If you have a trip planned for the United Kingdom there are a few places that shine a little more brightly than the others. Every location is going to have accents, tea, and soccer mania, but few of them will provide you the most diverse and exciting look at Britain possible. Ranging from the capital London up north to the much smaller, but equally cosmopolitan, Edinburgh there is something for everybody in this fantastic nation.
1) London, England
With literally a never ending supply of cosmopolitan energy and historical novelty London is truly the jewel of Britain. A walk down the street will bring up so many images that have entered our collective consciousness – the black cabs, the double decker buses, and the red phone booths. Sight see during the day taking a hop on hop off London bus to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace and party by night in trendy Soho and Covenant Gardens.
2) Edinburgh, Scotland
Dramatic windswept hills make Edinburgh standout without even stepping inside the city. The sights of Edinburgh are never ending ranging from Edinburgh castle – literally on a cliff bluff peering down on the city, St Giles Cathedral, Real Mary King’s Close, and the Museum of Scotland. For an especially amazing experience visit the city during Hogmanay – the Scottish New Year Celebration, or during the Edinburgh Festival of the arts in the summer.
3) Liverpool, England
Historically a shipping city Liverpool’s truest export of course was the world famous Beatles. Beyond the hilly beauty of the city itself visitors get a chance to relive a little bit of Beatle Mania. Check out the Beatles Story Experience and a tour of Paul McCartney’s childhood home. Be sure to save time to see Liverpool’s Cathedral and the Walker Art Gallery.
4) Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow the largest city in Scotland is friendly, bustling and complete with a vibrant theatre and independent music scene. Scots love a drink and the pub culture runs from traditional Scottish Pubs to trendy cocktail bars. Be sure to take in some of the city’s main sites: Kelvingrove art Museum, the Victorian Necropolis and the botanical gardens and Kibble palace. Glasgow also makes a great launching spot to tour the highlands.
5) Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast has grown into a popular weekend destination and a cosmopolitan city in its own right. A trip to Britain requires a step over to Ireland to soak in its full diversity. Touring Belfast has never been easier with its varieties of taxi, walking, and boat options to get around the city. While in Belfast be sure to check out Ulster Folk Museum, Belfast Cathedral and enjoy the restaurants, bars, clubs, and re-discovered theatre scene.
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