When I studied abroad in London I lived a bit outside of the city center. I developed this horrible habit of thinking, Oh, I don’t need to go see the tourist attractions. I have months. I’ll do it later! Well later came and went, as did my money, and before I knew it I was packing my bags for Arkansas and still hadn’t checked off several things on my wish list.

I’ve also come to realize that I can be a bit of a stuck up traveler. When I’m in a new place I want to see the city through the lens of a local. For example, I believe that the real Chicago is best seen through the hidden gems in the neighborhoods, rather than at the Bean and the Magnificent Mile. So I tend to buck the system and avoid all guidebook recommended areas in favor of less crowded and more “authentic” experiences. But what I have come to realize is that those places tell part of the city’s story as well, and that missing out on them is missing out on a significant part of the city’s character.

So Adrienne and I made quite the extensive tourist wishlist this time {well…I probably had a lot to do with the length if I’m being honest}, and by the end we’d made a significant dent in it. I could walk you through every detail of the week, but I thought it’d be more fun to let the photos tell the story. You know what they say about pictures and their words.

London bound!

Of course my first meal had to be fish and chips.

Fun market finds.

A quick breakfast in a cozy corner of the restaurant.

If only all cafes had shelves filled with books. My heart.

A pint at the pub. One of my fave things about the U.K.

Making up for lost time by attending a West End show for the first time. It was outstanding.

Somehow scored front row seats. We didn’t question it.

Taking in the New Years Eve sights.

The wait for the fireworks was long and incredibly cold. But totally worth it.

And the countdown begins.

Happy New Year!

All the fireworks were shot out of the London Eye.

Such a dazzling display.

Taking in both the year past and the one ahead.

Rather than brave the crowds we found our little nook to hide out in. It was accurately named The Nook.

Seriously the best mojitos I’ve ever had.

We decided to take the Harry Potter walking tour because the studio tour was all sold out.

The tour took us through London’s hotspots that served as the inspiration for the film, such as Borough Market…

…and Scotland Yard…

…and the London Bridge…

…and the British Museum, where I happened to snag this trippy shot.

Fun fact from the tour: this alley is called Goodwin’s Court and was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in HP books. So what you’re saying is that I’m basically famous.

It was gloomy and rainy. But that’s London for ya. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We made it to King’s Cross station to see Platform 9 3/4, but the line was way to long to wait {not pictured: the hundreds of HP fans queuing up}.

The city took on this warm glow as evening set in and the streetlights replaced the sun.

The Christmas lights were still up.

Enjoying the holiday spirit in Covent Garden…

…and on Carnaby Street.

The vintage treasures at Portobello Road Market are this travelers dream.

Vintage boxing memorabilia.

Classic Manchester United football. The real deal.

Through some insider information {read more in London pt. 4}, we figured out how to go to the HP Warner Bros. Studios! Prepare to nerd out.

We actually got tickets! We were ecstatic.

Taking in all the portraits as we waiting in line.

The anticipation was killing me.

But the best part was definitely strolling down Diagon Alley.

The accuracy was astounding. I felt whisked away.

One of the favorite parts of the tour were the creature masks. Terrifyingly realistic.

Taking a look at the models that brought it all to life.

The Marauders Map unfolding right before our very eyes.

Makeup, wigs and costumes. The real movie magic.

The tour of all the scenes continued. They were the life-size originals used in the filming of the movies. It was surreal to be standing in Dumbledoor’s office…

The intricacies of each prop and costume were unbelievable.

The table was still set for the Christmas feast…

…complete with these fiery treats. {Yep, real fire.}

The doors swung open and we found ourselves standing in the Great Hall.

The professors were “standing” at the front of the hall, allowing us an up close and personal view of the costumes.

Still soaking it all in.

We got to take a peak inside Harry’s original room, the cupboard under the stairs.

…or taking a peak into the Gryffindor common room…

…or peering into Snape’s potion classroom…

…or watching life go on, as if by magic, in the Burrow.

A pano of the dungeon to get the entire affect.

A pano of the Gryffindor common room to get the entire affect.

We even got to see Harry and Ron’s dormitory.

Where it all began at 4 Privet Drive.

There were life-size versions of both the Potter’s House and Privet Drive.

One of my favorite parts of the film was the night bus.

Cheers with butter beers.

The chess pieces from the Sorcerer’s Stone. Look at that cheesy smile. No shame.

We rounded a corner and were greeted by this sight. Stunning. This mega model of the castle was used for filming many of the sweeping shots.

In the last room the walls were lined with wand boxes from every character in all the books. What a

What a magical experience.

I wanted to take every one of these little beauties home. I would if I could’ve gotten them back in one piece.

London, you’re a stunner.

Twinkling lights everywhere we went. I love the city this time of year.

What started off as a quick peak into the casino became a quick hand…

…and a quick win! Always leave while you’re ahead.

Brick Lane. By far one of the coolest places in London.

Every wall is covered in these fantastic murals.

Brick Lane is crawling with talented artists…

…who have been kind enough to share their quirky artwork with the rest of us.

Another wild Brick Lane mural.

Piles and piles of beautiful chocolate.

The view from our room.

The tearoom at the V&A Museum is artwork in and of itself.

A proper English tea? Check that off the wishlist.

Oh London, how I love you so.

More photos to come! Stay tuned for London pt. 3!