Traveling all throughout the world undoubtedly brings the most joy into my life. Do you remember that feeling every Christmas morning as a kid, running down the stairs, towards the Christmas tree, and seeing all the presents you’ve been waiting to unwrap? Or what about the time when you were waiting for the bell to ring on the very last day of school, because that meant summer vacation was going to start? Those feelings that I felt as a child are reignited every time I fly and land into a new city.
Waking up in a new city, getting dressed up to put on a cute outfit, and eating everything my heart desires is such a treat. There’s no better feeling than waking up in the morning, walking to a local bakery, and having that first sip of warm coffee to wake you up. Not to mention the aromas that fill your heart up when you’re overlooking all the yummy pastries. All of these things I got to experience at one of the most cherished cities in the world, London.
In today’s blog post I’ll be uncovering London and sharing all the lessons, surprises, and adventures I came across on my three week trip. If you’re looking to visit London for the very first time or returning to the city, I hope that today’s post will get you excited for your next trip to the Big Smoke.
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Exploring London’s Hidden Gems
While London’s iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, The British Museum, and Big Ben rarely escape the eyes of tourists, the city is teeming with unparalleled beauty lying in its lesser-explored corners. I love to discover tucked-away treasures, vibrant vintage markets, quirky museums, exquisite gardens, and authentic local neighborhoods, enriching my experience with unique memories. While the tourist-y things are fun to look at, I find that stumbling across them rather than preparing my day to see only tourist-y landmarks is the (best and least stressful) way to go. After all, I’m uncovering London aren’t I?
London’s Famous Markets
London is known for its markets. There are so many! A weekend visit to Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is a must for a treasure trove of antique goods, vintage clothing, and rare vinyl, and a visit to the Columbia Flower Market is the best way to spend your Sunday afternoon for fresh blooms.
Columbia Street Flower Market
The Columbia Flower Market is a vibrant amalgamation of sights, sounds and smells. From unusual plants to fresh-cut bouquets and exotic foliage, the array of beautiful botanical offerings is astounding. It’s not just a market, it’s a sensory experience that brings together enthusiastic Londoners and curious tourists alike, backed by the lilt of seller banter and the scent of fresh blooms. I went two weeks in a row, so it’s safe to say that the Columbia Flower Market was my favorite market of all.
Brick Lane Market
If you’re a fashion aficionado and into vintage shopping, there’s the Brick Lane Market, a destination for bargain hunters, offering a mix of bric-a-brac, second-hand furniture, vintage clothing, and more. Beyond clothes, there are also booths serving the yummiest food from all different types of cultures just inviting you with its aromatic scents. Be sure to bring your comfiest shoes and reusable bags. You’re definitely going to do a lot of damage when shopping at the Brick Lane Market.
Borough Market
For all the foodies out there, the Borough Market is the best place to be. This popular food market offers a wide array of delectable delights every single day, rain or shine. I recommend going there with lots of friends so you can all go to different booths, get as much food as you can, and share while being huddled up together in between the sea of people that are also very hungry and excited to experience the beauty that is Borough Market.
Uncovering London: Art and Culture
London’s heartbeat is steeped in an abundance of art and culture. The city is a spectacular melting pot of histories and stories, a canvas with rich colors of the past and the vibrancy of modern creativity painted all over it. There are lots of historical museums such as the British Museum (which I actually did not get to go to on this trip!) and lots of art galleries. I came across a handful of smaller, independently owned galleries while walking around, but the most notable ones (which I also did not get to go to) include the National Gallery and the Tate Modern!
The Beauty of Slow Travel
You might be wondering, oh my gosh you were in London for three weeks – how could you not go visit these museums?! well to be frank, whenever I visit a city, I don’t like to rush and stress myself out over seeing every single thing and doing every single thing. I find that it takes the joy out of traveling and adds stress into your vacation. I also like to travel with the mindset that I’m going to be back at that destination once again so I really don’t think stressing myself out and seeing all the things is truly necessary! The only time I’ve ever regretted it was when I was in Paris and didn’t make it a priority to go see the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Stressing the concept of slow travel even further, I often take unique pleasure in simply immersing myself in the city’s hectic heartbeat, its ever-changing rhythm, and its undeniable charisma. The magic of a bustling city like London isn’t merely in its renowned museums or landmarks, but also significantly within its people, the neighborhoods, the community markets, and even its charming bistros nestled in alleyways.
Rather than darting from one tourist spot to another, I find a deeper connection and satisfaction in taking long, aimless walks by the River Thames, sourcing yummy meals from Borough Market for a wholesome time, or even striking up an easy conversation with a local at a café in Shoreditch. The real essence of travel, from my perspective, is to absorb and live the local lifestyle.
Committing to the art of slow travel also means leaving room for spontaneity. Some of my most cherished memories come from unexpected encounters and unplanned wanderings. In adopting the mindset that I’ll return to a destination again, I don’t feel compelled to cram all its attractions into one visit. This takes away the weight of expectations and societal pressures to visit ‘iconic’ places, turning the venture into a stressful checklist.
In essence, I’ve found that by traveling slowly, we not only enjoy our trips more but also form a richer, deeper understanding of the places we visit. London, vibrant and diverse, is no exception. There’s much to relish beyond its famed sights, and the joy of discovering them slowly, leisurely, and in greater detail embeds the experience deeply into our memory tapestry, making each journey immeasurably priceless.
London’s Theater Scene
From what I’ve heard, London’s theater scene is legendary. When I do go back, I’d love to go to The West End as they boast a long history and plethora of shows, from Shakespearean drama to modern-day musicals. For an authentic Shakespearean experience, I plan on going to the Globe Theatre one day. My aunt, Antoinette, and her husband went to go watch the midnight showing of Romeo and Juliet at the Globe Theatre and I heard they had a fantastic time. She did mention that because it’s an open theater, you might want to bring that umbrella in case it starts to get a little rainy while the show is going on. By the way, my aunt has a Substack that you can subscribe to for amazing recommendations for all the cities she’s visited so far. You can subscribe here!
London: The Most Diverse City in Europe
London is so diverse. While uncovering London, I found that there are different cultural neighborhoods featuring the best of the best foods that you’ll ever find. Brick Lane is famed for its distinct Bangladeshi culture, and Chinatown is a lively hub of East Asian culture, food, and festivity. Every corner of London holds a story, every street is a testament to creativity, and every culture has a beautiful presence in the city. It’s what makes London oh so special.
Uncovering London: Street Art Scene
I always say, the best way to get to know a city is by its street art. London’s streets serve as a dynamic canvas for artists, both local and international. The city’s urban art scene showcases an array of enigmatic designs, thought-provoking messages, and creative masterpieces strewn across its neighborhoods.
Shoreditch, often considered the heart of London’s street art scene, is an eclectic playground speckled with vibrant murals, stencilled graffiti, and controversial pieces. Known artists such as Banksy, Obey, and ROA have left their mark here. A must-see is Banksy’s ‘Designated Graffiti Area‘ at Rivington Street.
Just a short walk from Shoreditch, Brick Lane offers a stunning array of street art and graffiti. The roads and alleys leading off Brick Lane, such as Hanbury Street, promise dramatic large-scale murals and innovative installations. Here, you can see the works of famous artists such as Jimmy C and Invader among others.
Uncovering London’s Public Transport
I absolutely love the Tube! Very rarely did I ever use Uber or order a Taxi. First of all, they’re both ridiculously expensive and with London’s traffic, you’ll find yourself wasting a lot of time sitting in a car than exploring the beauty of what London has to offer. London is known for its extensive and efficient public transport system, which makes it easy to explore the city and its surroundings. Plus, another great way to know the city is to use its public transportation. Except LA. Don’t do that.
If you’re on a journey to uncover London, you’ll love the Tube too. The Tube connects London’s boroughs with a network of 11 lines that are color-coded for ease of use. It’s very simple to use and quite relaxing once you get the hang of it. Everyone walks very fast in London so be prepared and have your comfy shoes on.
Tips for using the Tube:
- You don’t need an Oyster Card. You can use Apple or Google Pay or your card (if it has the tap feature). These options offer discounted fares compared to purchasing single paper tickets. If you find that you need to purchase one, Oyster cards can be topped up online or at numerous stations across London.
- Plan your journey in advance. Make use of Transport for London’s online Journey Planner or download a travel app like Citymapper (my aunt’s go to app) to plan the quickest route to your destination. This prevents confusion and ensures that you are well-prepared with clear information about London’s busy Tube network and any service updates.
- Keep an eye on the Tube Map. Familiarize yourself with the map, which is available online and at every station, helping you navigate the various lines, zones, and interchange stations. London Underground consists of 11 lines, each with a unique name and color, so paying attention to these distinctions will make your commute smoother.
- Mind the gap and observe etiquette. Always be mindful of the gap between the platform and train when boarding or alighting. Stand to the right on escalators to allow those in a hurry to pass on the left, and allow passengers to exit the train before attempting to board. Refrain from eating or consuming strong-smelling food inside the train, and keep your belongings safely stowed. I also found that loud chatter in the Tube isn’t a good look.
- Be prepared for rush hour. During rush hours (typically weekdays from 7:30-09:30 and 17:00-19:00), the Tube can be especially crowded, making journeys less comfortable for first-time travelers. Whenever possible, plan your trips outside of these peak times to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Uncovering London: Tea Tasting in Different Parts of London
I didn’t get to experience high tea at all in London or in the UK for that matter, but that’s definitely going to be on my list of things to do when I return. For centuries, tea has been intertwined with British culture, shaping traditions, conversations, and reprieves from busy schedules. There are different tea tasting experiences such as Twinings, Postcard Teas, and Yumchaa.
Tea Tasting Experiences
Steeped in more than 300 years of history, the Twinings tea shop on Strand houses a museum and offers tasting classes to tea connoisseurs. Here, you can unravel the secrets of tea preparation, pairings, and many facets of the world of tea.
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Postcard Teas is renowned for sourcing rare, small-batch teas directly from farms. Their weekly tasting sessions offer unique insights into the art of tea-making, complemented by fascinating tea stories from around the world.
With various branches across London, Yumchaa emphasizes ‘free-the-tea’—moving away from industrial tea bags to loose leaf teas. There you can engage your palate with their vast range of loose leaf teas and blends to discover your preferred flavors.
Uncovering London with a High Tea Experience
As for high tea experiences, this is a quintessential British tradition that brings a delightful array of finger sandwiches, scones, sweet pastries, and of course, tea. You can experience quirky and Instagram-worthy afternoon tea experience in Sketch’s blush-pink Gallery room. Their unique take on traditional afternoon tea with a twist of innovative pastries and evolving tea menu makes this a must-visit. This is on my list for sure. You can also have High Tea at The Ritz, which provides a classic afternoon tea experience complemented by a selection of finely blended teas, delicate sandwiches, and exquisite pastries, making it truly memorable. Last but certainly not least is experiencing High Tea at Fortnum & Mason. Fortnum’s iconic Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a variety of afternoon teas. Their vast selection of Fortnum’s famous blends and rare teas from far-off lands is a perfect match for the treats on offer.
Exploring London’s Past: Top Historical Walks
London, steeped in robust history and rich heritage, is a city that tells its own tales well. Distinct historical walks offer journeys through time, allowing a unique blend of exploration, enlightenment, and exercise! I did two of the walks with my aunt in one day. We ended up walking about six miles that day. We did The Royal Mile Walk, which stretches between two royal landmarks: the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Along the way, we saw iconic locations like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament. Another walk that we did was The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Walk, where you start at London Bridge and walk along the south bank of the Thames to explore the Elizabethan London of William Shakespeare. The route passes Borough Market and the Globe Theatre.
Uncovering London: British Etiquette
I’m such a huge fan of British culture. Growing up in the US, it’s quite rare to see proper etiquette, so it’s refreshing to see it so much while I was visiting. For one, they’re amazing at standing in line (otherwise known as queuing). They are very orderly and no one cuts! Brits are incredibly polite, but they keep to themselves, don’t expect a lot of small talk as you would in other countries. While it may come off as rude, they really just don’t engage in small talk. Everyone is always on time and eats beautifully. You won’t see a Brit eating with their hands and you’ll find that their posture is perfect and they wield their cutlery very intentionally. I was taking notes watching them interact with one another, especially while eating together. It’s fascinating to see and live through it.
Uncovering London’s Unpredictable Weather
What I love about London is its unpredictable weather. Most people wouldn’t say the same, but as long as you’re prepared for the random sprinkles throughout the day by keeping a small umbrella in your bag, then you’ll be fine. I also recommend wearing an undershirt in case it gets too warm (sometimes the sun likes to make a bold appearance) and bringing a change of shoes. I love to wear heels, but I always keep a pair of Wildlings in my bag. Also, you never know if you’re going to do some shopping, so I recommend always having a folded tote bag in your main bag, ready to be used in case you stumble across a small booth with cute knick knacks.
Uncovering London through Weekend Getaways: Escape to Bath, Bristol, and Crawley
I’ll have to admit – while I do find London fascinating, I find it equally exhausting. From the fast paced walking to traveling through the Tube all day, you’ll find yourself beat by the end of the day as soon as you hit your bed. If you’re looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of London, definitely explore Bath, Bristol, and (yes) Crawley. Each city offers a unique escape, catering to a myriad of traveler tastes. The best way to travel through Europe is via train, and my favorite app to book train tickets is Omio.
Bath: A World Heritage City
Are you a Bridgerton fan? You must go to Bath, a world heritage city. Rich in architectural and ancient Roman history, Bath is one of the UK’s most picturesque cities. Just 1.5 hours by train from London, Bath offers a refreshing weekend getaway. Bath’s top attractions include the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the Thermae Bath Spa.
Bristol: A City of Creativity and Culture
If you’re into creativity and culture, check out Bristol. Just 15 minutes away from Bath, Bristol is known for its lively arts scene and maritime history. The city charms visitors with an eclectic mix of experiences. Its top attractions include the SS Great Britain, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the Banksy Street Art Tour.
Crawley: Peace and Quiet
If you have a few days to rest and recover before your long flight back to your home and happened to book a flight out of Gatwick, I really think Crawley is worth taking a look at. It’s only an hour by train from London and it’s very quaint and quiet. You can stay at a cute bed and breakfast and walk to the small downtown. I recommend going to Crow for coffee and to indulge in a game of chess, and having some yummy Turkish food right across at Turkuaz.
A weekend trip to any of these cities gives a renewed perspective of London and make the trip extra special. Whether you indulge in historical opulence in Bath, delve into Bristol’s artsy ambiance, or soak up Crawley’s balance of nature and commerce, a weekend getaway rejuvenates even the weariest city dweller.
Uncovering London: My Honest Thoughts on London
In the end, London truly is a treasure trove of experiences, from indulging in the rich history of the city to exploring its lesser-known corners. With an abundance of markets, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By embracing the local culture and etiquette, your time in the Big Smoke will be even more remarkable. And if you need a break from the buzzing city, weekend getaways to nearby gems like Bath, Bristol, and Crawley will refresh and enchant you. There’s no doubt that London left an everlasting impression on me, and I can’t wait to return and uncover even more of its secrets. I hope my journey and insights guide and inspire you the next time you set foot in this incredible city. Cheers!
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