Welcome to London, aka one of the best cities in the world and home to the start of your Topdeck adventure.
Instead of hiding in your Wombats dorm, make the most of a few days either side of your trip to explore London like a local with our ultimate guide, guaranteed to have you lusting after L-Town until you’re back on home soil.
Here are six things you need to visit:
1. Local markets.
Aside from the iconic Portobello Road Market in the heart of Notting Hill, London is home to some of the world’s best outdoor markets.
From Borough Market in central London (right by The Shard), to Camden Market for a dose of tourist-y goodness and the lesser-known Broadway Market in East London – there’s something for everyone.
By venturing a short way out of central London and steering clear of the tourist hotspots, you’re bound to uncover a few vintage gems and of course, fill your bellies. While a map of the Tube might look overwhelming, it’ll soon become your best friend to ensure no market is left untouched.
Visit:
– Spitalfields Market
– Colombia Road Flower Market
– Brick Lane Market
– Brixton Village Market
– Greenwich Market
2. Museums.
The good thing about most museums in London – they’re free! Start your cultural education with the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, the Science Museum and the British Museum.
Plus, with the unpredictable London weather acting as a rain-hail-or-shine cocktail shaken up every two hours, you can always find shelter inside a museum.
Visit:
– The Tate Modern
– The National Portrait Gallery
– The Victoria and Albert Museum
– The Tate Britain
– The Design Museum
– London Transport Museum
– Imperial War Museum
3. Restaurants.
From the weird and the wonderful, London has it all. From a tasty cereal café, to ping-pong tennis themed restaurants, there’s even a dedicated crisp restaurant. Seriously.
4. The theatre.
There is always a West End show to suit anyone, but before you jump onto the internet to book tickets make your way down to Leicester Square and visit the discount ticket office and snap up a bargain with a last-minute ticket.
Top tip: Feast on a pre-theatre feed at the Big Easy in Covent Garden between 12pm – 6pm for just £10.
5. Boutiques and shopping districts.
Everyone loves a stroll down Oxford Street but very few actually buy from here. Why? Two words: HUGE crowds. Instead of battling swarms, jump on the Tube to either Shepherds Bush Westfield or Stratford Westfield and indulge in some retail therapy, minus the people.
For a more ‘ boutique’ style shopping experience, head to the likes of Shoreditch, Camden Town, Seven Dials and Spitalfields for that special something to take home with you.
6. A traditional London pub.
Disclaimer alert: most central pubs are packed with the after-work crowd and tourists jostling for bar space which may deter first-timers.
Save the effort of turf wars and explore beyond the constraints of central London. Head to the Crown & Shuttle in Shoreditch or the Blue Boat in Hammersmith for chilled out vibes in the beer garden or by the Thames River.
For 100 of the BEST pubs and bars, read here for more information.
Tell us, where are your FAVE London hot-spots? Comment below, or get social with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Ready to start the adventure of a lifetime? Divert your eyes here.
