially if you want to see a play on a specific date.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #4 – Artifacts, Landmarks, and Shopping

The British Museum – Tottenham Court Tube Stop – Central & Northern Lines

No trip to London is complete without a stop at The   British Museum . The art and artifacts on display are open free to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and a vast Egyptian collection including mummies.

It’s worth checking for any special, limited-time exhibits during your stay. If there’s one you’d like to see, it’s worth buying tickets online or at the museum when you first arrive.

After the museum, spend the afternoon strolling through  Covent Garden  or head over to  Soho  and  Oxford Street  for a shopper’s paradise. Covent Garden is in London’s West End, home to theaters, restaurants, and shops. You’re sure to find anything you’d want to buy from the numerous chain stores, boutiques, and markets.

Pro Tip:  There are many classic London pubs in these neighborhoods. If you haven’t had a plate of fish and chips yet, now’s the time. You can also join a historical pub walking tour to visit some of London’s most iconic pubs.

Leicester Square – Leicester Square Tube Stop – Piccadilly & Northern Lines

Make your way to  Leicester Square  and the heart of London’s Theatre District. It’s super touristy here. Think Times Square-esque…a place where you take a few photos before moving on.

But if you plan to see a musical or a play later (and you certainly should!),  get your discounted tickets at the TKTS booth right in the square for performances that day or night.

There’s crossover between shows in London and New York’s Broadway district. Sometimes, you can even catch a performance in London before it heads to New York City.

Trafalgar Square – Charing Cross Tube Stop – Bakerloo & Northern Lines

Finish your walk at  Trafalgar Square . This iconic London crossroads has monuments, historic buildings, museums, and street performers. It’s an absolute beehive of activity and perfect for taking more classic London photos complete with red double-decker buses passing by on the streets in and around the square.

With any luck, you’ll have time to check out the  National Gallery  right in Trafalgar Square which houses famous paintings by the likes of Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Best of all, it’s free to visit, and you can use your  London Pass  Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus ticket to reposition yourself closer to your hotel when you’re done.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #5 – Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter Studio Tour Meeting Point – Victoria Station – Circle, District & Victoria Lines

Are you traveling with a wannabe wizard dying for a Hogwarts adventure?

Plan a visit to the  Harry Potter and Warner Brothers Studio . Buses leave from Central London and travel to the magical sets of the famed movie and book series. The closest tube stop to the meeting point is Victoria Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes on foot.

You’ll have 4 hours to see places like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Diagon Alley, and more! Plus, get to see some of the most famous props and the costumes worn by Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

If you’ve wanted to visit Platform 9 ¾, ride the Hogwarts Express, and attempt to ride a broomstick, then you definitely don’t want to miss escaping the world of Muggles for just a bit on your visit to London!

ProTip: If you want to sprinkle some Harry Potter into your London trip but don’t want to commit a full day to the experience, this Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour is a popular alternative.

Out-of-Town Must-Sees on your First Trip to London

From London, many parts of Britain and the U.K. are easily reachable by train. This makes it possible to visit a couple of popular sites with even just a half day’s worth of time.

Trains run from London to both  Windsor Castle  and  Hampton Court Palace . From their respective train stations, it’s just a few minutes on foot to reach the entry points.

The exquisite staterooms at Windsor Castle are open to the public when the King is not in residence. These rooms are some of the most spectacular castle rooms you’ll see anywhere in the world.

St. George’s Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the final resting spot of Henry VIII and several other Kings and Queens. It’s also where Meghan and Harry were married and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hampton Court Palace is full of Tudor history, as it was a regular stop for Henry VIII and his royal court. The palace creates a historical experience by revealing the inner workings of how the palace operated in its heyday. It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting and well-preserved looks at Tudor history, as well as what life was like during this period.

Look out for King Henry VIII himself, as visitors can watch the King interact with Anne Boleyn or flirt with his soon-to-be next wife, Jane Seymour. Leave some time for the palace’s gardens and maze.

Pro Tip:  Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are both included with the  London Pass . Get Fast Track Entry at Hampton Court to maximize your time and avoid any entry line.

If you have extra days in your itinerary, consider a London day trip to:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath
• The Cotswolds
• Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) & the Filming Locations

If you’re planning a trip to England, rent a car and drive into the English countryside when your time in London is done. I’ve done this to spend time exploring places like Stratford-Upon-Avon , the Cotswolds villages , and Warwick Castle .

It’s a perfect way to add on to an England itinerary and explore more of what the country has to offer beyond London.

Best Area to Stay in London

Where to stay in London is one of the most frequently asked questions for anyone planning a trip. It’s understandable. You want to be somewhere conveniently located, safe, and within your travel budget.

London’s neighborhoods and districts each have their own unique charm and flavor. And while some might say you should absolutely stay in the heart of the most touristy areas of the city, I think the most important thing when choosing where to stay in London is to  stay somewhere with convenient access to the Tube. 

You shouldn’t be hesitant to book a hotel or rental accommodation that’s a few Tube stops away from popular attractions. You can truly get nearly anywhere in London very quickly by using the underground train system.

That being said, you don’t want to stay too far from the heart of London, either. The city is big and the Tube rides from London’s outer neighborhoods can take upwards of an hour back to the center.

Ideally, you want to find a London hotel that matches your travel budget, close to a Tube station, in a relatively center-ish location. Example neighborhoods include Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and near Southwark along the south bank.

Below, I’ve shared a couple of hotels where I’ve stayed. They’re in different budget categories and neighborhoods, and they have convenient Tube access.

I’ve had excellent hotel points and paid stays at several London hotels including the ones listed below.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel  – The hotel is located in the Seven Dials neighborhood near Covent Garden, the West End’s Theatre district, pubs, and my favorite Indian restaurant, Dishoom. Rooms are a classic modern boutique style for which Radisson Blu hotels are known.

Holiday Inn Express London-Southwark  – Just a 10-minute walk to Borough Market, the Tate Modern, or the Globe Theatre, with a Tube station nearby. This hotel is on the south bank of the city not far from the Southwark Tube station.

London Rental Accommodations

During my travels, I’ve also opted for apartment and home rentals. You feel more like a local and oftentimes can save money because you’re able to prepare your own breakfast or share the overall cost with family members or friends. Not to mention, you can find truly unique places to stay with awesome views or even discover a new neighborhood!

London is the perfect destination to consider a rental accommodation over a hotel because hotels aren’t cheap(!) and London is well-connected with its underground trains.

My go-to place to search for rental accommodations is Plum Guide . They vet the properties on their site using “Home Critics” and only select the best properties in a variety of price brackets. Plum Guide even offers phone support 24/7 should you need any help or have questions.

How Many Days to Spend in London

As with most places, you can spend an extended period of time and still not see and do everything a fantastic city like London has to offer.

If it’s your first time in London, you likely will focus on the most popular attractions and experiences that interest you. For this, you’ll need 3-4 days to explore and make use of the London itinerary ideas in this guide.

With 4+ days in London, you can also use a day to visit a popular sight just outside of London or even  get off the beaten path .

London is a great city to explore. It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for future trips to Europe. It’s not complicated to add a couple of days in London as a stopover before continuing on to another destination in Europe.

Arrival into London

The  Heathrow Express  is a quick and efficient way to get into the city from London Heathrow Airport. The train leaves every 15 minutes and arrives in just about the same time to Paddington Station.

You can book your tickets online or using the Heathrow Express App. Not only will this save you any hassle at the airport, but you’ll also save money. Heathrow Express prices are lower the further you book in advance.

Gatwick Airport also has an  express train  which arrives at Victoria Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and take a half-hour to reach London.

Similarly, the express train from Gatwick offers considerable discounts for booking online and ahead of time.

The airports also have commuter trains, buses, and taxis to get you into London. Except for the taxis, these options are less expensive than the express trains mentioned above but do take more time.

You can check prices and schedules for  Southern Railways  from Gatwick to compare.

In addition, from London Heathrow, you can take the Tube. Trains along the Picadilly and Elizabeth lines connect terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The ride takes between 45-50 minutes to reach central London but is less expensive than the Heathrow Express.

From Paddington and Victoria Stations in London, you’ll have access to the  London Tube  with lines spreading across the city, as well as a taxi queue at ground level. Most taxis take credit cards but be aware of the occasional cash-only sign in a taxi’s window.

Pro Tip:  My recommendation is to use an express train or the Tube (from/to Heathrow), for a quick and easy trip to London’s city center or even directly to your hotel. Avoid London traffic and expensive taxi rides.

If you’d prefer to arrange transportation and/or avoid taking the trains, consider booking a car with Welcome Pickups  to transfer to the city. Although I’ve only used the trains to get from Heathrow to London, I’ve used Welcome Pickups in several other European cities and always had a great experience.

This will be a much more affordable option compared to a London taxi. The price will be a flat rate, as opposed to paying based on the taxi’s metered fare which can get quite high with even the smallest amount of traffic

How to get around London

London is very pedestrian-friendly and you’re bound to do a good amount of walking during your London trip. Remember, cars are on the opposite side of the road compared to the U.S., so you need to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the road. When in doubt, just look both ways before crossing.

Along the Thames, the riverwalk is a clear path connected with several bridges to help you cross to the other side as frequently as you need.

In addition, London’s Tube (subway) is reliable, easy to navigate, and stretches across the city. The announcements are clear and the lines are identified with colors and names, like Central, District, and Piccadilly. Given how big London is, you’ll need to rely on public transportation to maximize the time you have rather than always walking long distances.

As with getting to London from the airport, taxis are expensive in London and get even pricier when traffic is heavy. It’s best to go underground to save time, money, and patience.

Visitors staying for a few days can get an Oyster Card for easy use and refills in the Tube. Your Oyster Card is good for your first trip to London and every return trip thereafter!

London Pass  purchases come with the option to add a visitor’s Oyster Card. I would skip this option because the card takes several weeks to be physically mailed to you. You can also save more money by simply using a regular Oyster Card or the Tube’s contactless payment system because it will cap how much you’ll pay each day automatically.

Use a contactless credit card to pay to enter the Tube, as well as a mobile device like a smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Just be sure you’re using a card with no foreign transaction fees.

A few things to keep in mind when paying to access the Tube.

• Use the same card or device when you touch in and out at the yellow card readers. The London Tube caps how much you’ll pay. So, you can ride as much as you want in a day or a week and you’ll never pay more than the capped price.
• If you don’t use the same card or device, the Tube card readers won’t be able to accurately cap the amount you pay.
• If you’re using a device like a smartphone, be sure you have enough battery power. You need to touch in and out of the Tube. You also need to use your phone all day otherwise the system can’t cap the amount you pay.
• You can pay for another person if you are traveling together. (They will need to touch out of the Tube and can’t do it without your card or device.) You’ll need to pay for yourself with a separate card or device.

London Tips for Your First Trip

As you plan things to do in London and where to stay in London, also take into consideration the tips below. They’ve come from 3 separate trips to London and a lot of travel experience overall.

The best time to visit London is during spring and fall.

Visiting London in the shoulder/winter season months, April-June and September-November, are the perfect combination of moderate to cool temperatures and fewer visitors. January to March can also be a good time to visit if you’re not bothered by colder temperatures and prefer to visit during the least busy time of year.

Summer can be very busy, making the next London travel tip even that much more important.

Book as many things as possible in advance.

Not only will things like the London Pass or advance fast-track tickets help you save time and money, but it’ll eliminate indecisiveness about what to do while you’re in London and who to trust when you eventually buy the tickets, tours, and passes you want.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

London isn’t a budget destination. The last thing you want to add to the currency exchange are fees from your credit card once you get your bill back home.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout London and also remove the necessity to convert and carry large amounts of dollars to British pounds.

ProTip: When paying by credit card or using your debit card to withdraw money at an ATM, always pay in the local currency (Pounds) and/or decline the currency conversion. This is a sneaky way to convert your money at a less-than-desirable rate.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

I know this seems obvious but it truly can’t be understated. As someone who lives in New York City, I can always recognize a visitor who’s regretting his/her shoe choice.

These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I wear them walking around New York City and they’re a staple I pack for nearly every trip I take. You can walk miles without any irritation or blisters.

Check for service charges.

Tipping isn’t obligatory in London. In fact, service charges are often added to bills at restaurants and pubs. That being said, if you’re happy with your service, you always leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation.

Pack the right electrical converters.

Most commonly, you’ll need a Type G converter to plug into the outlets throughout the U.K. I’ve encountered one place where this wasn’t the case. So, it’s smart to also have a universal adapter with USB ports, too.

London Trip Planner FAQs

How do i start planning a trip to london.

To plan a trip to London, first, decide how many days you’ll spend in the city. Then, book your hotel. You’ll find more options and competitive pricing the further in advance you book. After this, plan your London itinerary. Make a list of the sights and activities you want to see and do. Then, group them by area to logically plan what to do without backtracking. Be sure to book ahead as many things as possible to save time and to ensure you can visit places on the days that make sense for your London itinerary.

How many days should I plan for London?

As you plan a trip to London, you’ll need at least 3-4 days to comfortably see the city’s top sights and attractions. London is a very large city with an endless number of things to see and do. You can easily plan a trip to London for a week and have plenty to fill your itinerary.

What time of year is best to go to London?

The absolute best months for a perfect combination of weather and number of visitors is from April to June and September through November. January to March can also be a good time to visit London because fewer people are visiting during this time. Summers come with big crowds and long lines.

What is the best area to stay in London?

The best area to stay in London is in the heart of the city, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time, and within walking distance of a Tube station. These include neighborhoods like Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and along the south bank near the Southwark area.

Where should I go on my first trip to London?

For your first London trip, plan to see the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic view of Big Ben and Parliament from Westminster Bridge. You should also plan to have afternoon tea, eat at Borough Market, go to a play or musical, and glimpse London from above at the London Eye or the Shard.

First Trip to London – Bottom Line

You have chosen a fantastic city to visit, full of important landmarks, historic sights, good food, and fun experiences. With some advance planning, you’ll arrive in London prepared with your itinerary and know-how to navigate the city confidently for an unforgettable trip.

So, what questions do you have about your first trip to London or about planning a London itinerary?

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76 thoughts on “the ultimate cheat sheet for your first trip to london”.

I have been to London several times, but I found your guide and itineraries very helpful!

I’m so glad, Chrysoula! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Such a great guide! I’ve been to nearly 50 countries and still not the UK, so I’ll have to remember to come back to this article when I finally make it to London 🙂

Thanks, Tamara! 50 countries is quite an accomplishment! Awesome. Glad the guide will be useful when you make it to London. 🙂

Somehow I wish I’ve read this post before my first trip to London. Then I wouldn’t have skipped many experiences listed here) Thank you for putting this up! I’ve pinned it as well (maybe I’ll visit London again, then I’ll need it for sure)

Thanks for reading and sharing on Pinterest, Natalia. 🙂 Here’s to hoping you make it back to London soon!

Love the Pro Tops plus how you broke each day down into categories. What a great way to see London! I also like how you included things to see if it is your first time there. Going anywhere for the first time can be so overwhelming!

Especially in a big place like London, Bryanna. It’s nice to break it up and make the most of your time.

You made me want to visit London again! Love the way you divided the itinerary with themes and suggestions for good food. London is such a huge city and planning a trip there for the first time can be overwhelming, you just make it so easy! Cheers,

Thanks, Natalie! Sometimes, it’s just easier to work on trip planning in small chunks. 😉

I’ve been to London a few times, but I’ve never made it to the Windsor Castle or the Hampton Court Palace. There is just so much to do in the city and its surroundings, but you’ve highlighted the must-sees in a very comprehensive and informative post. I’d love to go back and take more advantage of the free museums, especially the National Gallery!

Next trip, Erika, take some time for Windsor Castle and/or Hampton Court Palace. They’re well worth your time. 🙂

Wish I had your cheat-sheet on m first trip to London! You certainly covered all the hot spots and then some. I can’t wait to go back and hit the places I missed.

Thanks, Sue. A return trip to London is always a good idea. 🙂

Loved your tips! I’ve pinned and will reference during my London trip planning. Can you share a bit more about the oyster card?

Thanks, Amanda! I’m so glad the post is helpful for planning your London trip. The oyster card is a plastic card you can use for quick and easy entry to the London’s metro, buses, and many commuter trains. The card is 5 pounds to buy, after which you load some money onto it. The fare you’ll pay for a metro ride with the oyster card will be cheaper than if you had simply purchased a single ticket for the ride. The Oyster card also caps off what you’d pay in a day making sure you never pay more than had you bought a day pass travel card. Hope that helps! 🙂

I love the addition of the pro tips, especially times of day best to visit. I do love London, but timed a few things wrong, ending up in bigger crowds than I like.

Thanks, Rhonda. I certainly know that feeling of being in a crowd and wanting to be anyplace but there! Glad the pro tips will help for your next London trip. 🙂

Hi Jackie! Any tips for going to London with a toddler? Going to London this Wednesday and I’m going to use your cheat sheet! Thanks!

Hi Jen! So exciting to hear about your trip. 🙂 I’d definitely do the London Eye, but book tickets ahead of time online to skip the line. The Changing of the Guard with its parade, music, and horses are also toddler-friendly. He’ll get in free to the London underground, but if you don’t want to do that, go for the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The pirate-themed Princess Diana Playground in Hyde Park is also supposed to be a big hit. Not sure if he’s too young, but the I’d also look at the Natural History Museum, the National Maritime and/or Transport Museum, and maybe a show like Lion King. If that show is too long, how about The Gruffalo? It’s based on the kids book and is less than an hour long. Let me know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!! 🙂

Awesome, thank you for this! I printed out your cheat sheet & 8′ using it for our guide! Thanks!

Great! Hope you have a fantastic trip, Jen!

I’m actually from London, yes all these places are great, but you haven’t mentioned how expensive they can be. Most museums and art galleries are free and fantastic but eating at fancy hotels is only for the rich! Try to go to restaurants and pubs that are not in the tourist areas and you’ll be much better value for your money. As for traditional fish and chips, there is a great place in Waterloo road called Superfish. It’s the best around and very reasonable. Lots of London Taxi drivers eat there, so you know it’s good!

Hi, Joanne and thanks for the tip about Superfish! It’s so great to get that from a local. Totally agreed about eating in hotels, too expensive. I only splurged on the Dorchester Tea because we wanted to have a fancy afternoon. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

Hi, thank you for your tips. We’re going to London ne te may, my husband and I. Do you recommend Stonehenge ?

Hi Helene, Thanks for reading and commenting. You know, as many times as I have been to London, I have not made it to Stonehenge. To help you, I’m linking to another blog post all about visiting Stonehenge written by a blogger friend of mine. She’s got some great tips. Hope that helps! 🙂

There are some great tips here. I’m planning a trip to London during the high season with a variety of ages from grandmother, 4x 30 year olds, 4 kids between the ages of 8-3, and 2 newborns. Aiaiai. Just trying to get a place to eat together will be challenging. I loved your tips about the Oyster card, and pre-booking tickets, It saves lots of time to book in advance so that you are not waiting in line for tickets, and then waiting in another line for entry. Depending on how early you book it also puts that block of tickets on separate credit card bill instead of all at once. Just a tip from how I travel with all the children and trying to be budget concsious, I usually stop in a local grocery store and grab the 3 (pound, I don’t have the symbol on my keyboard) meal deal, Its filling and usually healthy. If you have any more kid friendly tips I’d love to hear them. Thanks for the guide, I found you on Pintrest, and will make sure to repin.

Thanks for reading, Erin, and for repinning on Pinterest. I appreciate it. 🙂 Sounds like your trip is set to make some amazing multi-generational memories. Thanks for sharing your food tip. London has great parks to make use of when the kids need a break. Hyde Park has paddle boats for rent and a great playground and fountain. St. James Park also has a popular playground. Enjoy your trip!

Do you have more ideas? We will be in London for 10 days. We will do all you mention but we need more?

Hi June, Thanks so much for reading and so exciting about your upcoming trip to London! 🙂 A couple other sites/places I’d recommend is Kensington Palace and if you’re at all a history buff, the Churchill War Rooms. If you’re doing all of that plus these last 2, check out the London Pass to save some money. Also, check out Free Tours by Foot and Sandeman’s free walking tours. If you’re interested in street art and/or learning more about London’s ethnic food scene check out a tour in the Shoreditch neighborhood. With 10 days, you can also plan day trips out of the city if you want. The Cotswolds Warwick Castle , and/or Stratford upon Avon are just a couple of hours drive, as are Stonehenge and Bath. Even Paris is a doable day trip with the Chunnel train taking just 2ish hours. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the tip about the London Pass! We went last year and no one told us about it, and we are going back in October and still want to do many of the activities included in the pass. Sounds like a great value!

Fantastic, Dana. I hope your trip is fantastic and enjoy the London Pass! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂

The best North Indian food is in southall (West London), trains run from Paddington. Brilliant Restaurant highly recommended..

Thanks Preetvan for the tip! 🙂

It’s ravens that you find at the Tower of London, not crows!

Thanks for that! I have no bird ID skills! 🙂

Thanks for your post; definitely adding it to my Pinterest board. I’m heading there for Spring Break with my husband and three teenage girls. We have eight days (flying into Gatwick and out of Paris-CDG). How do you suggest we split the days between London and Paris? And what would your top recommendations be?

Thanks for reading, Sheath. So exciting about your upcoming family trip to London and Paris. Both cities have so much to see and do, it all depends on your interests. You can easily split your time in half, although the Francophile in me says to give yourself an extra day in Paris. Not sure if you’re into theatre, but a night out to see a show in London’s West End is unforgettable. Tower of London, Shakespeares Globe, Borough Market, high tea are all at the top of my London first time list. For Paris, visit the top of Notre Dame in the morning, Arc de Triomphe at dusk, Sainte-Chappelle, Musee de l’Orangerie, and wander through 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements for tucked away shops and cafes as a start to your Paris visit. Hope that helps and have soo much fun! 🙂

Thank you for this cheat sheet. Great tips and ideas. My best friend and I are traveling to Europe for our 40th birthdays in March. We are spending about 2 1/2 days in London. It seems you were recommended traveling by way of the tube for most everything. I had been looking at the Hop On and Off Bus before reading your cheat sheet. Would you recommend skipping the bus and just using the tube?

Hi Heather, Thanks for reading. London is such a great city for a friends birthday trip! I would still recommend the Tube. The traffic in London can be horrible and Hop on Hop off buses can get stuck in it with the rest of the vehicles. With 2 1/2 days, getting underground will help you maximize your time getting from place to place. Enjoy your trip! -Jackie

Do you have any recommendations for visiting in December (just prior to Christmastime)? My family and I will be arriving on a Monday and departing on Thursday (for Germany), flying in and out of Stansted. It will be myself, my husband, and our 2 kids, ages 20 and (will turn while we’re in London) 17 year old (boy and girl). My husband is normally into things like the museums, but he’s the type that would need several days in any one museum (he literally reads each and every plaque, and doesn’t miss a display, LOL). So, because we’re limited on time, we’ll probably skip museums until another time. My husband and I are doing Harry Potter/WB Studios on Tuesday (I’m a big fan, kids not so much) and we’re letting them go off on their own. Will definitely be getting Oyster Cards.

Any other recommendations, especially since will will be cold weather? Thanks!

Thanks for reading, Cammi. I’d definitely try and see a show, be it one in the west end or a special Christmas themed show or concert. I’d also like to see the seasonal attractions like the winter wonderland in Hyde Park and all the lights around the city. I’m a cold weather gal so I love to get outside. But just in case of super cold weather, I’d have 1 museum in mind just as a back up if you need to warm up. Not sure if your hubby has seen the Churchill War rooms not far from Westminster, but I highly recommend. Enjoy your trip!

My husband and I leave for our first ever trip abroad, London, in less than a week! The ironic and very strange thing is that as soon as I read the title of our article was that the authors last name is Sills. That is MY maiden name and some of my father’s family still lives in England! Dad himself, Charles Sills, was actually born in London! We will be visiting some Sills relatives in Suffolk on our trip!

Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Sincerely, Elizabeth (Sills) Hurd

Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for reading and omg! My maiden name is Sills as well! I have done a ton of family research but always run into a dead end trying to figure out more about the George Sills who came over from England to the U.S. back in the 1800s. That’s so amazing you’ll be combining your tip with some ancestry travel. I hope you have a great trip and enjoy meeting your relatives! Thanks again for reading the blog. 🙂 Jackie

Nice tips overall. Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Thanks for reading, Brandy. 🙂

I must say this is an ultimate post for travelers who are looking for trip to London at affordable cost. You have covered everything in your post such as best places to stay, which is really helpful.

Thanks for reading, Sandeep. Happy travels to London!

Your blog is amazing – thanks for all the incredible ideas. We are considering going to London for Spring Break (March 8-17, 2019). Would you recommend going at his time ….will the weather be agreeable? Thanks, Stacey

Thanks for reading, Stacey, and for your kind words. So, it’ll likely still be chilly, but I’d say yes, go! Take this with the knowledge that I live in NYC and walk around in all kinds of weather and that I love visiting Europe in the off-season. I’d rather have cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, with London’s Underground/Subway, you can so easily pop underground and get around if you needed to escape the weather for a bit. Not to mention with delicious tea, scones, English pies, and Indian food, there’s plenty to warm you up! 🙂 Thanks again for reading.

very informative blog love to read it. i got so many new ideas about London. Thanks for sharing and it will help me during my visit to London. [LINK EDITED OUT]

Thanks for reading, Mickey. Enjoy London. 🙂

Love this guide and the one for Portugal also. Now if I could print it and store it in my travel file folder for easier access when I go to London. Thanks for writing these detailed trip reports – they are extremely helpful

Thanks do much for reading, Jane. You can download the London cheat sheet to help with your travels. 🙂

Going to the Harry Potter Studios by bus from Central London is the silliest thing to do. It takes too long AND you can only stay at the studios until the time your bus would take you back (about 4 hours) – not enough time for a true Harry Potter fan. It is fastest and easiest to go by train from Euston Station to Watford Junction (Oyster can be used) and takes about 30minutes. The studio has buses at Watford Junction to take you there – it takes just about 10 minutes. We stayed over 7 hours at the studios – my kids would start a riot if we had to leave after some 4 hours only!

Thanks for reading, Deesi! And great tips! Appreciate you sharing. 🙂

Your blog is amazing. How do I download the cheat sheet??

Thank you ~Alison

Thanks so much for reading, Alison. All you need to do is fill in the fields on the cheat sheet sign up box. It’ll get sent to you. 🙂 So glad the blog has been helpful for you.

If you have enough time you should certainly consider Kew Gardens and Greenwich. You can take the clipper down the river to Greenwich. Also Kenwood is free to visit and set in beautiful grounds on Hampstead Heath. Don’t pay to go up the Shard. Book the free tickets for Skygarden three weeks ahead. Or go up the tower at Tate Modern. Children like all these places but as other people have said the parks are lovely and all different. It’s lovely to see this thread still working and growing after such a long time. Well done!!!

Thanks for reading and sharing your London tips, Marian! I didn’t know that about the Shard!

The Dorchester is indeed a great hotel, but the very best Afternoon Tea has to be the Ritz.

Thanks for reading and sharing, David. I have heard great things about the afternoon tea at the Ritz. I’ll have to try it next time I’m in London. 🙂

Thank you for sharing this info about London. I am planning to visit in a neaxt month.

Thanks for reading, Alina. Have fun in London. 🙂

Amazing. you have told very easy and splendid ways for exploring London. London is my favourite place to travel and for food too. I love the food Enjoy!

Thanks for reading, Amy. Glad you had great travels to London. 🙂

My niece and I want to go to London. We’ve considered a tour group, but the itinerary is limited, I enjoyed reading your cheat sheet. It was interesting, and we got very excited at the thought of actually visiting the sites, Have you ever traveled there in December? I am a teacher and my big break is in the month of December, I don’t want to go and freeze! The travel dates would be between December 14th and December 24th. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

Rebecca and Brooke

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. I haven’t been to London in the winter but I’ve been to many other cities in Europe in winter like Paris, Prague, Budapest, Munich, and more, also during my winter school breaks! I’m probably not the most objective person on this as I live in NYC and walk around outside all winter long. But I love European cities around Christmas. Yes, it’s chilly. But if you dress right the charm and the ambiance is unforgettable. I’d highly recommend a London Christmas visit! If you want some freedom to explore mixed with a few organized activities, plan a couple of day tours instead of something more comprehensive. The London Pass is also a great way to see what’s popular while saving money by bundling sightseeing costs. Hope this helps and you have a great trip! 😉

Thank you so much. We are moving ahead with our plans. I agree, if you dress appropriately, the weather will not be a factor.. Again, I really learned a lot from your cheat sheet and have read it many times.

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. 🙂 So glad to hear the cheat sheet was helpful. I hope you have a wonderful trip to London.

Heathrow express!! Saved me so much time! So glad I read this.

Thanks for reading, Scott. Yep, the Heathrow Express makes things super easy! 🙂

Thanks for informative sharing. I must say that your shared information is very useful for me as well as other readers.

Glad to hear it, William. Thanks for reading.

Hello Jackie, I am at the beginning of planning a second Girls Trip to London, and the country side of England. The first was with a group of high school girls friends,(tons of fun) and this one will be with all my sister in laws. Both groups are in their early 60’s. I appreciated the link to the GO transportation site. I like the idea of a van to haul us all to the hotel from Heathrow. There will be six of us in this up coming trip. There were only four on the high school trip. We all squeezed into one cab, and shared the cost. I don’t think we can squeeze six ladies and luggage into a cab, so the van idea sounds good. I suggested a cab for the HS group, knowing it is the more expensive way to get from the airport. I knew we would be sharing the cost AND also with the age of the group, didn’t think we (or I ) would want to be dragging our luggage in and out of tube trains. They were all ok with the idea of a cab. Also one thing I tell anyone I know who is on their way over, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! I know they aren’t always the most fashionable, but gee, your feet will thank you at the end of the day. No new shoes that haven’t been wore in yet either. One last thought– the HS trip was a full week in London, so we all decided that the London Pass would be a good idea– and it was! The Shard visit alone would have cost 50 pounds for one person to enter. The payable sites do add up. All worth seeing, but can get pricy. Not so sure it will be worth it for this sister in law trip, we won’t be spending as much time in London. Thanks for the time and research you put into this travel blog. Very enjoyable read. 🙂

Thanks so much for reading, Deborah! So exciting to be planning another trip (and a Girls Trip, even better!) to London. Thanks for sharing your experiences, too. Totally agree on comfortable shoes! My go-to’s for lots of walking (live in NYC) and traveling (one pair is with me on every trip) are Allbirds . In fact, I just bought 2 new pairs (Tree Runner & Wool Runner) since I’ve worn my others out. If anyone in your group or you are looking for something comfy, definitely give these shoes a look. Enjoy your trip to London and come back if there are any questions I can answer. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

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Sample essay on my visit to London city

London is the most beautiful and historical city in United Kingdom. I have always been obsessed with London since I was just a teenager. I used to imagine walking down to its streets to witness the architectural and historical beauty of this city. It has a quite rich British culture which it has kept preserved for so many years. I felt the need to explore it but didn’t know from where I should start. So, I shortlisted a few places out of all of its amazing and historical places because of the exceptional aspects they have.

Museum of London

I started from ‘Museum of London’ about which I knew a little before as well. I had an idea that it is a charitable institution which is funded by a lot of organizations. But after visiting it, I came to know what stunning and architectural masterpiece it actually is. It holds a huge history of British culture. It will show you off London in different ages and time eras, from the prehistory time to today modern times with its legendary exhibitions. It has a collection of up to 1 million objects to show to the world. If you really want to know more about the history of London, the Museum of London is a must visit for you.

After that, I visited “Big Ben”, the longest tower of London which has a height of 320 feet. It has been the palace of Westminster previously. It has four clocks which are facing each other across 23 feet. It is undoubtedly a distinct central point of parliament which looks even more exuberant when the sunlight turns its structure into golden relief. It is basically famous for its massive bell which weighs more than 13 tonnes. There are different theories present based on its name and history. However, it was renamed as Elizabeth tower on June 2012 in remembrance and honor of Queen Elizabeth.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in London is another stunning place which was first opened in 1894. People around the world know it for its Gothic style and pale blue lines. If you are lucky enough, when you visit this place, the bridge will be open for the ship to pass. That moment, you can have a look at its advanced mechanics and architecture. Tower bridge exhibitions are usually arranged to display films and photos to explain how it was built. It is said that it took eight years of efforts by major contractors and labors to build the tower bridge. Two massive pillars got sunk into the river in order to support the construction. And over 11,000 tons of steel was used to prepare its walkways. The use of rare Portland stones was to give it a more unique and exuberant appearance.

Brunel Museum

The next day I decided to pay a visit to another historical place which was the Brunel Museum. It has more Brunel family projects than any other country in this world. River Thames has also been one of its latest projects. If you personally pay a visit to it, you would know why it took 18 years and costs of many lives to get built. You can also get into its shaft to see how it served the tunnel. Its history is a really fascinating part of its whole construction which tells about the conditions in which the workers worked to construct it more than 185 years ago. It consists of a gift shop from where you can buy books regarding its history and enjoy reading it while sitting in a café. The café serves delicious afternoon tea, light bites, and a lot of English and Turkish food.

If you are a shopaholic and want to get the best of the best things which are nowhere else to be found, go to Topshop flagship store. It was founded in 1964 and since then it has been a fashion brand for the youth. Its first independent shop was, however, opened in 1970. After which, a brand for men also came into existence named as “Topman”. It is more like a small city which consists of everything from shopping outlets, wig-fitting, and tattooing to ‘print your own pattern facilities. I can bet that there is nothing which you won’t be able to find from here. So start roaming around its basement all the way up to the accessories, where you can also get cold juices and cupcakes to get the fuel for your well-spent day.

Greenwich Market

Since I am too much into arts & crafts, my next stop was Greenwich Market. It has a strong association with the royal time period. It was a birthplace for Henry, Mary, and Elizabeth. Today, it gives preference to the traders who want to manufacture their own products. You will find all of the new and fresh products there. You can’t think about buying something a week later or so because the manufacturers keep refreshing their collections and stalls. On weekends, there are a huge number of arts & crafts, and food stalls. I also found different food styles there which included Spanish, Mexican, Ethiopian, and so many more. I also got a chance to eat chocolate smothered fruits and freshly baked cakes. They were so delicious that whenever I talk about them, they make my mouth water again.

Theme Parks

There are also different theme parks in London which offer great entertainment through its thrilling rides and wild animals, be it real or mystical. At London Dungeon, you can take a scary yet wonderful 90-minute ride which takes you 1000 years back in the history of London. There are also other interactive plays going on in which different theater actors can surely cause an impact on you with their mind-blowing performances.

Since I had a fun and entertaining time in exploring the historical and cultural places of London, I want everyone who goes there makes sure to explore it the best way they can. There are more than these mentioned places which would give you numerous chances to start off with a thrilling journey of London’s History.

Above example essay could be really useful for the preparations of college exams and English testing exams like IELTS and TOEFL.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — My Favorite Place — Why London Is My Favorite City

Why London is My Favorite City

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Published: Oct 25, 2021

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Creative Writing about A Holiday in London

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As I leave my sparse but adequately furnished hotel room to head off to meet my family I feel a buzz of excitement and nervous energy shoots through my body. I press the lift button and hear it shrieking and grinding as it approaches my floor. This does not seem safe but it is still more appealing than a descent down eight flights of stairs. I enter the lift, nervously press the ground floor button and after a moments hesitation it begins to sink sluggishly to the ground floor where I emerge into a warm, vibrant reception area. As I leave through the slowly rotating door I am instantly hit by a wave of noisy traffic and a haze of pollution. I hurry to the bus stop to meet my parents. I inquisitively ask what our plans are for the day and am shown a well-thumbed tourist guide of London proudly displaying the Monument. At the sound of high-pitched squeaking brakes I turn around sharply to see a bright red bus approaching with a cloud of black smoke belching out of its exhaust. The bus seems not to notice and lazily pulls up regardless. Hurriedly the crowd of people that has hastily gathered step onto the bus and search frantically for seats before the bus lurches forward and continues its usual journey towards the underground tube station.

        On arrival at our stop we almost fall out of the bus and spill into the station. We slot our tickets into the machine, push through the barrier and begin our descent down some steps that look as if they are the original ones built in   . The walls however are adorned with enticing posters of the latest London shows. I am dragged down the steps by a huge wave of people frantically dashing to get their train. Everyone seems intent on catching the rapidly approaching tube. Will there be no other one today?  The noise of the crowds sounds like a swarm of angry bees rushing around my head. The train comes to a halt and people push and shove showing no concern for their neighbour. People are struggling terribly to get off and in the chaos I fear I may lose sight of my family. Eventually we squeeze on but as the train pulls off I begin to feel sick amongst the fat, sweaty, middle-aged men that I am sandwiched between. I am relieved and delighted when I my mum signals that the next stop is ours. I escape as quickly as the crowds allow and breathe a sigh of relief. I, along with my family, dash up the escalator, through security and out into the open.

This is a preview of the whole essay

        As we finally see the natural light of the sun again burning consistently in the pale blue sky, .pounding on each and every head shuffling through the hectic crowds, I think to myself that maybe walking is preferable to the underground. Our station is called The Monument so as I expect we have to travel only about a 100 metres to reach it. It still takes longer than I imagine though because the only way to reach it is to barge through the crowds of people. Everything in London seems to be speeded up. It is like Nottingham city centre on some crazy, energy-boosting drugs: like the ones many athletes are being caught taking. Shops either side of me are bulging with customers and no doubt prospering immensely from all these tourists. People all around me are being drawn in, enticed by the carefully laid out window presentations. I suddenly find myself in a small courtyard surrounded by four walls of shops. I feel like I am in an oven and so does everyone else judging from the smell. I hold my breath, not for the first time today, and sprint my way through the dense crowds. I am feeling nauseous yet I stay on my feet. Just before I almost pass out, I burst through the end of the sea of people and see the gold head at the top of The Monument. It is high. The structure is standing tall and proud like a major in the army. It has no fear. Moreover, I do not fear it. So as soon as I enter I run full pelt up all three hundred and eleven stairs. I feel a sense of respect towards the people The Monument is built after –those who perished in The Great Fire of London. It is the same height as it is distance away from where the fire started in a bakery in Pudding Lane. I am close to the top now. I can look up and see the blessing of daylight again. I feel like I am in a stereotypical picture of running towards heaven, which is usually depicted by the light at the end of the tunnel. I reach the top. I am shattered and out of breath. I cannot take in what I am seeing. The view leaves you dumbstruck. What my eyes are seeing cannot be translated into words. I suppose the best attempt is to call it awesome, although that does not really do it the justice it deserves. The rooftop gardens gently lying on the houses neatly. I could see the river Thames gracefully flowing under London Bridge and all the busy people above it. I could hear the cry of sea gulls calling to their peers, swooping in elegant circles. I could feel the gentle breeze brushing against my face keeping me cool in the blistering heat. I looked down and I saw specks of what must be people gazing at what and me I was standing on.  Every building, every person, every attraction and the sunset: it is all perfect. A cloud of red being gracefully drawn over the sea of baby blue that covered London’s sky. It was as if a pair of vibrant red curtains was saying good night to the sky.

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Essay about London 10 models

Essay about London , contains all the important and valuable information about the city of London. Here you will find essay about London with all the information you are looking for about London, its attractions, geographical location and everything related to London.

 Essay about London

London is one of the most beautiful tourist and industrial cities in the world and if you are looking for more information about the city of London; here you will find essay about London  gives you all the information you seek .

The city of London is the capital and largest city of Britain. It is located on the south side of the country on the Thames, with a population of about 8.4 million, of whom 2.7 million live in inner London neighborhoods.

Its total population in all its suburbs is approximately 15,010,295 inhabitants, according to the 2012 estimates. This is Europe’s largest city by population and one of the most important cultural, political and economic centers in Europe.

It has a large number of famous theaters, universities, museums, educational institutes and cultural centers around the world.

Called several different names, including the following: Londra. Londres. The fog city has a climate of almost permanent fog in summer.

Tourism in London is suitable for all ages, young and old as well as all nationalities, where there are restaurants serving traditional meals from all over the world, often these restaurants in public parks.

There is also a famous market called Burro Market on the south side of the River Thames, as well as other commercial markets that include the world’s most famous restaurants and shops, especially clothing, jewelry and handicraft shops such as the Brick Lane Street in the east from the city.

London is also famous for the Camden market on the north side and the Portobello road on the west side. To enjoy the shopping, it is better to get out of the metro by foot to these markets, where you can see colorful houses and shops that sell old crafts on the street leading to the market.

The most beautiful part of London is the dynamic intercultural integration that a visitor can recognize  the city by walking on the sidewalk, riding the city’s famous red bus or by traveling on the subway.

The city of London is administratively divided into several administrative areas.

It is divided into two parts:

The north of the city: which includes the city district. Camden. Ealing. Enfield District. Barking and Dagenham. Barnett area. Brent area. Havering. London. Hackney. Hammersmith and Fulham. Harnegi. Harrow. And then Forrest. Westminster. Hounslow. Kansas and Chelsea. Newham. Redbrieg. Tower Hamlets.

South of the city, which includes both: Kingston. Merton. Lambeth. Bexley. Bromley. Greenwich. Louis. Saten. Richmond. Croydon. Your error. Wandsworth.

London essay

London is constantly growing. It is wonderful to walk around London and see the architectural and cultural development.

Since the end of the Roman authority over it, it has been in continuous progress since it was called the Little Kingdom of London.

It is wonderful that London passed through the economic events and commercial activities that led to it becoming one of the first centers of civilization.

One of the famous landmarks of London is the expansion of its streets and the vast areas that were used to enlarge the city. Which led to more openness, progress and an increase in the speed of lifestyle and development.

As we all follow from the news that it is always striving for a series of urban plans that lead to the improvement and beautification of the city’s function.

Paragraph about London

London is one of my attractions because of the close distance between us, I like a lot to go to it to spend a day trip with my friends, and do some recreational activities, such as cycling and passing through many of its attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, the Science Museum, or the interactive science and technology center in London, and take some souvenir photos in these wonderful areas.

Finally we head to watch Big Ben and enjoy sitting and talking in this area. And in the evening we take a bus ride, so the whole of London is lit up and more attractive. And at midnight we return to our homes eager to see her again.

London essay in English

At the end of last year, I traveled to London, the capital of the United Kingdom. It is located in the south of Britain on the River Thames. It is one of the most famous and densely populated cities in Europe.

London is an open city with a number of different nationalities. Therefore, there is a great cultural diversity. London is characterized by the unique architectural style that increases the splendor and beauty of the city.

And there are many prestigious universities in London that you can join in order to get the best education. And when you get a degree from these universities, it qualifies you to work in many countries of the world.

Short essay about London

London is a city known for its beauty and has people from all nationalities of the world. Because of the diversity of its population, you can find restaurants from all countries, where a restaurant is opened serving food for each type of population.

Because of her charming nature, she was the source of inspiration for a number of international personalities, including William Shakespeare, writer of Sherlock Holmes stories, and writer of the famous Harry Potter series.

As for music, London is known among the countries of the world for its interest in this form of art, where huge concerts and various festivals are held.

Essay about London city

My name is (..) I have a brother who is five years older than me. I am (..)years old . I study in class (..). I Live in the city of London. I really like to walk around and spend my free time.

But I love the Royal Opera House very much, because my older brother is rehearsing there and doing some performances with a band there. I would love to join this band too when I grow up.

I really like wandering inside the opera and watching the sky through the glass ceilings in the corridors and seeing the stars through them.

I loved watching the last show on the rooftops of the opera due to the outbreak of the Corona virus. I really enjoyed the experience of watching the show in a different place that I’m not used to and found it a great idea.

I also love spending time with my friends in Nottinghill Gate, Chelsea, Camden and Primrose Hill. I am very happy because I live and study in London and do many sports and activities there.

Describe London essay

London is famous as the city of dreams. As it contains many imaginary places that many would like to visit and enjoy spending time in.

Once you arrive in London, you will notice some means of transportation for tourism, such as the bus. You can sit upstairs and watch the landmarks of London through it. The bus provides you with a headset and several languages ​​to learn the landmarks of London through it. The bus will take you to see some of the famous archaeological sites such as Big Ben and other landmarks.

Then it will take you to the most famous landmarks of London or the London Wheel, through which you can see the entire London landmarks, and it is a favorite destination for tourists. Definitely you can try food on the streets of London.

This experience is great for many people who want to break the routine of eating at home or restaurants. There are several fast food areas on both sides of the road. This experience pleases many tourists.

Descriptive essay about London

London is one of the ancient cities that witnessed many wars and many kings. Modern London was formed on many of the ruins of old London, and few archaeological monuments remain that show the features of the old life that London lived and extended to the twenty-first century.

Through one of the most famous landmarks of London, we can see how castles were one of the symbols of ancient London, such as the Tower of London, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It served as a strategic defensive headquarters.

We can see many similar castles which were also used as prisons at many times. There are also other aspects of London that show its wealth, such as, Buckingham Palace, which was established in the year 1837.

And the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, which dates back to 960-970 AD. Many famous kings and writers were buried there, and it is a very big attraction for London because of its civilization and history.

It is through these landmarks that we can understand who life was like in London.

Short paragraph about London

London is my love, I live in London since I was born, I live in the neighborhood of (write the name of the neighborhood). I study in class (type class here).

I very much like to study and live in London, I appreciate this very much and see that many ate not as lucky as me, as they are in different areas less than London in many respects such as health and hygiene and the availability of many opportunities around them.

I learned gratitude when I witnessed many parts of Africa suffering from starvation and poor diet and health. So I value my life very much and the opportunities I have.

I very much like to see the fast life around me in continuous development and creation, and I would very much like to succeed in my hobby that I love and to provide something different that distinguishes me and makes me unique.

I love designing and making electronic games. I hope in the future I can make some great models for movies, or for other purposes. This specialization is in great demand in London, so I aspire to succeed in it.

Describing London in a single paragraph

There is no doubt that London is one of the target tourist destinations for many people, and you can find out why once you arrive and see the historical monuments and how it has preserved its 2,000-year-old splendor.

London is distinguished by its tradition and contemporary art that goes with all eras. You can walk around London to find everything in front of you: wide roads, distinctive pubs, historical and cultural landmarks linking art and politics, you can during your wandering see Big Ben, see Parliament and you can take some pictures with the most famous members of Parliament while wandering in front of it without any guard, and picnic in the gardens and attend amazing modern parties and shows. That is why London is considered the most beautiful city.

In this way, we have given you essay about London,  and you can read more by entering the following section:

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Sample Essay on My first visit to London

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I have always looked forward to travelling to London. This is because of the exciting stories I had heard from my friends. From the stories, I heard that London accommodated the best museums and other historical places.  I decided to plan to take this trip before the first year of my college was over. Because of the college program, I had to schedule the visit to late October. This trip took four days including the flight periods. Before traveling , I bought the travel card via online. I ensured I had paid for my return ticket. This timing turned out to be perfect. Other than this plans, I went through the global map. I located one of the fair and modern hotels where I would spend the holiday. I ensured that I also had sufficient cash. After confirming my reservation, I took the trip.

I arrived to this desired city on a fine Monday. Before heading to the tube, I collected my luggage from the claiming point at Heathrow. The hotel was in the neighborhoods of Earl’s court station. I chose the hotel because I had heard that it was fair and offered most of the desired spaces in the room, such as a kitchenette, flat screen television, and microwave. I was surprised when I reached the hotel room and realized that they also offered large bathrooms for great towel tacks so they remained warm all through. I also liked to prepare the foods when I came in. there were no restaurants, gyms and food services within the premises. Therefore, I ensured that I had prepared a great and heavy breakfast. Lunchtime found me in most of the tours. I, therefore, used to eat heavy lunch too. One of the best places I had my midday meal was at the Crypt near St. Martin’s church. On this particular day, I ate chicken, potatoes, gravy, cabbage, and root vegetables.

I got the orientation around the hotel. I came to realize that there were great road network covering every area of the region. These included the Earl’s road, Cromwell, and the Brompton roads . The great museum that had natural history was located east of Cromwell road. There were the Victoria museum and the Albert museum. All these had great information for me. However, due to the tight schedule, I missed visiting these places.

I was able to go round London. I saw the beautiful Hyde Park and the Piccadilly Circus. I managed to do river cruse at the Westminster Bridge. How glorious was it to view the beautiful Belfast, Globe Theater, Tate modern, and the Tower of London. It was exciting crossing the Millennium Bridge, London Bridge, the Tower Bridge, and the Waterloo Bridge. I got the chance of visiting the Hyde Park on the last day. I saw many war memorials, the Wellington Arch, and the Wellington statue on a horse. Across the street lay the magnificent Apse House and the residence of the earliest Duke of Wellington. Part of the house was still resided by the present Duke although it is a private residence. As I toured the house, I saw various historical ornamentals such as the Caravaggio’s art and China swords and weaponry as they were displayed. I desired to take pictures of the artillery. This was however against the policies.

As the touring ended, I realized there were several places I desired to visit. I could not manage to keep up with the limited time I had for the trip. I came to conclude that London is a region that demands more than one trip. I also appreciated the fact that the town was modern and had few tourist activities. This had mostly experienced in majority of these contemporary towns. I wished to have extended the trip. I promised myself to take another trip to London the following year. I am happy that I first went to this great region. It was a revelation as to rich background the Americans and the Britons have.

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My last holiday

Learn how to write about your last holiday.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

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My last holiday was a five-day trip to Prague in the Czech Republic. I know Prague well because I lived there when I was at university, more than ten years ago.

Instead of staying in a hotel, I stayed with one of my old friends. It was so much fun, and a little bit like my old life. I wanted to do all the same things I did in my university days, so I visited the university. It has changed a lot and looks more modern. I also went to the supermarket near my old house. I loved seeing all the different foods. I was really happy to find my favourite cheese and chocolate biscuits but they were a bit more expensive than I remember!

We did some touristy things too. We walked up beautiful Petrin Hill and around the castle. The views of the city are amazing up there. We walked across the historic Charles Bridge. My friend's flat is very near the TV Tower so we saw the famous baby statues climbing up it. Those things haven't changed, of course.

1. Try to make your writing interesting for the reader. To do this, you can make it personal with your own memories and experiences.

2. Use adjectives to add detail to your descriptions.

3. Write clear and simple sentences and organise your ideas in short paragraphs. Give each paragraph a different topic.

4. Use so, but, and, because and other linking words.

Where was your last holiday?

Language level

I want you to know that I am very happy and enjoying my vacation quite a bit. The destination on this vacation has been the Colombian Caribbean coast, We arrived two days ago, this is a very nice experience. Yesterday I discovered the window to the world that is located in Barranquilla, as well as the boardwalk, they are very warm places but above all very visited, as the afternoon fell I went to visit some of my husband's brothers. Tomorrow we will get up very early to travel a few kilometers and be able to visit Cabo de la Vela, in La Guajira, we will leave at 6 am, because we must be in Uribia Guajira at 3 pm, there the tour guide will be waiting for us, who will be the one in charge of directing this adventure. I also had the opportunity to visit Cartagena de Indias and its beautiful beaches, I really liked getting to know the beach, the sea and the people who live there, But what I liked most was being able to visit Cabo de la Vela and learn a little about the reality of the Wayuu culture, being able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and sunsets that this beautiful place offers.

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My last was holiday three-week trip to Fez in Morocco. Fez it’s my hometown so I know it well because I lived there for 26 years. I went to visit my family there and I stayed at home, every day I was invited by my sisters and brothers, they made me delicious dishes and we had a good time together. I’ve been seeing my friends every day in the café, we’ve been seeing football matches and we’ve been talking about different topics. In this holiday I made many things important for me, I had driving courses to be confident when I’m going to buy a car, in the same time I had English courses.  

My last holiday was a three-day trip to Thua Thien Hue in Vietnam. I always want to go there, so in the summer of last year, I decided to take a trip to Hue with my family.

We booked a small hostel near Hue Walking Road. We stayed in a twin room, which was clean and had full amenities. The owner was very friendly; he showed us good restaurants, attractions, and how to deal with sellers in the market. We tried local foods such as Bun Bo Hue, Banh Xeo, Banh Bot Loc, etc. The food in Hue is cheap and amazing; I thought that I could eat it all day!

We did some touristy things too. We visited Hue Capital and had a chance to learn more about Vietnam's history. The architecture is very majestic and beautiful. We also went to Thien Mu Pagoda. It is one of the most sacred temples in Vietnam, so we prayed for health and happiness and wished everyone good luck. In the evening, we walked across the historic Trang Tien Bridge. It was so beautiful at night; there were a lot of people walking there. 

It was three amazing days. I felt so relaxed and hope to visit more places in Vietnam.

My last holiday was a two-day trip to Baguio in the Philippines. I had lived there before for five months. So I decided to go back for just a visit on my holiday. Unfortunately, there was heavily raining as we got off the bus. Otherwise, getting a taxi was super hard, and we were waiting for around an hour. Fortunately, I got home safely and I made so much fun with my friends. I visited the old places that I often did because it made me happy and refresh. In conclusion, I had so much fun spending my last holiday in Baguio.

I remember last year when I went with friend to the beach in summer. My Lastsummer holidays was 2days and 3 nights trip to Ngwe Saung Beach in Myanamr . Ngwe Saung, is a beach resort located 48 km west of Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. In 2014, the town of Ngwesaung had 10,732 people.The beach is 5hours drive with no traffic away from the principal city of Yangon. Ngwe Saung is well know for An unspoilt 15 kilometres stretch of silvery sand and modern amenities have made Ngwe Saung a popular destination for less budget conscious tourists from Lower Myanmar. I booked for our stay at a hotel near the beach, name was "Grand Paradise Hotel ". My friend and i prepared everything we needed on our trip as light food and soft drinks to have on the way to the hotel. And also we prepared necessary clothing for the sea, sun cream and some essential medicines. After 5hours of driving we arrived the hotel at 12PM afternoon and went to our rooms to rest change clothes and take all what we need to go to the beach. This Hotel is near the beach,all services was good and room are cleaned, wide and nice. We put our bags on the table and went to swim in the sea and then went out for lunch that my friend ordered from a fish restaurant . The Crab ,Lobster and fish was fresh and tasty and we enjoyed our meal very much. After lunch we sat under the canopy enjoying the sea view, refreshing breaths ,listening to music and playing fun games. OH really nice Ngwe Saung beach Myanamr.

My last holiday was far away in time in different reasons. We were at black sea coast on September so there where not so much other people. We was drinking a wine that was cheap there and going some excursions

My last holiday. Last summer, in particular on the last weekend of June, I decided to visit Granada, an amazing city in Spain. I visited Granada for the second time with my family, my wife, and two daughters. I was so happy because I visited Granada sights, especially Alhambra Palace, and Civilization Museum. We arrived at the hotel by bus at 11 a.m. The hotel was wonderful and clean, and the food they offer was delicious. My family really liked the traditional typical dishes of Granada, in particular the dish named Baella. During the holiday, I met some of my Spanish colleagues and they invited us to visit their house which is located in a nice village in the city suburb. Really, I liked this place for the large landscape, calmness, and the kind people who live in. On the fifth day of our holiday, we walked around the city and saw the old city which has been built above the mountain. So, you can see the whole city from above it. Despite the enjoyment that we have got, the negative thing about that holiday was that we spent so much money and also many friends need to buy some things from there, so I bought some souvenirs and I hope that I can keep one for myself to remind of that divine place. By and large, this holiday was great and unforgettable thanks to my Spanish friend, Gaspar, who provided me with a Guidebook which makes my trip easy and coy.

My last holiday was four days on São Miguel dos Milagres with my family. We stay on the beach house of my grandpa. There is a pool, and four rooms in that. There we go to the beach, to some interesting restaurants, to a beach clube and to an ice cream shop. I love that travel and i'd love go back to São Miguel dos Milagres.

On the first weekend in March, we took an amazing trip to Barcelona. We went by train from Atocha station and the journey lasted two and a half hours.

When we arrived at the historic Barcelona Sants station, we took the metro to Plaza de Tetuan, which is where we had the apartment. We left our baggage and went to visit the city centre, Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya, La Boqueria Market, Paseo de Gracia, etc. On Sunday, we saw the beautiful Sagrada Familia which is my favourite landmark. Later, we went to the incredible Nou Camp stadium to see the Barça game against Valencia. After the game we visited the official store and did some shopping but everything was very expensive. On Monday, before returning to Madrid we went back to the Nou Camp to take a guided tour of the trophy room, changing rooms, benches, and the VIP box.

At the end, we went to the apartment to take the suitcases and so, we took the metro to the Sants station where we boarded the high speed train back to Madrid.

I go to Thailand for a camping holiday, It was fun I go caving on the first day, I see many bets are sleeping on top of the cave.(no time to finish)

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How I Spent my Last Holiday Essays 100, 150, 200, 450 Words

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English Essay Writing or Composition on How I Spent My Last Holiday

There are many topics that you may be required to write an essay on in your English language classes. But writing an essay about how you spent your last holiday is one of the most enjoyable. The reason is because it brings back lovely memories as you thoughtfully reflect on your holiday experience and put them in writing.

As you write, your goal is to capture your readers’ attention and sustain their interest from the beginning of the essay till the end.

You can achieve this goal by:

• writing clear and simple sentences.
• using so, but, and, because and other transition words to ensure that your ideas flow smoothly throughout your essay.
• being as descriptive as possible by using adjectives that paint a vivid picture of what you are saying.
• being honest and authentic as you share your feelings about your experience.

I will give you a basic outline that you can develop into the compelling essay you have in mind.

Read Also: Best Importance of Education Essays for English Students

Basic Outline for Composing an Essay on “How I Spent My Last Holiday”

Here is a basic outline that will help you to write a good composition about how you spent your last holiday:

Introduction

You need to begin your essay with a catchy opening sentence that would grab your reader’s attention. Then quickly introduce the topic or purpose of your essay, and say where you went for the holiday and what you did.

Body Paragraphs

Just like you would do in the body of any other essay, divide your holiday experience into several key events or activities.

Then describe each event or activity in details in different paragraphs. Remember that, as much as possible, each paragraph should focus on a specific event or activity.

The number of paragraphs would depend on the number of words the essay is expected to cover.

Whatever the target word-count, ensure that your essay is vivid and engaging by using sensory details. It’s simple. Just describe what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt during each experience.

Then reflect on the significance or impact of each event or activity. How did it make you feel? What did you learn from it? Did it change your perspective on anything? And so on.

This is where you end your essay. A good conclusion would provide a brief summary of the key points of your essay, including the lessons you learned.

You can tell whether the holiday experience met your expectations, and how you feel about it even at the point of penning down your essay. Then state whether you plan to do anything in the future drawing inspiration from your holiday experience.

Read Also: Interesting All that Glitters is not Gold Stories

Sample How I Spent My Last Holiday Essays

The following are sample essays of different word counts on how I spent my last holiday. You can choose any composition that comes close to your own holiday experience and use it to craft yours.

My Relaxing Holiday 200 Words

My last holiday was amazing! I did not travel to any new or interesting location, but I had a lot of fun staying home. I took time to enjoy early morning sleep every day. This alone felt like a treat after waking up early for school the entire term.

In the afternoons, I went outside to play with my friends. We played the soccer ball around in the park, and would enjoy pretending to famous athletes.

Sometimes during the holiday, it would rain. And when that happened, I just stayed inside and got cozy. I got a good book and devoured it with a mug of hot chocolate by my side. I also liked watching funny movies with my family and munching on popcorn.

In some evenings, we had barbecues in the backyard. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, while Dad told us stories about when he was a kid. I don’t think that anything can feel more special than spending so much time together.

Although I did not travel anywhere, my holiday was full of fun and relaxation. I feel recharged and ready to go back to school now!

My Last Holiday Adventure 250 Words

Since I have been spending my holidays, none had been as enjoyable as the last one. When we vacated last term, I spent two weeks at home in order to assist my parents in farm work. After this, I left for Onitsha in order to visit some places of interest.

I visited the modern and popular Niger bridge which links Onitsha and Asaba, Mid-West. I also visited the famous Onitsha Main Market. It has no rival in comparison in West Africa just as Ibadan Liberty Stadium has no comparison in West Africa. When I was being taken round the great Onitsha Main Market by a friend, I observed that traders in their respective stalls felt at home. Some of them tuned in their radio sets. They were happy.

I spent one week at Onitsha and departed for Enugu. When I was at Enugu I visited the Eastern Nigeria Parliament, and I saw Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Statue just close to the house of Assembly. I also visited Enugu Airport and several other places of interest. I spent five days in Enugu and departed for Lagos by a train. “Lagos Limited”, and that was my first time of entering train. When I reached Lagos, I hardly believed that it was a town in Nigeria. It was very beautiful indeed just like London.

When I was in Lagos, I went to the House of Representatives, the Senate, National Stadium, Air- port, Tinubu Square and other places of interest.

I spent 5 days in Lagos and returned home to resume School. I wrote a story on all my observations in the journey.

My Last Holiday Essay 300 Words

Last summer, I went on a trip that I will not easily forget. This is because it meant much more to me than just a vacation; rather, my perception was changed.

I had never been in Thailand before the holiday but only heard of its beauty. Finally visiting the country made my holiday worthwhile. The place was so different from home! Their market was busy with many colorful items for sale and their food was so delicious. I tried several new and amazing dishes, and they were all lovely. While in Thailand, I couldn’t fail to notice how beautiful their temples are with roofs gold plated and other carvings done wonderfully.

I am an outdoor kind of person. That is why spending time in nature during my holiday made me very happy. Some days I would hike through forests while others would find me relaxing at the beach. On one fine morning, I woke up early to witness sunrise over New Zealand’s mountains. It was simply breathtaking and that made me feel alive.

Lastly, to add some holiday fun into it; i did some daring activities too. For instance, skydiving and bungee jumping were included in my itinerary. Although at first scared, it turned out pretty awesome! I learned that it’s good to challenge yourself and try new things sometimes.

Looking back on my last holiday, I feel very grateful for all the experiences I had. I discovered a lot of new things and also made new friends. Yes, the holiday is over, but the memories I made will stay with me forever.

From the samples above, you can see that the key to writing a good essay about your holiday is to engage your readers with descriptive details and thoughtful reflections.

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You will take a short holiday in London next month and would like to spend some time with a friend who lives there. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, •Tell him when you will be in London and why • Ask him for recommendations of what to do there • Suggest some things you can do together You should write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses

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Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately

Linking words are very important in your essay.

To score effectively on your IELTS exam, you should make an effort to implement short concise sentences coupled with linking words.

Almost every sentence in your essay should have a linking word of some sort.

In fact, the only sentences that can omit linking words are your background sentence and thesis.

Linking word examples:

• in additional
• for example
• for instance
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A museum near your house is looking for people to do part-time vountary/unpaid work. you would like to do some voulntary work at the museum. write a letter to the museum director to apply for voluntary work in letter. explain why you want to do voluntary work at museum. describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you would be available for work.

Many customs and traditional ways of behaviour are no longer relevant to modern life and not worth keeping. do you agree or disagree, some people believe that it is good to share much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic wirld.others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely., some people think that it is more beneficial to take part in sports which are played in teams, like football, while other people think that taking part in individual sports, like tennis or swimming, is better. discuss both views and give your own opinion., some people think that the education which comes from education is more important than the education which comes from schooling. other people think the opposite way. discuss both of them and give example..

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Essay on Holiday

Essay on Holiday for Students

‘Holiday’ is such a fascinating word that catches the fancy of each one, be it she or he, everybody finds it bliss to go for a holiday. We may be from any walk of life but we quite relate to this term ‘holiday’ equally. Professional people love holidays and children pray for the same. When it comes to holidays every grown-up and the working person acts like a child, desperate to relish the days of holidays. With the odds, if the holiday is cancelled, they will be sad and grumble as a child.  

Holidays are rightly known as pressure busters for the people. The normal routine of life requires a few days to relax. The holidays are always welcomed and awaited by all. Holidays give us immense peace and we cherish the memories of these well-spent days for the rest of our lives. Holidays help us in the following ways:

Mental Peace:  

We can derive mental harmony and mental calmness by staying at home and also by spending the holiday time with friends and family. 

Social Activities:  

The students in their holidays can also include the social activities that they do with their loved ones. 

Family Trip:  

We enjoy a family trip or a family excursion during these holidays.  

It is to be understood that gaining money is significant for livelihood, but relaxing the mind to make it function better is also as important. Hence, for the smooth working of life, a break is certainly required. 

Essay 1: Essay about Holiday with My Family

This time, in the winters, our small family planned for a holiday in the hills of Darjeeling. This was a much-needed break for the members of this family to remain quite busy in their daily scheduled life. They remain occupied in the strictly disciplined life of either work or study. My little sister and I study in grades 8 and 4, respectively, my father is a deputy manager in his reputed company, and my mother is a working lady and also a housewife. So, you can guess how our life will be in the strict realms of schedule. Thus, this time, my father and I decided on a short trip to the hills. 

We started our journey on the 1st of December, 2019. On the way, we played a variety of games. The view over the hills was quite pleasant to watch. When we were on the top of the summits, we looked down at our town, which seemed like a toy town; how small that was from the top! 

We clicked pretty snaps of the places, clicked pictures of us, of the local residents there, after which we went to a famous restaurant to eat our afternoon meal. We had the most delightful dumplings and noodles, which were cooked and served to us when still on steam. 

As dusk dawned on us, the jungles over the hills seemed to tell us another story of spirits and supernaturals. My sister and I were quite fantasized about this view. We preferred to keep our eyes shut till we reached our destination. It was half-past 8 when we reached the hotel where we would spend the night. The hotel staff was kind people who welcomed us with great warmth. We freshened up and went downstairs to watch their cultural program. The tribes danced to the music of one of their traditional songs, which was quite amazing for us to watch. After this, dinner was served. The dinner was quite rich and they served us in a sophisticated manner. After the tiring day, we decided to call it off and went to sleep.

The next day, we went hiking in the mountains. When we reached the peak of the mountains, it was a very delightful view. We decided to camp for the rest of the day there in the hills. The scenario and being on the lap of nature were quite peaceful and serene.   

After the trip, we came down to our town and normalized our lives. 

This trip had ushered a sense of great peace and calmness in my mind, which was to be instilled. The memories of the trip were to remain fresh in my mind like the fresh droplets on the leaves. 

Essay 2: Essay on Holiday 

Holidays have joyous feelings related to them. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love this holiday because it comes in December, which is also my birth month. There are a lot of exciting things we do during Christmas. We start making preparations for Christmas early before the month starts. 

This year, my friends and I made snowmen with snow outside our houses. My dad put up all the lights in the interior and exterior of the house. It was looking really bright and pretty. My mom made a lot of food, cakes, and snacks, and ate with our family. My cousins from the US came over to spend time with us. 

Our whole group of family and friends ate and talked and laughed with each other, sitting cozily near the fireplace, with the Christmas tree towering over us. I had a lot of fun. It is one of my best experiences and I hope to feel it again. 

Essay on Importance of Holidays for Students 

Holidays are very important for students. The importance of the same can be listed as follows:

Students can join courses, like in extra activities like arts, crafts, pottery, candle making, and more. 

Students get to visit new places in the holidays. 

They can go out with their families and friends and can make abundant memories, which will leave an imprint on their life. 

Holidays give them time to relax with their close ones.

Students also get a lot of time to complete their homework and revise their syllabus.

How to Spend School Holidays Essay 

To spend the school holidays, students must include this list:

Educating self

De-stressing and relaxing 

Improving physical health 

Getting a new hobby

Visiting interesting and fun workshops

Learning skills, like martial arts

Being a part of a book club or a public library

My Best Holiday Experience Essay 

In writing about the ‘Best Holiday Experience’ Essay, I would say the best holiday I spent was on the sea beach; the sunny weather on the beach of goa was no less than a divine holiday. The best experience of this holiday came from sharing nature’s beauty and also staying at the best resort in Goa. 

The holiday is a day off or a few days off from the monotonous routine of the everyday schedule. Holidays are equally loved by students as well as by the working people. Holidays prove to be beneficial to us in many ways when they are spent with memories and good activities.

FAQs on Essay on Holiday

1. How important are Holidays for Working People?

 Vacation or holidays improves the blood pressure levels and also the mental health of the working people. Vacationing ensures that these people have a healthy body and also a happy heart. The working people crave to spend their days with their family and loved ones; what better can it be than going on vacations with them. Honestly, holidays keep working people from becoming monotonous robots who only work to get paid. The holidays help them feel recharged and relaxed, after which they are more receptive and active towards work.

2. What kind of Social Activities are to be done on a Holiday?

Social activities such as getting a new hobby, starting to read a new book, organizing a get-together party, playing games, talking about an interesting and informative topic, visiting a peaceful place, paying a visit to the parents or grandparents can make wonderful holidays.  

3. How would you Define a Holiday?

A holiday is such a day that is given a day off by a custom or by law on which all the normal activities, especially the business or work including the school cease to operate. Holidays are stress-busters, which act the same for all the people. 

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10 Lines, Short & Long Essay On ‘Holiday’ For Children

Key Points To Remember: Essay On ‘Holiday’ For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on ‘holiday’ for kids, a paragraph on ‘holiday’, short essay on ‘holiday’ in english for children, long essay on ‘holiday with the family’ in english for kids, what will your child learn from this essay, points to note.

A holiday is a magical word, loved by everyone – students, working people, teachers, and parents collectively! An essay on ‘holiday’ is the most popular essay topic for every grade, as every kid feels enthusiastic writing about their holiday experiences. Making kids write an essay on  the topic ‘holiday’ for classes 1, 2 and 3 has its benefits as it will allow kids to relive their happy memories related to their holidays. Holidays are the time for them to do everything they usually can’t do during the rest of the year. Their holiday list is endless. From trips to learning new hobbies and visiting grandparents to playing sports, kids have so much to share. It will be a good writing exercise for kids as they write an essay on their holiday fun.

All kids love to talk about how they spent or will be spending their holidays. However, they may struggle with how to write an essay on their holiday. Here are some key points to make it easier to write an essay on holiday:

• Give a brief introduction about holidays.
• State the importance of holidays.
• Write what all things or activities the kid will or can do in the holidays.
• Write about all the fun they’ve had during the holidays.
• Conclude briefly by expressing joy for the holidays.

Writing an essay for classes 1 and 2 on the holidays may sometimes be a bit of a struggle. Here are 10 lines to help kids write:

• Holidays are the happiest time for everybody, especially students.
• Students get a break from their regular school hours.
• Holidays are a time when they can pursue hobbies, learn new sports and relax.
• They also spend more hours playing with their friends.
• We visit our grandparent’s or relatives’ homes during holidays.
• We have a lot of fun at our grandparent’s or relatives’ home, since we eat delicious food and have our cousins over.
• Some families go for trips to hill stations or beaches.
• Students also complete their school assignments during holidays.
• Some students go for extra classes to do better in academics.
• Holidays are the time to enjoy, relax, learn good things, and cherish good times with close family members.

Holidays are the most joyous time for every student. Let’s relive the joy through this short paragraph:

Everyone loves holidays, whether they are for one day or one month! Students especially look forward to their annual school vacation. They love that they don’t need to get up early for school and can get extra sleep hours. It’s a healthy break from a routine. Kids plan so many things for their holidays; some want to spend it with their cousins in their grandparent’s or relatives’ house. Some plan for a family holiday where they visit and explore new places. It is also a good time to learn new things or pursue new hobbies. Holidays are magical days full of fun and enjoyment.

Kids love to talk about their holidays. Therefore, writing a holiday essay for classes 1, 2 and 3 kids is a joy. Here is a short essay on holidays for children:

Routine life is boring, especially for kids. Holiday is the magic word that gives them a break from their school routine. Whether it’s a short break or the annual holidays, every student eagerly waits for them. Holidays are the time when they can sleep late, wake up late and spend hours playing. Parents won’t rush them to complete homework. Nor would their parents stop them from playing extra hours. Some kids even invite their friends for sleepovers or movie nights. Most kids don’t get enough time to learn new sports or hobbies during school days. So, the holidays are the perfect time to learn how to play the guitar or go swimming or even join that reading club. Most families plan a get-together during long holidays. It is the time to visit new places and enjoy yourself with family. Holidays give us a break from everyday life to relax and rejuvenate.

Here is a long holiday essay for class 3 students. Kids can read and learn from it to write a long essay on holidays for their school assignments.

One thing that never fails to make us smile is the word holiday. Whether we are young or old, we all look forward to holidays. They are the perfect time to relax and take a break from our daily routine. Our days of leisure, are the most important and memorable days of our lives. Let’s understand how important are holidays and ways to enjoy them the most.

Importance of Holiday For Students And Working People

Everyone loves holidays. However, they hold a different level of importance for different people. For students, holidays are the time when they can do extra things apart from their studies. In their daily school lives, students don’t get much time to pursue their hobbies or interests. During holidays, they can explore a new interest or get themselves enrolled to learn new sports. Trying new things is important for a kid’s overall development. Kids also get more time to spend with their families and friends. So, holidays give them the perfect opportunity to do things they cannot do during school days.

Working people equally love holidays as young kids. Their long working hours and hectic lifestyle don’t leave them much time to relax or enjoy their hobbies. So, during the holidays, they relax and rejuvenate. They sleep in late, wake up late and enjoy the whole day with the family. During holidays, they can go on trips with family or friends to rejuvenate.

How To Make The Most Of Your Holidays

To fully utilise the holidays, one should list what they want to do or don’t get to do on their normal days. It could be spending time with friends, learning a new hobby, or sleeping late. Then, as per the time and number of days, start ticking things off the list. A new hobby or sport can be learned if you have long holidays. For a short holiday of a few days, a family trip can be planned. Just remember your holidays are the time to enjoy, relax and have lots of fun.

An essay on ‘holiday’ is a great way to teach your child the importance of relaxing, unwinding and doing better in our lives. Through this essay, they will also learn about various things they can do during holidays. While writing an essay on holidays, kids will learn the value of playing sports and learning new hobbies to become active and smart.

Some noteworthy points about holidays:

1. Why Is A Holiday Important?

Holidays are important as they give us time to relax and rejuvenate. During holidays we get more time with our near ones and can pursue our hobbies.

2. How One Can Spend His/Her Holiday?

One can spend their holidays in numerous ways. They can pursue their hobbies, learn new interests like singing, dancing, sports or arts, spend time with friends or go on a trip. The list is endless.

Holidays are best enjoyed when they are spent doing things we like or with people we love. They are the ideal time to learn or do extra activities, spend time with family and relax. Writing an essay on holidays will allow kids to explore their thoughts and desires related to this beautiful topic.

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My Birthday Essay

Birthdays are often a joyous occasion for a person and their loved ones. People celebrate their birthdays in different ways, for instance, by partying, praying, or going on a trip. Here are a few sample essays on “My Birthday”.

100 Words Essay On My Birthday

My favourite day of the year for me is my birthday, which is on December 20. It's the day when I can do whatever I feel like, and I am made to feel extra special by my parents. My birthdays are always planned in advance. My parents always made an effort to prepare for my birthdays. When I was younger they bought me new clothes, new shoes, and new accessories so that I could dress my best.

They also used to take me to the market and get me to buy may favourite toys and video games. As I got older, slight changes emerged in the way we celebrate my birthday. Now, instead of receiving toys as a gift from my parents, I receive money. My family and friends gather around me to sing "Happy Birthday" as I cut the cake, and shower me with their blessings and good wishes.

200 Words Essay On My Birthday

I believe that it is a privilege for us to get to celebrate our birthdays, for a huge chunk of children does not get this opportunity. I believe birthdays are also a time for us to realise our responsibilities and take a step towards fulfilling them. I always make different plans for my birthday every year, but one thing that is common every year is that my dad and I visit the temple and give out sweets to the poor as we leave. It brightens my morning to see the children's smiles.

Gifting The Needy | Because my birthday falls in the chilly month of December, I made the decision last year to purchase winter clothing for poor and needy families living close to my home rather than spending money on a party and decorations on my birthday. My parents supported and helped me when I discussed this idea with them.

The Celebrations | We went shopping for clothing in the afternoon, including sweaters, jackets, socks, gloves, and other necessities, and distributed them among underprivileged children. The greatest gift they gave me was their joy and well wishes. We had a simple family dinner after returning home, which was a great way to end my day.

500 Words Essay On My Birthday

I, like many of us, am always excited about celebrating my birthday. In fact, my planning of my birthday celebrations begins weeks and months before the actual day. I also get my parents to brainstorm and suggest how we would celebrate my birthday.

One thing I always ensure is that my birthday celebrations should involve the most special people of my life, that is, my family and friends, and that I should also do some good to the needy and underprivileged children. Here is a detailed explanation of how I celebrated my birthday in one of the previous years.

Celebrations At School

On my birthday, which was on December 20’ 2008, the whole school sang a birthday song for me in the morning assembly. I wore my favourite dress to school instead of the school uniform and distributed sweets among all students and teachers. For my friends who reside far from my house, I planned a party.

We went for lunch, my father picked us up and drove us to a restaurant. They were all talking happily as they ate lunch. After lunch and dessert, my father dropped off my friends at their houses before we returned home.

Evening Celebrations

I had a variety of plans for the evening. A birthday party was planned by my parents at home with lovely decorations and a big theme cake.

The Cake | The decoration was done by an event planner, and the cake was also customised. It was of light blue and pink colour and had detailing made of cream-like flowers and leaves, with two candles attached at the top of it. It was made of two layers, the first layer was of strawberry flavour, and the other was of vanilla.

What We Did | By 5:30, all of my friends and family members had arrived wearing party clothes. They all wished me birthday. Around six o'clock, we had begun playing games like races, musical chairs, and other activities. After playing, I cut the cake, and everyone handed me gifts. Although I had to wait, I was very eager to open the gifts. After the cutting of the cake, dinner was served, with a few starters, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian main course. I also gave the guests a return gift as an expression of thanks. The return gift consisted of a small ‘thank you’ card and some chocolates.

Gifts I Got

Everyone went back to their homes after dinner, and I started opening the gifts, no matter small or big. I received one Barbie doll set, some chocolates, video games and one handmade card made by my friend. I became emotional on seeing the handmade card as it was beautifully crafted, having some pictures of my friends attached to it. I kept this card safely inside my almirah so that it remained as it is and did not get lost.

My parents and I were feeling incredibly exhausted, but we were happy that we had a great party and a meaningful day. My parents got emotional thinking that time was flying by too fast, and soon I would grow up enough to get married and leave their house.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

I tried game-changing chocolate trick and found my new favourite snack

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I didn’t think my favourite chocolate bar could get any better, but boy was I wrong.

TikTok has once again provided me with a handy little life lesson that I never knew I needed, which is to pop your chocolate in the freezer before eating it. And it’s a real game-changer.

Clips of people freezing and trying sweet treats such as Kinder Bueno and Tunnock’s Tea Cakes have gone viral on the app of late, with fans of the hack hailing the results as ‘elite’, ‘top tier’ and claiming the frozen goodies are the ‘best snack ever’.

As someone with a wicked sweet tooth, I knew I had to test it out for myself to see if this one little change to the way I eat chocolate really makes all the difference. And spoiler alert: It really does.

So I grabbed a few chocolate products with soft fillings for this experiment, including the aforementioned Bueno and Tea Cakes, as well as some Reese’s Pieces.

They went into the freezer at 7pm yesterday, so they’ve been in there for around 17 hours. TikTok didn’t specify how long to leave them in for, but I figured overnight would be a safe bet.

This was the perfect amount of time for the Beuno which thankfully hadn’t lost any of its flavour in the process. The chocolate still tasted very good, but it was the icy cold inside that made for something truly special here. 

I’ve always been a big fan of the creamy hazelnut filling, wishing Kinder would bottle it so I could eat it straight from a jar with a spoon. But frozen?! The stuff is on another level entirely.

In fact, it’s so good I’m thinking that I won’t bother buying any Magnums or Cornettos to cool off with this summer. I’m simply going to keep a multipack of Buenos in the freezer for when the weather heats up. It’ll be the perfect treat.

As for the Tunnock’s Tea Cakes, they didn’t quite measure up to the Bueno, but I think this is just because they needed longer in the freezer.

@cheapeofficial TRYING the viral FROZEN Kinder Bueno… #Snacks #kinderbueno #chocolate #scotland #scottish #foodtiktok ♬ original sound – Nintendo – Nintendo

@stenic1 Couldnt recommend this more, go try it now!🤤 #frozenkinderbueno #kinder #chocolate #frozen #stenic #corn #itscorn #review #fyp ♬ original sound – AaliyahCaught4K • Friends

TikToker @cheapeofficial tried this trick out with Snowballs and claimed they were ‘unbelievably good’ after three days in the freezer as the marshmallow had firmed up and tasted like ‘nougat’. 

There was very little change with mine, so I’ve popped a couple back in and I’m going to leave them there for a few more days. Fingers crossed the results are better soon.

The Reese’s Pieces were also downright disappointing, they hadn’t frozen at all and I don’t think chilling them did anything to improve the taste. 

Despite the mixed results, I’m thrilled to have found an even better way to enjoy one of my all-time favourite sweets and can’t wait to try this out with a white chocolate Kinder Buneo. I reckon it will be even dreamier.

I’m sure I also won’t be able to resist giving this a go with other chocolate bars. I hear it works pretty well with Double Deckers and Cadbury Creme Eggs too…

If you also love a Kinder Bueno but would prefer to cool off with an icy beverage, then you might want to head down to Costa Coffee in the next few weeks.

This is because fans of the chain are convinced they’ve found a drink on the menu that tastes just like the chocolate bar.

Part of the popular Whipped Latte range, the  white chocolate  flavour has gone down a storm, with some saying it tastes like Milkybar, or like a Bueno if you add a pump of hazelnut syrup.

Available in small and medium sizes, the £4.50 drink features a layer of whipped coffee, combined with either dairy milk or a plant-based alternative, with white chocolate sauce on the bottom. All of this is then served over ice for a refreshing treat.

The frothy coffee also comes in Choco and Caramel flavours, for those wanting to try something different.

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Money blog: How much it costs to send your children to private school - as figures reveal major change

A significant drop in energy prices has been forecast for July. Read about this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Friday 17 May 2024 13:51, UK

• 'Good news' as major drop in household energy bills predicted
• 'Seismic shift' as number of bank branch closures passes 6,000
• How much it costs to send your children to private school - as figures reveal major change
• New Greggs stores to open in these locations
• Drivers hit by 'unfairly high margins' on fuel

Essential reads

• Lowest buy-to-let mortgage rates revealed
• Is more expensive steak better for you?
• The rise of Michelin starred 'fast food'
• Basically...  What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• Cheap Eats:  Michelin-star chef reveals his top steals in London - including an unbeatable sub sandwich
• Money Problem: My workplace wants to pay us by the minute - what can I do?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

The energy price cap is set to fall by about 7% in July, a leading thinktank has said. 

Cornwall Insights said: "For a typical dual fuel household, we predict the July price cap to be £1,574 per annum" - a drop from £1,690.

Looking further ahead, it forecasted the cap to rise again slightly in October, before falling again in January next year. 

Reacting to the news, Uswitch said the predicted drop was "clearly good news". 

"The future still remains uncertain, and with the price cap changing every three months – currently expected to rise in October before falling slightly in January –  it's crucial not to be complacent," Richard Neudegg, director of regulation, said. 

However, "a predicted 7% drop in energy prices in July is clearly good news, with the price cap looking likely to hit its lowest level in over two years", he said. 

He also urged  households who want to lock in rates for price certainty to run a comparison to see what energy tariffs are available to them.

"There are many 12-month fixed tariffs available at rates cheaper than the current price cap, and even some that are 2% below these new predicted July rates," he said. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career.

Ronaldo became the world's highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr and Forbes said the 39-year-old's estimated total earnings were around $260m (£205m) - an all-time high for a football player.

His on-field earnings amounted to $200m (£158m) while off-field he earned $60m (£47m) thanks to sponsorship deals where brands make use of his 629 million Instagram followers.

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm took second place following his switch to Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Rahm earned $218m (£172m) and joins Ronaldo as the only two athletes to earn over $200m.

Third on the list is record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, who switched to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, which helped the Argentine World Cup winner earn $135m (£107m).

The 36-year-old earned $65m (£51m) in on-field earnings but $70m (£55m) off it from deals with major sponsors such as Adidas and Apple.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James came in fourth at $128m (£101m), while fellow NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks made fifth with $111m (£88m).

France football captain Kylian Mbappe dropped down to sixth with $110m (£87m).

French striker Karim Benzema, who also moved to Saudi Arabia, is eighth on the list with $106m (£84m), followed by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry with $102m (£80m).

Lamar Jackson is the only NFL player on the list, in 10th place with $101m (£80m), thanks to the signing bonus negotiated into his new Baltimore Ravens contract last year.

The number of new pupils joining private schools has fallen by  2.7% since last year, according to the latest figures.

Data from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) shows families are now paying more than £18,000 a year on average to send their children to private school.

This is an 8% rise in school fees for the 2023-2024 academic year compared with the year before.

But as fees soar, figures show a 2.7% drop in the number of new pupil applications - this is the biggest fall since the ISC started collecting data in 2011.

Every Friday we get an overview of the mortgage market with independent experts from  Moneyfactscompare.co.uk . Today, finance expert Rachel Springall outlines what's been happening within the buy-to-let market…

A handful of lenders moved to tweak the fixed rates they charge on buy-to-let mortgages over the past week. 

Paragon Bank launched some new "portfolio" and "green" fixed mortgages, and Aldermore pulled its limited edition five-year fixed rates, max 65% loan-to-value. 

Buckinghamshire Building Society also launched new deals onto the market, and Claire Askham, head of mortgage sales said: "The decision to increase our BTL lending to 80% represents a positive move for the sector as we continue to see landlords appraising their portfolios through divesting, refinancing and taking advantage of a variety of property-related opportunities as they arise."

Week on week, there has been minor moves to the overall average fixed buy-to-let rates, with the two-year remaining unchanged at 5.62% and the five-year falling by 0.02% to 5.59%.

This week the lowest two-year fix for buy-to-let customers at 75% loan-to-value comes from Metro Bank, priced at 4.19%, which charges a percentage booking fee of 5.00% of the mortgage advance and is available to second-time buyers and remortgage customers borrowing a maximum of £2m. 

There is another option from the same lender which carries an incentive package just for remortgage customers, but it has a lower maximum advance of £1.5m.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Suffolk Building Society has the lowest two-year fix for buy-to-let customers at 80% loan-to-value priced at 4.79% for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. 

The deal charges a percentage completion fee of 3.00% of the mortgage advance as well as a flat £199 booking fee.

Remortgage customers will receive a free valuation and free legal fees incentive.

A five-year fixed buy-to-let mortgage may be more appealing for you to guarantee your monthly repayments for longer. 

If you looking to borrow at 75% loan-to-value, HSBC has a deal for remortgage customers priced at 4.33%, which carries a free valuation and free legal fees incentive package but charges a flat £3,999 product fee.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Furness Building Society has the lowest five-year fixed buy-to-let deal at 80% loan-to-value priced at 5.39% for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. It charges a booking fee of £995 and includes an £250 cashback incentive. 

Remortgage customers will also receive a free valuation. This deal also happens to be a Best Buy for a five-year fixed deal at 80% loan-to-value.

Best Buy alternatives

The lowest buy-to-let rates may carry both a flat product fee and an arrangement fee which is based on a percentage of the mortgage advance, so a Best Buy package may be more suitable if you are looking to save on the upfront cost of any deal. 

You might also want a deal to cover a valuation or legal fees. A Best Buy buy-to-let mortgage could be the most cost-effective choice in this instance, but it's worth seeking advice before entering any arrangement.

This week the top packages on a two-year fixed buy-to-let deal at 75% loan-to-value comes from HSBC, priced at 4.69%, which comes with a free valuation and charges a £3,999 product fee and is available to second-time buyers. 

If you want a loan with a lower upfront fee, then HSBC also has a Best Buy deal priced at 4.94% at 75% loan-to-value, which carries a free valuation and charges a £1,999 product fee and is available to second-time buyers.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Furness Building Society has a Best Buy two-year fixed buy-to-let deal priced at 5.73% at 80% loan-to-value for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. It charges a fee of £995 and includes a £250 cashback incentive. Remortgage customers will also receive a free valuation.

A five-year fixed buy-to-let mortgage may be more appealing for you to guarantee your monthly repayments for longer. If you looking to borrow at 75% loan-to-value, HSBC has a Best Buy deal priced at 4.39%, which carries a free valuation and charges a £3,999 product fee. 

If you want a loan with a lower upfront fee, then HSBC also has a Best Buy deal priced at 4.64% at 75% loan-to-value, which carries a free valuation and charges a £1,999 product fee.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Furness Building Society has a Best Buy five-year fixed buy-to-let deal priced at 5.39% at 80% loan-to-value for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. 

It charges a booking fee of £995 and includes an £250 cashback incentive. Remortgage customers will also receive a free valuation. This deal also happens to be the lowest rate on a five-year fixed deal at 80% loan-to-value.

By James Sillars , business reporter

A lack of strong corporate updates did for the FTSE 100 on Thursday.

A flat end to the day has been followed by a flat end to the week, with the index falling almost 0.1% to 8,433 in early deals on Friday.

Very little around for investors to ponder.

Developments this morning included pharmaceutical firm GSK saying it had raised £1.25bn from selling its entire remaining stake in Haleon.

The consumer healthcare firm was spun out of GSK almost two years ago.

One other announcement of note came from Sainsbury's.

It revealed a five-year strategic partnership with Microsoft that will see generative AI used to boost personalised shopping experiences for consumers, improve search functions and make staff working practices more efficient.

The financial terms were not disclosed. Its shares were 0.4% higher.

Away from the equity markets, it's worth taking a quick look at how oil is finishing the week.

Brent crude is trading above $83 a barrel on evidence of rising demand.

Prices at these levels should not have an impact at the fuel pumps but small recent declines in average costs could be reversed if the upwards oil price trend continues.

Greggs will open eight stores in the next few weeks, as the company continues its expansion plans 

The bakery said it would open a total of 180 new branches before the end of this year. 

We were told earlier this year that the famous sausage roll-seller would open new stores in London, Cambridge and Sale, but Greggs has now revealed where its next eight new branches will be. 

Here are the locations of the eight new sights, revealed by the bakery to The Sun:

• Saffron Walden, Market Place, England
• Bangor, Carnarfon Road, Wales
• Birmingham Prime Park, England
• Brierley Hill, Merryhill, England
• Consett Delves Lane Drive Thru, County Durham, England
• Edinburgh, 60-61 Seafield Road, Scotland
• Glasgow, Argyle St, Scotland
• Porth, U3C Geilligron IE, Wales

Drivers are suffering from "unfairly high margins" on fuel sales, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has been warned.

In a letter to the cabinet minister, the RAC said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) must be given the power to take "meaningful action" against companies charging too much for petrol and diesel.

The average retailer margin - the difference between the amount they pay for fuel and the pump price - has been above 18p per litre for diesel since 7 May and is nearly 12p per litre for petrol, RAC head of policy Simon Williams wrote.

The long-term average for both fuels is 8p.

The RAC believes if retailers charged "fairer" margins, the average price of a litre of petrol and diesel would be around 145p, down from the current prices of 150p per litre for petrol and 157p per litre for diesel.

Mr Williams said the current margins being charged by larger retailers in particular were "extremely unfair on drivers struggling to get by in the cost of living crisis". 

"It's very concerning to see fuel margins at such high levels, particularly as this is happening under the close eye of the CMA and while retailers are voluntarily sharing their forecourt prices with the intention of increasing competition," he said.

The RAC spokesman added that the situation would only be improved in the long-term if the CMA took "meaningful action against retailers whose margins are deemed not to be mirroring significant reductions in the cost of wholesale fuel".

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.

In this series we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

This time we're looking at meat. 

"When it comes to which type of meat you buy, there's a common misconception the more expensive the cut the healthier it is," Sunna says.

"But fatty meat stores more nutrients than their lean counterparts - vitamins like A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and stored in animal fat - so, a fillet steak may contain less nutrients than its fatty cousin," he adds. 

The science

We typically turn towards leaner cuts of meat due to the common belief that saturated fat from animals is something to be avoided. 

"Yet, the latest science suggests that saturated fat and cholesterol may not be as harmful as researchers once thought they were," Sunna says.

He points to a  2020 review  in the National Library of Medicine that looked at several studies on saturated fat and heart disease - and found that the association between the two appeared to be weak.

That being said, a large amount of fat in your diet is in no way advisable - but don't be afraid to introduce fattier cuts. 

Sunna swears by mincemeat - preferring it to steak if choosing the fattier kind. 

Most supermarkets sell somewhere between 5-20% versions - and Sunna urges shoppers to put the higher percentages in their baskets. 

"Mince beef with higher fat content isn’t just about the added fat-soluble vitamins; it's also about what comes with it," he says.

"The added tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in mince beef provides collagen."

Collagen is a protein - full of amino acids that supports the structure of your skin, hair, and nails. 

It also plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of your joints and connective tissues. 

"By choosing mince beef with 20% fat, you're getting a broader nutritional profile, including those collagen benefits," he says. 

Using prices from major supermarkets, Sunna compares his the money and the health for major beef products... 

• Fillet steak: Around £35/kg, it's the most expensive cut and doesn't provide as many health upsides as other, cheaper options
• Ribeye steak : Around £24/kg, with added fat that offers more fat-soluble vitamins.
• Rump steak: Around £15/kg, it’s one of the most economical ways to steak and that nice rind of fat will give you the added nutrition.
• Steak mince beef 5% fat: Around £7/ kg, it's premium mince but at over half the price of steak, making a great affordable option, but the lower fat content is only really good for reducing the calories.
• Mince beef 20% fat: Priced at about £5/kg, it's one of the most affordable options that gives you the most health upside - with all the added fat-soluble vitamins, omega 3s and collagen. 

"Swapping a fillet steak a week to 20% mince could save you £182.52 a year and you'd be increasing your nutrition intake considerably," Sunna says.

"Not only does mince beef save you money, but it also provides a versatile base for countless dishes - burgers, meatballs, bolognese, tacos -the possibilities are endless."

Organics and grass-feds

"Whilst all unprocessed meat is healthy, there are benefits to the quality of your meat," Sunna continues. 

"Typically, a local grass-fed cut of meat has higher omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for heart and brain health - up to 6x more  in fact than feed-lot cattle," he adds. 

These can often be far more expensive, however. 

"Choosing between fillet steak and mince beef doesn't have to be a battle of indulgence versus health - both have their unique nutritional benefits, but when it comes to a cost-effective, nutritious option, mince beef with 20% fat takes the win," he says.

The nutritionist's view, from Dr Claire Shortt, lead scientist at  FoodMarble ...

While it's fine to consider cheaper cuts of beef over say filet mignon, it's best to moderate red meat intake given potential links to certain cancers. 

Processed meats are more problematic again, especially from a bowel or stomach cancer perspective. In fact, the World Health Organisation classifies them as a Class I carcinogen (i.e. "known to cause cancer"). 

Read more from this series... 

The number of UK bank branches that have closed forever passes 6,000 today, according to the consumer group Which?

Which? said eight Barclays branches were shutting their doors today, taking the total by the end of the day to 6,005.

This equates to more 60% of the bank branch network since Which? began tracking closures in 2015.

The eight Barclays closures relate to branches in Alperton in Wembley, Andover in Hampshire, Bangor in County Down, Bracknell in Berkshire, Hornchurch in Essex, Inverness in the Highlands in Scotland, Liverpool and Streatham in London.

Barclays has closed 1,216 branches, according to Which?

NatWest Group, which comprises NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,360 branches and Lloyds Banking Group, made up of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, has shut 1,146 sites, the consumer group said.

Which? said 200 closures by various banks were already scheduled for the rest of 2024.

Currently, 24 more bank branch closures have been scheduled for 2025, although more are expected to be announced later this year and next, it added.

While millions of consumers have made the switch to banking digitally, there remains a significant number of people who are not yet ready or willing to make that jump, underscoring the need for accessible alternatives, Which? said.

Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, said the closures showed a "seismic shift" had taken place in terms of our banking habits and the character of the British high street.

"While some may hardly notice the closure of their local branch as they seamlessly switch to online banking, for others reliant on face-to-face services, the impact can be disastrous," he said.

Landlords selling properties "represent the single biggest threat to renters", according to the UK's landlord association.

Government data shows 5,790 households were threatened with homelessness between October to December last year due to receiving a notice to end an assured shorthold tenancy (this ends a person's tenancy).

And the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has said 45% have been left needing help because their landlord planned to sell the property in the second half of 2023.

Separately, data from Rightmove found that 50,000 rental properties were needed to bring the supply of rental homes back to pre-pandemic levels.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said the only answer was to "ensure responsible landlords have the confidence to stay in the market and sustain tenancies".

He said it was "vital" the Renters Reform Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Lords, "worked for landlords as well as tenants".

"Landlords selling up is the single biggest challenge renters face," Mr Beadle said.

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It begins in a car ferrying members of the Balsano family — mother and father, brother and sister — to the home of the family’s matriarch, where four generations of Balsanos have gathered for their annual get-together. This is about as much of a set-up as you’re going to get, since, once we’re through the door we’re on our own, trying to figure out who’s who in the riotous assembly of cousins, aunts and uncles. That the Balsanos are an Italian American clan is significant, but only in terms of their closeness; though there are suggestions of black sheep in their midst (like the cousin who sports a bruised cheek throughout), this will not turn out like The Sopranos’ Christmas Vacation .

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Instead, Taormina asks us to reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas, which, for the younger members of the family, is a tedious celebration of consumerism to be fled at the earliest opportunity. But for the elders, it is, literally, a feast, and Taormina’s camera lingers long on the never-ending turkey dinner that fills the longest dining-room table since The Last Supper. Taormina starts with the grown-ups first, exploring the curious glue that bonds people who otherwise have nothing in common. Primarily, he reveals that grandma, whose house it is, has become too frail to live unassisted, and her son is selling it. No one knows it yet, but tonight is a full stop in that respect.

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Slowly, the dynamic of the group starts to change; after dinner, while the adults are distracted, the teens start to peel off and head out, to the bagel shop (perhaps a little reference to Taormina’s 2019 feature Ham on Rye ), whose owner is fighting a losing battle against the “freegans” that rummage through her bins. Here, Christmas Eve becomes something more magical and impressionistic, a luminous moment where time seems to stand still. Like the adults, the teenagers have their archetypes, and, before long, they start to pair off in surprising permutations.

It’s hard to categorise Taormina’s film, and, for some, its freewheeling, indie American Graffiti vibe might take a little getting used to. Similarly, the presence of producer Michael Cera as a cop is a bit of a misdirect for anyone expecting a straight-up comedy (although his deadpan scenes with Gregg Turkington are funny and absurd). But Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point is a trip for anyone willing to roll with it, and more than cements Taormina as a talent to watch. Directors’ Fortnight is the perfect place for it.

Title:  Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point Festival:  Cannes (Directors’ Fortnight) Director-screenwriter:  Tyler Taormina Cast:  Matilda Fleming, Michael Cera, Chris Lazzaro, Elsie Fisher, Gregg Turkington Sales agent: Magnify Running time:  1 hr 46 min

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Putin Is Selling Victory, and Many Russians Are Buying It

Vladimir Putin’s message to his country appears to be taking hold: that Russia is fighting against the whole Western world — and winning.

Military cadets at an exhibition of equipment captured from NATO countries in front of the Victory Museum in Moscow. Credit...

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By Valerie Hopkins

Photographs by Nanna Heitmann

Reporting from Moscow

• May 15, 2024

The word “victory” is everywhere in Moscow these days.

It is being projected from gargantuan LED screens alongside major intersections and highways and written on red flags whipping in the wind. It’s prominent at an exhibit of Western weapons destroyed on Ukrainian battlefields and lugged back to Moscow as war trophies on display in — where else? — Victory Park.

Victory is precisely the message that President Vladimir V. Putin, 71, has sought to project as he has been feted with pomp and pageantry after another electoral success, while his army sweeps through Ukrainian villages in a stunning new offensive in the northeast.

“Together, we will be victorious!” Mr. Putin said at his inauguration last week after securing a fifth term as president. Two days later, the country celebrated Victory Day, Russia’s most important public holiday, which commemorates the Soviet contribution to the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

During the first year of the invasion, many Russians were shocked and ashamed by the war; hundreds of thousands left the country. During the second year, they were concerned about a potential second wave of mobilization.

But with the war now in its third year, many Russians seem to have learned to accept it, interviews over the last week and recent polling show. And “victory” is an easy sell in Mr. Putin’s Russia.

Western sanctions have inflicted few economic hardships. The military news from Ukraine is increasingly positive. Yes, soldiers are still returning in coffins, but mostly to families in the hinterlands , not among the Moscow elite. And for many, the deaths only reinforce the idea, pushed by state news media and driven home relentlessly by Mr. Putin, that Russia is facing an existential threat from the West.

“We can feel that victory is near,” said Andrei, 43, who said he traveled to Moscow for the May 9 holiday celebrations from the Chita region, almost 3,000 miles from the capital.

Like others interviewed for this story, he declined to provide his last name, indicating apparent mistrust of Western news media.

He was among those who braved the cold and even snow to visit the collection of recently captured Western military equipment. (Ukraine also displays destroyed Russian tanks in the center of Kyiv). But the brash exhibit in Moscow, with flags on the equipment showing which countries donated them to Ukraine, fits Russia’s narrative that it is fighting against the whole developed world — and winning.

“When you see all this, and all these flags, it is clear that the whole world is supplying weapons and you know that a world war is going on,” Andrei said. “It’s Russia against the whole world, as usual.”

Ivan, another visitor to Victory Park, waited his turn to pose in front of the rusted and charred hulk of the German Leopard tank, flashing a smile and giving a thumbs up as his friend photographed him. People jostled for a spot beside a similarly destroyed American-made M1 Abrams tank.

“There has been so much talk about these Abrams, about these Leopards, and what is the result?” said Ivan, 26.

“They are all standing here, we are looking at them, we see what condition they are in. This is great!” He smiled.

The bravado exhibited by Russians like Andrei and Ivan this month mirrors the confident posture of Mr. Putin as he steers Russia past economic challenges and to greater battlefield advantage in Ukraine.

His inauguration included a church service in which he was blessed by the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill I, who expressed hope that the president would remain in power until “the end of the century.”

According to the Levada Center, an independent polling institution, about 75 percent of Russians profess support for their army’s actions in Ukraine. (About a quarter of the population is against the war, the poll and other research shows, but protests are effectively banned, and repression is so intense that many people are afraid to acknowledge or share antiwar or anti-government content online).

Thousands who fled Russia have returned. Their lives have adapted to the new normal, and have actually changed less than those in the West might expect.

“It’s what, the 13th package of sanctions they’re making?” Ivan said, laughing. “So far, we don’t feel anything.”

Robots built by Yandex, Russia’s homegrown version of Google, can be seen traversing Moscow’s sidewalks making deliveries. Inflation is under control, at least for now. According to a report last month by Forbes, the number of billionaires in Moscow — measured in U.S. dollars — increased so much that the city moved up four spots in the global rankings, behind only New York City.

“Most of the brands that allegedly left Russia have not gone anywhere,” said Andrei, adding that he and his daughter planned to have lunch at a rebranded K.F.C. What had changed, he said, was that “the consolidation of society has taken place” over the rationale for the war, as well as the conservative social values Mr. Putin is pushing.

Mr. Putin and others trumpeted that apparent cohesion when the official results of his preordained election victory in March were announced, with a record 88 percent of the vote going to the incumbent, a figure that Western democracies decried as a sham.

“Russia is such a complicated, multiethnic country that to understand it and govern it, you need more than one term,” said Oleg V. Panchurin, 32, a veteran of the war in Ukraine.

“If it’s going to be President Putin, then I would be happy if he served 10 terms,” said Mr. Panchurin, who said had been recently wounded near Zaporizhzhia by a Ukrainian drone.

Some civilians who were interviewed said they were pleased the president had taken a hard-line conservative position promoting traditional family values.

Zhenya, 36, and his girlfriend, Masha, expressed gratitude that the government had “finally handled the L.G.B.T.Q. issue” — by banning what it called the “L.G.B.T.Q. movement.” The pair were attending a 1940s-themed Victory Day celebration in a park in central Moscow where participants fox-trotted and waltzed as a live military band played.

With no one who could credibly replace him, the prospect that Mr. Putin will stay in power as long as he is alive feels increasingly possible to ordinary Russians, said Andrei Kolesnikov, a Moscow-based senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

“Everyone understands that this is for a long time,” he said. “The longer he is in power, the more apprehension there is about who will be next, who will be worse.”

“We are moving closer to a scenario where we could see the effect of Stalin, when, after his death, people were crying, because people didn’t know how to live,” Mr. Kolesnikov added.

Russians who oppose the government say they increasingly fear that they will have to wait for Mr. Putin’s death for anything to change.

“I feel a very strong sense of hopelessness,” said Yulia, 48, a teacher who was visiting the grave of Aleksei A. Navalny, the opposition politician, in southeast Moscow. Mr. Navalny, who died in prison in an Arctic penal colony in February, had long been considered the only possible challenger to Mr. Putin. Yulia declined to use her last name out of fear of possible repercussions.

“I don’t see a way out of this,” she said.

Yulia’s son, Pavel, said, “We are sure that everything depends on the death of person in a certain place.” His mother shushed him, noticing the uniformed Russian National Guard forces that stood nearby; even in death, Mr. Navalny is still monitored closely by the government. Still, there was a steady stream of visitors to the grave.

On the other side of Moscow, mourners were still coming to show their respects to the 145 victims of the March 22 terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, one of the deadliest in Europe in the past decade. Floral wreaths, plush toys and photos of the victims were placed near the destroyed concert hall.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, and American officials have blamed Islamic State Khorasan Province, or ISIS-K , a branch of the group. Even so, the Kremlin has sought to cast blame on Ukraine and the West.

One woman who declined to give her name said she was sure the West was behind it — despite the fact that the United States had warned Moscow of an imminent attack . According to the Levada Center, half of those polled believe Ukraine was behind the attack, with almost 40 percent saying Western intelligence services were involved.

Vladimir, 26, who was visiting the improvised memorial for the first time, said he didn’t blame the Kremlin for failing to heed the warnings.

“I want the terrorists to be destroyed,” said Vladimir, a supermarket employee. But the president, he said, was doing a great job. “He works so hard.”

“ May God keep him alive and healthy,” he said. “If, God forbid, Putin dies, what will happen to our country?”

Anastasia Kharchenko contributed reporting from Moscow and Alina Lobzina from London.

Valerie Hopkins covers the war in Ukraine and how the conflict is changing Russia, Ukraine, Europe and the United States. She is based in Moscow. More about Valerie Hopkins

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

With his army making advances in Ukraine and his political grip tightened at home, President Vladimir Putin of Russia arrived in Beijing  in search of another win: more support from his “dear friend,” Xi Jinping .

The Biden administration is increasingly concerned that Putin is gathering enough momentum  to change the trajectory of the war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought to reassure Ukrainians  that they could weather an ominous new Russian offensive and count on long-term support from the United States and its European allies.

World’s Nuclear Inspector: Rafael Grossi took over the International Atomic Energy Agency five years ago at what now seems like a far less fraught moment. With atomic fears everywhere, the inspector is edging toward mediator .

Frozen Russian Assets: As much as $300 billion in frozen Russian assets is piling up profits and interest income by the day. Now, Ukraine’s allies are considering how to use those gains to aid Kyiv .

Rebuilding Ukrainian Villages: The people of the Kherson region have slowly rebuilt their livelihoods since Ukraine’s military forced out Russian troops. Now they are bracing for another Russian attack .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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