Neal’s Yard at Covent Garden: What a hidden gem! If it weren’t for my local friend, I may have walked right past the entrance to this colorful alley. Filled with shops and eateries like the famous Homeslice pizza, this is a do-not-miss.

The Colorful Neal’s Yard at Covent Garden

With our Massive Pizza at Homeslice in Neal’s Yard

Maltby Street Market: Another spot not (yet) widely known to tourists! This narrow street gets filled up with shoulder-to-shoulder traffic on weekends with hungry locals clamoring for hot bites and samples from food stalls and restaurants at Maltby Market.

The Bustling Maltby Street Market

Camden Market: While Maltby Market may be a food destination, Camden is a vast destination for unique shopping and vintage finds. I guarantee you will get lost roaming from stall to stall at Camden. Plus, they have a plethora of international food options.

For more London market options, I highly suggest taking a gander at this top 12 list.

Late Night Shopping at Camden Market

Carnaby Street: This is an excellent alternative to shopping along Oxford Street. While still bustling, Carnaby also provides the quintessential London experience (equipped with it’s very own glimmering British flag to greet you high in the sky). You’ll find trendy shops, restaurants, and relaxing pubs at Carnaby.

Strolling Carnaby London

Shoreditch: Mentioned already, the Shoreditch neighborhood is great if you’re looking to sink your teeth into the London art scene (there are galleries and street art scattered throughout). Vintage shops, food stands, international flavors, and adorable markets can be found here.

Cute Shops in Shoreditch

Street Art in Shoreditch

King’s Cross Station: Immediately add this to the Harry Potter fan must-do list. This is where Platform 9 3/4 lives! Unfortunately its popularity means that there is about an hour long wait to get a good picture with the iconic wall. I opted to quickly get a picture in on the side. A very busy Harry Potter gift shop can be found here.

Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station (I was as giddy as I look)

The Very Busy Harry Potter Gift Shop at King’s Cross Station

221B Baker Street (Sherlocke Holmes’ home): Again, another must-do if you’re a fan of the infamous detective. A gift shop and museum is located here.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street

Walk along the River Thames: touristy and crowded, but worth it on your first trip to London. From Big Ben to the London Eye, almost every iconic London landmark can be seen along the Thames.

Taken on our River Thames Stroll

Have yourself some afternoon tea: Stop for an hour during your busy London timeline and relax in one (or a few) of London’s tea rooms.

Teas at Yumchaa in Shoreditch

Interior shot of Yumchaa in Shoreditch

London Underground (metro system): This may seem like a very bizarre highlight, but it is truly one of my standout experiences in London. I am still floored by the complexity of London’s intricate train system and am downright impressed by the number of stations through the greater London area. I totally get why you would have the Underground on your shirt.

Map of The London Underground system

Did I miss something on my London to-do list? Let us know in the comments below!

<3

By the way – are you interested in Paris, France?

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