London Calling: 10 Things to do in the British capital

Natasha Gan

08 May 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:07

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#1 Go up the London Eye
One of the first things you should do when in London is to go up the London Eye. Overlooking the Big Ben and River Thames, the emblemetic landmark offers a beautiful view of the city. The wheel goes around ever so slowly, giving you time to enjoy the 360° view from each capsule.
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#2 Spend the rest of the day in the Westminster area
After London Eye, stick around in the area to see other famous landmarks of London. The looming Big Ben is just a five-minute walk away, and behind it is Westminster Abbey, the gothic church were the Royal Wedding was held just a few years ago. Next, make your way to the Buckingham Palace. Stroll through St. James's Park and you'll end up at the palatial gates.
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#3 Experience the afternoon tea
Spend the afternoon like how the British aristocrats used to do it: sipping tea and enjoying light bites. London is filled with hotels, restaurants and cafés offering afternoon tea, with different themes and treats (you'll be offered some scones and cream wherever you go). Pictured is the almost-too-adorable-to-eat Alice in Wonderland-themed set by Sanderson Hotel, dubbed Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea. Some of these nibbles are actually quite filling so don't go on a full stomach.
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#4 Shop until you drop
London is home to a number of upscale department stores, including Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Harrods. If you fancy anything designer, you've come to the right place. Start at Primark, at the East end of Oxford Street, where you can get unbelievably cheap clothing, then make your way west towards Selfridges on Bond Street. Finally, conclude your shopping spree at Knightsbridge, where you'll find the posh Harvey Nichols and Harrods.
Photo: Rosi Natalia
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#5 Visit the markets
Just like most European cities, London is brimming with markets so you shouldn't limit yourselves to the high-end chain or department stores. Three markets that you must visit are Portobello Market, Camden Market and Borough Market. Portobello is the place to go if you're expecting to find vintage Chanel bags, or one-of-a-kind fur coats. Camden is a collective of different markets so prepare to stumble upon quirky little things. Borough Market sells nothing but food, from cheese to exotic meats. It's definitely worth your time.
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#6 Eat at the Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club, an all-day breakfast restaurant chain, shares a name with one of the most memorable films from the 80s. Although the eatery has nothing to do with the movie, the interior in all three London locations transports you to the retro eras. Opt for the full breakfast plate, the breakfast burrito or the hearty pancakes.
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#7 Watch football
London is big on football (soccer) so every match day, the whole city comes rushing out to the stadium of their preferred team. Even though you're not a football fan, try to get your hands on a ticket to experience the exhillirating feeling of watching a match unravel right before your eyes. The two most prominent teams worth watching are Chelsea FC and Arsenal, especially if they are facing each other.
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#8 Go to a pub (and eat fish and chips)
When you see a sea of people loitering outside a pub after hours, don't panic because it's not a brawl. Londoners love going to pubs and you should join them. Contrary to common belief, they are quite friendly. Get a pint of beer and strike up a conversation with the lads and lassies. Make sure to pair your beer with a serving of the local dish: fish and chips.

Photo: Dominic Youji
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#9 Watch a musical
Every now and then, London comes up with new musicals, but classic ones include Wicked and Les Miserables. Watching a musical is an entirely different experience from spending the evening at a cinema. Prepare to be astounded by how talented the performers are, and how much more alive the storyline is thanks to that. If your schedule is flexible, take a risk by buying your tickets last minute because they are sold for about half the original price minutes before the performance.
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#10 Pose in front of the red telephone boxes
We're sure you already have this in mind the moment you book your London trip. Pose in front of the red telephone boxes scattered around the city as a keepsake. The iconic phone booths are just as symbolic as the London Eye and the Big Ben so this is hands down one of the most important things you must do in London.
Photo: Pinterest via Praveen Kumar

If the British accent isn’t alluring enough for you to visit the capital, let these 10 reasons do the job.

Diverse and exhilarating, London is one of the top destinations to visit in our lifetime. The beguiling British capital is home to the picturesque red phone booths, the world’s most famous clock tower, and the iconic London Eye. It’s also where the Royal family resides, and the best place for us commoners to get a scrumptious plate of perfectly crispy, tantalizingly golden fish and chips.

It promises a fun experience for every globetrotter, from the ladies who delight in shopping sprees, to the sports junkies who enjoy the thunderous cheers of football fans. With a plethora of attractions, sights and activities, we chose 10 irreplaceable experiences you must not miss during your London trip.

Assuming you want to fully experience London, your itinerary is imaginably packed. But do spare some time to sit back and indulge in a decadent high tea like a British aristocrat would, or make your way into one of the ubiquitous pubs in town to see how the real Londoners unwind after a day at work.

And most importantly, head over to our gallery to see our little London guide in full.

Natasha Gan

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London Calling: 10 Things to do in the British capital

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