There’s so much to see in London that it can feel overwhelming, even a bit hard to navigate. With so many iconic landmarks—Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London—you might feel pressure to check off every box. While these sights are popular for a reason, they often come with long lines, pricey tickets and don’t always capture the true spirit of the city. I’ve done both the tourist highlights and the off-the-beaten-path spots, and I can confidently say: the best way to experience the heart of London is a little differently. This is a city meant to be discovered slowly and returned to often. Don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in—London will always welcome you back.
If It’s Your First Time, Start Here
Take a Stroll Through London’s Iconic Parks
London is full of lush green spaces, each offering its own unique charm. Many feature serene ponds, wandering wildlife, and charming cafes tucked away under the trees. Whether you’re grabbing lunch to-go or packing a picnic, enjoying a meal in one of these parks is a quintessential London experience. Some of my favourites, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park or Holland Park.
Step Inside the Icons: Harrods & Selfridges
A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without stepping inside Harrods or Selfridges. These legendary department stores are more than just places to shop—they’re institutions of luxury, design, and history. While the price tags may be steep, wandering through the grand halls, browsing the displays, and soaking in the atmosphere is a memorable experience in itself. It captures a side of London that is full of old-world charm, luxury, and tradition.
A Visit to the Iconic Fortnum & Mason
A trip to Fortnum & Mason is more than just a stop for me—it’s a walk down memory lane. When I was a kid visiting London, my uncle would always take me there, and I remember being completely mesmerized by the sparkling displays of food and sweets. I was transfixed by the confectionery counters, the elegant tins of biscuits, and the sense that this place was something truly special. Over the years, it’s become one of my favourite spots in the city—a tradition that’s turned into a personal ritual. Fortnum & Mason is known for its iconic biscuits (trust me, they’re that good), but there’s so much more: beautifully packaged treats, a gourmet deli full of savoury delights, and refined in-store restaurants where you can sit down for a lovely lunch. It’s classic, British, and full of charm. If you’re in London, don’t miss it.
Discovering the Pub Scene is a Must
No visit to London is complete without experiencing its vibrant pub culture. Scattered across every neighbourhood, pubs are where locals gather—and each one has its unique history, charm, and character. From traditional fish and chips to elevated pub fare, the food is often surprisingly delicious, and the beer selection is top-notch. Whether you’re in a cozy corner pub or a buzzing city spot, it’s a great way to connect with the local vibe and enjoy a quintessentially British experience.
Discover London Theatre Scene
Theatre scene in London, the equivalent of New York’s Broadway, is called The West End. It’s the heart of London’s commercial theatre scene, with world-famous musicals, plays, and long-running shows. This is an experience you wont regret! London has so much talent and catching a popular show is something you will thoroughly enjoy. There is a big art scene and so much talent its hard to pick just one show.
Experience the Local Flavour: Food Halls & Markets You’ll Love
One of my favourite ways to explore London is through its food halls and markets—they’re packed with flavour and local character. Grab picnic-perfect bites at Marks & Spencer, snack your way through Borough Market, or explore the global eats at Spitalfields Market. For something really special, check out Mercato Mayfair, a stunning old church turned into a foodie haven. Each spot gives you a real taste of London’s diversity—and they’re just fun to wander. Covent Garden it’s full of charm and packed with fantastic food. You can enjoy everything from afternoon tea to handmade pasta, all while soaking in the energy of street performers and beautiful old architecture. It’s the perfect spot to wander, snack, and people-watch.
Walk and Discover London Neighbourhoods
While Oxford Street is famous for shopping, it’s often overcrowded and packed with tourists. If you want to see a different side of London, explore local neighbourhoods like Soho and Fitzrovia—they’re full of unique shops, independent boutiques, and cozy coffee spots. Each area has its own charm and vibe, making every stroll a fresh experience. Mayfair is a classic favourite, often mentioned in famous romance novels, while Notting Hill enchants with its colourful streets and quaint markets. These neighbourhoods are a must-see to truly feel London’s diverse spirit. Here are some of my top recommendations:
- Notting Hill: Famous for its pastel-colored houses, Portobello Road Market, vintage shops, and charming cafés. This is a great place for boutique shopping and brunch.
- Camden: Famous for its alternative culture, Camden Market offers eclectic shopping, live music venues, and vibrant street food stalls alongside the scenic Regent’s Canal.
- Southbank: Along the Thames, Southbank combines culture and riverside views with theatres, galleries, and lively food markets. Great for a relaxed yet stimulating day out.
- Mayfair: Elegant and upscale, luxury boutiques, high-end galleries, and classic British charm. It’s also rich in literary history and often features in romance novels.
- Soho: Tucked between Oxford Street and Covent Garden, this compact but vibrant neighbourhood is packed with personality. It’s home to an eclectic mix of stylish boutiques, legendary record shops, hidden speakeasies, and some of London’s best restaurants.
- Hampstead Heath: Leafy and upscale with village charm, Hampstead Heath offers panoramic views of the city.
Visiting a Castle or a Grand Estate home
Discovering a Castle or Grand Estate home is a must while in London—or just beyond it. It’s a chance to step into history, explore beautiful architecture, and wander through stunning gardens. Whether it’s the regal halls of Windsor Castle, the romantic ruins of Eltham Palace, or the elegance of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath, these places offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Britain’s past—and they make for a magical day trip. Spending a few hours touring an estate home and discovering the history is one of my favourite things to do, and taking some time to enjoy some afternoon tea, often found at a cafe provided at the estate home. Some recommendations:
- Kenwood House (Hampstead Heath)
- Apsley House (Hyde Park Corner)
- Eltham Palace (Greenwich)
- Windsor Castle
Art Galleries, Museums & Palaces Worth Visiting in London
London is packed with world-class museums and royal palaces that offer a deep dive into history, art, and culture. Blenheim Palace is beautiful and one of my favourites and Victoria and Albert Museum. There are so many options, but these are some of my favourites:
- The Tate Modern (Bankside)
- The National Gallery (Trafalgar Square)
- The Natural History Museum (South Kensington)
- The Victoria and Albert Museum (South Kensington)
- The British Museum (Bloomsbury)
- Hampton Court Palace (East Molesey, Surrey)
- Blenheim Palace ( 90 mins from London)
Some Unique Experiences and Hidden Gems I Enjoyed in London
- Harry Potter Fan: many stores and tours for you to enjoy
- Catching a cricket match at Lord’s Cricket Ground, known as the “Home of Cricket,”.
- Watching a match at Wimbledon, the world-famous tennis championships, especially during the summer, is a thrilling experience filled with tradition, strawberries, and impeccable style.
- Childhood favourites Alice in Wonderland and Paddington Bear: you can wander through the whimsical world of Alice with a visit to Lewis Carroll’s haunts around Oxford and explore the magical gardens that inspired his tales. For Paddington fans, there’s the Paddington Bear statue at Paddington Station—the perfect photo spot to celebrate the beloved bear’s adventures.
- Madame Tussauds is a world-famous wax museum where you can get up close to lifelike figures of celebrities and historical icons! This is a fun and unique experience.
- Stone hedge: really enjoyed this experience, recommend taking a tour if you’re interested in this history. It was oddly eerie and memorable, this site and was worth the visit.
- Hamleys Favourite Toy Store: I grew up visiting Hamleys, and even though I’m well past the age of toys now, I still love wandering through its magical aisles.
Trips from London I Recommend:
1. Windsor – Worth a Visit
- Quaint streets, and scenic walks
- Just under an hour from London by train
- Windsor Castle is truly special. I loved spending the day exploring its stunning grounds and taking in the rich royal collections. There’s a real sense of history and grandeur that makes it an unforgettable experience.
2. Oxford
- Historic university town with stunning architecture, libraries, and punting on the river
- About 1–1.5 hours from London by train
- This is a must-visit! It’s where I discovered the iconic Bens Cookies, Oxford is charming and unique and home to all the prestigious colleges that have some of the most beautiful grounds to enjoy and discover.
- While studying here, I got to discover the beautiful town and visit all the colleges that have beautiful grounds. Oxford is a lovely, quaint town that is walkable.
4. Cambridge
- Another beautiful university city with gothic buildings and river punting
- 1.5 hours from London by train
- Cambridge is a city where history, academia, and charm come together beautifully. Home to the world-renowned University of Cambridge. You’ll find stunning architecture, peaceful riverside walks, and a quiet sense of brilliance in the air.
5. Greenwhich
- a lovely town, with beautiful water views.
- This is where you will find Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time.
- I loved wandering through Greenwich Park, visiting Royal Observatory and exploring the Old Royal Naval College. Greenwich Markety is a must for food lovers and delicious global street food.
- 1.5 hours from London by train
6. Lake District
Has some of London’s most breathtaking countryside views. You can explore many small villages along the way, discover lots of centurpubs, rolling hills, boutique shops, tea rooms, and local bakeries. Some charming villages to discover:
- Grasmere – a picture-perfect village and the home of poet William Wordsworth.
- Ambleside – a lively hub near Windermere with great pubs and gear shops.
- Keswick – nestled by Derwentwater, great for local markets and walking routes.
7. Cotswold
The Cotswolds is a favourite of mine! It is one of the most pictureique spoes in England, with green hills, honey colorred stone cottages and the prettiest villages. Its so lovely with streams and bridges that are lined with wildflowers. Its a blend of old world charm and charming london traditions.
8. Surrey Hill
This is a great village and place to stay. Its very pretty with many lovely shops and eateries. I spent some time here and l loved walking everywhere and discovering boutique shops.
Just an hour from central London, the Surrey Hills is a stunning landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, vineyards, and postcard-perfect villages. It’s officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means it’s protected for its natural charm.
Where to Stay: City Convenience vs Countryside Charm
Staying in London is a great choice if you want to be close to all the major attractions, museums, shopping areas, and restaurants. It’s well-connected and easy to get around, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those who want to explore the city in depth.
That said, I also highly recommend staying in a nearby town just outside London—it’s a completely different experience. These smaller towns offer a glimpse into the heart of English life. They’re quieter, more peaceful, and full of charm. Think cobblestone paths, historic pubs, and local shops. You can enjoy a cozy bistro lunch, chat with locals, and take scenic walks through tranquil surroundings.
While London can be lively and overwhelming—much like New York—the English countryside has its own kind of magic. It’s slower-paced, welcoming, and wonderfully relaxing.
There are so many amazing places to discover in London, but if it’s your first time, I’d focus less on ticking off every tourist attraction and more on experiencing the heart of the city. Walk through different neighbourhoods, join a walking tour (especially one led by a local guide), ride the bus instead of the Tube just to see more, or simply chat with a barista or market vendor. I’ve found these small, unscripted moments often give you a much deeper, more personal understanding of London’s true character.