The majority of the world’s population wants to travel to London at some point in their lives. And it’s not hard to see why. No other city aside from perhaps New York manages to pack in so much history, economic muscularity, and culture as the British capital. In many ways, it has been the center of the world for centuries, and it retains that title to this day.
London’s reputation has taken a bit of a beating in recent years, thanks to tumultuous British politics and various policies. But it remains a charming place for visitors to explore, offering a civilizational depth of history that’s hard for much of the world to understand. It is the home of the “West Sea barbarians” as the Ancient Chinese put it, and a long-standing seat of power since the Roman era. To those arriving from overseas, the charm of the city typically begins at one of its major airports. London Heathrow, the largest and busiest, along with London Gatwick airport, provide the main gateways into the city. Both airports offer comprehensive services and are well-connected to central London, ensuring that visitors can effortlessly transition from their international flights to exploring the historic and cultural wonders of the city.
So how do you actually embrace London’s charm? Let’s take a look.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the most charming parts of London. The covered market features a combination of boutique shops and small seller stalls, like a traditional market in a small town.
What makes the place special, though, is the lively, vibrant atmosphere. The place throngs with people throughout the week, with something new to enjoy every season.
Performers also regularly put on shows in the area. Covent Garden permits them to set up their equipment, walk on stilts, and entertain the crowd, encouraging yet more people to show up and join in the fun. Knife juggling, fire-eating, and ladder acrobatics are all par for the course.
The West End
The West End is literally right next door to Covent Garden, with some theaters just a stone’s throw away. This part of London is famous for its incredible shows and fabulous acting, letting you get close to some of the world’s best performers. Famous shows include The Lion King, Les Miserables, and Disney’s Frozen.
If you think the West End has to be expensive, think again. Many theaters sell seats for as little as $25 and offer family discounts.
Greenwich
Another charming location in London is Greenwich, home of the prime meridian and Greenwich Mean Time. It was from here that the British began setting times around the world, and you can literally stand on the meridian line itself: the ultimate boundary between time zones.
Greenwich is home to several sites that should be on your list, including the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and Greenwich Park. The Royal Observatory is perfect for those who love star-gazing, while the Cutty Sark is one of Britain’s most historic and treasured naval vessels.
Southbank
You might also want to pay a visit to the lesser-known Southbank, a part of London that relatively few tourists explore. While it might just appear to be an array of offices, shops, and large houses, it is one of the most culturally-relevant parts of the city.
Walking along the Southbank, your first port of call is Tower Bridge, a glorious structure completed during the 19th century to enable large ships to travel up the Thames. Going west, along the riverside walk, you’ll go past the Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original. Further along, you’ll come across the Tate Modern, a free art gallery open to all.
The great thing about London’s Southbank is that it gives you wonderful views of the north bank of the river, where you’ll find the most spectacular commercial buildings and St Paul’s cathedral. There are also points along the river where you can get great views over west London, including parts of Belgravia and Mayfair.
Notting Hill
Of course, Notting Hill is all about culture and, thanks to several movies, is now enshrined in the popular consciousness. It’s home to Britain’s most boho inhabitants – people who aren’t afraid to live unconventional lives.
Notting Hill is a microcosm of what many non-Brits believe the country to be like. Walking through the streets, you’ll find charming townhouses and wealthy professionals going about their business.
Notting Hill is also home to Portobello Road Market, an eclectic collection of shops and independent sellers. It’s a favorite for antique lovers, with many famous auction houses nearby.
Kensington Gardens
Another charming and magnificent place you’ll want to check out is Kensington Gardens and Palace, the former home of Princess Diana. This area of London provides vital respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, with beautifully-manicured gardens and stunning architecture.
People love the area for the Italian Gardens and Peter Pan statue. Many also go for the Albert Memorial.
Kensington Gardens’ location is convenient. Right outside the park is a row of restaurants and bars where you can get everything from chicken to burgers.
Leadenhall Market
You might also want to check out Leadenhall Market, a vestige of London’s traditional past, nestled among the city’s towering buildings. It showcases ornate architecture and offers some unique shops you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
It’s also a must-visit spot for Harry Potter fans. Film directors used the setting for Diagon Alley, a mysterious wizarding shopping precinct with unique architecture.
City Greens
Finally, you might want to take a tour of the City of London’s financial district. This area is home to dozens of small “greens,” many of which have chapels and remain since ancient times.
Historically, these greens were open spaces that helped to break up the city and provide people with fresh air. Today, though, they are more of a curiosity. It is strange seeing patches of turf and old buildings nestled among gleaning skyscrapers, rising hundreds of feet into the air.
These city greens are ideal locations to stop off for a bite to eat. They are also interesting in their own right, and many of them have plaques explaining their histories.
Conclusion
In summary, London is probably home to more charming and culturally significant locations than any other city in the world. Despite its massive economy and huge workforce, it remains a surprisingly traditional place with a heady mix of futuristic tech and banking startups alongside old dungeons, churches, and monuments.
