A 4-Day, 3-Night Royal London Experience

By Li Xinyi, Compiled and Reported

The UK is one of the few countries in the world that still retains a hereditary monarchy. Although the days of the British Empire are long gone, the British royal family continues to be a focal point of global attention, whether it’s Princess Diana or the recent royal wedding of the century. The UK was among the first European countries to grant Taiwanese citizens visa-free entry, so travelers can now go on a whim. Why not take advantage of the royal celebrations and experience the joy in London?

Day 1: Hyde Park → Changing of the Guard → Buckingham Palace → Houses of Parliament → Trafalgar Square → South Bank of the Thames → London Eye

Recommended Attraction: Houses of Parliament

The grand Gothic-style Houses of Parliament are a symbol of British democracy. The UK Parliament is divided into the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords, headed by the Queen and mostly composed of hereditary members, sees the Queen deliver a speech from the throne during the State Opening. The House of Commons consists of representatives from various political parties, and the party with the most members forms the government, with its leader becoming the Prime Minister. In addition to admiring the grand Gothic architecture, visitors can explore the interior during “State Opening” or the “Summer Opening.” During the “State Opening,” you can queue at the St. Stephen’s Entrance to witness the intense parliamentary debates and experience British democracy firsthand. The “Summer Opening” takes place from July to September when Parliament is in recess, with 75-minute guided tours available.

Recommended Attraction: London Eye

Celebrating the new millennium, many commemorative attractions emerged around the world, and the London Eye was one of them. Located on the south bank of the Thames in London and sponsored by British Airways, the London Eye claims to be the world’s largest observation wheel, offering breathtaking views of London from high above—it’s one of the city’s most stunning millennium landmarks. This observation wheel, standing opposite the UK Parliament on the banks of the Thames, was jointly commissioned by British Airways and the famous UK tourist group The Tussauds Group. It was designed by two renowned architects—David Marks and Julia Barfield.

Day 2: Knightsbridge Museum District → British Museum → Covent Garden → Leicester Square → Musical Night

Recommended Attraction: British Museum

The rich and precious collections of the British Museum offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the British Empire during the colonial era. Established as the world’s first national public museum in 1753, it officially opened in 1759. Its collections include artifacts from major ancient civilizations, particularly those from Western Asia and the ancient Mediterranean, showcasing some of the earliest cultural arts. Its wide array of treasures and impressive displays are considered among the finest in the UK.

The original collection of the British Museum belonged to Sir Hans Sloane. Later, the British Parliament purchased the collection through a lottery. Over the years, it has acquired private collections, received donations, and benefited from archaeological excavations conducted both within and outside the UK, which have contributed to its current scale. The museum now has over 100 galleries, divided into sections such as Egypt, Western Asia, Greece and Rome, Japan, the Orient, the Middle Ages, and modern history.

Recommended Attraction: Covent Garden

The glass-and-steel-covered Covent Garden Piazza exudes youthful energy, with two coffee shops in its open-air atrium and rows of uniquely styled shops around. The ground floor is divided into north, central, and south zones, featuring an even wider range of shops, as well as two antique markets—Apple Market and Jubilee Market. The center of the square serves as a stage for street performers.