Before school started again, my boyfriend and I decided to take a short break and go to London. It felt like the perfect chance to switch off for a while and do something different before getting back into routine.

At that time, things with my father were complicated and we were going through legal discussions, so I wasn’t receiving financial support most of the time. I had to sort out some pending payments, but in the end, he paid so I could manage the trip and stay in London for a full week, and September was a bit cheaper then other months.

It wasn’t anything overly planned or structured, just a simple idea to spend time together, explore the city, and enjoy a new environment. London turned out to be the perfect place for that, with its constant energy, endless things to do, and the feeling that every day could turn into something unexpected.

DAY 1 – Wednesday 04.09.2013

( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )

We took the plane at 10:25 a.m. and landed at London Heathrow at 11:25 a.m. After arriving, we went straight to the hotel, checked in, and left our luggage there.

In the afternoon, we started exploring the city. We walked through Green Park, stopped by Buckingham Palace, and then continued into Hyde Park. From there, we made our way to Oxford Circus and later to Notting Hill, enjoying the atmosphere and getting our first real feel of London.

In the evening, we kept things simple and had dinner at the hostel. It was nice to stay in, relax a bit, and recharge after a full first day of walking around the city.

DAY 2 – Thursday 05.09.2013

( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )

We woke up at around 8 a.m. and headed out early to start another full day in London. Our first stop was to watch the Changing of the Guard, which was really busy but worth it, with the whole atmosphere feeling very typical London and full of tourists trying to get the best view.

After that, we continued walking through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We saw Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, taking our time just walking along the Thames and enjoying the views. From there, we went to Westminster Abbey, which felt impressive even just from the outside, and then made our way towards Tower Bridge, stopping a few times along the way to take pictures.

Later in the day, we went to Regent’s Park to relax a bit and escape the busy streets. It was nice to slow down there, sit for a while, and just enjoy the green space in the middle of the city.

Overall, we spent the entire day exploring without really rushing anywhere, just enjoying the summer weather and the energy of London. In the evening, we went back to the hotel and had dinner there, ending the day in a calm and simple way after so much walking and sightseeing.

DAY 3 – Friday 06.09.2013

( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )

( London Eye by night )

We woke up at around 9 a.m. and started the day a bit slower, before heading out to visit the Science Museum. It was really interesting walking through all the different exhibitions and seeing how interactive and modern everything was.

After that, we went to Harrods, probably the most famous shopping centre in London. Even just walking inside felt like an experience on its own, with how big and elegant everything was.

Later, we continued to the V&A Museum, where we spent some time exploring the different collections and just taking in the atmosphere. After a full day of walking around, we went back to the hotel for a short break to rest and freshen up.

In the evening, we went out again and headed to Soho to see the city at night. The whole area had such a different energy compared to the daytime, with lights, music, and people everywhere. We just walked around, took it all in, and enjoyed the vibe of London by night.

DAY 4 – Saturday 07.09.2013

( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )

We woke up at around 9 a.m. and headed out for another full day of exploring London. Our first stop was the Tate Museum, where we spent some time walking through the galleries and taking in the modern art exhibitions.

After that, we made our way to St. Paul’s Cathedral, which felt really impressive, especially seeing it up close. We took our time around the area before continuing on to the British Museum. There, we explored different exhibitions and spent a few hours just wandering through the collections, getting completely lost in everything there was to see.

By the end of the day, we were really tired from all the walking and sightseeing. We went back to the hotel quite early, had a quiet evening, and went to sleep early since we were completely exhausted but happy after such a full day.

DAY 5 – Sunday 08.09.2013

( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )

( Me at the Tower of London with the Tower bridge in the background, London )

We started the day by visiting the National Gallery, taking our time to walk through the different rooms and admire some of the most famous artworks. It was a nice change of pace, more calm and cultural compared to the busy days we had before.

Later on, we went to Camden Town for some shopping. The area had such a different vibe, full of markets, street food, and alternative shops. We spent a few hours just walking around, looking at everything, and enjoying the atmosphere.

In the evening, we went out again to see London by night. We went to Tower Bridge and then saw Big Ben once more, this time completely lit up. It felt very different at night, more quiet and atmospheric, and it was a nice way to end the day just walking around and taking it all in.

DAY 6 – Monday 09.09.2013

( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )

We woke up at around 9 a.m. and started the day with a visit to the Wallace Collection, where we spent some time walking through the elegant rooms and admiring the artwork and historic pieces. It was a calm and interesting way to begin the day.

After that, we headed to Piccadilly Circus, taking in the busy energy of the area and just enjoying being in the middle of such an iconic London spot.

Later on, we went back to Camden Town again for some shopping, since there was still so much to see and explore. We spent a few more hours walking around the markets, browsing the shops, and soaking up the atmosphere.

Before heading back, we also stopped by Harrods once more for some shopping. It was nice to return and take everything in again, especially after already getting familiar with the city during the week.

DAY 7 – Tuesday 10.09.2013

( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )

We started the day with a visit to Mary’s Queen Garden, followed by a walk through Portobello Market, where we explored the stalls, shops, and the lively atmosphere of the area. Later on, we spent some time in Hyde Park, enjoying a final moment of calm in the city before everything started to wind down.

After that, we went back to the hotel to pick up our luggage and get everything ready for departure.

In the afternoon, we made our way to King’s Cross and Liverpool Street, taking in the last views of central London before heading out. From there, we took the bus to London Stansted Airport and spent the night there, getting ready for our flight the next day.

DAY 8 – Wednesday 11.09.2013

Our flight was at 7 a.m. from London Stansted, so we left early in the morning and made our way to the airport.

We landed at Milan Malpensa at around 10:00 a.m., officially ending our trip and returning home after an unforgettable week in London.