London. It is the best city in so many ways.
Someone once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
It is almost impossible to not love London, and there is never a dull moment because there is much to see and do in the British city—the fun, the peculiar, the wild, the unimaginable…
And if you really do, here are 55 Reasons To Love London.
#1 BIG BEN
Take a stroll along Westminster Abbey and stop by to admire the icon of London—the magnificent Big Ben. No one leaves London without a photo with this giant.
#2 LONDON EYE
Hop on to London Eye—the world’s most popular Ferris wheel. You will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the wonderful British City. The ride is approximately 30 minutes, and there are express tickets if you do not wish to queue.
#3 THE ONE-AND-ONLY BUCKINGHAM PALACE
To watch the guards changing ceremony, and because you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge!
#4 THE MAJESTIC TOWER BRIDGE
No, this is not London bridge. This icon of London is called Tower Bridge, while London Bridge is the grey and rundown-looking one right across it. Now, stop mixing up their identities. Thank you very much.
#5 PEOPLE WATCH AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE
A popular spot to gather and people watch is a Trafalgar Square. Enjoy the random street performances by talented buskers, or watch the world go by and master the fine art of doing nothing while sipping latte.
#6 THE INSTAGRAM-WORTHY RED TELEPHONE BOOTHS
Because they are so iconic and everyone loves taking photos of and with them. Touristy as it may be, we can never complain about a nice photo of the telephone booths, can we?
#7 HAVE A PICNIC & MAKE FRIENDS WITH ANIMALS AT HYDE PARK
Pick a day, enjoy it to the fullest, and have a picnic at Hyde Park. Spot the big friendly swans, ducks and seagulls who are ever ready to pose for your cameras too! There are squirrels too!
P.S. Bring bread along for some fun feeding time.
#8 FOR THE LOVE OF LONDON, HARRODS
No one leaves London without making a trip to the world famous departmental store. Spend your money at the more-than-splendid food hall and the many exhilarating levels of luxury shopping for fashion, perfumes and cosmetics, home products and books.
#9 NOTTING HILL – THE PRETTIEST NEIGHBOURHOOD
Lined with pretty pastel houses and blooming flowers, Notting Hill is our dream address. It is a quaint neighbourhood littered with cafes, florists, book stores, vintage shops and everything in between.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to look out for the cutest houses. Many of them take pride in dolling up their residence—what with the colourful doors, whimsical plants etc.
#10 INDULGE IN THE ART OF WATCHING MUSICALS
Watching musicals is a very Brit thing to do, and theatrical art is one so highly appreciated and well-received among both locals and visitors to London.
There are so many to choose from; even if you watch one every night, it will take you some months to tick all of them off your list.
#11 COVENT GARDEN
What used to be a fruit and vegetable market is another happening area to hang out at. Today, Covent Garden is well-loved for its curated shopping, bars and little restaurants.
Sitting on the fringe of West End, Covent Garden is a pit stop for entertainment and art lovers. The renown Royal Opera House sits proudly on this ground too.
#12 OXFORD CIRCUS
And when the daily grind gets to us, we turn to retail therapy. Head over to Oxford Circus—the one street in London you will love even if it ain’t just about shopping. The sheer life and exuberance of Central London is at its peak right there at Oxford Circus.
Meanwhile, you’ve got all your favourite high street labels congregated in this area—UK labels Miss Selfridge and Topshop, H&M, Niketown, Zara… yes, you are welcome. Have fun.
#13 REGENT STREET
And there’s Regent Street where you get more upscale boutiques such as J.Crew, Michael Kors, Furla, cos, Bose, Jo Malone, Reiss etc.
#14 NEW BOND STREET
Not to be confused with Mayfair, New Bond Street is another luxury shopping area with multi-level boutiques for more intense shopping.
Victoria’s Secret is here, so is Chanel. There’s also Dior’s flagship boutique (which is stunning beyond words) that guarantees a sensory shopping experience.
#15 HAVE A QUINTESSENTIAL AFTERNOON TEA
Why, how Brit! Put on your best dress and do the quintessential Brit afternoon tea; sip tea and eat scones. Just remember to make reservations beforehand, and always check on the dress code.
#16 TAKE A WALK AT MAYFAIR
A prestigious area in Central London, Mayfair houses the most five-star hotels and luxury properties in London. Fancy taking a walk and breathing in the elegance of the area? Or do a little shopping at the exclusive boutiques?
For classical music lovers, the Handel House Museum is also situated at Mayfair, to commemorate the late German-born baroque composer George Frederic Handel who eventually made London his home.
#17 PICCADILLY CIRCUS
The Times Square of London, Piccadilly circus is one absolutely happening and popular area—to dine, to drink, to shop, and for musicals.
There are several museums here too, including Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.
#18 SOUTH BANK
South Bank is one of our favourite areas in Central London to spend a leisurely afternoon at. It is next to the River Thames, and overlooks the Big Ben and London Eye. Primarily an entertainment district, you would find buskers and street performers here, as well as occasional food kiosks.
The Sea Life London Aquarium is also on South Bank.
#19 A DELIGHTING FOOD TRAIL AT BOROUGH MARKET
Borough Market is the ultimate and most visually-arresting farmers’ market and there is nothing to not love here! From fresh produce to a delectable mix of local food and snacks, Borough Market is one market you must visit when in London.
Read our guide on the top reasons to visit Borough Market when you are in London.
#20 KINGLY COURT
Tucked in an alley within SoHo, Kingly Court is home to several good restaurants and cafes, and the whole place comes to life at night. It is like a lifestyle pitstop with a yoga studio, retail shops and a large outdoor sitting area where you can enjoy a great meal.
#21 ALL THINGS VINTAGE AT PORTOBELLO MARKET
Portobello Market sits in between Portobello Road and Notting Hill Gate, and it is the world’s largest vintage market. Do take note that it is only open on Saturdays for the antiques and second-hand goods.
#22 WINTER WONDERLAND @ HYDE PARK
If you ever need a(nother) reason to go to London, it would be Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. The annual Christmas carnival is a highlight and one that attracts visitors from all over the world. Bask in the festive spirit and feel like a child all over again!
There are tons of carnival rides suitable for both adults and kids, game stalls, candy emporiums and food kiosks, lots of Christmas treats such as mulled wine and fudges, and merchandise such as Christmas tree decorations. Admission is free, and you’re guaranteed a ball of a time!
#23 FOSSILS AND MORE AT THE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
It is a fascinating world in here at the National History Museum. History buffs and the curious minds will be intrigued by all the fossils and skeletons, and all that ancient civilization has to tell us.
If you go during the Christmas season, don’t miss out on the world-famous ice skating rink just right outside the museum
#24 GOOD CAFES AND COFFEE PLACES ARE EVERYWHERE
London’s cafe scene is world class. Many of the best cafes we have ever been to are in London, and they are trendsetters in their own rights.
To get you started, this is our ultimate guide to London’s cafes.
#25 THE ECLECTIC SOHO
The sexiest and most happening hood is none other than Soho, where you can find an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, bars, local boutiques and theatres. Peppered with character, and always worth a stroll.
Soho is also home to some of the most happening gay bars in London. We are all for celebrating pride, because Love is Love.
#26 CARNABY STREET
Farther up from Soho is Carnaby Street, a popular street for the young, the wild and the free. Lots of hipster brands can be found here, and it is a street for some serious sneakers shopping.
#27 BRITISH MUSEUM
A museum where you can discover more about human history, art and culture Its collection of artefacts is definitely worth a visit.
#28 AN UNFORGETTABLE MEAL AT BURGER & LOBSTER
London is pretty much synonymous with this popular restaurant now. Whole grilled/ steamed lobster, lobster roll or burger for £20 each, anyone?
#29 SELFRIDGES & Co – EVERY SHOPAHOLIC’S DREAM
Shop until you drop at this one-stop luxury mall with all the highly coveted luxury labels and high street brands. Tax refunds can be done within the mall, too.
And while you are there, visit Aubaine on level 3, because that beautiful cafe has great cakes.
#30 LIBERTY – A SHOPPING EMPORIUM
The monochromatic building on Regent Street is an avant-garde shopping destination for classy finds and luxury buys. Quite unlike your usual modern malls, Liberty is an emporium that boasts a sophisticated shopping environment with its curated merchandise.
#31 ENGLISH SCONES AND TEA
The English have glorified scones and tea, and you’d be sorry to miss this one. Crumbly, perfectly baked goodness and a pot of fine tea; how wonderful life can be in London!
For starters, The Muffin Man is an old-school English tea shop that is famed for their scones.
#32 BAR-HOPPING
It is a thing for British people to have a pint of beer in hand, and you bet there are endless bars for you to check out and bar-hop. Happy Hour deals are everywhere in Central London, and there’s always a reason to drink up with your pals.
There are modern bars, there are bars with panoramic views of the city, then there are traditional British pubs for some old-school feels. Take your pick!
#33 EAT BURGERS
Not the most glamorous dining option, but burgers are our favourite messy affair. And damn, burgers in London are of a different league! We almost never had a lousy one.
Read our guide to London’s Best Burger Restaurants.
For the city’s best coffee. We love TAP Coffee for their consistency over the years, and no matter which outlet we visit (TAP Coffee No. 114 is our favourite), we were never once disappointed.
#35 A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Embodying the spiritual life and heritage of the British nation, St Paul’s Cathedral is the most highly recognised Cathedral for worship. Religious souls seek inspiration and enlightenment here, and visitors from all over the world are welcome to join the hourly prayers where they can pray in their own languages.
#36 LITTLE VENICE & CAMDEN MARKET
Punk lovers gather here on weekends, but beyond those acquired merchandise, we fell in love with the Venice-like environment and the art of dining by the canals.
Camden Market boasts a marvellous spread of street food too!
#37 THE SHARD
Because it is not every day that you can find a triangular building as grand as The Shard of London. There is also a viewing gallery within the building for you to overlook the great British city.
#38 THE FINEST OF LONDON AT FORTNUM & MASON
An emporium slightly off Piccadilly Circus that houses the best picks of London is Fortnum & Mason. It is the Disneyland of fine foods and tea—think the many kinds of English tea, jams in a hundred variations, cookies in the most elegant tins, chocolates and truffles… you get the idea.
If you go during the Christmas month, you will find the most festive gifts for your loved ones!
#39 THE STUNNING DISPLAY OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
If there is only one musical to catch when in London, it is undisputedly Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of The Opera. This award-winning musical is an all-time gold and runs daily on a full house at the prestigious Her Majesty Theatre.
The stunning display will have you understand what The Music of The Night truly means.
#40 THE BRITISH ACCENT
Let’s face it – Brit accent is the sexiest. Maybe that’s also why Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller sound exceptionally charming.
#41 CEREAL KILLER CAFE
There is this cute cafe at Brick Lane Market that often gets all the attention on Instagram and it is Cereal Killer Cafe. Relive your childhood here with the sheer variety of cereals available and don’t forget to take some cute photos while at it!
#42 MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS
Live to eat, not eat to live. When in London, you are spoilt with so many Michelin-starred restaurants. It will be a truly enamoured epicurean time.
#43 LONDON ROAST DUCKS
You’ve heard of London and their roast ducks, yes? Prized, fatty duck meat roasted to a glorious perfection is making the world lose their minds. London Roast Ducks are a must-eat when in London, and you can read our guide on the 3 most famous London Roast Ducks.
#44 DAY TRIP OPTIONS
London itself is beaming with life and excitement day in day out. And there is not a single chance to feel bored. But if you must, there are several day trip options for you to take.
Read our Guide To The 10 Best Day Trips From London For Under £35.
#45 INDIAN BREAKFAST AT DISHOOM
When in London, eat Indian food. Dishoom redefines the cafe experience and its menu of modern Indian fare will have you salivating for more. For the best experience, go for their breakfast. It is something we do every single trip.
You can read all about Dishoom here.
#46 NEAL’S YARD COVENT GARDEN
Hidden within Covent Garden is this colourful alley called Neal’s Yard. It is a quaint little square with cafes and lifestyle shops, and that’s also where you can find the first-ever Neal’s Yard Remedies boutique.
#47 LONDON MEWS
There’s something particularly cute and charming about London’s mews. Not every mew was created equal, of course. But if you’re lucky, you would chance upon stunning ones like these where all the locals who stay on that row deck up the fronts of their houses.
#48 WISTERIA HYSTERIA
#wisteriahysteria is a thing in London and it happens every Spring (approximately from April to May). Bewildering wisteria displays are hidden all over the city, and it takes a bit of exploring by foot to discover those houses but that’s what the locals love doing, and we do too!
#49 MALTBY STREET MARKET
Maltby Street Market is not commonly talked about, which is a shame because this weekend market (in the vicinity of Tower Bridge) is vibrant and has so much to offer! It is a narrow street that is tastefully decorated with antiques and recycled materials, and the curated vendors offer an eclectic selection of street snacks that are nowhere near ubiquitous.
#50 KING’S CROSS
This laidback area farther off from bustling Zone 1 of Central London has a good mix of cafes, academies, residences and what we’d like to call random public relaxation areas too indulge in the art of doing nothing.
While you’re there, check out Caravan Coffee Roasters. It is one of our all-time favourite cafes!
#51 BISCUITEERS BOUTIQUE AND ICING CAFE
Biscuiteers Boutique And Icing Room is really a whimsical biscuit boutique that sells the prettiest handcrafted biscuits in London. This is also where budding icers and artists can pick up a skill or two from the pros.
Read all about Biscuiteers Boutique And Icing Cafe here.
#52 BRICK LANE MARKET
Brick Lane Market comes to life on weekends. The long stretch is vibrant and full of surprises. Expect indie cafes and boutiques, quirky lifestyle boutiques, old-school bakeries and eateries, vintage shopping, and a pool of very enthusiastic stallholders and curious visitors.
When at Brick Lane Market, you have to try the very popular local delight Salt Beef Sandwich!
#53 TOYS HEAVEN AT HAMSLEY’S
This is a toys heaven on Regent Street for both kids and adults alike! This massive toy store houses all the cutest merchandise; even the grown-ups have fun just from taking a tour around the shelves!
#54 VALUE-SEEKING AT PRIMARK
Primark is a shopping paradise for many because this mega Irish retail store redefines affordable shopping with its diverse range of merchandise. You can find almost everything here—and prices are unbelievably low. £3 tops and skirts, £1 earrings, £5 shoes… you get the idea.
#55 THE FAMILIARITY OF THE ENGLISH CITY
London comes with this uncanny familiarity like you’ve known the city for all your life. Especially the neighbourhoods and road names; remember vying for Bond Street and Mayfair on Monopoly?
