August 24, 2017
5 min read
You might think that London is just Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the famous guards in red uniforms, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. But you are wrong! This British metropolis hides much more. We have prepared tips for a few interesting places you may have never heard of in your life. Let's start lightly
Besides the monuments, London also has amazing interactive museums where you will have a great time. You can find two such places just a short walk from Kensington Gardens. At the Natural History and Science Museum, you can travel to the Earth's core, count the ribs of a Tyrannosaurus, or look under the surface of the human body. An ideal choice for a rainy London day! Plus, both are free, which is a really nice bonus.
Not all churches are the same
One of the most famous churches, shrines, and temples in London is undoubtedly St. Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. Besides the fact that you might remember it from the wedding footage of Princess Diana, it is among the typical "must-sees" in London thanks to its architecture and beautiful decoration. The design was handled by Christopher Wren, who is even buried in the local crypt. Few people know that he was a great lover of pineapples, which was also reflected in the cathedral's architecture. It might seem a bit absurd to you, but even the cathedral's dome had the shape of this exotic fruit in his original plans. In the end, it didn't happen, but you can see pineapples in stone form on the tips of the two western towers of the cathedral.
Through the park
London boasts several parks. Among the most famous is Hyde Park, where locals go to enjoy lunch on the grass or just relax with friends. If the weather permits, there is nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city for a moment into a green paradise, lying in the grass, and putting your hands behind your head. In this largest royal London park, you will also find, for example, a historic dog cemetery from the 18th century, where the pets of nobles rest. Those who prefer more active relaxation can head to Kew Gardens for a walk on the Treetop Walk. In the crowns of deciduous trees, you will walk along a 200-meter-long path suspended 18 meters above the ground.
Literary London
London is interwoven with many literary masterpieces. Among the most famous is probably the character of Oliver Twist, brought to life by Charles Dickens in a house on London's Doughty Street, where he lived from 1837–1839. And it is in this house today that you have the opportunity to visit a museum dedicated to this literary giant. If you are a lover of the written word, definitely jump into the Judd Books bookstore near the British Library. It is half second-hand, half bookstore, where you can get even new books at least a third cheaper. You can, for example, borrow ladders and climb up for a first edition of Harry Potter (for two pounds) or Winnie the Pooh with a blurred signature of A. A. Milne (for three pounds).Man does not live by words alone
Even if it seems strange to you given the famous London weather, life in London happens on the streets. When visiting London, definitely set aside time for the local markets, which are famous far and wide. You will find the most famous one just a short walk from Trafalgar Square. Covent Garden Market will win you over with its atmosphere. It is a bit more expensive for shopping, but the street performers and great cafes will make up for it.
From a bird's eye view
When people want to see London from above, they usually choose the London Eye. However, the view from the Tate Modern gallery is much more interesting (and it's free). The building of the former power station was converted into a gallery of modern art in 2000. It offers not only spiritual pleasure in an avant-garde way but also an unrepeatable view – from the top of the gallery, you can look at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower, Tower Bridge, or even the famous Shard skyscraper.
