When you think of the city of London, what do you imagine? Do you picture of the famous unsmiling guards dressed in deep red coats with tall furry hats? Or even to the gigantic clock tower known affectionately as “Big Ben”? While these are iconic parts of London’s character, there are many hidden gems that specific types of travelers should check out to indulge in the rich diversity that this giant culture hub as to offer.
For the First-Time Visitor: Coca-Cola London Eye
While this iconic ferris wheel is a true touristy destination, it is a must-do when you visit London. As the largest ferris wheel in Europe, the London Eye stands at soaring 443 feet tall, and offers an phenomenal view of city from the highest public viewing spot in London. The a single ride will take you 30 minutes to complete, and tickets can be purchase ahead of time so you can avoid the long queue.
For the Foodie: Borough Market
Located in Southwark on the south bank of the river Thames, this bustling food market has been running since at least 1014. The market is an explosion of sights, sounds, smells, and human interactions that really epitomize the diversity within London. Borough Market is a true food lovers dream. You can buy everything from confectionaries to fresh produce, and everything in between. I suggest trying the exotic Ostrich or ‘Sika Deer burgers and some of the best curry found outside of India.
For the Art Enthusiast: Tate Modern
If you enjoy modern art, you must visit Tate Modern (just one of the many free museums in London!). The massive brick building embellished with a huge tower is quite the contrast to the colorful, unusual, and thought-provoking works by famous modern artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Piet Mondrian that can be found inside the museum.
For the Hipster: White Chapel Neighborhood
Once the stomping grounds of the infamous killer Jack the Ripper, this diverse immigrant neighborhood has gone through an urban renewal in recent years. Now riddled with vintage boutiques, hip coffee shops, and vibrant street art, the White Chapel exudes a bohemian ambience. I suggest grabbing a heavenly mocha from Dark Sugars, a cocoa house, and wandering around to see all the incredible murals in the area.
For the Nerd: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
While the studio is located outside of London in Hertfordshire, this tour is an absolute must for any die-hard fans of Harry Potter. Stocked with all the original props, costumes, and parts of the original sets from each movie, the three hour tour gives a truly magical look into the creation of the international blockbuster films. From moment you walk through the doors into The Great Hall of Hogwarts to your first sip of foamy Butter beer, the whole experience is truly every Harry Potter nerd’s fantasy. Don’t forget to book your tickets early, because tours fill up quickly.
