12 Things You Should Experience in London

Of course, there’s more to the city’s enthralling bygones that London has to offer. The city is literally sprawling with things to do, places to visit and excitements to behold. London is packed with tourists from all over the world, attracting over 30 million visitors each year. If you get bored in London, you only have but yourself to blame.

Here are some of the fun things we did in London that you can add to your trip itinerary. After all, London is too big of a city to immerse in just a week. If you have more to add to this list, please add a comment below to share with other globe trotters. Let’s go!

Grab A Bite To Eat

Okay, not just a bite but a lot of it. London is home to over 18000 restaurants and cafes. Best of all, London’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is vast. Immigrants from nationalities all over the world share their most authentic culinary fare so they can truly express their culture on a plate. In the name of deeper culinary discoveries, don’t forget to try English classics like the Full English Breakfast, minced meat pie and the classic English Fish & Chips.

Here are some of our favorite places to eat in London:
a. Amrutha Lounge
b. Hawksmoor Knightsbridge
c. Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall
d. E Pellicci
e. Kym’s Chinese Restaurant

Shopping

From budget-friendly items to designer brand products some worth more than a working man’s annual salary, London is every shopaholic’s paradise no matter the price range and budget. Strike a bargain at the city’s most dynamic shopping districts as competitively priced European brands draw crowds with the extra perk of tax free shopping for tourists. Note: Don’t forget to ask for a tax refund form at your favorite retailer. You need this to procure a tax refund at the airport.

Our Favorite Shopping Destinations in London:
a. Harrods
b. Oxford Street
c. Selfridges London

Visit Museums

London has some of the best museums in the world with some of the most extensive collections of art, artifacts, sculptures and other treasures of great historical significance. Be amazed as thousands of years unfold before your very eyes as you indulge your curiosity and engage in new personal discoveries. Best part of it all, most of these museums are free.

Explore Public Markets

London’s public markets are some of our most recommended landmarks when visiting the city. Why? Because these are more than just places to buy fresh produce or spices. They are some of the most exhilarating places where locals and tourists converge to find whatever catches their eye and gratify their fancy. Street foods, fresh fruit juices, seafood, cheese, clothes, souvenirs, and many others. Plus, you can sink in a bit of history as some of these markets, like the Borough Market, is quite old and has been around for a thousand years.

Click here to check out our favorite things to do at the Borough Market.

Visit London Cafes

Cafe culture is quite popular around Europe, and London is no exception. Some of the city’s most popular cafes took advantage of the social media revolution and boosted their Instagram appeal with stunning floral decorations and bright pastel-colored walls and decors. Beyond the aesthetics are what causes your taste buds to dance. Delicious pastries, pies, tarts and other exquisite baked goods that goes so well with a lovely cup of coffee or maybe a proper cup of authentic freshly brewed Earl Grey Tea.

Check out our favorite cafes in London:
a. EL&N Cafe
b. St. Aymes Cafe
c. Aubaine Selfridges London
d. Dominique Ansel Bakery
e. Peggy Porschen Cakes

Visit London’s Famous Landmarks

London holds sightseeing opportunities almost everywhere. From the absolutely stunning Tower Bridge and the Tower of London with walls bearing whispers of its darker past, to the magnificent churches and cathedrals in all their glory and splendor, London managed to preserve centuries of stunning archaic architectures that is definitely worth delving in to. Each one narrating a piece of history that paints a vivid picture of the city’s most interesting yesteryears.

Take a Cruise Down River Thames

Enjoy a majestic sunset as you cruise down the restless waters of River Thames, one of the country’s longest river that flows through Southern England including London. Explore the city from a whole new perspective while you sit back and relax for a truly unparalleled cruising experience.

Enjoy a Panoramic View of London

No matter how many times you’ve seen all the sights of London, watching them from atop the city’s tallest structures will still manage to mesmerize you with some of the most stunning views London has to offer. The city looks absolutely gorgeous as you watch how the River Thames cut through the city’s most iconic landmarks. Truly a sight to behold.

Watch the Game at the Wembley Stadium

My wife and I are not big into sports. But for those who are, the Wembley Stadium is a football stadium located in Wembley, London. It was demolished back in 2003 but was reconstructed and reopened 4 years later. Londoners love their football, which is technically soccer to most Americans. If you are visiting the city, why not immerse yourself and cheer for a team of your choosing.

Watch the Changing of Guards

Changing the Guard is a ceremony held daily at 11am, and 10am on Sundays. It symbolizes the transfer of the responsibility of protecting Buckingham & St. James Palace over to the new guard. It is a public spectacle frequented by tourists and is a must-see when visiting London. To be absolutely certain of the schedule, you can click here just in case. Last minute cancellations due to wet weather or any other reasons may also happen without prior notice.

Check out Wildlife at the Zoo

Animal lovers, here’s something for you and your entire family. The ZSL London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world. They opened back in 1828 with the intention of using their collection for scientific studies. 20 years later, they opened their gates to the public. Check out their fun-filled exhibits like Penguin Beach, Gorilla Kingdom and Land of the Lions! Great wholesome fun for kids and the kid at hearts.

Experience London’s Nightlife

As the sun sets beyond the horizon, London’s night owls begin to seek what nocturnal thrills the city has to offer. From watching theater shows, cabaret shows, late night karaoke to late night shopping or even admiring the lit up version of the city’s most iconic landmarks, London certainly has some fun things to do after dark. Just remember that most pubs close at around midnight. This might come as a surprise to most people who are visiting from countries where pubs or bars stay open through the wee hours in the morning.

Check out this post on things to do on a cheap night out in London.