London: 9 beautiful places and insider tips you have to see

The top 9 secret tips at a glance

Besides the 13 most important attractions in London, there are many other places that are absolutely worth seeing. I also present the most exciting insider tips here.

1. Blackfriars Bridge

2. Covent Garden Market

3. Carnaby

4. St James's Park & Palace

5. Westminster Cathedral

6. Camden Market

7. Regent's Park

8. Notting Hill

9. Kew Gardens

Tip: To explore London and its many sights as cheaply as possible, we recommend the London Explorer Pass from Go City(order here*).

1. Blackfriars Bridge

This list starts with a relatively inconspicuous bridge over the Thames. the Thames. There are 35 of them in total, by the way. The only thing that might make the Blackfriars Bridge is its characteristic red and white paint job.

Blackfriars Bridge with the skyline is a great photo motif - Photo: Depositphotos by asiastock

The bridge near St Paul's Cathedral was named after a monastic order. The Dominicans were also called Blackfriars in England because of their black robes. Even today, you can still find hidden references to this in the vicinity of the bridge, for example a monk figure on the house at 174 Queen Victoria Street(Google Maps).

The reference to religion is also reflected in the architecture of the Blackfriars Bridge and is visible, for example, in the protrusions that look like a pulpit. look like a pulpit. Underneath, various animals are carved: on one side, more associated with the river on one side and a seagull, for example, on the other. side, for example, a seagull, which is more associated with the sea. associated with the sea. So you always know in which direction the North Sea is. is.

Many people also wonder about the meaning of the red red pillars that rise out of the water right next to the bridge. They are the supports of a former railway bridge that ran right next to the Blackfriars Bridge. Today's version, which still serves as the access road Blackfriars Station, is directly behind it.

The red columns are supports of a former railway bridge - Photo: Depositphotos by asiastock

⭐ Shadowhunters fans take note: In Chronicles of the Shadowhunters, where the prequel to the well-known novel series Chronicles of the Underworld - or The Mortal Instruments in the original - is told, Blackfriars Bridge is the annual meeting place and wedding venue of Jem and Tessa. Author Cassandra Clare was actually inspired to write the story on this bridge in the first place.

Tip: The best way to discover legendary sights like Buckingham Palace and the Millennium Bridge is on a guided bike tour ( book here*). The speedboat tour in the heart of the city is also super fun ( book here*).

Address: Blackfriars Road(Google Maps)
Underground station: Blackfriars (Circle and District Line), Southwark (Jubilee Line), St. Paul's (Central Line)

2. Covent Garden Market

Opposite St Paul's Church - not to be confused with St Paul's Cathedral - is Covent Garden Market in the heart of London. There was a farmers' market on this site as early as 1835. After some renovations, the current building was completed in 1999 and has been a popular meeting place in London ever since.

In the market hall you can find everything from food to jewellery, stationery and clothing to numerous cafés and restaurants. It also houses the the Apple Market, which, contrary to its name, does not offer fruit but but arts and crafts. Next to Covent Garden Market you will also find JubileeMarket, with antiques and second-hand goods. Market, with antiques and second-hand items. All in all, you will the Covent Garden Market area empty-handed. empty-handed.

Because there's also a lot of hustle and bustle outside the hall. Not only street artists show their skills here. The original farmers' market also takes place outside April to December every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside. Between February and April, the market moves indoors and does not start until 9 am. 9 am. From May to October there is a special evening market on Thursday from 4 to 5 pm.

⭐ Incidentally, the market square was also the setting for the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, which is the basis of the musical My Fair Lady. The main character Eliza Doolittle sells her flowers there.

All info:

Address:

Address: 14 James Street(Google Maps)

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm, Saturday from 8am to 6pm, Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Underground:

Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Embankment.

Covent Garden Market is a popular meeting place - Photo: Depositphotos by stocco.claudio.libero.it 3 Carnaby

Carnaby is a neighbourhood within the Soho district, located between between Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus and is known for its multicultural atmosphere and many gay bars. The Chinatown neighbourhood is also is also located in Soho. In Carnaby itself, there are 14 streets with numerous boutiques, shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.

Carnaby Street is particularly well known. The pedestrian zone is one of one of the most famous shopping streets in London. Its popularity began in the 1960s, which is why you can still find 1960s fashion there today, even though the street has lost much of its vintage flair.

⭐ To the north of Carnaby Street, at the intersection with Great Marlborough Street, you'll find the Shakespeare's Head pub. Head, which was opened in 1735 by distant relatives of the poet.

Other highlights in Carnaby include, for example, Kingly Court, where the best food from all over the world is served in an open courtyard on three floors. One of the entrances is directly on Carnaby Street. Also not to be missed when in the area is the Newburgh Quarter around Carnaby Street, where you'll find quaint pubs and cute cafes rather creative products and second-hand shops.

Address: Carnaby Street(Google Maps)
Tube station: Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria Line), Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly Line).

A visit to Carnaby Street should not be missed on any London city trip ⭐ Recommended travel guides for your city trip to London

We can recommend the following travel guides for your trip to the British capital.

*Advertising link / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API

4 St James's Park & Palace

As promised, after Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, here are three more of the eight Royal Parks. If you want to know more about the first two, you can read the article about the most memorable sights in London.

Next is St James's Park and the adjoining Green Park, which lead into the gardens of Buckingham Palace. There they also meet directly Hyde Park, which in turn connects with Kensington Gardens - so four of the eight four of the eight Royal Parks are located directly next to each other.

The centrepiece of St James's Park is St James's Palace, which was the official the official London residence of the British monarchs until 1837, when it moved year it was moved to Buckingham Palace, which is almost directly adjacent. Palace. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to the publicand can therefore only be and can therefore only be admired from the outside.

By the way, St James's Palace is also part of the famous Changing of the Guard. Here, some of the Guards who are being relieved gather at 11:30 am and march together to Buckingham Palace, where they meet the "new" Guards at 12 pm. You can read more about the ceremony in the article about the most important sights in London in the section about Buckingham Palace.

Tip: Learn lots of interesting facts about the city on a guided tour of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace ( book here*).

All info:

Address:

Marlborough Road(Google Maps)

Opening hours:

5am to midnight daily

Underground:

St James's Park, Charing Cross, Westminster, Green Park

View of Buckingham Palace from St James's Park Photo: Depositphotos by slay19 5. Westminster Cathedral

Near the south-western end of St James's Park is Westminster Cathedral, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey is about a kilometre to the north-east - read more about it in the Top 13 Sights in London.

Westminster Cathedral is the main Catholic church for England and Wales. Wales. It was not opened until 1903, because after the secession of the Anglican Church in the 16th century, Roman Catholic churches were not tolerated. Roman Catholic churches were tolerated.

The cathedral was built in neo-Byzantine style and has a most unusual and impressive façade. unusual and impressive façade. It is characterised by the the elaborately designed portal, the alternation of red brick and white Portland stone, the high dome and the free-standing bell tower, which is more typical of Italian buildings.

There is also a viewing platform in the bell tower at a height of 64 metres. There is a small fee for this, but entry to the cathedral itself is free. itself is free of charge.

All info:

Address:

Victoria Street(Google Maps)

Gallery opening hours:

Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30am to 6pm.

Admission:

Adults pay £6, concessions £3.

Underground:

Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria Line).

Westminster Cathedral is not nearly as famous as Westminster Abbey - Photo: Depositphotos by kazyavka 6 Camden Market

Camden Town, or simply Camden, is a district in the north of the city. of the city. This part of London is best known for Camden Market, which consists of six different areas.

Camden is known for its colourful house facades

The most famous part is the Camden Lock Market, where you can buy vintage fashion and vintage fashion but also great street food. As the name already Camden Stables Market is located in old Victorian horse stables. Victorian horse stables. Today, in addition to food stalls, you'll find food stalls, but also antiques, jewellery and clothes.

It is simply fun to stroll through this part of London.

The Electric Ballroom used to be a trendy club. while you can buy clothes and music products here during the day, on you can still party from 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday. In general Camden is known for its music scene. For example, Amy Winehouse even lived Amy Winehouse even lived here and the band Oasis has its roots in the area.

The Inverness Street Market also offers many options for going out in the evening. during the day you can buy groceries and food, but also clothes and souvenirs. food, but also clothes and souvenirs. Buck Street Market is a less less frequented part of the market - there you will find mainly fashion and jewellery.

Here is an alternative to

The last part is the small Camden Canal Market, located on the beautiful beautiful Regent's Canal. This in turn winds its way through the whole the whole district and provides a unique flair. You can even take a boat trip from even take a boat trip from Camden Market to "Little Venice". take a boat trip. Just look out for the signs when you get there.

One of the top highlights in Camdeon is the Regent's Canal.

Most of the stalls at Camden Market are open every day. And you can usually only pay with cash. You should also arrive relatively early, as Camden Market is extremely popular and fills up very quickly.

Absolutely worthwhile is a guided tour through Camden with a local ( book here).

Address: Camden Lock Place(Google Maps)
Underground station: Camden Town (Northern Line)
Opening hours: Open daily from 10 am, individual opening hours depending on the stand.

7 Regent's Park

Regent's Canal also runs through the northern edge of Regent's Park. Park. This is the last of the Royal Parks that I would like to introduce you to. to introduce you to, and it is also in Camden. Regent's Park contains and leisure facilities, including sports facilities, a rose garden and a lake with rowing rose garden and a lake with rowing boats.

London Zoo is also located here. Check out the zoo's website for attractions, opening times and to book tickets.

To the north of the park is Primrose Hill, a hill that also gives its name to the surrounding posh district. From there you have a great view of the London skyline!

Address: Chester Road(Google Maps)
Tube station: Regent's Park (Bakerloo Line), Great Portland Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan Line), Baker Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Bakerloo Line), St John's Wood (Jubilee Line), Camden Town (Northern Line)
Opening hours: daily from 5am to at least 4:30pm. Closing time varies depending on the month.

Regent's Park is a great place to unwind. 8 Notting Hill

Notting Hill, on the other hand, is more to the west of London. Perhaps from the 1999 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Roberts and Hugh Grant in the leading roles. It's about a small bookshop in bookshop in Notting Hill.

In fact, the scenes portrayed in the film are quite realistic - in the "real" Notting Hill, too, there are rows of colourful Victorian townhouses with beautiful gardens. with beautiful gardens. Also the second-hand and antiques market shown, which is popular with Londoners and tourists alike, actually takes place every Saturday from 9am to 7pm.

The whole thing takes place on the famous Portobello Road. During the week, food is sold at the almost one-kilometre-long market.

The best way to explore Notting Hill is on a guided tour ( book here*).

Portobello Road again offers endless photo opportunities Everyone is guaranteed to find something tasty to eat here

Every year, on the last weekend in August, the Notting Hill Carnivaltakes place. takes place. Thanks to the many Caribbean immigrants and up to two million visitors and participants. and up to two million visitors and participants.

Whether you've come to Notting Hill for the carnival, the Portobello Road Market or just for a stroll, you're sure to be enthralled by this vibrant neighbourhood.

Address: Portobello Road(Google Maps)
Tube Station: Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District Line), Holland Park (Central Line), Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith & City Line)

9. Kew Gardens

Quite far to the southwest and about 13 kilometres from the centre of London are the Kew Gardens(online ticket*). These botanical gardens are among the oldest in the world and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.

In addition to the world-famous Victorian greenhouses, the Kew Gardens also feature Kew Gardens also features extensive parks with very old rhododendron plants. In addition, you can marvel at some plant species here that are are not native to Europe or the northern hemisphere. Only accessible The water lily house is only accessible in summer, but it must be beautiful.

The extensive grounds also include a lake and Queen Charlotte's Cottage. Charlotte's Cottage, a small country house that can be visited on certain days. which can be visited on certain days. In the past, there were also three royal palaces there, one of which, Kew Palace, still stands today. In the Kew Gardens there are also some Chinese elements, such as a pagoda and a gate, and bamboo gardens. a gate and bamboo gardens.

Not only for plant lovers is this green oasis an enchanting place and an absolute highlight in London.

All info:

Opening hours:

Daily from 10am to 6pm in winter, until 8pm in summer.

Admission:

Adults £16.50

Underground:

Kew Gardens (District Line)

The greenhouses in Kew Gardens are world famous The best rooftop bars in town

London has a lot of rooftop bars with great views over the city's over the city skyline.

One of them is on the rooftop of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and is called Savage Garden. There you'll find delicious food, great (but expensive) cocktails and a panoramic view of London.

Address: 7 Pepys Street(Google Maps)
Tube station: Tower Hill (Circle and District Line)

A very special address is the Rooftop Film Club. In the summer, you can watch classic films in three different open-air locations with the skyline in view.

On the 52nd floor of The Shard, London's tallest building, is an exclusive bar called GŎNG. Admittedly, it's not out in the open, but the view simply can't be beat. You pay an average of 20 pounds for a cocktail, but you have to spend at least 30 pounds per person - and you can't sit at a window seat for more than 2 hours. If you don't mind all that, the bar is a very special experience.

Address: 31 St Thomas Street(Google Maps)Tube station: London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern Line), Borough (Northern Line)

Finally, I discovered Hendricks Botanical Garden. It's part of Mr Fogg's Residence in Mayfair, one of several bars in London that transport you to the Victorian era. They all look stunning and are certainly worth a visit!

Address: 15 Bruton Lane(Google Maps)Underground Station: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria Line)

The dark side of London

The London Bridge Experience is basically the "little sister" of the famous London Dungeon. In this chamber of horrors with real actors you will find interactive attractions on the bloody history of England over the past thousand years. In addition to an exhibition about the Great Plague of London, there are also Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd, for example.

All info:

Address:

The Queen's Walk(Google Maps)

Opening hours:

daily at least from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission:

Adults from £24

Underground:

Waterloo, Westminster, Embankment

On Clink Street, near London Bridge, you will find another is another notorious sight. The Clink Prison, which was there from 1151 to 1780, is one of England's oldest prisons. in England. Today it houses a small museum where you can get a glimpse of the former Clink Prison. Get an insight into the former Clink Prison.

All info:

Address:

1 Clink Street(Google Maps)

Opening hours:

July to September daily from 10am to 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday until 9pm. October to June from 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday until 7:30pm.

Admission:

Adults pay £8

Underground:

London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern Line).

The entrance to the Clink Prison Museum in London - Photo: Depositphotos by cowardlion

Sweeney Todd, the fictional 19th century barber and serial killer, will be familiar to many from the film of the same name. century, will be familiar to many from the film of the same name starring Johnny Depp. with Johnny Depp. According to the story, which has been the basis for numerous series, films and and theatre productions, Sweeney Todd had a parlour on the top floor of a bakery in the upstairs of a bakery in Fleet Street, where he killed his customers. Mrs Lovett, owner of the bakery, eventually processed them into pies.

In addition to the London Dungeon attraction mentioned above, you can also visit Fleet Street today. Unfortunately, as the story is fictional, you won't find any references to the murderous barber. The site of his alleged barbershop at 186 Fleet Street is now occupied by a 19th century church and the premises of the Dundee Courier newspaper.

Address: 186 Fleet Street(Google Maps)
Underground station: Temple or Blackfriars (Circle and District Line), Chancery Lane or St Paul's (Central Line).

One of the most notorious figures, but one that was quite real and wreaked havoc in London in 1888, is Jack The Ripper. The serial killer is said to have killed at least five prostitutes and was never caught. The figure has become extremely popular due to numerous theories and speculations. If you are also interested in the exciting story, you can take part in a Jack The Ripper tour* or book a ticket for the Jack The Ripper Museum*.

If you need a break from walking and want to be spooked, I recommend the Ghost Bus Tour with the London Necrobus. It's a 75-minute comedy-horror show that will make it the scariest bus ride of your life.

⭐ By the way, you can find more exciting scary stories and places that are supposedly haunted on this website.

London for Harry Potter fans

Of course, there is no shortage of ghosts and magic in Harry Potter. If you want to discover London on the wizard's trail or take part in the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you can find all the important information in the article on London for Harry Potter fans. You can also join a guided tour*.

I hope you enjoyed my insider tips for London and that they will help you plan your weekend in London or your holiday.