I’ve been missing London a little extra over the past few weeks in quarantine. The extra free time has given me the chance to finally go through all my pictures from my semester abroad, and to say they made me nostalgic would be an understatement. I know we’re all a little restless at home right now and justifiably anxious about global affairs surrounding COVID-19. My hope is that this list helps satisfy some of the wanderlust out there as we watch the world from the safety of our homes. So, in no particular order, here we go:
1. Bring your appetite to Borough Market
I was fortunate enough to live just down the street from Borough Market during my time in London. As a result, I walked through the chaos of this market tucked under the train tracks at least once a day on my way to and from class. Let’s just say I started to worry about the vendors recognizing me as that girl who devours samples like they’re going out of style.
Anyway, the bottom line is that if you’re in London, you have to stop here. The meat and dairy products, baked goods, and produce are fantastic, the environment is fun and bustling, (particularly on Saturdays), and the food stalls are out of this world. (Pro tip: don’t miss out on the salt beef sandwiches, Bread Ahead Bakery, the Indian food at Horn Ok Please, or Padella, a small pasta restaurant just outside the market—get there early and get in line.)
Londoners love their food markets. Other markets of note that pop up on various days of the week include Spitalfields market near Whitechapel, Portobello Road Market, the Colombia Road Flower Market and Brick Lane, Greenwich Market, and Camden Market.
2. Treat yourself to some of the best Indian food in London at Dishoom
Trust me, it’s more than worth the line, and there almost always is one. Come hungry, enjoy some chai while you wait, and prepare your taste buds for the adventure of a lifetime. Recommended dishes include the chicken ruby, the lamb kabob, any of the biryanis, and the mango kulfi. And before you leave London, you should definitely treat yourself to the UK’s favorite Indian dish: chicken tikka. Why not try it here?
3. Relive your childhood at Ballie Ballerson’s
Whoever decided that ‘bar’ and ‘ball pit’ belonged in the same sentence was a genius. Ballie Ballerson’s has a couple locations in Central London, each with entire rooms dominated by glowing rainbow ball pits. A truly bizarre yet exhilarating experience for adults of all ages.
4. Experience Saturday mornings 24/7 at the Cereal Killer Café
Whether you’re a cereal connoisseur or simply feel nostalgic for the good ol’ Cheerios and cartoons routine of your childhood, then one of the Cereal Killer Café locations should be on your London bucket list. This place had more kinds of cereal than I knew even existed. Pretty much you name it, they’re almost guaranteed to have it on their shelves. If you’re not a big cereal fan, the café also sells poptart-based treats and cereal-milk ice cream. (Delicious.)
A word to the wise, though: stay away from the Sour Patch-flavored cereal if you value your palate.
5. Marvel at the Crown Jewels
Found inside the Tower of London, the resplendent jewelry and headwear belonging to the British royal family give “heavy sits the head that wears the crown” a whole new level of meaning.
6. Immerse yourself in the monarchy’s bloody history at the Tower of London
While you’re here to see the crown jewels, stop by the site of Anne Boleyn’s execution and learn about the suspicious deaths of Prince Edward and Richard. For the best experience, take a tour led by one of the Tower’s Beefeater guides. The stories of British royalty practically brim with violence, drama, and intrigue to begin with, but the Yeoman Warders bring a whole new dimension of anecdotal humor and knowledge to the table. They also boast some pretty rad uniforms, so seek them out!
7. Watch the Changing of the Guards
Notice that I didn’t specify which guards. While the ceremony at Buckingham is definitely worth seeing, the crowds can get pretty heinous. My friend and I accidentally happened upon the changing of the Queen’s horse guards down the street from Buckingham at 11:00 one weekday and were able to get much closer. If you don’t feel like waiting around or want to avoid crowds, the horse guard ceremony (11:00 AM M-Sat, 10:00 AM Sun) or the less well-renowned changing of the guard at Windsor could serve as worthy alternatives.
8. Embrace the alternative in Camden Town
Wander aisles of crafts and knickknacks, munch on snacks from all over the world, and be your best neon disco-meets cyberpunk self at Cyberdog. The opportunities are endless, and this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit more than once.
9. Admire the street art along Brick Lane
Turn your walk into a scavenger hunt; you’ll find artwork along side alleyways and on the backside of buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in a museum. Famous for Beigel Bake, curry, and spray paint, Brick Lane represents East London’s gritty adaptation of Camden Town. Several markets set up shop here on the weekends, and thrift shoppers flock here in hordes 24/7.
10. Go museum hopping on a rainy day
London is famous for its wet weather. Luckily, the city boasts a truly staggering number of exhibits and museums to keep you busy indoors. Some of the best include the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Museum of London, the Natural History Museum, the London Transport Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum (a.k.a. the V&A), and the Natural History Museum.
11. Let your inner nerd loose
Whether you’ve always dreamt of finding your Hogwarts letter in the mail, traveling through time and space with the Doctor, or solving crimes with Sherlock Holmes, London is the place to be. Highlights include:
-Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station
-Harry Potter filming locations at Millennium Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and close to Parliament. London also boasts several locations that reportedly inspired JK Rowling’s depiction of Diagon and Knockturn Alley in her books. Take a guided tour to find them all.
-221B Baker Street (As well as the location used in BBC’s adaptation Sherlock– found at 187 North Gower Street)
-The giant blue police box outside Earl’s Court tube station
12. Take the Tube
You’re not a true Londoner until “mind the gap” becomes an everyday phrase and you can recite the whole “if you see something that doesn’t look right” spiel by heart. The Tube is one of the cleanest and most efficient forms of public transport I have ever been on and is a great way to get around London fast. If you are under 26 and plan on spending a significant amount of time in the UK, consider investing in an under-26 National Rail card. This can be coupled with your Oyster card for cheaper rates on the Tube. Students may also qualify for discounted fares. Otherwise, ride during off-peak hours and rely on contactless payment or a pre-loaded Oyster card to take the Underground.
13. Treat yourself to afternoon tea
Join high society sometime between 1 and 4pm for Britain’s national beverage of choice. If tea’s not your thing, not to worry! This magical time between lunch and dinner has something to offer everyone, (see: finger sandwiches, mince pies, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, etc.). The other piece of good news is that tea is served all over London. Although it can be quite pricey, there are some decent affordable options out there, such as afternoon tea at the Fan Museum in Greenwich. The Café in the Crypt below St-Martin-in-the-Field’s serves up another decent, more casual option as well. (Plus, how many people can say they’ve had tea in a crypt? The ambiance is pretty cool. )
14. Stand on the Meridian Line in Greenwich
OR, if you’re a broke college student like my friend and I when we visited, you can admire the view, watch tourists wait in line to stand on the official placard, and then go around the back of the building and take your best guess for a photo. Whether you decide to shell out the money for the official Meridian Line or not, Greenwich is definitely worth a visit. While you’re there, check out the tulip stairs at the Queen’s House and wander the Old Royal Naval College’s picturesque campus.
15. Brave the crowds in Covent Garden
Crazy festive at Christmastime and teeming with people year-round, Covent Garden is the heart of Central London. Some of the city’s best restaurants also cluster around this area. Even if you’re hungry and just passing through, make a stop at Hotel Chocolate and be sure to snag some tea samples at Whittard’s.
16. Get lost in Seven Dials
Less tourist-clogged than nearby Covent Garden but with a similar vibe, Seven Dials is one of my favorite parts of the city. The best part? I spent hours and hours wandering the neighborhood over the course of my time in London, and I swear every time I discovered something new. It’s only too easy to get lost, so do it. You never know what you’ll find.
17. Channel your inner Michael Phelps at Olympic Park
As a lifelong swimmer who grew up watching US Olympic athletes like Phelps and Ledecky, getting the opportunity to swim where they competed was a dream come true. Regardless of what the 2012 Olympics mean to you, standing under the Olympic rings and wandering between the venues where records were broken was one of the coolest experiences I had in London.
18. Walk (or jog) along the Thames, crossing a few of the river’s 20 bridges
If Covent Garden sits at the heart of London, then the Thames is the city’s jugular vein. Explore its length on the South Bank and enjoy live music, freelance poets, views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, and the tantalizing smell of sugar-roasted nuts. For the athletically inclined: the loop from the Tower Bridge to Westminster along the Jubilee Walkway makes for a fantastic morning run. You probably won’t be the only one out there: I was astounded by the sheer number of runners I encountered along the river on my commute to and from class every day.
19. Enjoy Shakespeare as a groundling at the Globe Theater
From April through October, travel back in time to the days of the Bard and enjoy one of his plays from the front row. Literally. At the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, (the original burned down 1613 due to a cannon misfire during a showing of King Henry VIII), “Groundling” tickets sell for only £5. Ticketholders may stand as close to the stage as they dare. Just be glad they don’t allow fighting, gambling, and throwing food at in the Pit anymore.
20. Snag a sandwich from Pret
Pret is to England as to Starbucks or McDonald’s are to the US, only—I would argue—much better. (That’s a discussion for another time.) Sometimes it seems you can hardly walk half a city block in London without running into at least one of the chain’s signature red stars. So it can’t be helped, really; you have to try Pret at least once.
Sandwich culture in the UK is a real phenomenon, so join the lunch rush, grab a baguette, and soak up a rare ray of sunshine outside with the rest of London’s students and working folk.
21. Cross Abbey Road
Take those crosswalk pictures and belt out some Beatles hits while you’re at it. Just don’t get run over by a car in the process.
22. Picnic at St. Dunstan’s in the East
One of the biggest factors that sets London apart from American cities of similar size is the sheer ubiquity of historical landmarks. Where in the US can you walk down the street and find a skyscraper, a gothic cathedral, and Roman ruins within the span of a block? (Nowhere.) The remnants of a church bombed out during World War II, St. Dunstan’s in the East is an unassuming example of London’s storied history turned local gathering place.
23. Hike up Primrose Hill
Located only a twenty minute walk from Camden Town and home to my favorite panoramic views of the London skyline, Primrose Hill sits in a neighborhood with a little more local flair. Here, the people watching can prove just as entertaining as the vistas. The park draws everyone from couples of all ages, to field trips, to pagan ritualists on the solstices. (Yes, that last bit comes from experience.)
24. Take in the skyline
The best part is that you don’t have to pay a fortune to do so. I mentioned above that Primrose Hill ranks among my favorite lookout points. Other notable options include One New Change by St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Sky Garden (make sure to book WELL in advance), the top floor of the Tate Modern, and Greenwich Park. See if you can point out my favorite part of the skyline: the Easter Egg Building! (Most people call it the Gherkin.)
If you’re willing to pay, you can also catch some pretty spectacular views from the top of St. Paul’s dome. (This one’s a bit pricey but definitely worth it—you also get to see the church’s stunning interior.) Lots of people also pay to ride to the top of the Shard; I would argue that there are better, more affordable options out there to try out first, but that’s just my opinion.
25. Pretend to make a call from a red telephone box
Unfortunately, London’s signature phone booths exist today more for their tourist appeal than their functionality. But they make for some pretty fun pictures, right?
26. Watch the Tower Bridge open
Catching this as it happens is considered by many to be good luck. The Tower Bridge opens an average of 3 times a day, so see if you can witness it for yourself.
27. Tour Parliament
As an American, I will admit that I thought I understood the English government. I was wrong. Earn some insight into how the House of Commons and House of Lords really operate by either visiting one of the public viewing galleries (free), or taking a paid tour. Students and citizens of the UK can often enter for free. Check online for more information.
28. People watch in Trafalgar Square
Surrounded by everything from museums and embassies, to street performers and fantastic chalk drawings, Trafalgar Square always has something going on. Squished right between London’s major shopping districts, the Strand, and Westminster, Trafalgar is the perfect focal point from which to explore the city and, later, to relax after a busy day.
29. Travel across Asia without leaving London in Chinatown
You can’t miss the streets drooping with strings of bright red lanterns, and you shouldn’t pass on all that Chinatown has to offer, from delicious food to countless examples of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian culture. Step through the iconic Chinatown gate and try something new.
30. Visit Westminster Abbey
Most people recognize Westminster Abbey as the setting for royal weddings, like Kate Middleton and Prince William’s ceremony in 2011. But the church has represented a focal point of British history for the entirety of its 1,000 year existence. Westminster Abbey serves as the final resting place for royalty, such as Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, and many of England’s most famous writers, including T.S. Elliot and Charles Dickens. Visit early in the middle of the week to avoid the worst crowds and splurge on the audio tour. It’s definitely worth it!
31. Look out for creative (and often strange) street names
From iconic locations like Baker Street and Abbey Road to funky ones like Upper Butts and Adam and Eve Mews, there are some fun street names out there. Keep an eye out for them as you crisscross the city.
32. See a Broadway show at West End
Now’s your chance to snag tickets to that Broadway show you’ve been dying to see at a significantly cheaper price than you’ll find in New York City. The West End boasts a wide selection of the best shows and musicals out there. (Hint: particularly if you’re one of those Hamilton fans stymied by endless online ticket queues in the US, this is a prime opportunity.)
33. Explore the riverbank at low tide
I’m definitely not an astronomer, or an earth science-y person, so I’ll readily admit that I have no idea how most rivers work. That being said, the Thames’s dramatic tides fascinated me. The water level rises and falls twice a day, leaving ample opportunity for Londoners to wander the river’s pebbled shores. People called Mudlarkers rake the exposed riverbank for intriguing and valuable relics of London’s past. Although this practice requires a license and can prove dangerous without a guide, there’s nothing stopping the casual passerby from hopping down to take a look. After all, there is something thrilling about standing where boats traveled hours earlier.
34. Stroll through Hyde Park from Buckingham to Kensington
Hyde Park stretches more or less from one palace to another, with plenty to keep you entertained in between. (See: the Serpentine, Speaker’s Corner, the Albert Memorial, etc.) Keep an eye out for royals. Word on the street is that they might occasionally make an appearance outside Kensington.
35. Brave the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus
London’s small, European version of New York City’s Time Square flashes with neon signs all hours of the day. Stop by when you visit Trafalgar Square to catch some street performers and a frankly prodigious number of double-decker busses.
36. Follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper
Whether you’re a true crime buff familiar with the 5 canonical victims or someone completely unfamiliar with arguably the world’s most famous serial killer, taking a nighttime Jack the Ripper tour is a thrill not to miss. I happen to fall in that first category. (I’m a recovering Buzzfeed Unsolved addict, okay?) And the friend I dragged on the tour with me fell in the second. We both had a blast.
I should probably point out that these tours are definitely not for the faint of heart due to the subject matter itself and crime scene photos provided. That said, even if you decide to make your own self-guided excursion through Whitechapel, reading up on the Jack the Ripper case lends a delightfully sinister cast to the winding streets of lower East London.
37. Take a trip to the pub
There is absolutely nothing more British than spending an evening at your local pub. So pop in for a pint and stay for a Sunday Roast. As far as pub fare goes, savory meat pies, sausage rolls, and fish and chips are also excellent choices. Top it all off with a sticky toffee pudding, and they’ll have to roll you out the door.
38. Ride on (or at least admire) the London Eye
I’ll admit I didn’t end up riding the Eye myself. Tickets were a bit too expensive for my taste and I felt that I had plenty of other options when it came to enjoying a view of the city. But if Ferris wheels are your thing, definitely hop on! Otherwise, appreciate the wheel’s unmistakable silhouette against the London skyline.
39. Find love amidst the colorful houses of Notting Hill
Before I left for London, my mom decided there was one last thing I needed to do before I hopped on a plane. And that was to watch every “classic” British rom-com she could come up with in a two-night cheesy movie marathon for the ages. You know, for the sake of cultural literacy. Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, was my favorite of the bunch and an instant classic. Hunt down the iconic travel bookstore from the movie, stroll through Portobello Market on a Saturday when it is at its busiest, and snap some Instagram-worthy pictures of the neighborhood’s colorful houses.
40. Seek out the strange, quirky bits of the city
The places off the beaten path are what make London such a compelling, dynamic city, and let me tell you: there are plenty of them. Make your experience into an elaborate scavenger hunt. Some cool spots to get you started include: the thrift shops along Brick Lane, Cyberdog at Camden Market, God’s Own Junkyard, the old Roman Wall, Monster Supply Store, the Republic of Texas Embassy, the open air used book sale under Southwark Bridge, Neal’s Yard, the Waterloo Vaults, Winchester Palace, and the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
41. Survey London’s big department stores
If you don’t think taking a walk through a department store sounds like an adventure, then you haven’t experienced Harrods or Fortnum & Mason yet.
42. Stand in the shadow of Big Ben
Unfortunately, Big Ben was under restoration while I was in London and has been for a while now. Even cloaked in scaffolding, the bell tower holds court over Parliament and represents one of the most iconic fixtures of the London skyline.
43. Stop and smell the (thousands of) roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens
Everywhere you turn there’s a new color and variety of roses with names ranging from “hot chocolate” to “you’re beautiful.” So spend a sunny afternoon exploring, why don’t you?
44. Ride a double-decker bus
Sitting at the front of the bus on the second story is a fun little thrill. The nice part is that if you already have an Oyster card for the Tube, you can also use it to pay the bus fare.
45. Dig in to some quintessentially British (or even London-ish) fare
No, I don’t think Londonish is actually a word. I just made it up. England tends to get a bad rap for its food: a reputation that I would argue is wholly undeserved. Pie, sausage rolls, fish and chips, and mince pies are all fantastic and definitely worth a taste. Try a UK-specific chain like Franco Manca (AMAZING sourdough pizza), or Nando’s (iconic). Beyond that, London is an international mecca. Whether you crave Italian, Korean, or Lebanese, odds are you’ll find it.
46. Swim at Hampstead Heath
Open year round but especially popular during the summer months, Hampstead Heath has the perfect swimming hole for anyone over the age of 8. Tickets run cheap— £2 adult entry and £1 concessions—and swimmers can take their pick from the men’s pool, the women’s pool, or the mixed pool.
Bonus: while at Hampstead Heath, check out Parliament Hill for yet another breathtaking view of London proper.
47. Haunt Highgate Cemetery
Several movies have filmed here, most notably and recently Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018. Whether you’ve seen Highgate Cemetery on the silver screen or not, the Victorian Gothic tombs of this North London graveyard promise plenty of intrigue. Not only is Highgate home to the final resting place of figures like Karl Marx and Douglas Adams; over the years the site is also said to have played host to wizard duels and vampire hunting.
48. Shop around on Oxford, Regent, and Carnaby Street
And add Bond Street to the list for a little extra glitz and glamour. Together, these streets represent some of the best shopping London has to offer.
49. Walk the canal from Camden Town to Little Venice
Avoid the busy city streets for an hour or two and trace Regent’s canal from Camden Market to Little Venice. In Little Venice, count the houseboats and relax with a cup of coffee or an independent theater production.
50. Watch some pretty decent tennis at Wimbledon
Apparently they’ve hosted some pretty famous tournaments here over the years. (Wink, wink.)
51. Keep your eyes and heart open
This one doesn’t require you to go anywhere in particular or to see anything specific. In fact, it’s pretty straightforward. All you have to do is accept all that London has to offer with open arms. Honestly, you never know what you’ll find. You’ll fall in love with this city before you know it.
