There’s nothing better than exploring a new city. And thanks to the almost infinite amount of information available online today, it’s easy to plan your itinerary before arriving. It’s easy to find a city’s most popular attractions and top restaurants, but this doesn’t necessarily offer you the most authentic experience of a new location. Many travellers today like to see new places through the eyes of locals, experiencing a completely new culture in the process.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on London, capital of the UK. But while London is home to iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, along with world-renowned restaurants and bars, we’re instead exploring how a born and bred Londoner would spend 24 hours in their own city.
Food
Let’s start with what to eat when in London. You’ll be able to find almost every cuisine known to man in London, but what would be a Londoner’s go-to meal? The first mention has to go to the British classic that is fish & chips. No matter where you are in the UK, you’ll be able to find a quality fish & chip shop, and London is no different.
Slightly more bespoke to London is pie & mash. That’s a British pie, often filled with meat and gravy, accompanied by a serving of mashed potato. For the full London experience, make sure to add a side of jellied eels.
Alternatively, you could sample London’s take on a chicken tika masala. While curry dishes originated in India, the chicken tika masala has been adopted as one of the UK’s national dishes, and is widely believed to have originated in the UK.
Attractions
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in London, but the majority of attractions come with busy crowds. Locals would likely overlook the likes of Downing Street and the Tower of London in favour of more tranquil offerings.
One of the best things about London is the abundance of parks that can be found within close proximity to the centre. Hyde Park, St. James’s Park and Regent’s Park are some of the most famous but there are plenty more green spaces if you’re looking for somewhere even quieter.
To experience London like a local, try swapping Big Ben for a morning bike ride around one of these famous parks. In the afternoon, local markets offer a great, authentic way to take in London where you can find handmade crafts and a wide range of delicious food.
Travel
It’s tempting to just rely on taxis when visiting a new city for the first time. But most locals in London use the city’s famous Tube network to get around. If you’ve rented a car for your trip to the UK, it’d be wise to find parking in central London, such as the ones operated by Care Park, before finding a nearby tube station. London also has a reliable network of buses which also offer an authentic way to get around the famous city.
