London-The Best City in the World!

Out of all the amazing FREE museums in London, this was probably my favorite. It has all kinds of art, from sculptures to paintings and everything in between. A beautiful museum in itself, it contains several hundred European paintings, which I would often visit while waiting to meet someone in Trafalgar. The museum is free and definitely worth a visit. There are several Van Goghs and Monets in the entryway and a huge collection of European paintings dating back to the 15th century. The sculpture hall is also quite beautiful. If you're looking for more modern art, the Tate Modern is definitely a must on your sightseeing list, as it contains numerous pieces by Picasso, Dali, Rothko, and many, many more. The Tate Britain is also a very beautiful museum focusing more on lesser-known artists and British artists.

If you're looking for castles and palaces, Hampton Court Palace should definitely be on the top of the to-do list. Located about 20 miles down the River Thames, the most enjoyable way to get there is via boat, which takes a few hours. A much quicker way is to catch a train from Waterloo Station. Hampton Court Palace is, in my opinion, the most beautiful Palace in and around London. It was the home of King Henry VIII and has amazing history. The building itself is exceptionally beautiful, but the grounds are what make it truly amazing. At any time of year, the gardens are unbelievable, especially in the spring around Mother's Day. They plant over 20,000 daffodils, and it is truly breathtaking. There are horse-drawn carriage rides available for about 10 pounds, but walking is a much better way to see the palace grounds. There are three areas that you must see. The privy gardens are the smallest but most beautiful, with gorgeous flower designs and fountains, along with statues and winding gravel pathways. On the other side of the palace is the largest garden, including a maze, which has more of a wildflower feel to it. The newer side of the palace has a large fountain with several "Hershey Kiss" trees, swans, and several more statues. It's definitely a must-see. The inside of the palace is also pretty incredible. There are several guided tours you can take, and the kitchens are must-sees!! You could easily spend an entire day at Hampton Court, and the town around it is very charming, too. There are several pubs nearby, and a walk along the Thames is always gorgeous!