London, the city that never sleeps, quite literally so. There are some people who prefer the quiet countryside as opposed to the busy crowds in London city, but that is only for a few days with a plan in place to return to the metropolis; indefinitely, if I had my way.
Travelling to London can leave you feeling full with unadulterated love for its many different facets. From its revered Undergound to the many open-air markets, London has so much to offer that you will be running amok trying to cover every last bit of its soul. It is here that I finally felt my heart settle.
As I always say, the best way to explore a new city is by taking long and leisurely walks without a specific destination in mind. My impromptu vacation in London left me slightly incomplete because I most definitely left a part of me there (literally, because I lost an earring somewhere near Oxford St.). As a busy metropolitan with high-rises, a bustling financial district, and glaring diversity, London is spectacular, effervescent, and indelible.
From Canary Wharf to Greenwich, Bond Street to Hyde Park and the many tourist attractions in between, each and every place holds a special meaning.
One thing I can say with certainty is that no matter what your original destination, you are bound to end up on Oxford St. being bustled along by the unbelievable crowds. Weekends are reserved for stampedes so make sure to visit on a Monday morning - as a traveler without work commitments, you have that luxury. The looming storefronts will entice you all the way from high street to the rows of glittering luxury shops. The height of fashion and trendspotting, Oxford St. is a place to capture the best street styles and maybe take inspiration for your Pinterest board.
The markets in London are at the forefront of European sophistication with a hint of London’s razzle-dazzle. Camden, Covent Garden, and Borough Market are some of the most exciting, intriguing, and satisfying open-air markets that you can visit. From seven-cheese sandwiches to ramen burgers, spiced wine to hot chocolate, and loaded fries or chips you have access to the best of everything. Soho is another area that deserves its own appreciation post what with a restaurant that pays homage to one of the greatest John Hughes films ever made!
The more you walk, the more approachable the city becomes. It leaves unlocked all its doors for you to enter uninhibited and ever so curious to uncover its many secrets. Pubs line the well-lit streets as busy crowds make their way to grab a pint or two.
If you are on a budget, skip the ticketed attractions and make do with the façade of either Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey as they are equally, if not more, beguiling. St. Paul’s Cathedral is open-access and so are the spectacular art museums such as the National Gallery, Tate Modern, and the Maritime Museum. When it comes to shopping, Oxford St. is your usual foray into mega-popular chains such as Urban Outfitters, Uniqlo, and of course, luxurious Selfridges so your best bet would be thrift stores and vintage markets for amazing deals and better wares.
So much to see and so little time never rang so true. Remember, when it comes to London, there is always, always a ‘next time’.
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