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London Top 10 Sites For Fun, Good Eats, And Adventure

October 6, 2014 By Sydney 7 Comments

I had the chance to visit London for a second time recently and what an upside surprise it was. When I went to London for the first time many years prior, I enjoyed the city but I was a bit tired and short on time since I was on my way home from a trip to Paris. So I was thrilled that my recent trip to London was phenomenal and relaxing. I spent 7 days strolling around London and was also able to take a couple day trip excursions outside the city, which was well worth the extra money and time. I want to share some of my new favorite London Top 10 sites for fun, good eats, and adventure from my trip and hope you get a chance to check out the city yourself some day!

Westminster

Hands down the Westminster district is #1 on my London top 10 sites list. There’s so many famous historical London sites right next to each other in a compact area here that’s easy to walk. If you can only do one thing in London, this is it. Mind the gap at the Westminster tube station, step outside and you’ll walk right up to Big Ben, the Houses Of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, and you’re also just a short walk to Buckingham Palace. Be sure to walk across the Westminster Bridge for some great photo ops and to get a peak at the London Eye.

london top 10 sites Westminster

St. Paul’s To The Royal Courts of Justice

If you like to explore places by foot, this is a fantastic walking tour. I spent a beautiful Sunday morning walking around the south end of the Holborn district on a quiet stroll myself and absolutely loved it. My morning started off outside the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral, dumbstruck by the longest, most incredible music pouring out of the giant bells before the Sunday church service started. Pop inside if you have the time then continue West on Ludgate Hill which turns into Fleet Street. Right before you reach Chancery Lane, sneak a left and stop by Temple Church. It’s tucked away in a quiet courtyard and worth a visit, especially if you’re a fan of The DaVinci Code. Then make your way back to Fleet Street to the beautiful Royal Courts of Justice for some great pics. And if you’re a tea fanatic like me, swing by Twinings Tea Room at 216 Strand for a free tasting and tea shopping galore. After a stop for lunch at one of many pubs or cafes, there are plenty more beautiful side streets to explore as well if you have the energy.

london top 10 sites st pauls royal courts

Brick Lane to Old Spitalfields Market

Hop off the tube at Aldgate East and make your way to Brick Lane. I had no idea that this incredible area even existed in London until a friend suggested I check it out. If you’re up for some adventure and a change from the traditional London touristy sites, this area is a must see. You may not find it on other London Top 10 Sites lists, but to me it’s a hidden gem. You’ll feel like you’re in a totally different country here as you’re suddenly surrounded by abundant and crazy delicious curry houses, mosques, and people ranging from traditionally dressed families on their way to prayer to 20 something hipsters. If you’re there on a Sunday, you can’t miss the Sunday UpMarket for all sorts of handmade goods and the incredible (and cheap!) eats. Then make your way to the historic Princelet Street, where photo shoots and movies are often filmed. Then end up at Old Spitalfields Market for more handmade goods, affordable chic clothes, and other tasty treats.

london top 10 sites brick lane

The British Museum

Who can’t love that London has free museums?! The British Museum is my favorite, especially for its Egyptian and Assyrian collections. There are a lot of galleries to see here, and as an art fanatic I happily spent several hours here. The Great Court is a perfect spot to take a break for refreshments as you admire the famous tessellated glass roof and the 1,656 pairs of glass windowpanes.

london top 10 sites british museum

The Tower Of London

I’m glad I finally got to explore the Tower Of London. I missed it on my first trip to London, and I got lucky this time that the ticket lines were not long. You can take a guided tour or wander around on our own; I did a bit of both. The peak a boo views of Tower Bridge and Crown Jewels are not to miss, and the bridge is an easy walk away for a great photo stop after your tour. I love history and the beauty of the different architecture that’s found here, so I put the Tower of London at number 4 on my London top 10 sites list.

london top 10 sites tower of london

Trafalgar Square

A quick hop, step, and a jump from Charing Cross and Embankment stations, this is always a bustling area. I have a weird obsession with the lions at the base of Nelson’s column, and it’s a lively place to people watch and take a rest. Both The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are here if you’re a museum fan. Check for local events at Trafalgar Square during your visit as it is a popular venue for artists and musicians big and small.

london top 10 sites trafalgar

Kew Gardens

A friend of mine told me to check out Kew Gardens on my trip, and I’m really glad I listened! It’s 10 miles west of central London and worth a visit if you enjoy horticulture and want to spend some time outdoors. They have a tree canopy walk that is so unique and was a true thrill for me since I have a slight fear of heights but have always wanted to do something like that. You can literally walk for hours amongst the various gardens and greenhouses here, or you can hop on their little shuttle. I got to see so many plants I’ve never seen before, and everything was immaculately arranged and pruned. The only negative was the noise of airplanes overhead, but other than that I loved Kew Gardens so much I feel it deserves a spot on my London top 10 sites.

london top 10 sites kew gardens

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

If Kew Gardens is too far, or you want another great green place to explore, head over to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These parks are huge and have plenty of wide open spaces to lay out in the sun and relax. London has dozens of parks scattered around the city that have all sorts of hidden gems.

london top 10 sites hyde park

Covent Garden

This is another place you may not find on other London top 10 sites lists. I didn’t get to wander into this district at all on my first trip, so I was glad another friend of mine suggested I check it out on round two. This district is filled with restaurants, theaters, bars, hotels, and shops galore. My favorite destination was the Covent Garden Market. This indoor/outdoor shopping area is huge and has all sorts of things to buy all the way from high end, main stream, and hand made trinkets.

london top 10 sites covent garden

Chinatown

The last of my London top 10 sites is Chinatown. I love it here because of the food! I had many meals of delicious dumplings, noodles, sweets, and the best mushroom dish I’ve ever had in Chinatown. An easy walk from Piccadilly, Leicester Square, or Trafalgar Square, this is a great place to grab some good eats at any hour.

london top 10 sites chinatown

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Untemplaters, have you been to London? What were your favorite attractions? Have you ever lived in London? What’s your favorite on my list of London top 10 sites?

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Filed Under: Mobile Lifestyle

About Sydney

Hi there, I’m Sydney! After ten crazy years, I left a grueling six-figure job in 2015 for a better life. Now I spend my days with my family, writing, freelancing in various capacities, and finding new ways to stretch my brain. I’m crazy about my husband and two kids, gardening, photography, hiking, and stopping to smell the roses. Untemplater is where I share my insights and adventures with the world. I'm continually motivated to write and evolve in hopes that I can help others improve their lifestyles, careers, wealth and happiness. Every day is a gift! Be sure to check out my how to start a blog and Untemplater recommendations pages. You can also sign up here to get email alerts every time I write a new post. Thanks for reading!

Comments

  1. Zambian Lady says

    November 26, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    I visited London a while back and I enjoyed my time there. I wished I could have gone on the London Eye, but heights and I are not friends so I skipped that one. I like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace as well.

    Reply
  2. DivHut says

    October 7, 2014 at 11:47 am

    The photos all look picture perfect. Like postcards. Though I have traveled a lot I have never been to London. To me it seems like a place to visit when I’m older. However, your stories and photos definitely make it look very interesting to say the least. Thanks for sharing your recent journey.

    Reply
    • Sydney says

      November 2, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      Thanks! I had a lot of fun taking these pics. Hopefully you’ll get to see London some day. I can’t wait to go back again!

      Reply
  3. Financial Samurai says

    October 6, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    Amazing pics!

    I love Spitalfields and Chicken SHASHLIK BHUNA on Bricklane!!! Seriously the best food EVA!

    Reply
    • Sydney says

      October 6, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Thanks! I had a lot of fun taking pics and it was hard narrowing down my library of photos for this post because I had so many memories from this trip. Shashlik Bhuna sounds so yum. I got to eat some super super tasty vegetable dishes there with the best tomato base I’ve ever had. And I loved the Sunday UpMarket – great prices, TONS of food, and lots of fresh juice bars too. London oh how I miss you!

      Reply
  4. Pauline says

    October 6, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    I lived close to London for a couple of years, I loved Brick Lane’s area too. There is a movie called Brick Lane btw about an Indian wife living in the UK which is pretty interesting.
    Angel is a trendy neighborhood with good restaurants. Close by is the Columbia road flower market which has nice places to brunch.
    And I love the food markets, the oysters and food stalls at Borough market make it the perfect place to have a cheap lunch out and sample different foods.

    Reply
    • Sydney says

      October 6, 2014 at 8:29 pm

      That’s so funny there’s a movie called Brick Lane. I’ll have to check it out one of these days. Anywhere that has a flower market sounds divine. And yum the street food is so good. That’s really cool you lived near London! I hope to make it back on a future trip for more strolls. The streets are so elegant with a lot of character – it’s a photographer’s paradise!

      Reply

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