A Quick Day in London Before My Cruise

Arriving in London (Londres – Pronounced [LUN-dən]) by flight gave me just one day to see the city before boarding a cruise from Southampton. It was far too little time, yet London still made a lasting impression.

The city is steeped in history, from medieval fortresses like the Tower of London to icons of government such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. At the same time, its modern skyline rises with landmarks like the Shard, reflecting the city’s constant evolution.

With only hours to spare, I set out to explore by scenic bus and river cruise, hoping to catch a glimpse of London’s spirit in motion.

The hop-on hop-off bus made it possible to roll past some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. It was a quick but rewarding way to see the mix of historic buildings and contemporary architecture that line the streets and riverbanks.

I later boarded a Thames River cruise, which gave me a new angle on the city. From the water I could admire the grand facades of historic palaces and catch sight of modern glass towers gleaming in the afternoon sun. The contrast was striking and showed how the city’s layers of history stand side by side.

Two moments stood out as unforgettable. I happened to be at Westminster Hall exactly at noon when Big Ben’s bells rang across the city. Later that same day, while cruising the Thames, Tower Bridge opened its bascules to allow a ship through. Both moments felt perfectly timed, and reminded me that travel often rewards you with experiences you could never plan.