Pack your bags, it’s time to visit one of the world’s most iconic cities in the world — London. We’ve compiled a healthy mix of tourist attractions and under-the-radar activities to help make your trip up to the United Kingdom anything but ordinary.
The mere mention of London typically conjures images of things like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, or even a plate of the humble Sunday roast. But is that really all there is to London? Far from it. The capital of the United Kingdom has made a name for itself as being one of the most bustling cosmopolitan cities in the world and has consistently lived up to this expectation year after year.
So if you’re thinking of making a trip down (and you should, seeing how the pound has been dropping and is predicted to stay low for a while), we’re here to help you kickstart your itinerary planning. Read on for our list of must-visit food establishments and attractions!
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Food, Glorious Food:
1. Borough Market
Image Credits: Borough Market
For all you foodies out there, no trip to London is complete without a visit to the Borough Market. For the unacquainted, the market is known for its array of mouthwatering artisan food, as well as organic produce of all sorts. From house-cured charcuterie to delicious freshly-made grilled cheese sandwiches, and not forgetting the iconic Monmouth coffee, be prepared to visit hungry!
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Opening Hours: Mondays – Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM. Saturdays, 8 AM – 5 PM. Sundays, 10 AM – 3 PM.
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about Borough Market here
2. Duck & Waffle
Image Credits: Tatler Asia
No prizes for guessing what this establishment is known for! Duck & Waffle has been a London icon for years — and with good reason. Expect a delicious array of modern British cuisine served all day (yes, they are open 24 hours), with stunning views of London to seal the deal. Visit for their famed duck confit and waffle doused in mustard maple syrup, but don’t forget to order their corn ribs crispy pig ears and sticky toffee waffle.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Opening Hours: Fridays – Mondays, 24 hours. Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 7 AM – 1.30 AM. Thursdays, 7 AM – 12 AM.
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about Duck & Waffle here
3. The Breakfast Club
Image Credits: This Is Soho
Cleverly named after John Hughes’ masterpiece, The Breakfast Club cafe has become a cult favourite in its own right too. Even after 17 years, most outlets still see snaking lines every day. Expect classic brunch items like delicious buttermilk pancakes, bacon rolls, and the English brekkie, of course. Whatever you order, we promise it’s going to envelop you like a nice warm hug.
Address: 33 D’Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8EU (They have 12 other outlets across London)
Opening Hours: Daily, 7.30 AM – 3 PM
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about The Breakfast Club here
4. Muffin Man Tea Shop
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
No trip to the UK is complete without visiting a good ol’ tea shop. The Muffin Man checks off all the boxes with its variety of English classics. Think warm scones with clotted cream, perfectly cut sandwiches, and a side of tea (or Champagne, if you fancy). Don’t forget to lift that pinky up!
Address: 12 Wrights Lane, London W8 6TA
Opening Hours: Mondays – Thursdays, 9 AM – 5 pm. Fridays – Sundays, 9 AM – 6 PM.
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more on the Muffin Man Tea Shop here
5. Ramo Ramen
Image Credits: Ramo Ramen
While you’d definitely be spoilt for choice here in London, you can’t take the Asian out of us. For those craving that warm bowl of ramen, Ramo Ramen answers the call. This Filipino-Japanese restaurant serves up some of the heartiest ramen done with a twist. It’s also a certified Halal restaurant, making it even more accessible to the masses!
Address: 157 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 8PD
Opening Hours: Wednesdays – Sundays, 12 PM – 10.30 PM. Mondays & Tuesdays, 4 PM – 10.30 PM.
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about Ramo Ramen here
Sights To Behold:
6. God’s Own Junkyard
Image Credits: Secret London
We know that museums may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this glowing grotto cannot be missed (literally). God’s Own Junkyard is home to a curious collection of restored and original neon artwork, with pieces even dating back to the 1960s! Like what you see? You can show your support for the gallery by purchasing some of their merchandise or sticking around for a cuppa at their cafe, The Rolling Scones.
Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St. London E17 9HQ
Opening Hours: Fridays – Saturdays, 11 AM – 10 PM. Sundays, 11 AM – 6 PM.
Price: Free admission
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about God’s Own Junkyard here
7. Natural History Museum
Image Credits: Natural History Museum
A museum of epic proportions, the Natural History Museum is the place to learn everything you need to know about humanity and the world as we know it. From a Moon rock to skulls of all kinds, and even Charles Darwin’s pigeons, expect an amazing repository of artefacts and information about the very organisms that have shaped nature and culture.
Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5.50 PM
Price: Free admission, but booking your ticket in advance is recommended
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about the Natural History Museum here
8. The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Image Credits: Visit London
221b Baker Street is not an unfamiliar address, especially for fans of Sherlock Holmes. This cosy museum is packed with paraphernalia that’ll have fans geeking out. Expect to find a decked-out Victorian-era abode, with knowledgeable guides in costume to help you fully immerse in the full Sherlock Holmes experience.
Address: 221b Baker Street, London NW1 6XE
Opening Hours: Daily, 9.30 AM – 6 PM
Price: £16 for adults, £14 for students with a valid ID
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about the Sherlock Holmes Museum here
9. Highgate Cemetery
Image Credits: The New York Times
It may seem a little grotesque to visit a cemetery while on vacation, but this spot has its unique charm. The Highgate Cemetery is the final resting place for many iconic thinkers, poets and literary figures, including the likes of George Eliot and Karl Marx to name a few. Located on a steep hillside, this Victorian-era graveyard is anything but spooky. In fact, it serves as a great place for quiet contemplation, and a poignant reminder of life and death.
Address: Swain’s Lane, London N6 6PJ
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: £10 for self-guided tours, £15 for guided tours
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more about Highgate Cemetery here
10. The Regent’s Park
Image Credits: Foxtons
Hyde Park is amazing, but you should also give the other royal parks a chance! Regents Park also offers a variety of activities including an amphitheatre, a zoo, several gardens, and even a boating lake. If you’re seeking some peace and quiet from the bustling city, take a short stroll up to Primrose Hill, found on the northern side of Regent’s Park, and you’ll be greeted by the lovely London skyline. If the weather’s good, lay out a picnic mat, pack some snacks, and stay for the sunset — we promise it’s a treat for the eyes.
Address: Regent’s Park London, NW1 4NR
Opening Hours: Daily, 5 AM – 9.30 PM (Closing times depend on the season, so check before visiting)
Price: Free admission
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more the Regent’s Park here
Must-Dos:
11. Prince Charles Cinema
Image Credits: London Begins at 40
Located in a quiet corner of the ever-bustling Leicester Square, Prince Charles Cinema is the place to visit if you’re a movie buff or someone that appreciates a good indie film. They host all-night movie marathons and sing/read-along sessions of cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dirty Dancing, and even Elf during the festive season. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local scene — especially with its enthusiastic and super vocal crowd.
Address: 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BY
Opening Hours: Depends on the movie
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more on Prince Charles Cinema here
12. Camden Market
Image Credits: Lonely Planet
If vintage fashion, kitschy art, and vinyls are your jam, then Camden Market should definitely be on your list. Home to an eclectic array of independent shops, the market is truly what gives London its unique edge and alt-appeal. We recommend dedicating a full afternoon to wandering its cobblestone pathways — you’ll never know what you might find.
Address: 54-56 Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF
Opening Hours: Daily
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more on Camden Market here
13. Word On The Water
Image Credits: Secret London
Bookworm or not, Word On The Water is a must-visit. This 1920s Dutch barge houses an assortment of fiction and non-fiction books, and as its name suggests, is located by Regent’s Canal. Don’t be deceived by its modest size — the floating bookstore is home to an impressive array of books, so be prepared to get lost in this literary wonderland.
Address: Regent’s Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW
Opening Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 7 PM
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more on Word On The Water here
14. Growing Underground
Image Credits: Secret London
London might be known for its underground tube, but did you know that there exists a thriving ecosystem beneath the city (33 meters to be exact) too? Introducing Growing Underground, the world’s first underground farm that grows sustainable vegetables using renewable energy. Take your pick from its impressive array of greens, whether it’s the humble lettuce or the picture-perfect microgreens that add a touch of class to any plate.
Address: 1A Carpenter’s Place, London SW4 7TD
Opening Hours: Mondays – Fridays, 9 AM – 5 PM. Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM.
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more on Growing Underground here
15. Novelty Automation
Image Credits: Time Out
This is not your typical arcade. Novelty Automation houses an array of homemade satirical games, like testing your skills in operating a nuclear reactor or practising money laundering. It’s definitely a breath of fresh air, and something you undoubtedly cannot find in any other part of the world, so we’d recommend adding this to your list of must-visits.
Address: 1A Princeton St, London WC1R 4AY
Opening Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 11 AM – 6 PM. Sundays, 12 PM – 6 PM. Thursdays, 12 PM – 8 PM.
The Ultimate UK Bucket List: Find out more on Novelty Automation here
Explore London Like A Local
By now you’d realise that there’s simply an infinite number of things to do, see and explore in the bustling city of London. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed — don’t! There’s plenty of adventure to be had, so go forth and create your own. Just remember to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those favourable wholesale exchange rates whether you’re off to catch the latest musical in West End, or hitting up cocktail bars over at Shoreditch!
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Stay safe and happy travels!
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