December is one of the best months because of all the Christmas celebrations and activities that can be done, and living in Belfast, so close to London, I thought it was a great idea to go to this beautiful city that stands out for its Christmas decorations and lighting.

My journey to London lasted only one day because it was the only time I had available between finals and going to visit my family in Colombia for the holidays. However, one day well prepared is more than enough.

Easy travel options from Belfast

I bought the plane tickets online; there are always good rates with several airlines for the days that are most convenient for you and at the times that serve you best. I bought my ticket for 5am from Belfast International Airport, so I could take advantage of the bulk of the day in London.

^{Travel to Belfast International Airport from the city centre}

To get to the International Airport from Belfast City Centre, I bought a one-way ticket that leaves Europa station at 3am; it cost approximately £8, they also have a round trip ticket at a good price. It is not possible to buy the ticket for the bus in advance, you can only buy it at the moment you get on the shuttle. The bus takes about 45 minutes to get to the international airport from the city centre.

The flight to London takes about an hour and a half, and usually departing from Belfast International Airport, they tend to land at London's Stansted Airport, which is about an hour from the city centre of London.

London calling

Once I landed in London, I had several options to get out of the airport to the city. However, the cheapest and fastest was to take the bus or train. There is the option to buy a one-way or roundtrip ticket, depending on the planning of your trip. Roundtrip offers a better rate if you return through the same airport. For these tickets, it is possible to purchase them in advance and it would be the best recommendation because they can be cheaper.

^{Liverpool Street Station}

Both the bus and the train will drop you off at Liverpool Street station in the City of London district. That's where my day in London started, around 9am with my friend Tim. After arriving, the first thing we did was have a coffee and a sandwich at the nearest coffee shop that was open. It was around 10am, and the museums were already open.

We walked from Liverpool Station to the Tate Museum, which is free, and we were able to see wonderful works of modern art. Without a doubt, my favourite was Babel by Cildo Meireles. We were also able to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of London from the tenth floor of the museum and take some wonderful photos.

^{Tim and I at Tate Museum}

Tourists for a day

Then, we walked to St. Paul's Cathedral across the Millennium Bridge, it didn't take us more than 10 minutes. We were able to see this amazing cathedral from the outside and all the Christmas decorations it had around it. It was around 1pm and we decided to take the subway to The Natural History Museum, whose tickets are also free, however, it is a high-demand museum, so I suggest you make reservations and thus avoid the long lines.

^{Outside the Cathedral}

Near the museum we decided to have lunch at a McDonald's, we didn't spend more than £9 each and we were quite satisfied. Then we entered the museum, where we were able to see fossils, appreciate and learn a little about the natural history of different species.

After the museum, we walked to the Royal Albert Hall where we could appreciate the wonderful architecture of this world-renowned concert hall.

^{At the Royal Albert Hall}

Christmas charm

The concert hall is very close to Hyde Park, so we decided to walk through this famous park and go to our first Christmas destination and most important seasonal event in London, which is the Winter Wonderland. Unfortunately we didn't get in because the lines were endless, but we could see it from the outside and feel the Christmas atmosphere.

Around 4pm and seeing that the sun was setting, we decided to take the tube to Westminster Station to enjoy a walk from Elizabeth Tower to Regent Street and see this famous illumination. On this walk, we were able to enjoy not only the spectacular view of Big Ben, but we were also able to reach the Christmas market in Trafalgar Square where we ate some delicious German sausages for £7 and we also saw the Christmas lights of the nearby streets.

After that, we were able to get to Regent Street - its Christmas lights and tree are one of the most famous in the world.

^{Regent Street Christmas tree}

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to go to other places known for their Christmas lights in London, such as Carnaby Street or Covent Garden. I was supposed to take my plane back, but this time from Heathrow Airport, so I only had to take the tube from Piccadilly Circus Station to get there, so I could save my money not taking any train or bus.

In short, spending a day in London during the Christmas season is an experience that combines the excitement of the big city with the warmth and charm of the season. From the festive markets to the stunning street decorations to illuminated landmarks, every moment in this iconic city is a celebration of the holiday spirit that won't be easily forgotten.

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Information for students from Colombia

Beyond Belfast

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!