Every city is best seen on foot! Instead of simply checking off all the sights on the Trip Advisor list, you can experience the essence of a city by walking. The architecture, the style, and the energy of a city may be overlooked when rushing from one site to the next. So, instead of experiencing the traffic and congestion of a city, walk to absorb all the niceties.
London is a big town, and there are many walks that are worthwhile. This short walk of 2.5 miles (4.0 km), from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Parliament, shows you a solid bit of London, and puts you in position for the most sightseeing. This is the second part of my three-part, 6.7-mile (10.8-km) recommended walk.
Keep in mind that this is not a power walk. Travelers should stop to take pictures, watch people, explore sites, and have a coffee (or a tea, because it’s England).
This is a continuation from London Walking Tour, Part 1, but if you’re starting on Part 2, start at the St. Paul’s Underground Station.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Start at the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral. Some may choose to go to a church service at the cathedral, which might require a little planning with their service times. Or you can just explore the inside of the cathedral. I also enjoyed walking around the outside of the cathedral, taking pictures of its many angles.
I will note, when I was there, I couldn’t go inside to take photos or explore because a church service was starting.
Millennium Bridge
Once you’ve gotten your fill of St. Paul’s Cathedral, cross the Thames via the Millennium Bridge. This pedestrian-only bridge connects the old City of London to the South Bank cultural scene. Across the bridge and directly to the east (left) is Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, where they have tours to review its history and its restoration, and they also have shows.
Directly across from the bridge’s end is the Tate Modern.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a museum of modern art. Many people may want to check it out, since it has some great, funky modern art. Did I mention it’s free? You can pop in and out without feeling obligated to “get your money’s worth” from the admission ticket. But it is an impressive facility.
The Tate is a converted power station, and it has a lot of interesting history outright.
When you are done at the Tate, head back to the Thames.
There’s a path along the bank of the river that heads west. Follow it.
Thames Bank
The bank of the Thames is a nice walk. Enjoy the calm of the water as you stroll past shops and buildings. I stopped for coffee along this path at the OXO Tower Wharf.
It was here that I found something most interesting: in London, there are newspapers that are absolutely free. As I was sipping a latte, I watched as Londoners finished work and stopped past the coffee shop to grab the day’s news in the Evening Standard, a free newspaper that was a real newspaper with the day’s news stories.
I had a brief conversation with a gentleman, and he found it odd that the only papers that are free in the US are ones that contain mostly ads (apartment listings, etc.).
Continue along the Thames to the National Theatre, one of many theaters along the Thames. If you are a theater connoisseur, this is a great place for you.
There are also many art venues near the National Theater.
Right past the National Theatre is the Hungerford Railway and the Golden Jubilee Pedestrian Bridges. Go a short distance past them to get a better look at or go for a ride on the London Eye.
Next, go back to the Golden Jubilee bridge and cross the Thames. Once you cross the river, directly to the left (south) is Whitehall Gardens. It’s a large palace with beautiful gardens. Walk inside the palace walls to cut through and see the gardens. It’s interesting: London’s gardens are full of people. In the US, people normally only sit on benches, but in London the parks are full of people who just sit on the grass, even without blankets.
Continue through the Whitehall Gardens. When you get back on the street, look ahead down Victoria Embankment, look up, and see Big Ben. 
Big Ben is the famous clock tower that is the northernmost tower of the UK’s Parliament building. Walk down Victoria Embankment until you are across the street from Big Ben. Westminster Underground Station will also be on your right.
This ends the second London walk, from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Parliament, and it will continue with London Walking Tour, Part 3.
