London pocket guide.
Night falls on Westminster with Big Ben in view (📷)
Forever at the centre of emerging cultural trends, London has had an immeasurable amount of influence on the world as we know it. Steeped in rich history, with deep-vested roots in music, the arts, and culture, London contains ethereal magic that has captured the imagination and adoration of untold millions.
Scratch beneath the surface by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene in up-and-coming areas outside of the well-established tourist circuit, where you can gain a deeper perspective of what makes London so special. From some of the world’s biggest and most revered nightclubs to clandestine cocktail bars and everything in between, London delivers in spades.
🏰 Sights, Culture + Experiences.
Drawn by an abundance of iconic sights, a steady influx of tourists make the trip to London at all times of the year, meaning the city is always buzzing with life. However, with the arrival of summer and glorious weather, London’s festive atmosphere is amplified.
During this time, its elegant urban parks become re-vitalised after the months of cooler weather have settled things down. Hyde Park is a sprawling city park in the West End that hosts tonnes of summer events, welcoming some of the biggest artists working today at numerous open-air music festivals.
To the north, Regent's Park straddles the border between the political centre of Westminster and the hip suburb of Camden. This park isn't dubbed a 'royal park' no good reason. The lovely lake at its centre is paired with eye-catching floral gardens and historic luxury villas.
As mentioned before, you are close to one of the very best spots in the city – the vibrant hub of Camden Town, a burgeoning market town that is a living and breathing testament to London's multi-cultural community. Flaunting literally countless pop-up restaurants, cuisine from across the globe is whipped up right here. Argentine steak, Malaysian curries, Georgian dumplings, and more vie for your attention as you wander through the market. Come here on an empty stomach and leave satisfied!
Aside from the culinary delights on display, Camden is also famous for the hustle and bustle of its pop-up stalls and abundance of shops. Everything from vintage British Invasion era clothing to quirky neon-soaked stores from the future await your discovery. Also, you will stumble upon a statue honouring the late London icon Amy Winehouse, proudly placed in the heart of the market.
Arguably the best public transport system in the world, the London Underground is an invaluable service that makes your exploration very easy. Clustered somewhat close to one another, the iconic sights of London are often best enjoy with a leisurely walk in-between, with no need to take the tube.
Admire the opulent Palace of Westminster and emblematic Big Ben (📷) from across the River Thames, consider a journey to the summit of the London Eye (📷), or venture to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London (📷) — which are located side-by-side.
After strolling across London's most well-known bridge, revel in an incredible view from Sky Garden (📷), a firm favourite north of the Thames. Admission is free, but registering your details before arriving is mandatory — don’t show up without a reservation!
An engineering masterpiece lies beneath the streets of the city, winding its way across the length and breadth of the metropolitan area. The complex network of subterranean tunnels that comprise the London Underground will whisk you from one end of the city to the other, and connect you to all the sights, restaurants and bars that you could hope for.
With the arrival of Uber, fixed fares are typically fair and affordable. Taking a ride in an iconic black cab is also an option, and is an experience you can take home with you. However, as they are metered, be cautious as London’s notorious traffic could burn a hole in your pocket.
💃🏾 Buzzing bars + world-class clubs.
Want to learn more about London’s invigorating nightlife? Look no further than the dedicated London Nightlife Guide.
When the sun shines on London, fairy-lights and deck-chairs follow closely behind. There’s something quintessentially British about going all-out to bask in the summer heat, and London has mastered the art of al-fresco drinking over the years. Chic pop-up bars open for business during summer to provide havens for thirsty locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy good conversations in an open setting.
The bustling suburb of Brixton is home to some of the coolest nightlife. Using the underground, it should take roughly 30-minutes from the centre of town, and is well worth the journey. Enjoy a full day chilling out at Pop Brixton (📷). A hub for independent brands and creative minds, salvaged shipping containers brightly decorated with art surround the open-air courtyard, creating a cosy environment to chat with like-minded people and enjoy delicious food from the global selection of on-site gourmet food stalls.
Neighbouring borough Peckham is home to two of the best rooftop bars in the city and is suitably well connected by public transport from the centre. Seasonal venue Frank's Bar perches itself atop a towering multi-story car park for the duration of summer every year, welcoming a young and lively crowd to enjoy a drink with the distant back-drop of London’s glistening skyline. Located directly across the road is another rooftop bar catering to people from all walks of life —the Bussey Rooftop — which changes decor depending on the day, and hosts live film screenings, barbecues, and more.
Remaining on the topic of rooftop bars, those who make the wise decision to visit the stylish suburb of Shoreditch will be in for a treat. In this neck of the woods, the Magic Roundabout has been making waves with its quirky retro interior and the mellow vibes. A stone’s throw away, the open-air courtyard of Dinerama is centered around adjoined shipping containers, each one occupied by vendors. Here you can enjoy tasty food and craft beer at reasonable prices.
For those who are looking to hit up the nightclub scene in the city, look no further than the recently revived venue of Fabric and the trend-setting Ministry of Sound. Both of these venues have had untold influence on the local nightlife scene and are cited amongst the best nightclubs in the world. The price of admission is often higher than your average venue, so don’t be surprised by that. Besides, these really aren’t your average venues at all, expectations will be exceeded.
🍴 Savvy spenders can eat well.
Let's get one thing out in the open – London is not a cheap getaway. It is also not – contrary to popular belief – impossible to enjoy London on a budget. It all depends where you're looking! A slew of wallet-friendly eateries are dotted across the city, showcasing the seamless blend of cultures found in modern day London in the best way possible.
To grab a quick bite, head to Daddy Donkey Mexican Grill for a freshly-made burrito from its eclectic menu. Great value for money, you will be able to enjoy a cheap fulfilling meal in the city without skimping on quality. Slightly off the beaten path, self-labelled "Berber & Q" joint Shawarma (📷) comes highly recommended. If you enjoy Middle Eastern food, you will love the dishes and accompanying price.
Pushing the boat out ever-so-slightly you open yourself up to some excellent dine-in restaurant experiences. Reasonably priced pizzas arrive fresh out of stone-bake ovens and on to your table at classy riverside brewery CRATE in Stratford. The inventive menu and unique twist on raw ingredients make this a lunch spot worth the tube journey.
In a more central location, the beautiful interior of the Culpeper makes for one of the most eye-catching gastropubs in London. Though prices are slightly higher compared to other places listed here, the venue itself really is worth the extra coin.
To splash out on a truly special meal, look no further than the magnificent rooftop Sushisamba for lavish Japanese and Brazilian cuisine served on possibly the most spectacular rooftop in London.
💤 Accommodation.
Accommodation in London ranges from mid-range hostels to exuberant luxury hotels that will set you back a pretty penny. Take a quick look through Skyscanner, Hostelworld or Airbnb depending upon what kind of lodging you desire. A space in a decent central hostel tends to be about £20 per night, but during summer the best ones can book out in advance. Secure your space before someone snatches it.
💰 Dorms from £19.00 per night.
Unique and affordable private accommodation.
💰 Rooms from £50.00 per night.
💰 Dorms from £16.00 per night.
Eye-watering beauty at this opulent hotel comes with hefty price tag.
💰 Rooms from £171.00 per night.
Rounding off.
For those willing to dive head-first into the London experience, it is doubtful that expectations will fall short. Reputation proceeds this city in ways that few others can rival, and yet it manages to exceed them time and time again.
In a testament to maximising the potential of an urban lifestyle, the way Londoners have adapted their city to be so diverse and unique is truly a feat to be admired. Whether enjoying the seasonal rooftop or ticking off your sightseeing itinerary, London will dazzle you at every single turn.
