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Day 1: Berlin to London
This was the last trip I took while living in Berlin. The flight is only about two hours, and an early morning departure had me arriving in London around midday. True to its reputation, the sky was overcast even in summer — yet the city’s energy was immediate and infectious. London has a way of making itself felt the moment you step outside.
Where I Stayed: Hilton Canary Wharf
For this trip I stayed at the Hilton Canary Wharf, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Canary Wharf has a strikingly futuristic feel compared to the rest of London, and on the way to the hotel the glass towers caught the last of the evening light in a way that made for a genuinely beautiful arrival.
Hilton Canary Wharf is a four-star hotel at the heart of London’s financial district, with outstanding access to the Underground and DLR. Spacious rooms, a well-equipped fitness centre and sauna, and a solid in-house restaurant make it a comfortable base for exploring the city. The executive lounge on the top floor was a particular highlight — well worth requesting if you have the option.
Tower of London
With the bags dropped, it was straight out into the city. First stop: the Tower of London, one of the great repositories of British history.
Within its ancient walls you’ll find royal history, a darker past as a place of execution, and the glittering Crown Jewels — all layered on top of each other in a way that few places in the world can match. Walking through the stone corridors, it’s easy to feel that the atmosphere of those centuries hasn’t entirely dissipated.
The Tower’s moat, transformed into a sea of red by a striking poppy installation — a breathtaking sight that stopped me in my tracks.
Tower Bridge
A short walk from the Tower brings you to Tower Bridge, and it doesn’t disappoint. Standing on the riverbank with the Thames wind coming off the water, the bridge’s bold blue ironwork looks vivid even against a grey London sky.
Tower Bridge as seen from the South Bank — cranes and modern buildings framing the Victorian structure in a view that captures London’s characteristic blend of old and new.
St Paul’s Cathedral and a Wander Through the City
Following the river westward, I made my way towards the city centre. Along the way I stumbled into a narrow lane bordered by old brick ruins — the kind of detail that makes walking London so rewarding. History has a habit of surfacing unexpectedly here, tucked between office blocks and coffee shops.
Trafalgar Square
Day one ended up being very much a photography day. I walked enormous distances and barely noticed. London has that effect.
In Day 2, I’ll be covering the Thames River Cruise, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich — stay tuned.
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