For my first post, I decided to start in my favorite city. While everyone knows they have to get a picture with Big Ben, many people are unsure about what attractions are available in London that suit their interests specifically. Yeah, you could go to places where people were tortured and beheaded like everyone else. . . or you could like. . . not. So today, I compiled a list of the 12 things I did in London that are both modern and fun, while giving you a unique view of London's culture and history and a break from long, touristy lines.
1. Take a Jack the Ripper Tour.
I admit, I was a little cynical about this idea too. But this is the perfect thing to do in London, especially if you like spending your free time marathoning crime dramas like Criminal Minds and Law & Order (which I definitely do). The tour I took was easy to find, incredibly fun and informative, and it only costs about £10. Honestly, this was one of the most fun things I did while in the British capital, and it is perfect for a fun evening with friends.
2. Show your Hogwarts pride at Platform 9 3/4.
Harry Potter is all over London, but Platform 9 3/4 is one of the best places to show your wizard pride. Located, of course, at King's Cross Station in Central London, it offers the perfect chance to have fun and live the life of your favorite wizard.
3. See a play.
London is well-known for its amazing theatre productions, featuring plays like Wicked and Mamma Mia! to the Globe Theatre's regular productions of Shakespeare. The Globe Theatre also has an inexpensive exhibition underneath with descriptions of Shakespeare's life and works, and teaches about the age of Elizabethan theatre. For any fans of literature or theatre, exploring it is a must.
4. Go for a run (or walk!) in your nearest royal park.
It's hard to find places to exercise in the city, but thankfully, London has some of the most green space of any city in the world. There are several royal parks in London, the most famous being Hyde Park with Buckingham Palace in the center, but any of the parks are beautiful to explore while you get your exercise in. I saw several football (soccer) and rugby matches while in the parks, and I enjoyed the natural beauty that made being so far from home a little easier.
5. Visit the Monument.
Not the most eloquent name, but the Monument was built to commemorate London's loss after the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed much of Central London and a large majority of London residents' homes. Found near other attractions such as Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern, the Monument offers a quick view into London's history -- and if you choose to go up in it, a unique and intimate view of the city from the top.
6. Take the tube.
The London Underground, known by locals as the tube, is the largest and deepest subway network in the world. It is the most affordable and convenient way to travel around London, and offers a more realistic perception of the city. Riding the tube makes you feel like a local, and allows you to experience the everyday crowding, discarded newspapers, and street music like a true Londoner.
7. Go shopping in Leicester Square.
At the center of the Theatre District, Leicester (pronounced LES-ter) Square offers some of the most affordable shopping in London, regardless if you would prefer touristy "I Love London!" shirts or more authentic London souvenirs, such as Converse sneakers or English tea. I bought several of my souvenirs there, and it helped to both save money and de-stress after a long day of lines and sights.
8. Re-create the most iconic album cover in the world.
When I went to London, Abbey Road Studios was a must. Located in a quaint residential neighborhood, you wouldn't recognize the famous crosswalk until you got to it if it wasn't for the small ever-present crowd of people and the permanent crossing guard. It takes just a few minutes to sign your name on the wall outside the studio and strike a pose for your album cover. And just down the road is a gift shop with Beatles merchandise to remind you of your stay, including this shirt.
9. Take a walk through the Tate Modern.
A modern art gallery, the Tate features a wide variety of art, from Picasso and Dali to strange new pieces of art created with coffee stains, cardboard boxes, and political statements. It is the perfect place to broaden your art appreciation skills, and for experienced artists, search for inspiration.
10. Walk across Millennium Bridge.
Not as iconic as Tower Bridge, Millennium Bridge is a modern walking bridge that leads you across the Thames and gives an unobstructed view of London. On a pleasant summer day, it often offers music and other forms of street entertainment as you walk along, and if you look to the ground, there are some tiny paintings drawn over the bridge's imperfections that add to the city's artistic charm.
11. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum offers a collection devoted to the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the several fim and TV show adaptations. It also offers the largest selection of Sherlock gifts and merchandise in the world, and is a fun stop for anyone who loves the genius detective.
12. Tour St. Paul's Cathedral.
Often overshadowed by Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral is generally skipped over in short trips to London. However, this cathedral is easily my favorite church I've ever been to. The church's beautifully painted dome and Greek-inspired architecture reminds one a little of the U.S. Capitol and despite being hundreds of years old, it displays awe-inspiring architectural skill and a relatively liberal and modern outlook on social issues. I was so moved by the church that I stayed for a midday service and made the trek up over 500 stairs to the top of the cathedral (despite my fear of heights!) to experience some of the best views of the city: