Hyde Park, London (must see)

Hyde Park—one of London’s most sprawling green lungs—is a royal playground with a rebellious streak. If these trees could talk, they’d probably start with Speakers’ Corner, nestled near Marble Arch on the park’s northeastern edge. Here, since the mid-1800s, the loud, the proud, and the opinionated have stood on soapboxes to air their views to anyone within earshot—on everything except Her Majesty. Even Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and George Orwell had a go. It’s pretty much like Twitter, but with pigeons and fewer hashtags.

But the roots of public outcry in this spot stretch further back, way back, to the nearby Tyburn Gallows, where from 1196 to 1783, over 50,000 souls were executed. Each was granted a final mic-drop moment: some begged forgiveness, others declared their innocence, and a few went full Yelp review on the authorities. Public hangings were such an event, they sold tickets. Macabre? Absolutely. But the spirit of bold speech lives on—minus the noose, thankfully.

Just trot west and you’ll hit Rotten Row, once the height of royal commuting convenience and Britain’s first lit street. In the 1690s, William III had 300 gas lamps installed here to light his way and keep the muggers at bay. And no, "Rotten" doesn’t mean decayed—it’s a wonky take on the French “Route du Roi,” which means King’s Road. Très chic… in a smoky, horsey sort of way.

Now, if you like your history with a side of drama, say hello to Apsley House, the proud home of the first Duke of Wellington after he gave Napoleon the ultimate time-out at Waterloo. Officially, it’s 149 Piccadilly, but thanks to its prime location, it’s affectionately known as Number 1, London. And rumor has it, even if you scribble just that on an envelope, your letter will find its way there.

At the park’s heart is the Serpentine, a dreamy stretch of water perfect for swan-watching, selfies, or, if you’re feeling brave, a chilly Christmas swim. The Serpentine Swimming Club hosts the Peter Pan Cup each year—an event organized by the "Peter Pan" author, J.M. Barrie himself, in 1904.

Tip:
Grab a map or rent a bike if you're directionally challenged. And don’t forget your camera—Hyde Park is a living, leafy legend.