University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Emily (Emmie) Corbin (Top 5 in London)

Top 5 in London

Reflecting on my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 places that you can’t miss during your visit!

#1: The Victoria & Albert Museum
London is full of free museums. My personal favorite is the V&A, which is famous for being the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design. It was founded in 1852 and remains one of the most popular museums in London today.

A stone statue of David looking into the distance stands among other, smaller sculptures in a green room.
The Weston Cast Court in the V&A

#2: Borough Market
You can’t visit London without exploring one of the city’s many markets. The Borough Market is absolutely incredible! It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, dating back to the 12th century. My favorite stall is The Black Pig— they make the most delicious pork sandwiches.

A crowded marketplace full of different colored tents with vendors sits underneath a glass roof with green metal supports.
Busy day at Borough Market

#3: Tower of London
The Tower of London is definitely one of my favorite tourist attractions in London. Built over 900 years ago, the site has served as a royal residence, a prison, the location of high-profile executions, an arsenal, a royal mint, and a zoo. Today, you can walk through the fortress, learn about its history, and even see the Crown Jewels.

A brick building with arched windows glowing at night sits in front of a fountain, bench, and patch of grass.
Tower of London in the evening

#4: Hyde Park
One of the best parts about London is its greenspaces. Hyde Park is 350 acres of lovely greenspace in Westminster, and it features the beautiful Serpentine recreational lake. In December, I visited Hyde Park for its Winter Wonderland festival, which was definitely a highlight of my holiday season!

The lights of London, as well as the multicolored light from rides at Hyde Park, including the large London Eye in the background, at night.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

#5: Sky Garden
The London Eye is definitely the most common way to get a bird’s-eye-view of the city, but tickets are expensive and the time spent at the top is quite limited. Instead, visit the Sky Garden! You have to book in advance, but tickets are completely free. It offers panoramic views of the city from a lush indoor garden atrium.

A view of London and its various skyscrapers and other buildings, as seen from up high through a window, on a cloudy day.
View from Sky Garden on a rainy day (can you spot the Tower of London and Tower Bridge?)
Emmie leans on a white metal railing overlooking a white mansion with a black roof.

Emmie Corbin

Major: Anthropology and Sociology

Hometown: Lannon, Wisconsin