Off the beaten track: my tips for London!

Hi I am Manusha and I am 23 years old. I am from the Netherlands, but lived in London for some time with my boyfriend. In this article I will share all my tips about London with you!

What to expect in this article:

About Manusha

Hello, I’m Manusha, 23 years old and the youngest sister of Seyamie. I’ve been in a relationship with my boyfriend for eight years, since 2016. He lived in London for 19 years, and I frequently visited the city during that time. London is an amazing place to explore, offering so many activities and attractions. Especially when it comes to food there are so many options to choose from.

Although my boyfriend and I recently moved to Doncaster, reducing our trips to London, I still love to return to London. Its international culture, with people from all around the globe, makes it a fun place to live we feel.

However, one disadvantage is the high cost of housing and the amount of foxes and rats on the streets. Compared to the more affordable and spacious housing options up north, London is quite expensive.

But, London remains a must-visit destination for anyone.

Which common things should you visit in London?

London is an exciting city with lots of things to see and do! Here are some of the best places to visit:

Famous Landmarks

Start with the Big Ben, a giant clock that everyone knows. Nearby, you can take a ride on the London Eye, a huge Ferris wheel that lets you see the whole city from up high.

The Underground Metro is London’s subway system. It’s a cool way to travel around the city and visit all the fun spots.

Royal Places and Old Buildings

Don’t miss Buckingham Palace, where the King or Queen lives. If you’re lucky, you might see the guards changing in a special ceremony.

Tower Bridge is a big, old bridge that you can walk across, and it has a museum inside! St. Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful, old church with a huge dome that you can see from far away.

Museums and Parks

London has lots of museums where you can learn about dinosaurs, art, and more. The British Museum and the Natural History Museum are great for kids.

If you like playing outside, visit Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. You can have a picnic, ride a bike, or just run around.

Shopping and Markets

For shopping, Oxford Street is full of stores with clothes and toys. Camden Market is a fun place with lots of different foods and cool stuff to buy. It’s great for exploring with friends or family.

Explore More!

London has many more fun places, like the colorful houses in Notting Hill and the South Bank, where you can see street performers and eat yummy treats.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here before, London is full of adventures waiting for you!

What´s it like to live and work in London?

My favorite restaurants in London

When we’re in London, we love exploring different restaurants and trying out delicious food. Here are some of our top picks:

Sugar Rush London (Harrow)

If you have a sweet tooth, Sugar Rush London in Harrow is a must-visit. They serve mouth-watering desserts like cookie dough, brownies, and ice cream that will satisfy any sugar craving.

Sweet Shack Desserts

Another great spot for dessert lovers is Sweet Shack Desserts. Their milkshakes are amazing, and the warm waffles are simply delicious.

Tim Hortons

For quick and tasty fast food, Tim Hortons is a favorite. They offer delicious burgers, crispy fries, and more, perfect for a casual meal.

Classic British Dishes

No trip to the UK is complete without trying some traditional British food. Fish and chips is a famous dish, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Another classic is the English breakfast, which includes beans, mushrooms, eggs, tomatoes, bacon, hash browns, and sausages—it’s a hearty meal to start your day.

Nando’s

One restaurant you can’t miss is Nando’s. Known for its tasty peri-peri chicken, Nando’s is a popular choice for locals and tourists. It’s a must-visit if you’re in London.

Boxpark

For a variety of food options in one place, Boxpark is the spot to go. This food hub has many stands offering everything from burgers and tacos to Chinese dishes and fish and chips. You can even find the Sidemen restaurant here, run by some of the UK’s famous YouTubers.

London is full of incredible food places to explore, and these are just a few of our favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for dessert, fast food, or classic British dishes, there’s something for everyone.

Where to shop in London?

London is a great place to shop, and there are some really cool spots where you can find everything you need!

Sri Lankan Shopping in Wembley

If you’re looking for something different, head to Wembley for a taste of Sri Lanka. It’s full of shops with traditional clothes, yummy food, and small supermarkets. When you walk around here, it feels like you’re in another country! As we have Sri Lankan roots, we feel at home.

Southall: A Taste of Asia

Southall is a vibrant place with lots of Asian culture. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, and clothing shops here. It’s a great spot to explore if you love trying new foods and seeing colorful traditional outfits.

Westfield London and Stratford City

For a big shopping adventure, visit Westfield London or Stratford City. These malls are huge, with tons of shops inside. You can buy clothes, toys, and more. Plus, there are lots of places to eat and even a cinema where you can watch movies!

Brent Cross

Another great shopping mall is Brent Cross. It has lots of stores to explore, and outside, there’s a fun fair where kids can enjoy rides and games. It’s a perfect place for a family day out!

London has so many amazing shopping spots, each with something special to offer. Whether you’re looking for traditional clothes, tasty food, or just a fun day out, these places have it all!

Book a tour with GetYourGuide!

The Shard in London

The Shard is one of the most famous buildings in London. It’s really tall—310 meters high—and has amazing views of the city. The best time to visit is at night when all the lights make London look beautiful.
From the top, you can see famous places like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, like you can see in the pictures. There are also some great restaurants inside, where you can eat and look at the city. You have to visit it at night! It is definitely a must-see when in London!

Some more fun activities in London

There are also lots of fun activities you can enjoy outside London:

Tenpin: You can eat here and play top golf, pool, and my favorite, bowling.
Indoor Leisure Centre: For swimming or play sports like tennis.
Cinema: I love to go to the cinema at least once a month
Go-Karting: There are lots of places in London where you can race go-karts. So much fun!
Escape Room: Everyone knows about it now. It’s nerve-wracking but fun!

There are so many exciting places and activities to enjoy outside of London, so grab your family and go on an adventure!

Fun day trips from London

Brighton

Brighton is a lovely place with a nice beach where you can play in the sand and splash in the sea. It’s perfect for a day of fun by the water. And don’t forget to visit the Royal Pavillion, which looks like an Indian temple.

Bath

Bath is a beautiful city where you can visit a spa and relax. There are also lots of pretty places to see, like old buildings and parks. It is fun to visit for a day.

Wales

Wales is a different country in the UK with lots of cool places to explore. Cardiff, the capital, is a great city to visit with interesting things to see and do. Nature in Wales is incredible, so just drive around and stop wherever!

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a big, famous rock by the sea. You can park your car nearby, but be ready for a bit of a hike! I found it quite hard. The walk involves going up and down steep stairs, but the view is worth it.

Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters are tall, white cliffs at the edge of England. They’re really beautiful, but be prepared for a long walk to reach the top. The view from there is amazing!

Manchester

Manchester is a cool city about three hours away from London. It has the biggest shopping mall in the UK, and there’s so much to see and do. I am happy I now live closer to this city.

York

York is a stunning city that feels like stepping back in time. It’s about four hours from London, but if you’re traveling up north, it’s a must-visit. The city is full of history, and everyone loves coming together there.