Whether it’s your first time or your fifth to the United
Kingdom, no trip is complete without a visit to London. This vibrant capital is
teeming with life and is full of things to do. You could catch a show in the
West End, get a bird’s eye view of the capital from the London Eye, or simply
while away the hours people-watching from a local cafe. Here are a few of the
best places to visit in London.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden attracts visitors and locals alike due to
the wide array of shops, plentiful places to eat and drink, and the fact that
it is central to London’s West End. This charming area has an interesting past
and was originally called Convent
Garden as it was a vegetable garden used by the monks of Westminster Abbey
in the early 1500s. Today’s Covent Garden consists of a bustling piazza
designed by Charles Fowler in 1830. Visit in the afternoon, and you will be
treated to the sound of local musicians. If you’re lucky, you will find
talented opera singers filling the piazza with their songs. In the evening,
grab a drink at a local bar and then head over to one of the theaters to catch
a show.
Liverpool Street
Liverpool Street is home to London’s financial center.
Here, you can find the awe-inspiring Gherkin skyscraper within walking distance
to a collection of atmospheric markets. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out
on the Old Spitalfields Market. It is a Victorian-era market with a huge
selection of historic stalls to browse through. The Arcade is another worthy
shopping spot, and you can find it hidden away behind Liverpool Street station.
At the Arcade, you can find anything from decadent chocolatiers to local
barbers where you can get an afternoon haircut. Once you have finished
exploring the area, visit a Liverpool
Street cafe for a delicious bite to eat and drink before moving on to your
next destination.
King’s Cross
For Harry Potter fans, no visit to London is complete without
visiting King’s Cross station. This iconic train station is home to the famous
platform 9 ¾, and it attracts fans from all over the world. Although it isn’t
actually a working platform (in the muggle world, anyway), you can find a
platform 9¾ sign that is perfect for a photo opportunity. You can even visit
The Harry Potter Shop to purchase memorabilia such as a set of Hogwarts school
robes or simply a keyring to commemorate your visit. Besides all things Harry
Potter, King’s Cross is also home to the Wellcome Collection, a free museum and
library, and it is just a 20-minute stroll away from Camden Town.
Camden Town
When it comes to London, Camden is a bucket list
destination for most people — and for good reason too. This diverse borough is
famous for its market which is full of quirky curiosities and tonnes of small
shops where you can pick up a unique souvenir to take home. Culture vultures
will enjoy a visit to the Jewish
Museum which is full of interesting information about British Jewish
history.
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