London with a Twist: In the Footsteps of Music Icons
itinerary by Karolina Tou-Jou
Experience London differently! Follow in the footsteps of musicians who are inextricably linked to London. The program will definitely appeal to teenagers or young people who love music. You won't miss the classic London sights either.
Adjust your first day based on your arrival time. I suggest spots that are close to each other and right in the center. If you arrive in the evening, you can push the first day's program to the last day, or split it up across days 2 and 3 depending on your interests.
Head straight from the airport by train / Stansted Express / towards Liverpool Street Railway Station. The train runs every 15 minutes. Get off directly at Liverpool Street station, where you'll transfer to the underground.
At Liverpool Street station, transfer to the underground.
✅You don't need to buy any tickets. You can use your bank card to travel on the London Underground; just tap it on the turnstile when entering and exiting. If you plan to travel by tube all day, I definitely recommend it, as the maximum amount that will be charged to you in one day for zones 1-2 is £8.90. The system automatically adds up individual trips, and once you reach this daily cap, any further travel that day is free. It’s definitely worth it. You might want to check the exact amount, though, as it may increase over time.
ℹ Each person must have their own card. Whether it's a physical card or a virtual one on your phone, both work.
Get off the tube and take in Piccadilly Circus, a place for lovers.👼🏽 In the middle of the square stands a statue of a winged angel. If people in Prague meet "by the horse or under the tail" at Wenceslas Square, then tourists, and often Londoners too, meet right here at Piccadilly Circus. If you're here in the evening, expect the glow of flashing neon signs all around you.
On the ground floor of the Hard Rock Cafe, you can start shopping for souvenirs, or at least check out all sorts of music t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, mugs, magnets... basically anything you can think of. And maybe learn about most of the music stars who made their mark in London.
In the basement, there's a restaurant and concerts. You might even get lucky and catch someone you're a big fan of performing there.
If you're a fan of David Bowie, the term Heddon Street will certainly ring a bell. It was right there, specifically at 23 Heddon Street, where the cover of the legendary album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) was photographed. You'll find a commemorative plaque there.
If you're a music instrument lover, especially when it comes to electric guitars, I highly recommend checking out the Gibson Garage London. It opened in February 2024 as the brand's very first official flagship store in Europe.
For this special occasion, Gibson even released a limited edition Les Paul Custom 1978, a replica of Noel Gallagher's guitar.
This place is sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Afterward, you can wander through SOHO's Chinatown, and once you're tired, head back to the hotel.
You surely have lots of energy today, which is why today is really packed. Off you go to enjoy music and traditional landmarks.
The first stop today will be David Bowie's memorial plaque. Take the tube to Brixton station.
Get off at Brixton underground station.
The memorial plaque is located just as you exit the Brixton tube station, in the alley across the street to the left. The plaque covers the entire wall, so you can't miss it.
The memorial plaque isn't the only stop. If you take a walk through the Brixton neighborhood, portraits, posters, and pictures of Bowie will pop out at you on every corner. It's no wonder. A few streets away from this plaque, you'll even find the house where David Bowie was born.
David Bowie's birthplace is just one of the houses. It's not marked, it's nothing special, but it is his childhood home :-). Why not go check it out while you're here.
Take the tube to Westminster station. A few classic London sights are waiting for you. Which ones you choose is up to you.
Check out some typical London sights. You simply can't miss Big Ben. Just be prepared that there will probably be a lot of tourists there. But you'll manage. In a little while, we'll calm down again with some music 😁.
For kidsJust a short walk past Big Ben is Westminster Abbey. It's the oldest church in London. Key monarchs have been crowned, married, and buried there.
And since you'll be just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, you can easily take a leisurely walk there too. Buckingham Palace is the home of the royal family. The popular Changing of the Guard takes place here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a.m.
You'll probably be hungry by now and want to take a break, so you can head over to Hyde Park, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and just relax for a bit.
Get off at Bond Street underground station. And head to Brook St.
Now, head over to the Handel and Hendrix museum. George Frideric Handel was a German Baroque composer who settled in London in 1712. We were mainly following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, who lived at this very address, 23 Brook Street, from 1968-69. You'll see his original flat, photos, albums, clothes, guitars... the museum is just the right size to delight and enrich you while leaving you with enough energy for the rest of your plans.
If you're a real Hendrix fan, check the Handel and Hendrix museum website beforehand. The museum hosts various events and concerts, including regular live performances of Jimi's tracks right in his room. It's like being transported back in time and becoming part of Hendrix's life. The live music was always on Fridays, but it's best to check their website. You can also book your tickets in advance there.
- You can find museum admission prices and opening hours on their website.
Now it's up to you, depending on your energy and time. You can take a tour of the classic sights around the Thames. I'm suggesting the most famous ones that you can visit on foot. Then head back to the hotel to recharge for tomorrow 😉.
Take the tube from Bond Street to Mansion House station.
The magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral. The building dates back to the 17th century and is considered the 5th St. Paul's Cathedral. It measures 111m.
A modern pedestrian-only bridge across the River Thames. It opened in 2000, so it's quite new compared to the others. And very photogenic.
This is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse originally built in 1599, for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays. Nowadays, it gets a bit lost among the surrounding buildings, but it's definitely worth a visit.
This is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London.
The classic London Bridge, a photo of which you just have to bring back from London😉.
The best-preserved medieval fortress in the country.
Two amazing places await you where you'll spend plenty of time. Don't rush anywhere, you need to savor this.
Wax museum. A classic London gem. You can easily spend an entire morning here. You'll be surprised by more than 150 authentic figures that are so realistic it's almost eerie. This museum was founded by Marie Tussaud herself in 1835. You can take photos up close with all the statues. A ride through English history in a cart and a short screening are included. The visit is definitely worth it.
- Madame Tussauds London buy your ticket in advance on this website. You'll save both time and money.
CAMDEN. You'll fall in love with this neighborhood, so feel free to save the second half of the day for it. A variety of colors, people, flavors, markets, shops, and life in general. You'll step out of the tube and it will be clear to you. The main street, Camden Town, is lined with all kinds of shops, plus markets in the side streets, and once you walk past the bridge, a view of street food awaits, where your taste buds certainly won't go thirsty.
This is where you can shop, eat, take amazing photos, and satisfy your musical soul.
Camden was beloved by Amy Winehouse too, which is why you'll see her pictures and statues on every corner. Don't be afraid to step into the side alleys. You'll find all sorts of little paintings and shops and you might feel like you're in paradise. At least if you've got a bohemian soul.
When you decide to head back to the tube, keep in mind that this station is really old and narrow, and it can take quite a while to fight your way to the platform. Especially if you go on a weekend. Locals go to Camden Town on the weekend to grab a bite and do some shopping too. Yeah, that's just Camden Town. Love it!
Your plans for the last day depend on your flight time. If there's anything from the previous itinerary you missed and you've got time, you can tick it off today. Alternatively, you could head over to the David Bowie Centre. After that, it’s just a trip to the airport and a smooth flight home with musical memories of London.
If you have some time before your flight and you're a David Bowie fan, you should definitely check out the David Bowie Centre.
When you head back to the airport, you'll transfer at Liverpool Station again for the Stansted Express. But you already know that.🌝 Have a great flight and safe trip home!
Let me know how you liked LONDON DIFFERENTLY and I look forward to seeing you on another trip! Karolína
Experience London differently! Follow in the footsteps of musicians who are inextricably linked to London. The program will definitely appeal to teenagers or young people who love music. You won't miss the classic London sights either.
Adjust your first day based on your arrival time. I suggest spots that are close to each other and right in the center. If you arrive in the evening, you can push the first day's program to the last day, or split it up across days 2 and 3 depending on your interests.
Head straight from the airport by train / Stansted Express / towards Liverpool Street Railway Station. The train runs every 15 minutes. Get off directly at Liverpool Street station, where you'll transfer to the underground.
At Liverpool Street station, transfer to the underground.
✅You don't need to buy any tickets. You can use your bank card to travel on the London Underground; just tap it on the turnstile when entering and exiting. If you plan to travel by tube all day, I definitely recommend it, as the maximum amount that will be charged to you in one day for zones 1-2 is £8.90. The system automatically adds up individual trips, and once you reach this daily cap, any further travel that day is free. It’s definitely worth it. You might want to check the exact amount, though, as it may increase over time.
ℹ Each person must have their own card. Whether it's a physical card or a virtual one on your phone, both work.
Get off the tube and take in Piccadilly Circus, a place for lovers.👼🏽 In the middle of the square stands a statue of a winged angel. If people in Prague meet "by the horse or under the tail" at Wenceslas Square, then tourists, and often Londoners too, meet right here at Piccadilly Circus. If you're here in the evening, expect the glow of flashing neon signs all around you.
On the ground floor of the Hard Rock Cafe, you can start shopping for souvenirs, or at least check out all sorts of music t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, mugs, magnets... basically anything you can think of. And maybe learn about most of the music stars who made their mark in London.
In the basement, there's a restaurant and concerts. You might even get lucky and catch someone you're a big fan of performing there.
If you're a fan of David Bowie, the term Heddon Street will certainly ring a bell. It was right there, specifically at 23 Heddon Street, where the cover of the legendary album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) was photographed. You'll find a commemorative plaque there.
If you're a music instrument lover, especially when it comes to electric guitars, I highly recommend checking out the Gibson Garage London. It opened in February 2024 as the brand's very first official flagship store in Europe.
For this special occasion, Gibson even released a limited edition Les Paul Custom 1978, a replica of Noel Gallagher's guitar.
This place is sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Afterward, you can wander through SOHO's Chinatown, and once you're tired, head back to the hotel.
You surely have lots of energy today, which is why today is really packed. Off you go to enjoy music and traditional landmarks.
The first stop today will be David Bowie's memorial plaque. Take the tube to Brixton station.
Get off at Brixton underground station.
The memorial plaque is located just as you exit the Brixton tube station, in the alley across the street to the left. The plaque covers the entire wall, so you can't miss it.
The memorial plaque isn't the only stop. If you take a walk through the Brixton neighborhood, portraits, posters, and pictures of Bowie will pop out at you on every corner. It's no wonder. A few streets away from this plaque, you'll even find the house where David Bowie was born.
David Bowie's birthplace is just one of the houses. It's not marked, it's nothing special, but it is his childhood home :-). Why not go check it out while you're here.
Take the tube to Westminster station. A few classic London sights are waiting for you. Which ones you choose is up to you.
Check out some typical London sights. You simply can't miss Big Ben. Just be prepared that there will probably be a lot of tourists there. But you'll manage. In a little while, we'll calm down again with some music 😁.
For kidsJust a short walk past Big Ben is Westminster Abbey. It's the oldest church in London. Key monarchs have been crowned, married, and buried there.
And since you'll be just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, you can easily take a leisurely walk there too. Buckingham Palace is the home of the royal family. The popular Changing of the Guard takes place here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a.m.
You'll probably be hungry by now and want to take a break, so you can head over to Hyde Park, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and just relax for a bit.
Get off at Bond Street underground station. And head to Brook St.
Now, head over to the Handel and Hendrix museum. George Frideric Handel was a German Baroque composer who settled in London in 1712. We were mainly following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, who lived at this very address, 23 Brook Street, from 1968-69. You'll see his original flat, photos, albums, clothes, guitars... the museum is just the right size to delight and enrich you while leaving you with enough energy for the rest of your plans.
If you're a real Hendrix fan, check the Handel and Hendrix museum website beforehand. The museum hosts various events and concerts, including regular live performances of Jimi's tracks right in his room. It's like being transported back in time and becoming part of Hendrix's life. The live music was always on Fridays, but it's best to check their website. You can also book your tickets in advance there.
- You can find museum admission prices and opening hours on their website.
Now it's up to you, depending on your energy and time. You can take a tour of the classic sights around the Thames. I'm suggesting the most famous ones that you can visit on foot. Then head back to the hotel to recharge for tomorrow 😉.
Take the tube from Bond Street to Mansion House station.
The magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral. The building dates back to the 17th century and is considered the 5th St. Paul's Cathedral. It measures 111m.
A modern pedestrian-only bridge across the River Thames. It opened in 2000, so it's quite new compared to the others. And very photogenic.
This is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse originally built in 1599, for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays. Nowadays, it gets a bit lost among the surrounding buildings, but it's definitely worth a visit.
This is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London.
The classic London Bridge, a photo of which you just have to bring back from London😉.
The best-preserved medieval fortress in the country.
Two amazing places await you where you'll spend plenty of time. Don't rush anywhere, you need to savor this.
Wax museum. A classic London gem. You can easily spend an entire morning here. You'll be surprised by more than 150 authentic figures that are so realistic it's almost eerie. This museum was founded by Marie Tussaud herself in 1835. You can take photos up close with all the statues. A ride through English history in a cart and a short screening are included. The visit is definitely worth it.
- Madame Tussauds London buy your ticket in advance on this website. You'll save both time and money.
CAMDEN. You'll fall in love with this neighborhood, so feel free to save the second half of the day for it. A variety of colors, people, flavors, markets, shops, and life in general. You'll step out of the tube and it will be clear to you. The main street, Camden Town, is lined with all kinds of shops, plus markets in the side streets, and once you walk past the bridge, a view of street food awaits, where your taste buds certainly won't go thirsty.
This is where you can shop, eat, take amazing photos, and satisfy your musical soul.
Camden was beloved by Amy Winehouse too, which is why you'll see her pictures and statues on every corner. Don't be afraid to step into the side alleys. You'll find all sorts of little paintings and shops and you might feel like you're in paradise. At least if you've got a bohemian soul.
When you decide to head back to the tube, keep in mind that this station is really old and narrow, and it can take quite a while to fight your way to the platform. Especially if you go on a weekend. Locals go to Camden Town on the weekend to grab a bite and do some shopping too. Yeah, that's just Camden Town. Love it!
Your plans for the last day depend on your flight time. If there's anything from the previous itinerary you missed and you've got time, you can tick it off today. Alternatively, you could head over to the David Bowie Centre. After that, it’s just a trip to the airport and a smooth flight home with musical memories of London.
If you have some time before your flight and you're a David Bowie fan, you should definitely check out the David Bowie Centre.
When you head back to the airport, you'll transfer at Liverpool Station again for the Stansted Express. But you already know that.🌝 Have a great flight and safe trip home!
Let me know how you liked LONDON DIFFERENTLY and I look forward to seeing you on another trip! Karolína
itinerary by Karolina Tou-Jou
London with a Twist: In the Footsteps of Music Icons
Experience London differently! Follow in the footsteps of musicians who are inextricably linked to London. The program will definitely appeal to teenagers or young people who love music. You won't miss the classic London sights either.
Adjust your first day based on your arrival time. I suggest spots that are close to each other and right in the center. If you arrive in the evening, you can push the first day's program to the last day, or split it up across days 2 and 3 depending on your interests.
Head straight from the airport by train / Stansted Express / towards Liverpool Street Railway Station. The train runs every 15 minutes. Get off directly at Liverpool Street station, where you'll transfer to the underground.
At Liverpool Street station, transfer to the underground.
✅You don't need to buy any tickets. You can use your bank card to travel on the London Underground; just tap it on the turnstile when entering and exiting. If you plan to travel by tube all day, I definitely recommend it, as the maximum amount that will be charged to you in one day for zones 1-2 is £8.90. The system automatically adds up individual trips, and once you reach this daily cap, any further travel that day is free. It’s definitely worth it. You might want to check the exact amount, though, as it may increase over time.
ℹ Each person must have their own card. Whether it's a physical card or a virtual one on your phone, both work.
Get off the tube and take in Piccadilly Circus, a place for lovers.👼🏽 In the middle of the square stands a statue of a winged angel. If people in Prague meet "by the horse or under the tail" at Wenceslas Square, then tourists, and often Londoners too, meet right here at Piccadilly Circus. If you're here in the evening, expect the glow of flashing neon signs all around you.
On the ground floor of the Hard Rock Cafe, you can start shopping for souvenirs, or at least check out all sorts of music t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, mugs, magnets... basically anything you can think of. And maybe learn about most of the music stars who made their mark in London.
In the basement, there's a restaurant and concerts. You might even get lucky and catch someone you're a big fan of performing there.
If you're a fan of David Bowie, the term Heddon Street will certainly ring a bell. It was right there, specifically at 23 Heddon Street, where the cover of the legendary album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) was photographed. You'll find a commemorative plaque there.
If you're a music instrument lover, especially when it comes to electric guitars, I highly recommend checking out the Gibson Garage London. It opened in February 2024 as the brand's very first official flagship store in Europe.
For this special occasion, Gibson even released a limited edition Les Paul Custom 1978, a replica of Noel Gallagher's guitar.
This place is sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Afterward, you can wander through SOHO's Chinatown, and once you're tired, head back to the hotel.
You surely have lots of energy today, which is why today is really packed. Off you go to enjoy music and traditional landmarks.
The first stop today will be David Bowie's memorial plaque. Take the tube to Brixton station.
Get off at Brixton underground station.
The memorial plaque is located just as you exit the Brixton tube station, in the alley across the street to the left. The plaque covers the entire wall, so you can't miss it.
The memorial plaque isn't the only stop. If you take a walk through the Brixton neighborhood, portraits, posters, and pictures of Bowie will pop out at you on every corner. It's no wonder. A few streets away from this plaque, you'll even find the house where David Bowie was born.
David Bowie's birthplace is just one of the houses. It's not marked, it's nothing special, but it is his childhood home :-). Why not go check it out while you're here.
Take the tube to Westminster station. A few classic London sights are waiting for you. Which ones you choose is up to you.
Check out some typical London sights. You simply can't miss Big Ben. Just be prepared that there will probably be a lot of tourists there. But you'll manage. In a little while, we'll calm down again with some music 😁.
For kidsJust a short walk past Big Ben is Westminster Abbey. It's the oldest church in London. Key monarchs have been crowned, married, and buried there.
And since you'll be just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, you can easily take a leisurely walk there too. Buckingham Palace is the home of the royal family. The popular Changing of the Guard takes place here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a.m.
You'll probably be hungry by now and want to take a break, so you can head over to Hyde Park, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and just relax for a bit.
Get off at Bond Street underground station. And head to Brook St.
Now, head over to the Handel and Hendrix museum. George Frideric Handel was a German Baroque composer who settled in London in 1712. We were mainly following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, who lived at this very address, 23 Brook Street, from 1968-69. You'll see his original flat, photos, albums, clothes, guitars... the museum is just the right size to delight and enrich you while leaving you with enough energy for the rest of your plans.
If you're a real Hendrix fan, check the Handel and Hendrix museum website beforehand. The museum hosts various events and concerts, including regular live performances of Jimi's tracks right in his room. It's like being transported back in time and becoming part of Hendrix's life. The live music was always on Fridays, but it's best to check their website. You can also book your tickets in advance there.
- You can find museum admission prices and opening hours on their website.
Now it's up to you, depending on your energy and time. You can take a tour of the classic sights around the Thames. I'm suggesting the most famous ones that you can visit on foot. Then head back to the hotel to recharge for tomorrow 😉.
Take the tube from Bond Street to Mansion House station.
The magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral. The building dates back to the 17th century and is considered the 5th St. Paul's Cathedral. It measures 111m.
A modern pedestrian-only bridge across the River Thames. It opened in 2000, so it's quite new compared to the others. And very photogenic.
This is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse originally built in 1599, for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays. Nowadays, it gets a bit lost among the surrounding buildings, but it's definitely worth a visit.
This is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London.
The classic London Bridge, a photo of which you just have to bring back from London😉.
The best-preserved medieval fortress in the country.
Two amazing places await you where you'll spend plenty of time. Don't rush anywhere, you need to savor this.
Wax museum. A classic London gem. You can easily spend an entire morning here. You'll be surprised by more than 150 authentic figures that are so realistic it's almost eerie. This museum was founded by Marie Tussaud herself in 1835. You can take photos up close with all the statues. A ride through English history in a cart and a short screening are included. The visit is definitely worth it.
- Madame Tussauds London buy your ticket in advance on this website. You'll save both time and money.
CAMDEN. You'll fall in love with this neighborhood, so feel free to save the second half of the day for it. A variety of colors, people, flavors, markets, shops, and life in general. You'll step out of the tube and it will be clear to you. The main street, Camden Town, is lined with all kinds of shops, plus markets in the side streets, and once you walk past the bridge, a view of street food awaits, where your taste buds certainly won't go thirsty.
This is where you can shop, eat, take amazing photos, and satisfy your musical soul.
Camden was beloved by Amy Winehouse too, which is why you'll see her pictures and statues on every corner. Don't be afraid to step into the side alleys. You'll find all sorts of little paintings and shops and you might feel like you're in paradise. At least if you've got a bohemian soul.
When you decide to head back to the tube, keep in mind that this station is really old and narrow, and it can take quite a while to fight your way to the platform. Especially if you go on a weekend. Locals go to Camden Town on the weekend to grab a bite and do some shopping too. Yeah, that's just Camden Town. Love it!
Your plans for the last day depend on your flight time. If there's anything from the previous itinerary you missed and you've got time, you can tick it off today. Alternatively, you could head over to the David Bowie Centre. After that, it’s just a trip to the airport and a smooth flight home with musical memories of London.
If you have some time before your flight and you're a David Bowie fan, you should definitely check out the David Bowie Centre.
When you head back to the airport, you'll transfer at Liverpool Station again for the Stansted Express. But you already know that.🌝 Have a great flight and safe trip home!
Let me know how you liked LONDON DIFFERENTLY and I look forward to seeing you on another trip! Karolína
Experience London differently! Follow in the footsteps of musicians who are inextricably linked to London. The program will definitely appeal to teenagers or young people who love music. You won't miss the classic London sights either.
Adjust your first day based on your arrival time. I suggest spots that are close to each other and right in the center. If you arrive in the evening, you can push the first day's program to the last day, or split it up across days 2 and 3 depending on your interests.
Head straight from the airport by train / Stansted Express / towards Liverpool Street Railway Station. The train runs every 15 minutes. Get off directly at Liverpool Street station, where you'll transfer to the underground.
At Liverpool Street station, transfer to the underground.
✅You don't need to buy any tickets. You can use your bank card to travel on the London Underground; just tap it on the turnstile when entering and exiting. If you plan to travel by tube all day, I definitely recommend it, as the maximum amount that will be charged to you in one day for zones 1-2 is £8.90. The system automatically adds up individual trips, and once you reach this daily cap, any further travel that day is free. It’s definitely worth it. You might want to check the exact amount, though, as it may increase over time.
ℹ Each person must have their own card. Whether it's a physical card or a virtual one on your phone, both work.
Get off the tube and take in Piccadilly Circus, a place for lovers.👼🏽 In the middle of the square stands a statue of a winged angel. If people in Prague meet "by the horse or under the tail" at Wenceslas Square, then tourists, and often Londoners too, meet right here at Piccadilly Circus. If you're here in the evening, expect the glow of flashing neon signs all around you.
On the ground floor of the Hard Rock Cafe, you can start shopping for souvenirs, or at least check out all sorts of music t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, mugs, magnets... basically anything you can think of. And maybe learn about most of the music stars who made their mark in London.
In the basement, there's a restaurant and concerts. You might even get lucky and catch someone you're a big fan of performing there.
If you're a fan of David Bowie, the term Heddon Street will certainly ring a bell. It was right there, specifically at 23 Heddon Street, where the cover of the legendary album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) was photographed. You'll find a commemorative plaque there.
If you're a music instrument lover, especially when it comes to electric guitars, I highly recommend checking out the Gibson Garage London. It opened in February 2024 as the brand's very first official flagship store in Europe.
For this special occasion, Gibson even released a limited edition Les Paul Custom 1978, a replica of Noel Gallagher's guitar.
This place is sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Afterward, you can wander through SOHO's Chinatown, and once you're tired, head back to the hotel.
You surely have lots of energy today, which is why today is really packed. Off you go to enjoy music and traditional landmarks.
The first stop today will be David Bowie's memorial plaque. Take the tube to Brixton station.
Get off at Brixton underground station.
The memorial plaque is located just as you exit the Brixton tube station, in the alley across the street to the left. The plaque covers the entire wall, so you can't miss it.
The memorial plaque isn't the only stop. If you take a walk through the Brixton neighborhood, portraits, posters, and pictures of Bowie will pop out at you on every corner. It's no wonder. A few streets away from this plaque, you'll even find the house where David Bowie was born.
David Bowie's birthplace is just one of the houses. It's not marked, it's nothing special, but it is his childhood home :-). Why not go check it out while you're here.
Take the tube to Westminster station. A few classic London sights are waiting for you. Which ones you choose is up to you.
Check out some typical London sights. You simply can't miss Big Ben. Just be prepared that there will probably be a lot of tourists there. But you'll manage. In a little while, we'll calm down again with some music 😁.
For kidsJust a short walk past Big Ben is Westminster Abbey. It's the oldest church in London. Key monarchs have been crowned, married, and buried there.
And since you'll be just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, you can easily take a leisurely walk there too. Buckingham Palace is the home of the royal family. The popular Changing of the Guard takes place here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a.m.
You'll probably be hungry by now and want to take a break, so you can head over to Hyde Park, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and just relax for a bit.
Get off at Bond Street underground station. And head to Brook St.
Now, head over to the Handel and Hendrix museum. George Frideric Handel was a German Baroque composer who settled in London in 1712. We were mainly following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, who lived at this very address, 23 Brook Street, from 1968-69. You'll see his original flat, photos, albums, clothes, guitars... the museum is just the right size to delight and enrich you while leaving you with enough energy for the rest of your plans.
If you're a real Hendrix fan, check the Handel and Hendrix museum website beforehand. The museum hosts various events and concerts, including regular live performances of Jimi's tracks right in his room. It's like being transported back in time and becoming part of Hendrix's life. The live music was always on Fridays, but it's best to check their website. You can also book your tickets in advance there.
- You can find museum admission prices and opening hours on their website.
Now it's up to you, depending on your energy and time. You can take a tour of the classic sights around the Thames. I'm suggesting the most famous ones that you can visit on foot. Then head back to the hotel to recharge for tomorrow 😉.
Take the tube from Bond Street to Mansion House station.
The magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral. The building dates back to the 17th century and is considered the 5th St. Paul's Cathedral. It measures 111m.
A modern pedestrian-only bridge across the River Thames. It opened in 2000, so it's quite new compared to the others. And very photogenic.
This is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse originally built in 1599, for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays. Nowadays, it gets a bit lost among the surrounding buildings, but it's definitely worth a visit.
This is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London.
The classic London Bridge, a photo of which you just have to bring back from London😉.
The best-preserved medieval fortress in the country.
Two amazing places await you where you'll spend plenty of time. Don't rush anywhere, you need to savor this.
Wax museum. A classic London gem. You can easily spend an entire morning here. You'll be surprised by more than 150 authentic figures that are so realistic it's almost eerie. This museum was founded by Marie Tussaud herself in 1835. You can take photos up close with all the statues. A ride through English history in a cart and a short screening are included. The visit is definitely worth it.
- Madame Tussauds London buy your ticket in advance on this website. You'll save both time and money.
CAMDEN. You'll fall in love with this neighborhood, so feel free to save the second half of the day for it. A variety of colors, people, flavors, markets, shops, and life in general. You'll step out of the tube and it will be clear to you. The main street, Camden Town, is lined with all kinds of shops, plus markets in the side streets, and once you walk past the bridge, a view of street food awaits, where your taste buds certainly won't go thirsty.
This is where you can shop, eat, take amazing photos, and satisfy your musical soul.
Camden was beloved by Amy Winehouse too, which is why you'll see her pictures and statues on every corner. Don't be afraid to step into the side alleys. You'll find all sorts of little paintings and shops and you might feel like you're in paradise. At least if you've got a bohemian soul.
When you decide to head back to the tube, keep in mind that this station is really old and narrow, and it can take quite a while to fight your way to the platform. Especially if you go on a weekend. Locals go to Camden Town on the weekend to grab a bite and do some shopping too. Yeah, that's just Camden Town. Love it!
Your plans for the last day depend on your flight time. If there's anything from the previous itinerary you missed and you've got time, you can tick it off today. Alternatively, you could head over to the David Bowie Centre. After that, it’s just a trip to the airport and a smooth flight home with musical memories of London.
If you have some time before your flight and you're a David Bowie fan, you should definitely check out the David Bowie Centre.
When you head back to the airport, you'll transfer at Liverpool Station again for the Stansted Express. But you already know that.🌝 Have a great flight and safe trip home!
Let me know how you liked LONDON DIFFERENTLY and I look forward to seeing you on another trip! Karolína
