5 Reasons We Love London

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”

Samuel Johnson’s enthusiastic testimonial about the capital of UK might sound hyperbolic at first, but it starts to ring true when one starts acquainting oneself with London.

Reams might have been written about it but one needs to visit London to understand its allure. London is at once engaging, fascinating, sensual, crowded and historical. River Thames flows alongside The London Eye, pubs populate quaint alleyways, and hundreds of tourists relax at The Royal Parks as they try to absorb the essence of the city.

Everything about London—food, music, art, and culture—is special. No wonder we love it so much. It’s hard to pick and choose, but here it is…

Top 5 Reasons We Love London

1) Food

It would be blasphemous to talk of London without mentioning the extensive variety of English food on offer.

High tea is the first culinary ritual that needs to be sampled in London. Splurge at Claridges or Selfridges or opt for high tea on a budget at Le Chandelier or Bea’s of Bloomsbury. Expect dainty finger sandwiches, tiny Victorian sponge cakes, English scones, clotted cream and decadent jams.

Then there are English staples at a neighbourhood pub; roast breakfasts, bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), fish and chunky chips, and bread and butter pudding. But it is the curries at Brick Lane that steal the show. Join us on one of our food tours and taste it for yourself! Even Gordon Ramsay is willing to admit they are better than the food served at most Michelin Star restaurants. Don’t believe us? Check this out

2) Culture

The mere mention of London conjures images of old buildings and intricate cathedrals. There are fewer cities as rooted in world history as London.

One of our favourite things to do in London is to step outside the Westminster metro station and gaze at the magnificent Big Ben. Next, tiptoe to the neighbouring Westminster Abbey and intricately designed Houses of Parliament. The area exudes an aura that is rare in the 21st century.

Another culturally rich area is Covent Garden. The focal point of Punch and Judy shows in Victorian England, Covent Garden boasts of a number of interconnected markets today. At the Apple Market, street performers continue to enthrall tourists and Londoners alike with their unique acts – everything from magic to fire-eating is on offer.

3) Museums

London is home to an extremely dynamic art scene. Tradition interacts with creativity to offer a breath-taking variety of museums to visitors.

What’s more, most of these are free to visit. The expansive British History Museum, intricate Victoria and Albert Museum and contemporary Tate Modern should definitely be on everyone’s radar. The first two serve as a perfect introduction to Britain’s long and colourful history while the latter provides an insight into its contemporary artists.

4) People

Of course the most special thing about London is its cosmopolitanism. It welcomes people from all over the world. As the result, the city is a melting pot of more cultures, cuisines, and languages than one can count. French macarons and Italian cheeses dilly dally with Vietnamese Pho and Indian curries and the resultant mix is irresistible to tourists.

5) Entertainment

No sprawling metropolis would be complete without dozens of opportunities for entertainment. London offers dozens of options to suit every budget and taste.

Catching a play at Shakespeare’s Globe is one of our favourite things to do in London. The theatre is open to the public throughout the year and helps visitors explore Shakespeare’s London through a number of tours. Watching a play at The Globe is akin to being transported back in time.

Then there is ice-skating during the Winter Holidays, unique food tours, walks by the Thames, picnics at The Royal Parks, and quirky clubs. One thing is sure – one can never be short of things to do in London.

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