travel
If you’re planning a flying visit to London, then you’re probably already aware that there’s no way you’ll be able to explore everything the city has to offer. Having said that I’ve put together a handy guide to help make sure that you see as much of the city as possible with some of the best attractions on offer just incase you’re planning a quick stop-over in London for twenty-four hours.
London is huge and full of gems and experiences, this guide only helps with that chance when you are in London for 24hrs. For travel and exploring purposes i strongly suggest a minimum of 7 days for London.
Westminster and Southbank
In the political centre of the city, you’re surrounded by some of the capital’s main attractions. Wonder at the amazing Big Ben as you walk across London Bridge, which also offers one of the best Tower Bridge vantage points. Pop by 10 Downing Street, which is heavily guarded by police, and stroll past the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey, a historical church that is used for formal ceremonies by the British Royal Family.
The Abbey is one of the must see London attractions, it’s also included with the London Pass a great way to save money on your trip to London. The Abbey is open from 9:30-15:30 Monday to Sunday.
Then, head over to Southbank and don’t miss out on a ride on the London Eye, which offers some of the best panoramic views of the capital and takes its first rotation at 10am. Here, you can also find the London Dungeon, which is open from 10:00-19:00 daily in the summer excluding Thursdays, when it opens at 11:00.
After a busy morning, head down to The Strand for lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes. If you have the time, make the ten minute walk to Buckingham Palace, where you can see the Changing of the Guard if you time it right.
London Museums
During your twenty-four hours in London, there are a plethora of museums to choose from for anybody looking to learn more about the history and heritage of the city. The British Museum, for example, is one of the most famous museums in the UK and is located close by to a number of tube stations, including Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square, Goodge Street and Holborn. The British Museum is open daily from 10:00-17:30.
Along with this, there is a range of further museums and exhibitions in the city that you might want to include in your visit, such as the London Transport Museum, the Tower Bridge Exhibition, HMS Belfast, Churchill War Rooms, the Science Museum IMAX, the Queen’s Gallery, the Household Cavalry Museum, Charles Dickens Museum, the Cartoon Museum, and the Jewish Museum London to name just a few that are included with the London Pass.
Other Historic Sites
During your flying visit to London, there are certainly going to be a range of historic sites that you’ll want to visit. The Tower of London, for example, is a very popular attraction in the city where you can gain fast-tracked entry with a London Pass. The historic royal palace is open from 9:00-17:30 Tuesday to Saturday, and from 10:00-17:30 on Sunday and Monday.
Then, hop on the Underground to St. Paul’s, where you’ll see the famous cathedral from the moment you walk out of the station. This historic Anglican cathedral is open to the public from 8:30-16:30, with many different parts of the building to explore from the underground Crypt to the Golden Gallery, which you can climb to enjoy views of the city from over one hundred meters above.
The West End
Once you’ve taken in some of the most popular attractions in the capital city, it’s time to have some fun. If you are looking for entertainment, then the best place to head to is the West End, where you can find a plethora of different things going on. With more than forty theatres located here, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking which musical or theatre performance you’d like to see.
It’s impossible to see everything in London in as little as twenty-four hours, but there’s nothing stopping you from seeing some of the most popular attractions and sights. How do you plan to spend your next twenty-four hours in London? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Suggested posts- Reasons to love London
- What to wear in London
- The cutest streets in London
- The best day trip from London
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
If you’re planning a flying visit to London, then you’re probably already aware that there’s no way you’ll be able to explore everything the city has to offer. Having said that I’ve put together a handy guide to help make sure that you see as much of the city as possible with some of the best attractions on offer just incase you’re planning a quick stop-over in London for twenty-four hours.
London is huge and full of gems and experiences, this guide only helps with that chance when you are in London for 24hrs. For travel and exploring purposes i strongly suggest a minimum of 7 days for London.
Westminster and Southbank
In the political centre of the city, you’re surrounded by some of the capital’s main attractions. Wonder at the amazing Big Ben as you walk across London Bridge, which also offers one of the best Tower Bridge vantage points. Pop by 10 Downing Street, which is heavily guarded by police, and stroll past the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey, a historical church that is used for formal ceremonies by the British Royal Family.
The Abbey is one of the must see London attractions, it’s also included with the London Pass a great way to save money on your trip to London. The Abbey is open from 9:30-15:30 Monday to Sunday.
Then, head over to Southbank and don’t miss out on a ride on the London Eye, which offers some of the best panoramic views of the capital and takes its first rotation at 10am. Here, you can also find the London Dungeon, which is open from 10:00-19:00 daily in the summer excluding Thursdays, when it opens at 11:00.
After a busy morning, head down to The Strand for lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes. If you have the time, make the ten minute walk to Buckingham Palace, where you can see the Changing of the Guard if you time it right.
London Museums
During your twenty-four hours in London, there are a plethora of museums to choose from for anybody looking to learn more about the history and heritage of the city. The British Museum, for example, is one of the most famous museums in the UK and is located close by to a number of tube stations, including Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square, Goodge Street and Holborn. The British Museum is open daily from 10:00-17:30.
Along with this, there is a range of further museums and exhibitions in the city that you might want to include in your visit, such as the London Transport Museum, the Tower Bridge Exhibition, HMS Belfast, Churchill War Rooms, the Science Museum IMAX, the Queen’s Gallery, the Household Cavalry Museum, Charles Dickens Museum, the Cartoon Museum, and the Jewish Museum London to name just a few that are included with the London Pass.
Other Historic Sites
During your flying visit to London, there are certainly going to be a range of historic sites that you’ll want to visit. The Tower of London, for example, is a very popular attraction in the city where you can gain fast-tracked entry with a London Pass. The historic royal palace is open from 9:00-17:30 Tuesday to Saturday, and from 10:00-17:30 on Sunday and Monday.
Then, hop on the Underground to St. Paul’s, where you’ll see the famous cathedral from the moment you walk out of the station. This historic Anglican cathedral is open to the public from 8:30-16:30, with many different parts of the building to explore from the underground Crypt to the Golden Gallery, which you can climb to enjoy views of the city from over one hundred meters above.
The West End
Once you’ve taken in some of the most popular attractions in the capital city, it’s time to have some fun. If you are looking for entertainment, then the best place to head to is the West End, where you can find a plethora of different things going on. With more than forty theatres located here, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking which musical or theatre performance you’d like to see.
It’s impossible to see everything in London in as little as twenty-four hours, but there’s nothing stopping you from seeing some of the most popular attractions and sights. How do you plan to spend your next twenty-four hours in London? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Suggested posts- Reasons to love London
- What to wear in London
- The cutest streets in London
- The best day trip from London
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
Athens the oldest european city is a city of contradictions, you visit to see the old but the new is in your face too. Its not a pretty pretty european city but it has things beyond pretty, culture and history. We had 24 hours to explore Athens which i initially thought would be nothing but it turned out Athens can be and very well done in a day!
When you have a short time for a place, where you stay is the most important decision, comfort and convenience to put it straight. Plush New hotel wins on all grounds, close to the attractions and comfortable in each and every aspect of hospitality.
Stay at the New hotel - The arty and bold New hotel can be reached in 30 mins from the airport in taxi and is situated about 200 mtrs from the main square of Athens, Syntagma. All the main attractions of the city are at a walking distance, comfortable and real walking distance, we didn’t take taxi anywhere.
The decor- The 5 star luxurious property designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana speaks locally but resonates universally. You are in a world class property but you feel Athens and Greece even lying on your uber luxurious bed and that is the achievement of the duo. The reception area and the ground floor restaurant are done up with unique wood work, very unconventional but the earthy tones are soothing to your senses.
The rooms are a great size with modern decor, the fluffiest of beds, the kind of bedroom that you feel is calling you for a soothing therapy. The bathroom definitely takes the cake, very rich and luxurious with all the gold totally ready to pamper!!!
The restaurants- Apart from the arty ground floor restaurant where we had a scrumptious breakfast brunch on our last day there is a 7th floor rooftop New Art Lounge, also tastefully done with stunning views of the acropolis and the city. So stunning that we actually decided to watch the sunset from there instead of the Acropolis.
The staff- I tell you the decor, food and location are great but the nerve of a great hotel is the staff and the staff at The New hotel always courteous, smiling and willing to help making your feel at home.
Now with your stay at the most perfect place you are all set to conquer Athens.
After breakfast at your hotel head to the Syntagma square the heart of modern Athens, admire the parliament building and watch the evzones perform their distinctive walk as they stand and watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. then head to the national garden, making the most peaceful of mornings lush green with canopies formed over the paths by the big leaves and pretty ponds.
After filling your soul with nature let your imagination wander at the Acropolis museum. Be surprised by its open spaces and sleek and modern state of art design. What contrast the design is to the statues and sculptures it houses!!! You can also have a great view of the Acropolis from the outdoor cafe at the museum.
Its time for lunch now, while there are many options in the acropolis museum area i recommend you head to the historical area of Thiseio. Spotting the Filopappou Hill and the archaeological site of Ancient Agora you can lunch at any of the traditional cafes or greek taverns in Monastiraki area. Remember to finish your meal with the world famous greek coffee. Monastiraki also has a flea market and perfect for greek products shopping.
Head to the oldest museum in Greece the National archaeological museum a neoclassical building, here you can view the diverse treasures from excavations all around Greece ranging from prehistoric to late antiquity.
It will be around 4 pm and now stop nowhere and head to the pilgrimage, the main event in Athens The acropolis. Coming from the Archeological museum you will first find The Parthenon, the athenian temple built in 5th century Bc. spend some time there and then trek up to the acropolis. Soak in the strength of the place and the views of the city from top. You can sit there and see the sun go down on the most ancient european city.
Its time for dinner and coming down the acropolis you have the best place for a meal in Athens, Plaka. The oldest neighborhood in Athens resting on the foot of the Acropolis, a maze of cobbled streets oozing with atmosphere best experienced in the early evenings when the cafes overflow with people. There is dance, music fantastic food, fascinating architecture to absorb. Plaka is life, mediterranean life at its best.
I will say there is lots more to experience in Athens than what a day aka 24 hours permit, having said that we were quite satisfied that we could cover all the main attractions and got a solid grip of the city with the itinerary above, i must also admit it wouldn’t have been possible if we didn’t have the most comfortable and convenient place to stay in the form of New hotel.
Suggested posts- Instagrammers guide to Santorini
Thank you for stopping by! See you with my next!
Love
Chichi
How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in Athens
Athens the oldest european city is a city of contradictions, you visit to see the old but the new is in your face too. Its not a pretty pretty european city but it has things beyond pretty, culture and history. We had 24 hours to explore Athens which i initially thought would be nothing but it turned out Athens can be and very well done in a day!
When you have a short time for a place, where you stay is the most important decision, comfort and convenience to put it straight. Plush New hotel wins on all grounds, close to the attractions and comfortable in each and every aspect of hospitality.
Stay at the New hotel - The arty and bold New hotel can be reached in 30 mins from the airport in taxi and is situated about 200 mtrs from the main square of Athens, Syntagma. All the main attractions of the city are at a walking distance, comfortable and real walking distance, we didn’t take taxi anywhere.
The decor- The 5 star luxurious property designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana speaks locally but resonates universally. You are in a world class property but you feel Athens and Greece even lying on your uber luxurious bed and that is the achievement of the duo. The reception area and the ground floor restaurant are done up with unique wood work, very unconventional but the earthy tones are soothing to your senses.
The rooms are a great size with modern decor, the fluffiest of beds, the kind of bedroom that you feel is calling you for a soothing therapy. The bathroom definitely takes the cake, very rich and luxurious with all the gold totally ready to pamper!!!
The restaurants- Apart from the arty ground floor restaurant where we had a scrumptious breakfast brunch on our last day there is a 7th floor rooftop New Art Lounge, also tastefully done with stunning views of the acropolis and the city. So stunning that we actually decided to watch the sunset from there instead of the Acropolis.
The staff- I tell you the decor, food and location are great but the nerve of a great hotel is the staff and the staff at The New hotel always courteous, smiling and willing to help making your feel at home.
Now with your stay at the most perfect place you are all set to conquer Athens.
After breakfast at your hotel head to the Syntagma square the heart of modern Athens, admire the parliament building and watch the evzones perform their distinctive walk as they stand and watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. then head to the national garden, making the most peaceful of mornings lush green with canopies formed over the paths by the big leaves and pretty ponds.
After filling your soul with nature let your imagination wander at the Acropolis museum. Be surprised by its open spaces and sleek and modern state of art design. What contrast the design is to the statues and sculptures it houses!!! You can also have a great view of the Acropolis from the outdoor cafe at the museum.
Its time for lunch now, while there are many options in the acropolis museum area i recommend you head to the historical area of Thiseio. Spotting the Filopappou Hill and the archaeological site of Ancient Agora you can lunch at any of the traditional cafes or greek taverns in Monastiraki area. Remember to finish your meal with the world famous greek coffee. Monastiraki also has a flea market and perfect for greek products shopping.
Head to the oldest museum in Greece the National archaeological museum a neoclassical building, here you can view the diverse treasures from excavations all around Greece ranging from prehistoric to late antiquity.
It will be around 4 pm and now stop nowhere and head to the pilgrimage, the main event in Athens The acropolis. Coming from the Archeological museum you will first find The Parthenon, the athenian temple built in 5th century Bc. spend some time there and then trek up to the acropolis. Soak in the strength of the place and the views of the city from top. You can sit there and see the sun go down on the most ancient european city.
Its time for dinner and coming down the acropolis you have the best place for a meal in Athens, Plaka. The oldest neighborhood in Athens resting on the foot of the Acropolis, a maze of cobbled streets oozing with atmosphere best experienced in the early evenings when the cafes overflow with people. There is dance, music fantastic food, fascinating architecture to absorb. Plaka is life, mediterranean life at its best.
I will say there is lots more to experience in Athens than what a day aka 24 hours permit, having said that we were quite satisfied that we could cover all the main attractions and got a solid grip of the city with the itinerary above, i must also admit it wouldn’t have been possible if we didn’t have the most comfortable and convenient place to stay in the form of New hotel.
Suggested posts- Instagrammers guide to Santorini
Thank you for stopping by! See you with my next!
Love
Chichi
Naxos the greek island that deserves to be on your bucket list i.e if relaxation, fantastic food, sandy beaches, less hustle and bustle create your perfect getaway. Even though it is the biggest of the cyclades islands and i wouldn’t say it is deserted with no tourist in sight, it is very personal. Yes you see fellow travellers sunbathing at the beach but you also see an equal number of locals doing the same very unlike the famous Santorini and Mykonos. Here are the top 8 reasons that will make you want to holiday in this beautiful island of the cyclades.
- Naxos feels like authentic Greece- Continuing with what i was saying in the paragraph above, in Naxos you experience real greek life, people chitchatting, everyone seems to know each other, people going about their daily lives, local families coming down for dinner at the tavern, etc etc. Nothing looks designed or made to suit the tourists which can be a good or a bad thing i find it the best thing because that is how you experience a place in its reality how it has been and not how it is made to be.
- The fantastic food- Naxos is the most fertile island in the cyclades which translates to excellent quality of produce hence the food tastes fantastic. Even a simple cucumber in the greek salad is delicious, and the potatoes ah how can i not mention, the best in the whole of greece. Also the cheese and the freshest seafood. We stayed in an airbnb flat on Agia anna beach, right at the beach is this Greek tavern , Taverna Gorgona, headed by a fat greek lady who is a sight to watch in action, powerful and in control! we ate most of our meals there and everything was delish. Greek salad, Saganaki cheese ( fried cheese sometimes served with honey my fav) fish from the sea right in front (our fav was Bogues with drinks), fried chickpeas, etc to name a few. At dinner you will be greeted by the ladies husband who would welcome you with a shot of his home made wine. Very chilled informal place frequented by locals and travellers alike. We also went to Maros Taverna near the court square of Hora, another one frequented by the locals and apart from the greek dishes i had the best cake here on our trip. One advice the portion size in Greece is quite big and in Naxos its huge so keep that i mind before ordering.
- The sandy beaches- While Santorini and Mykonos have pebbled beaches naxos has sandy. The sand is not the super fine one that sticks to your body and is hard to get off, the texture is just perfect, lol!!! You shake it off and its gone. The beaches are stunning but you don’t find hoards of tourists as expected for such stunning stretches of sand, there are a fair amount of people some travellers and some locals.
- The temple of Apollo- Ok move over the stunning sunset of Santorini, the sunset at the temple of Apollo in Naxos is no less stunning. And there is no rail of people what a relief!!! The whole area of the temple is beautiful surrounded by water and interesting rock structures. We also saw people snorkeling.
- To visit Los, Paros and Eos- From our beach Paros looked like a stones throw away, lol! Base yourself in Naxos and island hop to the 3 should be done in a day!
- Extremely safe- We took bicycles from down our flat (complimentary) and went riding, 10 mins down the ride towards the capital Chora we realized we hadn't got the bike lock so we went back and asked the owner for the locks, here is the reply ' Naxos, no one touch anything, leave it wherever' it came true we found them exactly wherever we left. Kids would just play on the beach and just the whole environment felt very safe and welcoming.
- Its a huge island and there is loads to do so if in mood you always find something interesting even party.
- To buy the herbs and spices- As i said the quality of produce is excellent so i recommend going into one of the spice shops in the capital Chora and shopping for herbs like oregano, thyme, parsley etc. Capers. Spice mix for tzatziki, greek salad, roast chicken and the likes. Also worth buying are the handmade soaps made from olive oil.
I loved visiting Mykonos, Santorini and Athens on our Greece trip but we had the best time in Naxos because it was spent relaxing, indulging and experiencing the real greek life.
I hope you include Naxos in your list of islands to visit on your Greece trip!
Suggested posts- Beach holiday essentials
- What to pack for Greece
- Mykonos travel guide
- Instagrammers guide to Santorini
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
Naxos the greek island that deserves to be on your bucket list
Naxos the greek island that deserves to be on your bucket list i.e if relaxation, fantastic food, sandy beaches, less hustle and bustle create your perfect getaway. Even though it is the biggest of the cyclades islands and i wouldn’t say it is deserted with no tourist in sight, it is very personal. Yes you see fellow travellers sunbathing at the beach but you also see an equal number of locals doing the same very unlike the famous Santorini and Mykonos. Here are the top 8 reasons that will make you want to holiday in this beautiful island of the cyclades.
- Naxos feels like authentic Greece- Continuing with what i was saying in the paragraph above, in Naxos you experience real greek life, people chitchatting, everyone seems to know each other, people going about their daily lives, local families coming down for dinner at the tavern, etc etc. Nothing looks designed or made to suit the tourists which can be a good or a bad thing i find it the best thing because that is how you experience a place in its reality how it has been and not how it is made to be.
- The fantastic food- Naxos is the most fertile island in the cyclades which translates to excellent quality of produce hence the food tastes fantastic. Even a simple cucumber in the greek salad is delicious, and the potatoes ah how can i not mention, the best in the whole of greece. Also the cheese and the freshest seafood. We stayed in an airbnb flat on Agia anna beach, right at the beach is this Greek tavern , Taverna Gorgona, headed by a fat greek lady who is a sight to watch in action, powerful and in control! we ate most of our meals there and everything was delish. Greek salad, Saganaki cheese ( fried cheese sometimes served with honey my fav) fish from the sea right in front (our fav was Bogues with drinks), fried chickpeas, etc to name a few. At dinner you will be greeted by the ladies husband who would welcome you with a shot of his home made wine. Very chilled informal place frequented by locals and travellers alike. We also went to Maros Taverna near the court square of Hora, another one frequented by the locals and apart from the greek dishes i had the best cake here on our trip. One advice the portion size in Greece is quite big and in Naxos its huge so keep that i mind before ordering.
- The sandy beaches- While Santorini and Mykonos have pebbled beaches naxos has sandy. The sand is not the super fine one that sticks to your body and is hard to get off, the texture is just perfect, lol!!! You shake it off and its gone. The beaches are stunning but you don’t find hoards of tourists as expected for such stunning stretches of sand, there are a fair amount of people some travellers and some locals.
- The temple of Apollo- Ok move over the stunning sunset of Santorini, the sunset at the temple of Apollo in Naxos is no less stunning. And there is no rail of people what a relief!!! The whole area of the temple is beautiful surrounded by water and interesting rock structures. We also saw people snorkeling.
- To visit Los, Paros and Eos- From our beach Paros looked like a stones throw away, lol! Base yourself in Naxos and island hop to the 3 should be done in a day!
- Extremely safe- We took bicycles from down our flat (complimentary) and went riding, 10 mins down the ride towards the capital Chora we realized we hadn't got the bike lock so we went back and asked the owner for the locks, here is the reply ' Naxos, no one touch anything, leave it wherever' it came true we found them exactly wherever we left. Kids would just play on the beach and just the whole environment felt very safe and welcoming.
- Its a huge island and there is loads to do so if in mood you always find something interesting even party.
- To buy the herbs and spices- As i said the quality of produce is excellent so i recommend going into one of the spice shops in the capital Chora and shopping for herbs like oregano, thyme, parsley etc. Capers. Spice mix for tzatziki, greek salad, roast chicken and the likes. Also worth buying are the handmade soaps made from olive oil.
I loved visiting Mykonos, Santorini and Athens on our Greece trip but we had the best time in Naxos because it was spent relaxing, indulging and experiencing the real greek life.
I hope you include Naxos in your list of islands to visit on your Greece trip!
Suggested posts- Beach holiday essentials
- What to pack for Greece
- Mykonos travel guide
- Instagrammers guide to Santorini
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Love
Chichi
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