Decided to add a bonus blog post about our layover in London on our way back home. To be honest, it sounded like a better idea when we first planned it. The direct flights out of Malaga were way too expensive, so instead of a reasonable layover somewhere in a European airport, we opted for an extended 8 hours. We were exhausted from traveling all over the place, and not well rested from the night before. So as mentioned above, not the layover we had in mind. But like always, we made the best of it.

Our connection was at the London-Gatwick airport. We lost sometime when we arrived there due to some issues with luggage, which gave us less time to explore. But we prevailed! Thanks to our dear friend Tania, for the suggestions.  Luckily, there is a train station right in the airport. We caught the Gatwick Express to the London Victoria station.  The train station has lots of food options and shops for souvenirs if you need something quick. Since we were short on time and tired, we grabbed lunch to go and booked a Big Bus tour. The line that we chose is a 2.5-hour circuit if you don’t get off.  Of course, if you have the time, you can get off as many times as you’d like. You can catch a new bus at any designated stop every 15 minutes.

Fun Fact: Buckingham Palace is only a 10-minute walk from Victoria Station, and about a minute-walk from the tour bus stop. You can also cross over to other routes in certain designated stops.

We saw a lot within 2 ½ hours. Here are some of my favorites.

• Tower Bridge – This iconic landmark was our favorite. We got to cross it in the tour bus.
• Big Ben– We were really disappointed to see that the famous clock tower was under renovations. But it is still a must see landmark when visiting London
• London Eye– This Ferris wheel is impressive and it definitely highlights the London skyline.
• Paul’s Cathedral – The architecture of this place is breathtaking. Can’t even imagine how beautiful the dome must be inside.
• Buckingham Palace – We only saw the entrance from the Bus and it was a bit far. But it is a must see when in London. *Adds to bucket list.
• Tralfagar Square – This square is so beautiful and full of history. It is also a really busy area. We really wish we had more time to get off and explore it.
• King’s Cross Railway Station – When you’re a Harry Potter Stan, and you learn that King’s Cross is a real station. We only saw it from the outside. But *Gasps
• Harry Potter Filming Locations – We passed a few filming locations. Would love to go back and do the Harry Potter tour.
• River Cruise– Our tour included a river cruise, which sadly we couldn’t enjoy due to time limitations. But it seems beautiful.
• The Shakespeare Pub – This place has nothing to do with the tour, but saw it right outside Victoria Station and wanted to run to it. Sounds like a fun place.

 This is officially a wrap for the Europe blog post. See the 3 below if you missed any. Also, feel free to leave a comment if you have any suggestions for London or surviving long layovers.

Paris Travel Guide

2 Days in Barcelona

48 Hours in Malaga

 

Mari

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