Things to do in London

Food · Southwark / London Bridge

London's most famous food market — artisan produce, cheese, and packed lunch stalls under the railway arches.

Local tip: Go on a weekday lunchtime; weekends are shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. The salt-beef and grilled-cheese queues are worth it.

Nature · Hampstead / North London

320 acres of wild parkland with woods, ponds and the city's best skyline view from Parliament Hill.

Local tip: Swim in the wild bathing ponds (separate men's, women's and mixed) in summer — a proper local institution.

Neighborhood · Bethnal Green / East London

A single street that explodes into a flower market every Sunday, lined with tiny independent shops and cafes.

Local tip: Arrive before 9am for calm, or just before 3pm closing when traders slash prices to clear stock.

Culture · Southwark / Lambeth

A riverside walk strung with the Tate Modern, National Theatre, Southbank Centre and the London Eye.

Local tip: Walk it east-to-west at dusk; the free Tate Modern viewing levels give a cracking, ticket-free panorama.

Landmark · City of London / Tower Hill

A 1,000-year-old fortress on the Thames, home to the Crown Jewels and the famous ravens.

Local tip: Book online ahead and arrive at opening — the Crown Jewels queue balloons by mid-morning.

Nightlife · West End

The compact, buzzing heart of London nightlife — bars, theatres, jazz clubs and late-night eats.

Local tip: Bar-hop around Old Compton Street and Dean Street; for a sit-down meal, neighbouring Chinatown is right there.