Those who have been to London can tell you how magical it can be. But unlike what you may think, the city has much more to offer than Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, etc. Many treasures await those who are willing to go the extra mile and venture off the beaten path.
Today, we’ll be going over 5 of them:
1. Little Venice
The three-lined canals will take you from Hyde Park to Warwick Avenue. And the best thing about these is that you won’t have to venture too far out of the city center either, thus allowing you to enrich your journey with other sightseeing destinations. Once you see it, it’ll become clear why people say it’s nothing like the rest of London; it almost seems as if the area was taken straight out of Italy.
When your feet start hurting from all the walking, there are numerous restaurants and coffee shops nearby to recuperate your strengths and enjoy the pleasant view. Don’t forget to snap some photos to treasure these memories! You can also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi access they give you to keep up with the news and social media. While you’re at it, make sure to have a VPN UK app installed so that your online browsing experience stays safe and no one gets to snoop on your online activities – these free Wi-Fi networks are unsafe without it.
2. Neal’s Yard
If you can’t get enough of beautiful, vibrant colors, this is the place to be. There are plenty of bookstores and quiet places where you can get a cup of tea for the culturally inclined. Of course, this includes restaurants as well. All in all, this area is a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle that goes with the main parts of the city. And the best part about it? It’s only a couple of minutes away from the Covent Garden train station.
Given how small the place is, be careful not to miss it! For some, this may be a drawback, but most people seek out this quiet retreat to rest their legs and take a breather. At any rate, finding a place to sit won’t require any effort at all – there are wooden chairs everywhere you look. The beautiful background also makes this the go-to place for taking a selfie. When you’re done resting, be sure to check out the small shops that sell organic products like cheese, soaps, etc. The area is laden with gift shops of all kinds.
3. Sky Garden
Visiting the Sky Garden and not snapping a photo of the glorious city sights would be a crime. Believe it or not, there is no entry fee whatsoever. That’s right – you’ll be able to explore this place for free! While there, feel free to traverse all the observation decks, landscaped gardens, and open-air terraces you can find. If you’re looking for a recommendation, you can’t go wrong with grabbing a drink at the rooftop bar.
After you get your hands full of breathtaking views, be sure to feast your eyes on the botanical garden – the perfect place to take your family, friends, and loved ones for a walk. Here’s a tip: it pays off to book a ticket in advance if you’re planning to bring a large group of people with you. The reason is that free spaces tend to come in limited quantities at the peak of the tourist season, but this way, you can have some peace of mind.
4. Silver Vaults
While the locals know all about this hidden gem, for whatever reason, not all tourists do. But if you’re willing to venture deep underground beneath Chancery Lane, this is where you’ll find secure vaults filled with silver. It does cost a pretty penny to buy some, but it’s a prestige marketplace with top-notch products if money is not an obstacle.
The same location was used way back in 1876 as a storage place for jewelry and value documents. Today, Silver Vaults houses more than 30 shops that sell silver of all kinds. Don’t be mistaken – you’ll find way more than jewelry here, as there are dining sets, mirrors, lamps, trays, and other household items made of silver on display.
5. Leadenhall Market
While London is no stranger to marketplaces of all kinds, this one is arguably one of the most breathtaking you can find. In contrast to places such as the ever-popular Borough Market, it’s not frequented as much, so you’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant walk away from the crowds. The gorgeous ornate roof will also shield you from bad weather, should any come your way. At any rate, it’s an architectural masterpiece stemming from the 19th century.
Leadenhall Market happens to be one of London’s oldest markets. With its vibrant colors, it’s very inviting to photographers, amateur and professional alike. Do keep in mind the area can be hard to find, so make sure to bring some form of navigation with you. Here’s a hint: if you’ve arrived at a location that looks like a filming place for one of the Harry Potter movies, you’re at the right spot!
Conclusion
London is home to many hidden gems that everyone should visit at some point, and covering them all is outside the scope of this article. So get excited and start planning your travel itinerary.