You can spend a lifetime in London and never see all of it. Most first timers do the main sites as listed in my previous blog; but if you have the luxury of returning to London, you may like spending time in these spots!
Harry Potter World
I can hear all of you snickering. Go ahead. Laugh. But it is AH-mazing. So amazing that I went twice. Even if you aren’t a fan of the books or movies, you can not help but get wrapped up in the magical world that is created right before you. They offer every Harry Potter experience fans are craving: taste of butterbeer, photo opportunities in the Weasley car, walking right up to the house on Privet Drive, and walking down the original Diagon Alley.
I’m in ravenclaw!
This place is for all ages!! It takes some time getting out to the location but worth the experience. You have to buy tickets in advance and while the website says to be there 15 minutes before your time, you dont really have to. I have always arrived later and never took the complimentary bus from the arriving train station to the studio. If you find yourself in my shoes, it will only cost you around 8 pounds in cab fare.
Hyde Park
Just take an afternoon and be in Hyde Park. Pack a picnic. People watch. Sit under a tree.
Or, my favorite activity…
Feeding the squirrels! They will come right up to you and take nuts from your hand. Some of them are quite picky though, don’t get offended if they don’t take your treats.
Harrod’s
Spend an afternoon inside the massive store for the full experience. Do a little shopping and have lunch or dinner at one of the many fresh counters offered to customers: fresh fish, sushi, thai, burgers, pasta…anything you want!
This part of town is so much fun! Alive with bars, cafe’s and young people, you can certainly find something to your liking.
One of my favorite spots in Soho is Cafe 1001 introduced to me by my “hate everything touristy” boyfriend. He is great to travel with because I can always count on him to take me to new places off the beaten path. We had a great lunch and coffee here while enjoying the splendid, hipster interior.
I am a huge fan of the arts: plays, opera, musicals, all of it. While I haven’t had the opportunity to see an original Shakespearean play in the Globe, I can only dream what the experience will be.
Set in an old, abandoned building, the Tate Modern doesn’t look very appealing from the outside. But this free museum holds some classic pieces of art that are worth seeing. One piece that comes to mind is “Waterlillies” by Monet. Worth the visit also just to go outside to the terrace for the stunning view of St Paul’s.
Strolling around the South Bank
I love being in this area for a more business casual type evening. The South Bank has a lot of bars to accommodate the young business adult. I was here during the Olympics and had such a blast meeting different people from all over the world!
steerintotheskid 