What Would You Do If You Only Had Two Days in December to Explore London?

December is a magical time in London, with the city draped in festive lights and a variety of special events taking place. If you find yourself in the city during such a precious time, how would you best spend your days?

One option is to join a city touring bus for a guided day trip around London at a small cost. However, for a more enriching and less crowded experience, consider dedicating one afternoon to the Victoria and Albert Museum (VA).

The Victoria and Albert Museum: A Museum Gem

When I think back to my visit to London, the VA tops the list of places I'd recommend. This incredible museum is filled with over three millennia of textile and fashion collections. You'll be able to explore one of the world's most comprehensive jewelry collections, showcasing over 3,000 exquisite pieces from ancient times to the present.

If textiles, fashion, and jewels are not your cup of tea, the museum has been collecting furniture and woodwork for 150 years. Additionally, the museum houses Leonardo DaVinci's notebook and a first edition of Shakespeare's plays. With only a fraction of the museum's vast holdings mentioned here, you will undoubtedly recognize the value of a visit. If you are a fan of museums, you will love the VA.

Clarifying Your Visit Dates

While you decide which two days you have in December, it's important to consider the timing. The lead-up to Christmas is full of unique one-off activities, and you might miss out on certain things if you arrive in early December or after Christmas Eve. For this reason, I'll provide links as a starting point for your exploration.

Here, I'll focus on activities for the mid-December period, leading up to and around the Christmas festivities. If you are visiting at a different time, check out the Transport for London website for up-to-date information on the city's constantly changing landscape.

An Alternative London Day Out

If you're tired of the usual tourist haunts and want a more local experience that still showcases London's true beauty, try a trek through London's East End. This route is both historical and modern, offering a mix of old and new sights.

Leg 1: Tower Hill to Canary Wharf

Starting at Tower Hill Station: Begin your journey by walking past the iconic Tower of London, a place you may have seen numerous times before. Walk towards Tower Bridge and take a left just before crossing the bridge. You'll pass through St Katharine’s Dock and explore the area around The Dickens Inn. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments.

Next up: Wapping: Navigate through the winding streets of Wapping, which is surprisingly close to central London despite appearing more distant. Enjoy the old cobbled streets, warehouses transformed into apartments, and the vibrant atmosphere that permeates the area. Don't forget to visit the Wapping Old Stairs, a hidden gem by the Thames.

From Wapping, walk along the Thames River Path to Limehouse, and eventually to Canary Wharf, a modern business district. Spend some time exploring its numerous restaurants and shopping malls. Even if you're not shopping obsessed, a spot of lunch and a relaxing stroll in one of the parks are well worth it.

Leg 2: Canary Wharf to Stratford

From Canary Wharf: Take the DLR train from Heron Quays, Canary Wharf, or West India Quay stations towards Stratford. Enjoy the changing landscape, from the old to the new. Arrive at Stratford and check out Westfield Stratford, a super-mall with various food options.

For an additional stop, take the London Overground line from Stratford station to Hackney Wick for one stop. This leg of your journey takes around 30 minutes and offers a resilient atmosphere along the river.

Leg 3: Hackney Wick to Victoria Park

Arriving at Hackney Wick: From Hackney Wick, walk through the industrial streets towards Victoria Park, known as "the Hyde Park of the East." Enjoy the park's large fields, canals, play areas, and a small lake where you can hire boats. Don't forget to grab a snack at the cafe.

Once you've fully soaked in the park's delights, walk to the western edge of the park, follow the canal, and continue up Mare Street. You'll find numerous pubs and restaurants in the heart of Hackney, with my recommendation being Green Papaya Vietnamese Restaurant near London Fields station.

From Hackney, you have various transport options back to central London. Enjoy your exploration of East London!

Further reading on Citymapper's blog for more tips and updates on London's evolving landscape.