Landing in the heart of one of the world’s most historic cities, I kicked off my first day in the City of London with an evening Big Bus Tour, an experience that truly brought the city’s rich past and vibrant present to life. But before we set off on our sightseeing adventure, we explored London Bridge, only to learn that there are actually two London Bridges! One is the modern-day London Bridge, and the other, often confused with it, is Tower Bridge, the iconic structure with the grand towers and blue suspension cables.
The Big Bus Tour: A Journey Through London’s Landmarks
As the evening set in, we hopped onto the Big Bus Tour, cruising through some of London’s most famous landmarks. The city’s energy was undeniable as we passed by:
- The Houses of Parliament & Big Ben – This Gothic Revival masterpiece stands as a symbol of British democracy. Big Ben, though often used to refer to the tower, is actually the name of the massive bell inside.
- Westminster Abbey – A site of royal coronations since 1066, it holds the tombs of monarchs, poets, and historic figures.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this grand cathedral has dominated London’s skyline since the late 17th century.o
- The Tower of London – A fortress, palace, and infamous prison, this historic site was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and has housed the Crown Jewels for centuries.
- Buckingham Palace – The residence of the British monarch, known for its stunning architecture and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Piccadilly Circus & Trafalgar Square – The bustling entertainment district and cultural heart of London, featuring the towering Nelson’s Column.
Each of these landmarks tells a story of London’s deep history, and seeing them lit up in the evening made the experience even more magical 🧙🏽.
The History of the City of London
London’s roots trace back to 43 AD, when the Romans founded it as Londinium along the River Thames. It quickly became a thriving trade center, but its early years were not without conflict. In 60 AD, the Iceni queen Boudica led a fierce rebellion against Roman rule, burning Londinium to the ground. However, the Romans rebuilt the city, fortifying it with a massive stone wall, parts of which still exist today.
Following the fall of Roman Britain, the Anglo-Saxons took control in the 5th century, establishing settlements outside the Roman walls. However, in 886 AD, King Alfred the Great reclaimed London from Viking invaders, reinforcing its fortifications and reviving it as a key economic and military stronghold. The city continued to grow, eventually becoming the epicenter of the English monarchy, commerce, and governance.
Dinner at Fishcotheque
After our whirlwind tour of London’s history, we ended the night with an incredible dinner at Fishcotheque, a charming seafood spot near Waterloo. I indulged in a feast of fried rock salmon, crispy calamari, and tender sea bass, all served with a fresh mixed salad and golden chips (or as we call them in America, French fries). Before the meal, I enjoyed a comforting cup of English tea, a fitting touch to complete my first evening in London.
From walking across historic bridges to witnessing centuries of history unfold on the Big Bus Tour, my first day in London was nothing short of unforgettable. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this journey has in store!
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