London, England, is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It has buildings that have been around since the 16th century, pubs that have been open for more than 200 years, juxtaposed against a modern cosmopolitan crowd. London has a vibrancy that is really unbeatable, and every time you walk down a street you bear witness to past
What to Do
There are so many reasons why London is a city that really comes alive. Between seeing buildings you’ve only seen in movies and watching ceremonies happen in real time, it’s truly all incredible. One thing you cannot miss is the changing of the guards, whether that’s at Buckingham Palace, or the changing of the Queen’s life guards in front of the Horse Guard’s Palace. This ritual is so serious and watching it happen is not something you can miss out on.
The great thing about London is that all the important places to see are really close together. You can start walking from Westminster, see the Abbey, and then continue to Victoria Tower. Peruse Trafalgar Square, and then walk to Buckingham Palace. If you won’t be in London for long, all those places in and out themselves make for a great day trip.
Camden Market is located in Camden Town, one neighborhood in the northern part of London. This market is famous for stalls of clothes, artisan goods, and incredible food. Spending time there is a nice way to get out of the chaos of London but still feel it’s vibrancy.
East London is a really hip neighborhood where lots of young people are flocking to. The area has a ton of galleries and a great artistic vibe, along with beautiful places like the Columbia Road Flower Market, the perfect site to see on a rainy London day.
The great thing about London is that almost every museum you see is free! Some places will have exhibits that you have to pay for, but there is still plenty of free art to be enjoyed. Some of the best museums to go to are the Tate Modern, The British Museum, and The Natural History Museum.
Food and Nightlife
The food scene in London is totally diverse and really covers almost every type of food. One of the most famous types of food found in the city is Indian food, and it is highly recommended that you try some. Dishoom is one of the best Indian restaurants in the city, serving delicious food in a higher-end but still very comforting setting.
If you’re a coffee lover, then why not try some coffee flavored and inspired cocktails at the coffee shop turned bar called Grind in Soho. During the day Grind is the perfect place to enjoy a gorgeously roasted coffee, and at night, end your day with one of their signature cocktails.
If you want a little taste of some London grunge and punk, check out Zigfrid Von Underbelly in the Shoreditch neighborhood. Upstairs it’s a regular pub that serves drinks and food with a great electric vibe, but downstairs it turns into more of a club scene, perfect for people who want a bit of both worlds.
