London

The first city I ever visited in Europe was London when I was twelve with my parents. Since then I studied journalism there one of my summer semesters of college, and visited again on a trip right after I graduated. I know it better than I know Los Angeles. I love this city so much I scheduled my flights in and out of Europe to be in London just so I could see it one more time before I returned to the states. It’s one of the easier cities to navigate as it has many similarities to the states (not to mention everyone speaks English), and the underground system known as the "tube," is efficient, clean, user-friendly, and has character as it politely tells you to “mind the gap” as you board. Out of all the cities I have visited, London is the one I would live in – and that’s not just because I have. There is an air of sophisticated enjoyment as the business day ends and pubs are flooded with chic businessmen in their blue suits and businesswomen with their Louis Vuitton handbags sharing pints and pitchers. The city as a whole seems to have its routine down and doesn’t make a fuss, running like a well-oiled (and well-dressed) machine. One of my favorite things to do in London on a nice day is find a bench in Hyde Park in the afternoon and people watch. London is a great place to “just be.”

Go here:

-Take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden, do some shopping and grab dinner in one of the many dining options available, then walk to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus and make a night of it by checking out the pubs right around the corner in Soho.

-Grab a macaron frappuccino (yes a macaron frappuccino does exist) at Paul Patisserie.

-Find your daily caffeine fix at Caffe Nero, the Italian coffee chain found on almost every corner - no Starbucks allowed, you’re not in the states anymore.

-Do however stop at Starbucks if you’re in need of WiFi on the go, it’s usually the most reliable.

- Skip the usual option for lunch and head to Borough Market. There is a myriad of options from olives to prosciutto, to pad Thai and curry. The smells alone are a treat.

-If you are lucky enough to be visiting during Wimbledon and are a tennis lover like myself, be sure to get a ticket and enjoy the art of attending the event with some champagne and strawberries and cream or perhaps a traditional Pimm’s Cup.

-Looking for a souvenir for that posh relative of yours? Head to Harrods, one of the largest department stores in London, and do your best to not look like a tourist, this is a place of high class. Find everything from evening wear to sushi, makeup, an assortment of teas, and even designer dog collars. Don’t miss the Egyptian themed staircase and the Princess Diana memorial.

-Looking to get cultured? London has an incredible selection of museums. My personal favorite is the Victoria and Albert in Kensington. In addition to their historical collections the museum puts on exhibitions featuring items such as Italian fashion and wedding dresses.

-For a lively stroll on a summer night head down to South Bank and walk along the bank side. There is plenty going on along the Thames from food carts and street art to more touristy things like the London Eye.