London’s Calling. Literally.
London is my second home, and has a very important place in my heart. If you get the chance to visit this diverse city, don’t take it for granted by getting caught in the countless tourist traps.
- Wetherspoons
What is less of a tourist trap than Wetherspoons? Nothing right? If you’re seeking a traditional pub meal at a very affordable price head to basically any street in London and you’ll eventually find a ‘spoons.
2. Tower of London
My favourite museum/historical site within the city, this site is full of history that begins from William the Conqueror and continues to this day. Glimpse at the crown jewels or see where Anne Boleyn was beheaded. But make sure to visit early in the day as it can get very crowded, particularly in summer. Extra fact, apparently it’s the most haunted place in London….
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/#gs.kUM8lIn0
3. British Museum
I’d take 2-3 days inside this spot, as it’s almost impossible to see every area of the museum in just one visit. There’s a fascinating amount of Egyptian and Greek artefacts that are well worth seeing.
4. Tate Britain
This art gallery is seriously underrated compared to other’s in the city, and houses some of Britain’s most recognisable paintings including Ophelia by John Everett Millais, The Awakening Conscience by William Holman Hunt and A Bigger Splash by David Hockney.
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
5. The National Gallery
Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is an iconographic image for British tourism. Paintings by some of the world’s most famous artists cover the walls, including Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Monet, Vermeer and Holbein the Younger.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk
6. Kensington Palace
If you want to see a functioning British castle but don’t want the crowds? Then Kensington Palace is the place. The rooms are presented as how they would have been used at the time, and the history is presented through an immersive experience.
https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/#gs.LMllNvjQ
7. Sketch
If you really want to feel like a Londoner, then Sketch is a must visit. Iconic for its legendary instagram status, each room is immaculately styled in different concepts. The drinks are on the pricey end, but delicious. You might even spot a celebrity or two!
8. Yolkin
Located on Rupert street in Covent Garden, Yolkin appears as an unassuming ice cream shop but defies all expectations. Its trademark ice cream macaroon sandwich is my favourite dessert in London!
9. Regent Street
I guess if you’re in London, you’re planning on doing some shopping. Best to do it in style! Nearly everywhere to shop in London is constantly busy, so brace the crowds because Regent street is London’s best!
10. Camden Market
Despite my intentions of providing a list that avoids the tourist traps, Camden Market is one exception. I know you might be tempted to get a tattoo from the many tourist shops, but fight that temptation! There’s some really great market stalls that offer unique jewellery, records and posters to name a few!
Bonus: Winter Wonderland
Nothing in Australia compares to the extravaganza that is Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. This is why I visited 4 times last Christmas. Basically whatever you want to do they have. Ice skating, rides, games and lots and lots of bars. A tip: take cash with you as it’s needed for mostly everything and transaction fees can be really high from the ATMs they provide.
https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Extra Bonus: Hampton Court Palace
I didn’t include this in my top ten as it is not officially in London but in neighbouring Surrey. It’s only 30mins by train from Waterloo and is just as impressive as the Tower of London but without the crowds. Famous for its main resident of Henry VIII and his six wives, ghostly sightings are reportedly a frequent occurrence. Most recently, it was a filming location for the movie The Favourite!
https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/
Tip: If you’re thinking about visiting all of the Historic Royal Palaces on this list, look into getting an annual membership as it may be cheaper and you can enter as many times as you want.
SUITCASE ON MY SLEEVE 
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