London was the final destination of my second trip around Europe.
There are several ways to get from Paris to London, but this time I chose my transportation based purely on cost performance.
Paris to London: Eurostar or FlixBus?
The most famous option is, of course, the Eurostar. However, when I checked the prices, it was simply too expensive.
At the time of booking:
- Eurostar: around €100
- FlixBus: around €47
That’s more than double the price difference, so I decided to go with FlixBus.
Once again, this trip reminded me that FlixBus is one of the best choices for traveling around Europe on a budget.
Crossing the English Channel via the Undersea Tunnel
You might wonder how a bus can travel from Paris to London.
Between France and the UK lies the English Channel, and beneath it is the famous Channel Tunnel.
What actually happens is quite interesting:
the entire bus is driven onto a special train, and that train carries the bus through the undersea tunnel.
It was my first time experiencing this, and it felt surprisingly exciting — realizing that we were literally traveling under the sea.
Important: UK Entry Requirements (Visa & Immigration)
One very important thing to note:
The UK is not part of the Schengen Area.
This means that a visa (ETA) is required for entry.
- The application can be completed online
- Processing usually takes one business day, but may take longer in some cases
Make sure to apply well in advance, as last-minute applications may not be approved in time.
Immigration Checks Are Strict
UK passport control was quite thorough:
- Full luggage inspection
- Questions about the purpose of entry
- Confirmation of accommodation
- Proof of return flight or bus ticket
I strongly recommend having all reservations and tickets ready on your phone or as PDFs to avoid delays.
Getting Around London: Metro & Contactless Payment
After arriving at the London bus terminal, I took the London Underground to my accommodation.
London’s metro network is extremely convenient — you can reach almost anywhere by train.
There is a transport card called the Oyster Card, but I found that contactless credit cards work perfectly at ticket gates.
Since I was staying short-term, I used only my credit card and had no issues at all.
Accommodation: Smart Russell Square Hostel
For this trip, I stayed at Smart Russell Square Hostel.
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- 6 nights: £112
- One of the cheaper options in London
- Excellent location near the British Museum
- Shared kitchen available
- Spacious common areas
- Reliable Wi-Fi
Overall, I was very satisfied.
Minor Drawback
If I had to mention one downside, it would be that my favorite supermarket, Lidl, was a bit far away.
London is expensive, so buying food at nearby convenience stores is perfectly fine —
but I personally love Lidl’s bakery section, so I ended up walking there almost every day (laughs).
Must-Visit Attractions in London
British Museum
- Free admission
- Security check at the entrance
- Extremely large, so plan ahead
(I recommend prioritizing the Rosetta Stone and the mummies)
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Buckingham Palace
The Changing of the Guard varies by day:
| Day | Event | Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon / Wed / Fri | Full Guard Change | 11:00 |
| Tue / Thu / Sat | Captain’s Inspection | 15:00 |
| Sunday | Sunday Parade (with band) | 10:00 |
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Dover House
You can take photos with mounted guards here.
Please show respect to the horses and do not cross restricted boundaries.
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Big Ben
One of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Be mindful of traffic and bike lanes when taking photos.
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Borough Market
A historic food market with great street food options.
Many stalls accept card payments.
There was a huge line for paella, but at £24, I decided to skip it (laughs).
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London Bridge
Famous from the song “London Bridge Is Falling Down”.
Its history dates back to around AD 43.
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Tower Bridge
Completed in 1894.
You can access the upper walkway with a ticket.
For photos, shooting from London Bridge gives a fantastic angle.
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King’s Cross Platform 9¾
A must-visit photo spot for Harry Potter fans — highly recommended.
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Leadenhall Market
Famous as the filming location for Diagon Alley’s entrance.
A calm and elegant place to walk around.
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Abbey Road Crossing
A pilgrimage site for Beatles fans.
Note that this is not a tourist-only area, so be respectful of traffic and local residents.
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Sherlock Holmes Museum
Located at 221B Baker Street.
The museum recreates Holmes’ residence as if he were a real person.
I skipped it this time since I hadn’t read the novels, but I’d love to visit on my next trip.
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Food in London
Sunday Roast
If you’re in London on a Sunday, Sunday Roast is a must.
It’s a traditional British meal enjoyed with family and friends.
I tried it at Old Shades.
Reservations are usually required, but since I arrived alone right at opening time, I managed to get a seat at the counter.
Beer and roast meat at midday — pure happiness.
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Fish and Chips
I had fish and chips at
Fish! Borough Market Restaurant.
The fish was much larger than expected — crispy outside, fluffy inside, and full of flavor.
Definitely one of the best meals of the trip.
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Pubs & Beer Halls
Due to high prices and traveling solo, I didn’t visit many pubs this time.
However, The Craft Beer Co. Covent Garden caught my attention.
If you love craft beer, this place looks like a must-visit.
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Souvenirs from London
Tea
When in the UK, tea is a classic souvenir.
I bought tea bags at Harrods.
- Excellent selection
- Reasonable prices at the main store
- Tea section is on B1 (basement level)
I also picked up some beautifully designed tea tins from souvenir shops.
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Shortbread
Despite the name, shortbread is actually a traditional Scottish cookie.
Perfect for souvenirs due to its shelf life.
I bought mine at Marks & Spencer (M&S).
Final Thoughts: London Is Expensive — but Worth It
London is undeniably one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
However, the experience easily justifies the cost:
- World-class museums with free entry
- Deep historical significance
- Iconic locations from movies, music, and literature
- Incredible cultural diversity
By using FlixBus, choosing affordable accommodation, and planning meals wisely, long stays are still very manageable.
As the final stop of my Europe trip, London was the perfect ending.
Next time, I’d love to explore more pubs and spend a little longer soaking in the city.
