London is one of the world’s top destinations for a city break, but what makes it so special? Is it all just hype? Most certainly not! To start with, nowhere else in the world will you find such a melting pot of cultures….the Indian, Pakistani, African, Caribbean and Chinese all go about their daily business here to a quintessentially British backdrop of double-decker buses and black cabs….not for nothing has London been referred to as “the world in one city”.
But London offers visitors so much to see and do that planning a short trip to the city can have your head spinning if you are a first time visitor; so here is the lo-down on what’s hot and what’s not in this exciting, cosmopolitan city:
What’s hot?
I personally love Portobello Market on Saturdays in Notting Hill. This buzzing street market sells a variety of new and second-hand ítems, not to mention some delicious international food. A great place to do a bit of people watching too.
The Tate Modern is a wonderful modern art gallery located by the river, which means you can combine a trip there with a stroll along the Thames and take in London’s famous bridges too. And best of all, admission is free!
Camden Lock Market is a bustling web of indoor and outdoor stalls, including a great selection of food stalls offering cheap cuisine from all around the world. This is where London’s alternative scene hang out, so be prepared to see some very “interesting” people along the way. If you really want to be in the thick of things, you can always book a hotel near Camden Lock Market, that way you will feel London’s alternative vibe and the buzz of a part of town that never sleeps by simply stepping out of your front door.
Whilst very touristy, Covent Garden Market is still a very pleasant place to while away an afternoon, gawping at street performers and window shopping. It is a good alternative to Camden if you prefer something a little more polished.
Parks. London has many fantastic parks: Hyde Park, St James Park and Regent’s Park to name just a few. If you are lucky enough to be in London on a sunny day, do as the locals do and grab a picnic blanket and head to one of these lovely outdoor areas to make the most of that lush green grass!
What’s not?
There are a few things which I would recommend skipping when on a short break in London. Some of the tours for example. A trip along the Thames in a boat seems like a good idea until you are actually on the boat, sitting inside to avoid the frosty winds and trying to make out the vague outlines of famous monuments through the grey clouds!
Unless you are a true shopaholic with a lot of patience and a very strong pair of legs, I would say skip Oxford Street too. It is basically a glorified high street with terrible traffic and unbearable crowds. Why go there when there are so many nicer places to shop in London?
If there is one thing that London is not though, it’s cheap! But, with the help of some budget accommodation, low cost flights and addresses for places to get cheap eats and free entertainment, you’ll be set for a trip to London that won’t break the bank. And with these pointers you’re ready to go on that trip of a life time to the capital of England without feeling daunted by the sheer number of things to see and do. So, what are you waiting for?
