16: Reach the top of the Monument

The Monument, which was built in the 17^th century to commemorate the Great Fire of London that devastated the City in 1666, has just reopened after some 18-month renovation work.

OK, it does not seem that high – but only when you’re outside. When you get inside the Monument, and have to walk the 60 metres up to the top, in narrow spiral staircase where two people cannot walk next to each other, you come to realise that you really have to earn the Monument’s panorama.

When you finally get to the top, you are rewarded with a 360° view on the City, with the Thames, Tower Bridge, the town hall, Saint Paul, the Swiss Re building… and when you exit the column, by an official certificate! (is it too much? Yes!)

go to the Monument Website

Nearest Tube: Monument

003: Choose your future yacht at St Katharine’s docks

OK, we’re broke. But it doesn’t mean that it’s not going to change. Just in case, I went to St Katharine’s docks to check out the yachts. It’s a pretty romantic walk for a lazy Sunday afternoon, and even though it’s a 5-minute walk from the busy tower of London, it’s usually very calm. In fact, it looks more like Monaco – or Miami? – than London.

Plus, there’s a nice view on Tower Bridge – and you won’t have any tourist on your pictures!