Tips For London to Hit Different

Experience the city beyond the obvious. Small moments, epic spots & real rhythm

Gisele Makary

Gisele Makary

London, United Kingdom

Planning & Movement

  • London is huge — group areas by day

  • Walk as much as possible within neighborhoods

  • Use public transport for longer distances

Where to Stay

  • Stay central (Covent Garden, Soho, Chelsea) for convenience

  • Outer areas like Walton-on-Thames are calmer but less practical for first-time visits

Top Stays:

  • Hilton London Green Park

  • Shangri-La The Shard London

  • Chelsea are

Where to Treat Yourself (and Not Regret It)

  • At Borough Market

    • Don’t overthink it — just walk, look, smell, then pick

    • But if you want one guaranteed win:
      → Humble Crumble

      • Go all in on toppings, don’t play it safe

      • It’s messy, warm, and exactly what you want

  • Fortitude Bakehouse

    • Go early-ish

    • Get the cream-filled doughnut

    • Indulge in other pastry creations

Street Food That’s Actually Worth the Hype

  • Bunsik:

    • If there’s a queue, you’re in the right place

    • Corn dogs = must

    • Quick, casual, unexpectedly addictive

  • Camden Town:

    • Go hungry

    • Go during the day

    • Wander until something feels right, then eat it

Cozy Spots

  • Chez Antoinette:

    • Best when you’re not rushing

    • Sit down, slow it down

    • Especially nice in colder months

  • Covent Garden:

    • Don’t just pass through

    • Stay for the street shows, music, atmosphere

    • It’s one of those places where time disappears

Coffee + Sweet Escape Combo

  • Dum Dum Donutterie

    • The “Crone” is more of an experience than a snack

    • Shoreditch itself is worth the detour — creative, edgy, different vibe

Best Experiences

  • Rooftops at sunset (One New Change, Sky Garden)

  • Wander neighborhoods without a strict plan

  • Enjoy street performances & seasonal vibes

A Note For Safety:

  • Camden can feel sketchy at night → visit in daylight

  • Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas

Sunset Spots That Hit Different

  • Head up to One New Change Rooftop just before sunset

    • It’s one of those places where you don’t expect much… until you’re up there

    • Music playing, skyline glowing, drink in hand — simple but memorable

  • Book Sky Garden ahead of time

    • It’s free, but don’t underestimate how busy it gets

    • Best move: go late afternoon, stay into sunset

  • Visit The Garden at 120, it's a free, open-air rooftop garden with 360-degree views, a close-up perspective of the City's architecture and The Shard. (But might have to queue for this one)

Moments You Don’t Plan (But will love)

  • Street music in squares, especially in Leicester. Some of the best live music and a good vibe to enjoy

  • Random performances in Covent Garden

  • Getting lost in Soho at night

Seasonal Tips

  • Winter: festive markets, Covent Garden decorations, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

  • Spring/Autumn: best balance of weather + fewer crowds

  • Summer: longer days, livelier streets

Nearby / Day Trips

  • Greenwich:

    • Up the O2 Climb > Take an exhilarating outdoor climb over our world-famous roof and enjoy the incredible views of London.

    • Royal Observatory Greenwich

    • Cutty Sark

    • Greenwich Park

  • Richmond Town: enjoy a lazy, chill day there, visit the park to see some deer, have a bite and a beer by the river

  • Wimbledon (especially if you're a tennis fan): a cute little town with the tennis stadium as the hot spot

  • Bushy Park: vast with deer to spot and cafes to relax in!

  • If you have more time to spare, hit the coast, see Brighton, Seven Sisters, Kent/Margate; OR visit cute little towns off the radar like Cotswold, Guildford, Windsor (but use a car!)

Travel Mindset

  • Don’t rush landmarks

  • London is about layers: food, culture, streets, people

  • Leave space for spontaneous discoveries

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