Tower of London, London Eye, Oxford Street, Piccadilly if you’ve been to London often and checked all the been-there-done-that boxes, prepare to be surprised.
Tower of London, London Eye, Oxford Street, Piccadilly if you’ve been to London often and checked all the been-there-done-that boxes, prepare to be surprised. This pulsating city hides many an unexpected delight. Put these ideas on your list the next time you are there.
1 Check out the world’s smallest police station: Yes, it’s in London, and what’s more, it sits bang in the heart of the city, at the corner of Trafalgar Square. This used to be the site for many a local protest, so the government built this tiny post as a lookout point that had room only for one policeman! It’s totally worth a look and a photograph.
2 Ride the lion! While you are at Trafalgar Square, get a photograph of yourself taken atop the majestic stone lion. It’s a quintessential London thing to do.
3 Stroll down Walker’s Court, Soho: It’s a narrow lane in the arty, alternative part of the city. Not exactly inviting at first glance, but go slow, and you will stumble upon some exciting London secrets. There’s a pub here called The Yard bar, with an inviting courtyard that makes it ideal for enjoying a drink on a sunlit afternoon.
4 Hunt for country treasures at Sass & Belle: It is a treasurehouse of beautiful things for your home. Vintage gifts, cushions, jewellery stands, woodcrafted decorations and so much more. The store has four locations across the city.
5 Sample the street foods at Portobello: Saturday is the best day to go to Portobello market, which is located close to an elegant, leafy green neighbourhood of London. The vibrant market teems with both locals and tourists in search of rare treasures at affordable prices.
6 Check out Poundland -located on Portobello Street: Everything here is for just one British pound. I bought some excellent cheese for this price, and there are hundreds of useful everyday items as well as gifts that you can buy here for taking back home.
7 Take a ride on Bus No. 94: It goes from Acton Green to Piccadilly. It’s a wonderful, scenic route that takes you across the best and most famous places of London. I think it is much nicer than taking a guided bus tour, because this is a ride that just allows you to sit back and relax while enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.
8 Try an offbeat tipple at Garlic & Shots: As the name suggests, this bar stars cocktails and beer spiked with garlic. A great and original idea that’s become the rage because those drinks actually taste great.
9 Flirt with night-time photography: There is perhaps no greater city in the world for a night-time amble, when the Thames glitters with the city’s lights, and the bridges offer a serene stroll.
10 Grab a snack at Dishoom: The charmingly named café is your go-to place for the flavours of home. Lots of delicious home-style street food here, including bhelpuri and chaat. Sitting in the heart of London while you tuck into Indian fare well, that’s what the good life is all about! The writer is a travel enthusiast
