City trip London with a teenager, yeah baby!

London is a bustling city full of history, culture, and adventure. It's perfect for a city trip with a teenager, especially after finishing exams. Whether you're looking for museums, want to wander through the city, are a true Harry Potter fan, or are interested in a bit of everything: London has it all! We think it's a wonderful city to stay for at least five days, taking your time instead of rushing through the highlights. Take these tips with you and start planning your city trip to London with your teenager!

Cycling in London, Choose Santander Cycles

We Dutch are big fans of cycling on vacation! It's always a fantastic way to explore cities like Rome, Bangkok, and, of course, London. A must-do during a London city trip: cycling. And with a teenager, you don't have to worry about bike seats, making it affordable to rent a bike right on the street. Santander Cycles offers a convenient and affordable way to traverse the city together. With hundreds of bike stations scattered across London, you can easily rent and return a bike wherever you want. A day pass starts at £3, and you can even opt for an electric bike. Cycling through London's parks, along the Thames, or through the bustling city streets is truly fantastic. Each year, around 10 million rides are taken with Santander Cycles, and with the handy Santander Cycles app, you can quickly find and pay for a bike.

Museums: National Gallery or the British Museum?

London boasts an abundance of museums. The National Gallery, located at Trafalgar Square, houses masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in history. The British Museum offers an impressive collection of artifacts from around the world, from ancient Egyptian mummies to the famous Rosetta Stone. Both museums are free to enter, as are many other major museums in London. Special exhibitions may have an entrance fee, but it's still a perfect activity during a city trip to London. Depending on your teenager's interests, one museum might be more appealing than the other. Check Visit Britain for an overview of free museums in London.

Fun fact: The full English breakfast dates back to Victorian times and was originally eaten only by the upper class.

Enjoying a Full English Breakfast in London

My teenager loves it: an English breakfast! Closely followed by a Scottish breakfast, by the way. A hearty breakfast is the perfect start to your day during a London city trip, and you can almost skip lunch after such a filling meal. A traditional full English breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, and toast. We think it's a must-do and had it on our to-do list during our city trip to Edinburgh and our road trip through Wales. Many cafes and restaurants in London serve this iconic breakfast. It's not only delicious but also gives you a nice energy boost for a day full of activities. Popular places to try a full English breakfast include The Breakfast Club and Regency Café. The Regency Café is near Westminster and opened in 1946. It has often been used as a filming location for various BBC series and films such as Layer Cake and Brighton Rock.

Combo Ticket: London Dungeon and London Eye

Purchase a convenient combo ticket for the London Dungeon and the London Eye. The London Dungeon offers a spooky, interactive journey through the dark history of London, perfect for teens who love a thrill. Then, enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the London Eye, the famous Ferris wheel on the Thames. The London Eye stands 135 meters tall and was once the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It's wise to book combo tickets online in advance for the best rates.

Tip: plan your visit to the London Eye around sunset for the best view of the city. But be prepared: more people do this!

London Musicals, from The Lion King to Wicked

London is known for its world-famous West End musicals, and for us, it's always a tradition during a visit to London! An evening out at a musical is unforgettable, especially if you choose a popular one like 'The Lion King' or 'Wicked,' both visually spectacular. Make sure to book tickets well in advance, as these shows often sell out quickly. If you're not picky about which musical you attend, you can often buy cheaper tickets at TKTS in Leicester Square for same-day performances. However, you run the risk that your favorite is sold out, especially on weekends.

LEGO Store on Leicester Square

For LEGO fans, a visit to the LEGO Store on Leicester Square is a must. The LEGO Store on Leicester Square is the largest LEGO store in the world! This massive store has an incredible collection of LEGO sets, interactive displays, and impressive models, such as a replica of Big Ben. It's the perfect place to buy a unique souvenir or just to browse and enjoy the creative atmosphere. We bought an authentic London red bus in London, and it still proudly sits on our hallway shelf, a forever cherished memory! The store is open every day, but it can get very busy on weekends and during holidays, so I'd recommend visiting early or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and have more time to explore.

Traveling to the Heart of London by Train

One of the most comfortable and fastest ways to travel to London is by Eurostar. This high-speed train connects mainland Europe directly with the heart of London, arriving at St Pancras International. The journey is comfortable, efficient, and offers beautiful views along the way. A trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to London with the Eurostar is comfortable and fast, taking about 4 to 5 hours. The high-speed train takes you directly to the heart of London—sustainable and comfortable! Book your tickets well in advance for the best prices and availability.

Royal Hotspots: Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace

London is full of royal landmarks worth visiting; we also found the royal highlights in Edinburgh—the capital of Scotland—truly amazing! The Tower of London, with its rich history and the Crown Jewels, is a fascinating place. Buckingham Palace, the residence of the King, offers tours during the summer months. And then, of course, there's Kensington Palace, home to many members of the royal family. The Crown Jewels in the Tower of London contain some of the world's most famous gemstones, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Soho and Chinatown in London

For a lively atmosphere and delicious food, you must visit Soho and Chinatown. The Soho district in London is located between Oxford Street, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Charing Cross; a multicultural area with a maze of streets. Soho is known for its great restaurants, authentic pubs, and many cinemas. Soho is the nightlife area of London, and your teenager will surely be amazed! It's also known for its vibrant gay scene and sex shops. In the heart of Soho, you'll find Chinatown. The exotic scents of Asian cuisine greet you as you walk in. Against a backdrop of red lanterns and unreadable Chinese characters, and the caramelized chickens on spits in the windows, even many Asians take pictures. It's hard to believe you're in London and not in some Asian city. Chinatown in London is centered around Gerrard Street and has been a major center for the Chinese community since the 1970s.

London with a Teenager, practical Information

Planning a city trip to London with your teenager? These tips will help you prepare:

• Get Your Guide - Easily book your entrance tickets in advance
• Eurostar – Book your train ticket for a city trip to London via Eurostar.
• Visit London – An extensive website with all the information for a visit to the city.