Located on the River Thames, the London Eye is an imposing structure that quickly ignites childlike wonder in those seeing it for the first time.  Each capsule represents one of London’s boroughs and holds up to 25 people.  Open daily from 11-6, a spin on this modern marvel takes about 30 minutes.  Because of its popularity, I highly recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets to avoid a long wait (which you can find here).

Standing at 443 feet tall, the London Eye was the largest ferris wheel in the world at the time it opened in 2000. Today, that title goes to the High Roller in Las Vegas, which stands at 550 feet tall.

Quintessentially English, classic red phone booths (which originally made their debut in 1924) have become largely obsolete in the cell phone era. However, many have been given new life by being repurposed in fun and sometimes quirky ways. From mini-libraries to tiny souvenir shops to pint-sized wifi pods, these classics now offer more than just an opportunity for a great selfie.

A collection of cute shops and eateries, Neal’s Yard had been on my list for quite some time. So, naturally, it was the first place I went to after hopping off the Tube during my visit to London. Its chaotic colors were a welcome escape from an otherwise cold and dreary day.

Two of my favorite things – Mary Poppins and street art.

Crossing the River Thames near the Tower of London, Tower Bridge is an iconic sight within the city. Completed in 1894, its beautiful blue and turquoise hues are striking against its stone facade.

The Rosetta Stone and Anna Pavlova’s Dying Swan ballet costume aren’t the only reason to visit The British Museum.  Its Great Court alone is reason enough to stop by.  The two-acre space is the largest covered public square in Europe, with the spectacular Reading Room at its center.  And, even more stunning, is the fact that each of the 3,312 panes of glass that make up the Great Court’s ceiling is completely unique.

With stops all over the city and nearby counties, the London Underground is an easy way to get around. Insider tip – while the Underground is affordable and convenient, if you’re in a hurry to get from Heathrow to the center of town I recommend using the Heathrow Express instead. That’s because it cuts a 51+ minute journey down to merely 15, as it runs between Heathrow Airport and Paddington Station with no stops in-between.

One of the things I love most about London is its architecture. Historic buildings are nestled next to modern glass structures, and quaint little shops look out onto stately exteriors. The city’s complex personality is an enticing masterpiece.

Like many cities around the globe, you’ll find love locks scattered on bridges and fences all over London. While their true origin remains a mystery, love locks began appearing in Europe around 2000.   By fixing the lock and then throwing away the key, the padlocks are a symbol of hope and commitment to an unbreakable love (fingers crossed).