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I’ll be honest with you, the idea of living in London sounds like hell, but I do love visiting the city on random occurrences. As a vibrant, culturally-diverse and creative city there are many reasons why you should visit London, but I’ll just give you a few so you can decide for yourself.
9 Reasons Why You Should Visit London
Shopping in London
Whether you’re willing to jostle your way through the crowds on Oxford Street and Regent Streets to experience a little bit of luxury shopping in Selfridges or Liberty, or you enjoy a good rummage at a market like the ones on Portobello Road or in Camden.
Theatres in London
Do you love a musical or are you more of a fan of serious drama, either way there are so many theatres in London that you are guaranteed to find something that you’ll enjoy. Not only is there the famous West End (including the Savoy Theatre, Apollo Victoria Theatre and the London Palladium,) but also the off-West End venues (including The Almeida, The National Theatre and The Globe Theatre.) Then there are even smaller venues (above pubs, community centres) that can offer a little more intimacy and something more special.
Museums and Galleries in London
Regardless of whether your interests are scientific, cultural, or historical I can’t imagine you wouldn’t be able to find a museum that would grab your interest, in the same way that there are plenty of galleries available should you be interested in traditional art or more modern creations.
Check out National Art Pass for free entries and discounts on exhibitions.
Parks and Gardens in London
If you want to head somewhere that popular and enjoyed by millions of visitors every year then you could consider the stunning manicured landscapes of Kensington Palace Gardens or even Kew Gardens with thousands of plants and flowers. If you want to enjoy great views of the city then head to the roof of Queen Elizabeth Hall or enjoy a drink on the roof of The Culpeper. However, if you want to go somewhere a little more quiet and less crowded then spend some time walking around the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park or the beautiful ruins of St Dunstan in the East.
Places to Eat
Trying to narrow down where to to eat in London is a real challenge, with so many types of food available for so many different budgets. You really can’t go wrong by heading to Chinatown (Ichibuns) with so many incredible Asian offerings available, for a more relaxed vibe then head to the Southbank Food Market, if you want to treat yourself then wander around Covent Garden (The Petersham) but if it’s fresh ingredients that interests you then pay a visit to Borough Market.
Pubs in London
After you’ve visited Kew Gardens stop by The Coach and Horses, If you fancy following the footsteps of Charles Dickens then visit Lamb and Flag for some good old fashioned pub grub. In the shade of the Shard is The Horseshoe Inn which has been one of my favourite places to visit for a number of years. Close to Borough Market and Tate Modern, Anchor Bankside is an ideal location to grab a drink and enjoy great views of the Thames.
Read: My Favourite London Pubs
The Skyline in London
I’ve already mention that you can see great views of the city from Queen Elizabeth Hall and the roof of The Culpeper, but if you really want great views of London you can’t really beat heading to Sky Garden. However if you want to get away from the city itself and enjoy some fresh air then make your way to the top of the hill in Greenwich Park.
Accommodation in London
With so many options can be incredibly difficult to decide where to stay, however having stayed in London a few times over the years I’ve managed to pick a few favourites. If you want to be close to Covent Garden then The Henrietta Hotel is a good option, if the Southbank is your location of choice then opt to stay at Sea Containers, and for a short stay in Shoreditch then The Curtain is a great option.
Other Attractions in London
There really is nothing better than discovering new places as well as revisiting areas again and again. Wander along the Southbank and make a pit stop at the book market. Cecil Court offers some of the best second hand bookshops and antique shops in the city. The Burlington Arcade is simply stunning and a little like stepping back in time. Enjoy a coffee at The Attendant which is a refurbished Victorian public toilet which has since been turned into a coffee shop.
Why do you think people should visit London?
Let me know in the comments.
