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You may well have done your fair share of travelling the world, but other than the odd layover at Heathrow or a quick visit to one of the many theatres in the capital city, you have never planned a proper visit to London. Even for those travel veterans, who are happy to do a weekend excursion to Hong Kong or the like, London can seem quite intimidating. Knowing how to see the very best of what London offers without reverting to a stereotypical guidebook-toting, Madame Tussauds–visiting as a tourist can be a challenge. Here, we share how to be a tourist without looking like one.
Be Prepared To Walk
Instead of planning your visit around specific tourist sites, plan around neighbourhoods. A morning walk through the uber-charming residential (and totally instagrammable) streets of Notting Hill, with its pastel doors and find your way to the infamous Portobello Road for a spot of antique shopping and to pick up a few quirky bits and pieces. It is best to head there early to avoid the crowds of tourists.
Food Glorious Food
One thing you certainly won’t struggle with is a choice of places to eat and drink in London – it is not known as the culinary capital for nothing. From street food vendors, artisan bakeries and delicatessens selling produce and meals from all over the world to higher-end eateries, such as a Canary Wharf restaurant, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to food. You might even want to head to the East End if you get a chance for the traditional cockney fare – jellied eels or pie, mash, and liquor.
Take a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus
Yes, we know they are for the tourists, but time it right and you can see all the tourist sites without literally hopping on and off all day. Get on board early in the morning, with a take-out coffee and pastry and grab a prime seat. The grand loop routes will take you past just about all of the most popular tourist sites such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and so on, so you can get a relatively close look without getting crushed in a sea of tourists.
Hit the markets
Everyone knows that London is one of the shopping capitals of the world, but to find a truly authentic souvenir, make sure to stop at one of the city’s storied markets. As we said above, it is best to head there first thing to avoid the crowds. Looking for antiques? Head to Portobello Road in Notting Hill on Friday or Saturday. Fine cheeses more your thing? Do not miss Borough Market, where vendors sell locally made products six days out of the week. And definitely do not leave without spending a morning at Columbia Road Flower Market: not only is it a particularly beautiful part of the city, but the hollering and haggling between vendors and customers over large, rainbow-coloured buckets of bluebells, chrysanthemums, and peonies are something to see.
Go For A Dip
Be like a true local and go for a dip in Hampstead Heath pond. The outdoor pool is a pretty cool (and, depending on the time of the year, cool is definitely what it is!) alternative to some of the more touristy sites such as Big Ben. There are male and female ponds and a mixed pond. Don’t forget to take a proper English picnic for after you have worked up an appetite!
Visit the museums
The many, many museums in London sure do attract the tourists and for a good reason – they are unmissable. However, the locals love them just as much, and even in the busiest of museums, you can also find a secluded nook or cranny lurking. The National Portrait Gallery never feels overrun, and the on-site Portrait Restaurant is a fabulous spot for tea and fantastic views of some of London’s most famous sites, such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament. One quiet little museum to look out for is the Wallace Collection, which holds a collection of 18th-century French paintings, furniture, porcelain, and an impressive armoury housed in a historic London townhouse. Many do not even know about this site, which is part of its charming appeal.
Escape the town
Once you have had your share of the London hustle and bustle, there is plenty to do on the outskirts that give you a little more breathing space. You could even go a little further afield on a trip and head to the countryside. If your time in the capital is short, jump on the tube and take a 40 minute or so ride to the suburbs, which are utterly delightful. Richmond is located right on the banks of the Thames and offers a selection of lovely shops, beautiful boat tours on the river, and plenty of opportunities for beautiful walks through the historic homes and up to Richmond Hill. You could also visit the nearby famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Kew Palace.
Go to the Pub
Skip the fancy restaurants and swanky bars and head to a ‘proper‘ English pub. You know, the ones that are a little bit dark and the floors are a bit sticky from spilled ale, but you won’t find an atmosphere quite like it anywhere else. Try some proper English pub grub – a good old Ploughman’s, pork scratchings or a handful of salted peanuts alongside your pint.
Whatever you do in London, whether you like to do all of the typical tourist things or you prefer to stay off the beaten path a little, you will find something that you love. It’s a city full of culinary delights, culture, and fun – enjoy!
Have you been to London before? Let me know in the comments below.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
