Whether you’re practically a Londoner or you’re visiting for the first time, you need to flesh out a plan. You don’t want to risk missing out on the best in London right?

 

London is a large sprawling city with many hidden gems. There is the more typical tourism that encompasses well-known pieces of architecture and significant city highlights.

 

But the best in London isn’t always in obvious places. 

 

Apart from the highlights, there is also a more unknown underworld of London that the local’s experience. In this post, I’ll cover all the basics, hopefully, so you see and experience as much of Old London Town as you can.

 

Because learning the Londoner’s way of having a blast is, well, a blast.

 

The Best of London, God's Own Junkyard, London
Photo source CCL

 

The Best in London

If You Are Into Pubs and Things

 

One thing most people think of when they come to London is the pubs. The drinking culture is older, more established and has a younger drinking age than in the states. In some ways, the culture is more laid back, as well as a bit more rogue.

 

The best of london

 

The typical pub crawl in London can outlast any crawl you might have experienced in the states. If you want to experience all the traditional and high life urban pubs, a pub crawl might be in order. It is a significantly different scene and social epicenter.

 

After all, the pubs there have been in existence for the last two thousand years.

 

Buckingham Palace, The best of london
Buckingham Palace

 

For Those Who Enjoy Life, Peacefully

 

If you’re looking for the more traditional tourist spots you will definitely want to visit Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard.

 

Also high on the list is the Tower of London. A place of residence, prison, and sight of many executions throughout Britain’s existence.

 

On a less violent note, seeking out Big Ben, the famous clock now known as the sound of the BBC. Below Big Ben, is the parliament buildings and Westminster Abbey.

 

The Fairytale Traveler, Christa Thompson, Westminster Abbey, London
Here I am at Westminster Abbey, London

 

For a little more outdoor time, visiting Kew Gardens and Covent Garden will not be a disappointment. This is the place to take your day of shopping and trying local restaurants.

 

And for the best view of all of London, visit The London Eye. The world’s largest observatory wheel has glass-enclosed vestibules giving the best views of all of London town.

 

Perhaps a jolly rendition of “London Bridges Falling Down” as the famous bridge comes into sight.

 

surprise party tips, tea, best places in the UK for afternoon tea

 

What could be more English than going for a proper tea? At least visiting the three-hundred-year-old Twinings tea shop will provide the same service it does for the Queen.

 

Delving deeper into the more obscure London, there are a plethora of options to have a little fun in London town.

 

For Potterheads

 

If you are a fan of the popular series of “Harry Potter” there are two locations you won’t want to miss. Platform nine and three quarters have been honored at the famous made Kings Cross.

 

Harry Potter Studios London
Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios London. Sorry, it’s so blurry, I took it with my phone…

 

Between platforms nine and ten you will find a homage to the entrance to the Hogwarts Express.

 

It’s advised you leave yourself plenty of time if you’d like a picture with one of the disappearing carts as its to become a popular tourist site for book fans.

 

Harry Potter Studios London, the best of London
Harry Potter Studios London

 

This is not the only Potter fan hotspots. Visit Leadonhall Market Market to see the setting for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron.

 

One More Thing

 

Last but not least if you’ve completed your pub crawl and still standing a trip to God’s Own Junkyard, it will be a feast for the eyes. An industrial-sized warehouse packed with old-world neon signs acts as an art gallery, Instagram candy, and art dealer.

 

God's Own Junkyard, London
God’s Own Junkyard, London Photo Source CCL, Feature Photo source CCL

 

A bright cheerful display that brings the flair of Las Vegas to the grey streets of London town. Just make sure to schedule this visit on a weekend, when it is only open to the public.

 

No matter if you find yourself in London for two days or two weeks, there is plenty to fill your days and fill your cup. Local brews and cups of tea to keep your palette hydrated as you visit all the best in London. 

 

Author

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

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