The doors to travel are finally opening after two and half years of restrictions, holds up, delays and cancellations. It’s time to get the suitcase out of the loft, dust off your passport and get in the air for an adventure! You may have a number of different places on your travel bucket list: the wide-open desert of the Sahara, the beautiful ranges of mountains in Switzerland, maybe the history and architecture of Egypt. The possibilities are endless, the potential for adventure indescribable! But do you have a trip to London, the capital of England, on your list of places to visit? Why should you? Perhaps after this brief introduction you’ll be loading up your laptop to google flights to London the Big Smoke!
London is a vast and vibrant city, full of colour, life, and culture. It is a city steeped in fascinating history, boasting fantastic sights and attractions, a hub of vivacity and creativity. There’s an increasingly long list of reasons why you should visit London, which we’ll go on to see. We’ll also take a look at the more unusual, almost surreal places to visit, beyond the tourist destination, to take your trip to a whole new level and see the real London.
- The attractions!
There are several famous attractions in London that attract millions of visitors every year. In fact, before the covid-19 pandemic, London was the destination of 19.7 million day visits with 7.44 million visits to the city’s attractions. If you don’t have a fear of heights, you can see London from the sky at the London Eye. To get a similar view with a touch of luxury, have a drink at the bar at Sky Gardens or take a trip to the top of The Shard. Avid Harry Potter fans can take a walk through his wizardly world at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour while history lovers can learn about the colourful past of the city at the Tower of London. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, or marvel at the wonderful Tower Bridge. A great number of these attractions are free of charge, including some of the best museums and galleries in the world. The British Museum is home to fascinating artefacts, the National Gallery hosts stunning pieces of artwork, and the Science Museum provides an amazing educational experience, all free of charge. Many of these attractions are set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames, which you can enjoy from a river tour or a dinner river cruise.
- The West End! And other live events for the arts…
A big highlight for any theatre fan is the West End of London. London has one of the best theatre scenes you can experience worldwide and you’re likely to see quite a few famous faces on the stage if you go to watch a show. You can choose to watch a classic play, a fun musical, and even catch one of the renowned long-running shows like the Lion King or Phantom of the Opera. If you’re looking for something a little more cultural and refined, you can watch a classic Shakespearean play at the historical globe theatre, or a classical music experience at an Opera House. Besides the large crowds at the theatre, you can also join the small gigs and live music shows in the many little clubs and pubs around the city. (More on the clubs later!) Whatever kind of live event you would like to see, there is sure to be something that takes your fancy in the city of London.
- The night life!
The setting sun is not the end of your day in the city of London. You can explore the wide variety of night life from bustling clubs to colourful cabarets. If you’re fancying a laugh, find a comedy club to get your sides splitting. If you want a boozy night out, do a crawl of pubs and bars to get your head splitting! If your tastes are alternative, head to Camden, if you want something cool and hip have a night out in Shoreditch. However you like to spend a night out, you’ll be able to find something right up your street in London and when the night is over, get back to your hotel safely with a trip on the Night Tube.
Also read: 5 Adventurous Destinations in Spain to Add to Your Bucket List
- The Food and Drink!
You can travel around the world with the cuisines available in London. Treat yourself to a meal at a Michelin-star restaurant or get more down to earth with a meal to go from the street vendors. Have a truly British experience with a full English breakfast at a pub or hotel, enjoy a fish and chip lunch by the riverside, enjoy an afternoon tea at Harrods before topping the day off with a meal at a traditional British restaurant. When enjoying a tipple, feel a touch of luxury at a quirky champagne bar, or a hearty pint of beer at a cosy pub. Whatever your tastes, you will be able to have quite a culinary experience as you visit the city of London!
- The Real and Surreal of London!
If you want to get away from the tourist stops and souvenir shops, there are few unusual places to visit that will give you that little dose of peculiar. The Cauldron is one of the wackiest cocktails bars where science meets booze, with a splash of fancy dress to add to the magic. The Barbican Conservatory is the second largest of its kind in London, with dropping plants and dreamy greenery that you can explore to transport you to the jungle. Take a journey back in time by touring the unused tube lines and tunnels beneath the city with tours done the London Transport Museum.
Evidently, there is adventure for everyone in the city of London. Whatever kind of trip you like, you’ll be able to experience there, so get planning, get booking and get exploring!