If you are going on a trip to Europe, consider yourself lucky to experience a layover in London. Six hours should be enough to get a good taste of the city, and there are a ton of things to do and sights to see. It could be a challenge to decide on where to get started as the clock counts down to your next flight.
Fortunately, this guide should help you decide on what to do within your six-hour layover. If you want to make the most out of your short visit to London, consider these tips:
- Visit the National Gallery
If you are an art aficionado, then it’s mandatory to check out the exhibits at the National Gallery. Located in Trafalgar Square, the museum houses over 2,000 art pieces from history’s greatest masters, from Van Gogh to Cezanne. Be sure to take home exquisite souvenirs inside the museum’s three gift shops. If you have time to spare, you can visit the National Cafe at the Getty Entrance for tea, coffee, or salads.
- Ride the London Eye
Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye once had a reputation for being the world’s largest Ferris wheel before the recognition went to China’s Star of Nanchang. Nonetheless, the London Eye offers an unrivaled view of the entire city. At 135 meters, the London Eye will take at least 30 minutes to complete a single revolution. This should be enough time to take in the view and try out other suggestions on this list.
- Pay the Queen a visit
A layover in London isn’t complete without setting your foot in the Queen’s official residence. Attracting over 50,000 tourists each year, Buckingham Palace is a must-see for fans of the Royal family, avid Anglophiles, or visitors on a six-hour layover. If you are lucky to land in London between July and October, you would be just in time for internal tours.
The entire tour will take about two and a half hours, so be sure to leave your luggage at a secure storage service like Bounce before queuing. Once inside, you will be able to view the Throne Room, the State carriages at the Royal Mews, and the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance.
- Enjoy tea like a Londoner
Before arriving at Heathrow Airport for your next flight, consider stopping over for a cup of authentic English tea. If you don’t want to miss your departure, you might as well look for tea rooms near Heathrow. Some of the best options include The Orchid Tea Room at Fairmont Windsor Park and Mulberry Restaurant at Oatlands Park Hotel. Both these places offer amazing interiors and impressive menus that also include vegetarian options. You might as well grab a bite to eat before heading over to your next destination.
Want to know how you can make the most out of your six-hour layover in London? Follow these tips and get a full taste of what Old Smoke has to offer.
