Unique & Adventurous Activities

• Jack the Ripper Tour – One of the creepiest yet coolest tours I did! Walking through Whitechapel at night, retracing the steps of the infamous serial killer, made the city’s history feel alive in the most chilling way. Free via Strawberry Tours (tip at the end!).
• Stand on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich – A bucket-list moment standing with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western. Take the £8 boat ride from Westminster Pier for a scenic trip there.
• Hidden Speakeasy Tea Experience – One of my favorite afternoon teas wasn’t in a fancy hotel—it was in a secret upstairs tea room behind a bar. There are many of these hidden experiences in London!
• Thames Clippers River Boat Ride – Skip the overpriced cruises and take a commuter boat for an affordable, beautiful ride along the river. They even give you a full spoken guide who explains all of the landmarks on the way!
• Explore the Underground London Mithraeum – A free underground Roman temple, hidden beneath Bloomberg’s London HQ.
• Ice Bar London – A bar made entirely of ice, including your glass! They provide a parka so you don’t freeze.
• Palace of Westminster Parliament Tour – Walking through the historic Houses of Parliament made me feel like I was stepping into British history.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour – If you grew up on Harry Potter, this is the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re inside Hogwarts. I geeked out the entire time.
• Queens Skate Dine Bowl – Celebrated my friend’s birthday here and had a blast! A mix of bowling, drinks, and food in a super cute setting.

Parks & Outdoor Adventures

• Kensington Gardens & Hyde Park – My go-to spot for long walks, swan-watching, and pretending I was a local.
• Kyoto Gardens (Holland Park) – The first time I saw real-life peacocks was here, in the middle of London! Such a peaceful little escape.
• Primrose Hill Picnic with a View – I came here with friends for a sunset picnic, and the view of the London skyline was unreal.
• Little Venice – It felt like stepping into a different world. I loved grabbing tea and walking along the peaceful canals.
• Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays Only) – If you want to feel like a Londoner, come here on a Sunday morning. Fresh flowers, cute cafés, and such a lively atmosphere.

Museums & Cultural Stops

• Tate Modern – Modern art isn’t always my thing, but this museum changed my mind. Every piece told a story, and they were super exciting too. I loved the walk along the Thames after visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• National Gallery – Old artwork, historic vibes, and it’s free! A great reason to visit Trafalgar Square and explore the history of the area.
• Natural History Museum – The dinosaurs here were insane! One of the most iconic museums in London.
• Imperial War Museum – The Holocaust exhibit was deeply moving and one of the most powerful museum experiences I’ve had. It’s a bit outside of the city center but definitely worth the visit.
• Victoria & Albert Museum – I thought this would just be old artifacts, but it was actually a mix of contemporary and historic art—super cool to see.
• British Museum – Seeing the Rosetta Stone in person was unreal, but I did research its controversy before going.
• Museum of London – The full history of London in one place! Their gift shop had a Tube map puzzle I still love.
• Design Museum – A chill museum with unique installations, perfect for a rainy day.

Pubs & Bars in London

• The Churchill Arms – A flower-covered pub with incredible Thai food in the back. It’s a unique place that’s super popular, but it’s worth the wait.
• O’Neill’s (Wardour Street) – My go-to pub that turns into a club at night—live music, dancing, and good vibes. It’s the perfect place to have a night out. Be prepared to pay a cover if you go to party!
• Warwick Arms (South Kensington) – The first pub I ever visited in London, and they serve Indian food! 
• The Zetland Arms (Kensington) – A classic London pub where I spent many evenings after class. I loved the ciders there.
• The Prince – A pub with a massive indoor garden, great for groups.
• The Alchemist – Cocktails here literally smoke—it’s like drinking in a science lab.

Clubs & Nightlife

• The Roxy – Best for cheap drinks and a college crowd, mostly American.
• Fabric – One of the most famous clubs in London. If you love EDM, this is the spot.
• XOYO – A favorite for great DJs and a solid dance floor.
• Swingers – Mini-Golf Bar – Drinks + mini golf = a great night out.
• Tiger Tiger – Always a fun, no-fail clubbing option.

Final Thoughts

London has so many incredible adventures waiting for you– even if you aren’t a first timer like me. Whether you’re eating your way through markets, exploring hidden gems, or partying until sunrise, there’s never a dull moment in this city. I honestly found that there was never an end to the things to do!

I genuinely fell in love with London, and I hope this guide helps you experience it like I did.

If you want to get more info about the city, check out all of my London resources here.