A not-too-touristy day in London

What do you think when someone says “London”? If you don’t live here you probably think of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Big Ben, red buses, the Shard, and Camden Market. If you do live here you probably think sweaty tubes at rush hour and people having a few too many beers on weeknights. The question is, how do you reconcile the two ideas so you get a feel for how London ticks without actually getting caught in the crowds? (Not that there's anything wrong with Londoners, we’re mostly lovely people.) Our solution was to map out a day of sight-seeing that allows you to see some of the great attractions but not the huge ones (like Big Ben or the London Eye), the ones we think feel like London from a positive Londoner’s point of view.

Of course, we followed this map in a day, stopping for an hour or two at each point but please note that it is a vague suggestion. Feel free to stray from the path as much or as little as you’d like. Also be sure to let us know if this was helpful and if you’d like to see more suggestions for days out. Now after this brief intro, let’s get going!

1. Covent Garden

Neal’s Yard provides a little colour to start the day. It is one of the quaint little areas of the city that we think truly feels like the unique cheerfulness of London. Although small, it isn’t claustrophobic because it is relatively hidden so there are a few passing tourists but few stop for long.

Long Acre. Now we properly get into the day’s activities, with a little shopping of course! Even if you don’t like shopping this is a good road to stroll along to feel the hubbub of London without being hugged by strangers (as is often the case in areas like Oxford Street).

Chinatown is our next recommendation; it is lovely to walk around and you are sure to find somewhere for a lovely lunch. There are lots of things to admire and take pictures with, but unless you’re hungry, there are few major attractions. If you wish, you could stray into Soho to explore London’s underbelly, although if you like clubbing, you should probably come back later.

2. Leicester Square

The best thing about Leicester Square? M&M World. They sell chocolate that are colours you never knew existed. It is a chocaholic’s heaven and hell at the same time. Despite what you may think, they don’t just sell chocolate, they sell everything! I mean really… a cheese spreader? Isn’t that just a knife? Also, how often do you spread cheese? Unless it’s cream cheese… I think we’re getting away from the point...

Just across the road is the Lego shop. And it’s not just for kids! If you don’t fancy building an expensive Lego Death Star, at least pop in to admire the Lego-don skyline.

Also, don’t forget to check out the street performers!

3. Trafalgar Square

You can’t visit London without going to a gallery and where better than the National Gallery?! Everyone goes to the TATE, especially the TATE Modern - the National Gallery is rather more quiet and traditional than the TATE Modern but other than that we mainly just chose it because it was en-route. Don’t miss the others if you don’t have to!

The fountains are also a must. Take a picture with a lion, make a wish, gaze up at the column, refresh yourself on a warm day, need we go on? It’s lovely. Have a look.

4. Southbank

London is also known for its bridges: Tower Bridge, Waterloo, and London Bridge, being the most well-known. Understandably, you would want to walk over these at some point during your stay, but if you’re a Londoner and you’re bored, or you’re a tourist that wants a better view, try walking over Golden Jubilee Bridge. You get a fantastic view of all the main London sites - Parliament, the London Eye, and all the other bridges.

Once you reach the end of the bridge you’ll hit Southbank. We stopped for a frozen yoghurt at the neon pink double decker that you can’t miss from the bridge but this, as with every stop we’ve mentioned, is optional. Walk along the river and you’ll see food stalls, book-galore, and probably a musician or two to serenade you. And this is how we suggest you end the day because it couldn’t be a more poetic finish - listening to a guitarist, drink in hand, watching the waves hit the rocks before walking back over the bridge (a bridge of your choosing) to Embankment tube station, where you can get the underground to go home. Finally you can kick your shoes off and relax, you deserve it after the tiring day you’ve had!

Roo x