{"id":16239,"date":"2016-01-11T17:09:37","date_gmt":"2016-01-11T21:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=16239"},"modified":"2019-03-15T17:55:11","modified_gmt":"2019-03-15T21:55:11","slug":"london-20-things-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2016\/01\/11\/london-20-things-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Things You Absolutely Have to Do in London"},"content":{"rendered":"
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London\u2019s Big Ben is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great sightseeing!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The great English writer Samuel Johnson once claimed that “to tire of London is to tire of life.” With one step on the city\u2019s old cobblestone streets, his words immediately ring true. What can<\/em> be tiring, however, is trying to choose between the many attractions and sights the city has to offer. Never fear\u2014we\u2019ve got you covered with this quick list of 20 essential things to do during your stay in London!<\/p>\n

1. Stroll through St. James’ Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

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St. James' Park is home to many species of birds and includes a real swan lake.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

London is known for its many parks<\/a> that adorn the city with greenery and nature and provide respite from the busy life of a big city. None offers as much splendor as St. James’ Park, which is located just a short walk from Buckingham Palace (another must-see London attraction<\/a>). Peeking out from behind the trees and gardens (and even some swans) is a picturesque view of the St. James’s Palace that looks right out of a fairytale.<\/p>\n

2. Wander through the British Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The British Museum\u2019s incomparable exhibitions will make you feel like an explorer in your own right.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The UK never lets you forget how far the British Empire once spanned, which is perhaps why this museum in Bloomsbury<\/a> incorporates so many cultural artifacts from around the world. With pieces like the Rosetta Stone on display and exhibitions ranging from Africa, to the Middle East, to the Americas, this free museum<\/a> is well worth a visit.<\/p>\n

3. Catch a show in the West End<\/strong><\/p>\n

London and theatre have always been inextricably linked. Whether you\u2019re a musical theatre junkie looking to collect more playbills, or you simply want to experience top-quality entertainment, London\u2019s West End<\/a> theatre district is your best bet. Make sure you visit the half-off ticket booths in the area instead of paying full price<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4. Experience Shakespeare\u2019s Globe Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Though it was reconstructed in 1996, the Globe is meant to look just as it did during the Elizabethan Era.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Nowhere else in London can you catch such true Shakespearean drama\u2014or comedy, if you prefer to laugh rather than cry (though the Bard\u2019s tales usually make you do both)\u2014than the Globe Theatre. For a true historical experience, buy yourself a cheap groundling ticket (most go for \u00a35) as members of London\u2019s lower classes once did. Though you\u2019ll have to stand for the performance, it\u2019s worth it for the authenticity of the experience.<\/p>\n

5. Share a moment at Westminster Abbey<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s face it\u2014everyone is at least a little<\/em> obsessed with the royal family. Why not see the place where royals have been crowned and married for centuries for yourself? Westminster Abbey<\/a>, a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of London, has been the stage for many historical events for the monarchy. Make sure to check out the Poet\u2019s Corner, where a number of Great Britain\u2019s most beloved poets, playwrights, and writers are buried.<\/p>\n

6. Lunch at Borough Market<\/strong><\/p>\n

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At Borough Market you can find pastries, sweets, and produce.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Borough Market<\/a> is the perfect place to go for a fun afternoon with friends or even a casual date. As one of the largest food markets in the world, it sells delicious fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of multicultural fare. If you\u2019re staying at a flat like this vacation rental in Southwark<\/a>, save money by doing some of your food shopping at local markets and cooking meals instead of dining out!<\/p>\n

7. Ride a \u201cBoris\u201d Bike<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Plenty of locals and tourists choose to explore the city on a bicycle as a way to stay active.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re wondering why these rental bicycles are called Boris Bikes, it\u2019s because Boris Johnson was the mayor of Greater London when the initiative was first launched as a way to reduce vehicle traffic. In London there are sights and sounds everywhere you look, so why not take a tour on a bike? You can rent Boris Bikes for a day, a month, or even a year.<\/p>\n

8. Shop at Canada Square in Canary Wharf<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many look to London\u2019s big department stores\u2014Harrods, Selfridges, etc.\u2014 to do their shopping<\/a>, and those are certainly great choices. Make sure not to miss Canada Square in Canary Wharf<\/a> though, as it’s not only home to some of London’s tallest skyscrapers,\u00a0 but it also offers hundreds of stores and boutiques. If you want to make a day of it, visit one of the dozens of restaurants. You’ll undoubtedly find everything you need and more.<\/p>\n

9. Sip some afternoon tea<\/strong><\/p>\n

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London locals almost never miss afternoon tea time.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you went to London and didn\u2019t have a spot of afternoon tea, did your trip really happen? Whether you like your tea with milk or two lumps of sugar, don\u2019t miss out on this local custom. There are plenty of places to grab a \u201ccuppa,\u201d<\/a> so planning your afternoon around teatime is easy.<\/p>\n

10. Enjoy pub food at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the things Londoners enjoy most is grabbing a pint at their favorite pub and chatting with old friends. What some outsiders don\u2019t know is that many pubs serve excellent food and offer their own take on traditional dishes; after all, there\u2019s more to London than fish and chips<\/a> (though they are definitely worth a try)! Try Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, which has been around since the 17th century and once included regulars like Mark Twain and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to get some literary history along with your pint.<\/p>\n

11. Find the magic at King\u2019s Cross Station<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been around for the last decade, you know that Platform 9 \u00be at King\u2019s Cross station is where Harry and Ron took their first clumsy steps as Hogwarts students. There is, of course, a photo op here (just like many Harry Potter film locations in London<\/a>), but feel free to enjoy all the beauty of King\u2019s Cross station afterwards. It\u2019s one of Europe\u2019s most beautiful train stations, so even non-Harry Potter fans can tag along.<\/p>\n

12. Visit St. Paul\u2019s Cathedral<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Queen\u2019s Diamond Jubilee was recently held at St. Paul\u2019s. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

St. Paul\u2019s Cathedral sits on Ludgate Hill, London\u2019s highest point, so its iconic dome is always peeking out of London\u2019s skyline. The structure has survived the ups and downs of London history, from the Great Fire of London (after which part of it was rebuilt) to the Blitzkrieg during World War II. People come from all over the world to walk its famous hallways.<\/p>\n

13. Take a day trip to Oxford<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most people know Oxford University as one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The town that\u2019s home to the university is a quaint but idyllic setting, with its own history, lively attractions, and shops. Visit the Eagle and Child pub to sit where J. R. R. Tolkien penned his Lord of the Rings<\/em> trilogy. Make the two-hour journey from London into a day trip to make sure you have plenty of time to see all the sights!<\/p>\n

14. Hang out at Neal\u2019s Yard<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Though small, Neal\u2019s Yard is impossible to miss with its lovely colors.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Covent Garden neighborhood of London\u2019s West End is worth a visit, especially if you stumble upon Neal\u2019s Yard and enter its charming, secret world. This alley opens into a courtyard that is home to New Age boutiques and shops that are all painted with different hues of vibrant colors. You can sit and have lunch or tea, take great photos, and boast about having been to a local London treasure.<\/p>\n

15. Journey through the Tower of London<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a history buff, you simply have to take a tour of the Tower of London<\/a>, through which many historical figures passed… and many lost their heads! The tower itself is a historical monument and even keeps part of the original Roman wall that shielded the city from invaders long ago. A tour is a fun way for kids to learn a little British history, so feel free to take the whole family<\/a>.<\/p>\n

16. Observe The View from the Shard<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Go straight to the top for a view this great!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

You can get a view of London<\/a> from the famous London Eye<\/a>, but there\u2019s a new sightseeing attraction that\u2019s got all the tourists flocking to Southwark<\/a>. The View from the Shard is a trip to the highest floors of the Shard, London\u2019s official tallest building. Best of all, it\u2019s all indoors, so you don\u2019t have to worry about the fickle London weather ruining your day.<\/p>\n

17. Scale the O2<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The O2 Arena is much more than a famous music venue for top-selling artists.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Adventurers seeking an exciting sporting activity can strap on a harness and scale London’s O2 arena. This entertainment venue on the Greenwich peninsula hosts top artists\u2019 performances, offers fine dining and shopping, and now presents a unique athletic challenge: climbing from one end of the arena to the other. Talk about a thrill!<\/p>\n

18. Discover quirky Shoreditch<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re eager to find an alternative side to the posh streets of central London, head East<\/a>! Shoreditch is gaining wide popularity as a youthful and eclectic area, boasting cool clothing boutiques, fun pubs, and an overall good time for any of its visitors. It’s even starting to rival the West End. Despite rising rents and a changing character, Shoreditch remains a widely artistic and creative district.<\/p>\n

19. Listen to jazz at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ronnie Scott\u2019s, opened in 1959 in London’s West End, began as an intimate basement club where local musicians could perform freely. It didn\u2019t take long to evolve into one of the world\u2019s most famous jazz venues, though luckily the club has maintained the intimacy that audiences crave. Countless artists have graced the small stage, from Miles Davis to Count Basie. Today, it\u2019s still a local hot spot for all music lovers regardless of age.<\/p>\n

20. Go back to Tudor England at Hampton Court Palace<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hampton Court Palace contains the last medieval great hall built for the English monarchy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Henry VIII was infamous for many things, including leaving the Roman Catholic Church to form the Church of England so he could obtain a divorce and marry Anne Boleyn. Take a trip just 40 minutes outside of London and you can walk through the gates named after this second wife\u2014just before Henry had her executed.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re traveling alone, with family, or going on a romantic getaway<\/a>, relax with the knowledge that the hard work of trip planning has been done for you. Choose your adventure from this list and experience London with the authenticity of a local and the fresh eyes of a tourist. If finding lodging is still on your to-do list, check out the great apartment rentals<\/a> offered on our website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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