First Time in London: A Whirlwind of History, Culture, Art, and Theatre
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES, LESSONS, AND TIPS
Jane Porter
2/4/20252 min read
London had been on my bucket list for ages, and finally experiencing it for the first time felt surreal. I stayed with a friend on the west side of the city, which gave me a more local perspective—yet, of course, I was fully prepared to check out the more touristy spots as well!
One of the highlights of my trip was seeing Hamilton at the Victoria Theatre. Watching a rap opera about the American Revolution in the very country it fought against was an experience like no other. The irony was not lost on me, and the British audience seemed just as enthralled as I was.
I also made sure to check off some quintessential London experiences, starting with the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony was a mesmerizing display of tradition and precision, and despite the crowds, I loved the sense of history in the air.
Exploring Camden Market was another favorite moment. The energy, the street food, the eclectic shops—was a sensory overload in truly the best way possible. In between all my adventures, I fueled up with cappuccinos or a good cup of English tea at charming little cafés, soaking in the scenic atmosphere of London while admiring its breathtaking architecture.
Of course, no first-time visit would be complete without seeing the city’s most iconic landmarks. I wandered past Big Ben, admired the gothic grandeur of Westminster Abbey, visited many historical monuments such as the Women’s WWII monument and world’s smallest post office, and then crossed the infamous London Bridge. Every corner of the city seemed to tell a story!
A particularly moving part of my trip was visiting the National Gallery. Seeing paintings I had admired my whole life—like Monet’s Water Lilies and the famous Vincent Vangogh’s Chair painting was an almost surreal experience. No digital reproduction could capture the depth, texture, and life of these masterpieces, amongst many others, in person. I left with a deeper appreciation for the power of art.
Another unforgettable stop was the Natural History Museum. I spent hours wandering through the grand halls, learning so much about dinosaurs, gemstones, and the evolution of life on Earth. The museum’s stunning architecture alone was worth the visit, but the exhibits made it even more special. It was the kind of place that made me feel like a curious kid again, all in the best way.
Before heading home, I also managed to squeeze in a free art event at the Tate Britain Museum—because what’s London without a bit of culture? There, I partook in an education lesson about the need for art accessibility and crafted my own memento token to take home as well!
I wrapped up my trip with a proper English tea at Westminster Abbey, which felt like the perfect, elegant send-off. From history and theatre to markets and museums, my first time in London was everything I had hoped for and more. I already can’t wait to go back.







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