London Attractions & Entertainment: What’s Worth It & What’s Not
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.
I visited London from November 14-22, 2023.
There's no shortage of things to do in London, but what’s really worth it and what’s not? From the POV of a budget, solo traveller, here’s my opinion.
*All photos by Lonely Girl, Lonely World unless otherwise stated.
The Markets
London is full of markets of various kinds. Here are some of the ones I visited.
Camden Market
Camden Market gives off a “this is where the cool kids go” vibe. It’s hard to know where it begins and ends because it’s really a cross-section of streets in a hip, urban neighbourhood.
There are vintage (or so they say) stores, a buck market, cute dessert places, and a sprawling open-air food market with interesting pod tables that had me salivating at the glands. There are also several pubs and bars (including one, Coyote Ugly, with bar counter dancers, 18+) and a rave clothing store.
It crosses Regent’s Canal, so you can hang out by the water for some peace and quiet.
Camden Market’s stores are open till late (by London standards), so it’s a cool place to experience some nightlife outside of the downtown core.
Cost: $$
Worth it? Yes.
Borough Market
The famous Borough Market is located south of the River Thames from London Bridge and hosts a sanctuary of food and gift options. Think big, think fresh, and think popular. For people living west of the river, it might take some effort to get to, but the trek is well worth it.
With hundreds of vendors, it’s also hard to tell where this market begins and ends. Most of it is tented, but some vendors on the outskirts are open-air (I bought a great hot cider at one), and some are across a little alleyway that sees less people.
You can get all sorts of stuff here, including wine, organic honey, fried foods, snacks, etc. Come Christmas time, the inside of Borough Market is also decorated with large hanging wreaths and fairy lights.
Cost: $$
Worth it? Yes.
Christmas by the River
I’d long heard of European Christmas markets, so I was excited when I came upon this one by accident (aka. Winter by the River).
Christmas by the River is a seasonal market that operates from November - early January, featuring local vendors and businesses. Be prepared to pay an arm and a leg if you can’t resist the bling and sparkle of these products — some of them are super cute! I ended up buying 5 handmade rings for my girlfriends back home (with one for me, of course). There was also one vendor selling unique teapot candles and several for crystals and charms. These can get very expensive; one beautiful crystal ball cost 100+ GBP. It also had serious weight to it.
There wasn’t too much food at this market, which makes sense, considering its completely open-air location along The Queen’s Walk by Tower Bridge. The path is a pedestrian-only walkway, so you can enjoy a view of the River Thames while shopping.
Cost: $$ — $$$
Worth it? Yes.
Portobello Road Market (Notting Hill)
You can’t say “Portobello Road Market” without also mentioning Notting Hill, the cute neighbourhood it’s located in. Notting Hill is famous for its aesthetic, colourful townhouses, similar to the Browns’ neighbourhood in Paddington!
It’s quite possibly my favourite market out of all the ones I saw because there are tons of boutique clothing stores and cafés lined up along the street on either side, with the market tents situated on the road. You can find some nice items here for a quarter of the price it’d cost you at Christmas by the River. In fact, the ring vendor at Christmas by the River hosts one of their storefront locations here. I also saw another crystal vendor selling a very similar crystal ball for only 25 GBP, just smaller.
If you’re a clothing fanatic, you’ll find some really cool statement pieces, along with several thrift shops — one of which, Kin Store, designs their clothes by combining and taking apart secondhand goods.
I went late on a weekday, so the market was quiet and quaint. I enjoyed my time here so much that I even forewent my Royal Opera House tour to stay (ok, ok, that was more because I miscalculated the amount of time I’d need to get to Covent Garden from Portobello, but still).
Cost: $ — $$$
Worth it? Yes.
Others
The list goes on and on. For markets in a central location, check out Apple Market and Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden. There are also numerous other Christmas markets like London Bridge Christmas Market (Hay’s) because, as I saw, London goes big on the December holidays (and I love it). Just walk around, and you’ll probably bump into one. Happy exploring!
The Attractions
Sky Garden
Sky Garden kind of disappointed me. The free admission’s great, but for all the hype about it, I expected more … you know … garden. There’s really not a lot of greenery going on inside. Of course, being atop a skyscraper, there’s only so much one can do. You also have to wait in line for quite a while, even with a ticket.
There is, however, a restaurant (no doubt pricey), and a large terrace for taking photos of the skyline — which, to be honest, didn’t impress me so much either. I think the London Eye at sunset offers a much more interesting angle of the city. I did appreciate the little notes they had on the open tables reminding us we can sit anywhere, no purchase required.
Sky Garden is still more worth it than The Shard, which charges around 30 GBP for a similar view.
Tip: Sky Garden tickets open up 3 weeks in advance. Set a reminder because slots fill up quickly! Limited walk-in available.
Cost: Free
Would I go again? No.
Tower of London
One adult Tower of London ticket costs a hefty 34.80 GBP, but it wins for its medieval architecture and, of course, those Crown Jewels. Actually, it wasn’t the Crown Jewels that caught everyone’s eye the most; it was the gold-spun robes in one display. They glittered and shone just by being hung there, and I was met with audible gasps of wonder from those around me (including mine).
Then when you’re exiting, you get to stand on a moving walkway like those at the airport to revel at the jewels and scepters laid out in a glass case before you. Let’s be honest, the moving walkway was the fun-nest part.
The Tower of London is built around a central square courtyard, and there are lots of other displays in all corners of the castle. Leave ample time for this because there’s a lot to be seen.
Tip: No photos are allowed inside the exhibit where the Crown Jewels are.
Tip: Drinks are allowed on the premises but not in the Crown Jewels exhibit.
Cost: $ - $$
Worth it? Yes.
Tower Bridge to the Queen’s Walk
That big, monumental bridge in all the London photos? That’s not London Bridge; that’s Tower Bridge. Haha. Even Google will show you images of Tower Bridge first when you search “London Bridge,” likely because most people are trying to find “that fancy bridge in London.”
As a perfect next stop, you can walk across Tower Bridge after visiting the Tower of London. Tower Bridge also offers their own tours for about 15 GBP for adults, but I think it’s enough to just walk across it.
The other side lies The Queen’s Walk, a pedestrian-only path along the River Thames where you can find Christmas markets during the holiday season and otherwise enjoy the view and cool breeze.
Cost: Free (if you don’t buy the tour)
Worth it? Yes.
Shakespeare’s Globe (Theatre + Original Site)
If you trek far enough along The Queen’s Walk from Tower Bridge, you’ll eventually get to Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (the new one).
I took a slightly roundabout route to Borough Market before passing the original site of the Globe Theatre (and I mean passing — I didn’t even notice it the first time, though my whole purpose was to find it) before reaching the current Globe.
There are tours and shows available for the Globe, but plan your time out accordingly if you want to catch one of these. I didn’t, but I wasn’t any worse for wear without.
Cost: $ - $$$
Worth it? You tell me!
London Eye + River Cruise
It’s not a Ferris wheel! I repeat, the London Eye is NOT a Ferris wheel! Thanks to my River Cruise tour guide for informing us of such interesting facts. It’s actually a cantilever.
The London Eye was constructed for a 1993 competition to decide the best landmark for the turn of the millennium, hence its old name, the “Millennium Wheel.” According to this website, the competition never fared, but the London Eye stayed.
It’s one of the best places to capture stunning views of London from above. There’s also a quirky moment where the workers take your photo in front of a green screen before you ride, and you can buy the resulting image of you with the Eye in the gift shop.
You can also buy a package for the Eye and River Cruise together (or just the River Cruise separately). The River Cruise speeds you down the Thames to see some of the many bridges connecting London, as well as some notable buildings like the “Kardashian,” Shakespeare’s Globe, and more.
The cruise can get VERY chilly in the evening, so bring a sweater or jacket if you’re sitting on the deck. Otherwise, there’s a lower level you can move to, safe from the elements.
Tip: Book a time in line with sunset, so you can get those glowy landscapes at the Eye’s peak!
Cost: $$
Worth it? Yes.
Graffiti Tunnel
In Toronto, we have a similar venue called Graffiti Alley, which is a short strip dedicated to legal graffiti art. Graffiti Tunnel, on the other hand, is longer, bigger, and darker. You’ll likely find artists painting the walls in real time as you walk through.
I recommend visiting when it’s still light out. Even though it’s located underneath Waterloo station, a large train centre, it’s still quite secluded from traffic. Solo travellers would be wise to stay aware.
Cost: Free
Worth it? Yes.
Big Ben
I don’t think I was as excited for anything as seeing Big Ben. Something about that monumental clock strikes me in awe. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my Hugo moment because tours were unavailable at the time — and don’t even think about dangling off its hands.
But it’s still an impressive structure, and from the right spot between the fences, you can get some pretty cool shots of it against the sky.
Cost: Free (if you don’t buy the tour)
Worth it? Yes.
Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 (St. Pancras International)
As someone who’s only ever read the first book when I was around 8 and then half-heartedly skimmed some of the movies, it’s clear I’m not taken in by Harry Potter fever. Still, I was curious to see the attraction dedicated to this literary wonder.
We all know the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling now, but I can tell you firsthand the popularity around Platform 9 3/4 has not died down one bit.
In fact, there are at least 2 dedicated Harry Potter stores in St. Pancras International railway station, where the mystical platform is located. I spent a while trying to find it before I noticed the huge crowd in front of one wall.
The exhibit was much smaller than I expected, just a shopping cart built to look like it’s disappearing through the brick. Kids and adults alike lined up to take a photo with the cart with their newly activated wizard wands.
I think the most amazing thing is how relatively new this exhibit really is compared to structures like Big Ben or Westminster Abbey. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published in 1997! The effect it’s had on media and tourism since is impressive.
If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, go check it out; it’s a fun photo op. If not, you can use that time waiting in line elsewhere.
Cost: Free
Would I go again? No.
Chinatown
DEFINITELY go to London’s Chinatown. The ambience at night is unbelievable. I’ve heard a friend say they don’t serve dumplings here for some reason, but I can’t attest to that. What I can attest to is that you’ll find a congregation of bubble tea shops, bakeries, and classic Chinese cuisine ranging from $ - $$$. There are also several accessories and clothing stores.
I ate at a large diner called Wong Kei, where you can enjoy familiar dishes for a cheap price.
Chinatown is located in the West End, so whether you’re enjoying dinner before a show or a midnight snack after shopping, it’s the perfect location for some tasty fun.
Cost: $ - $$$
Worth it? Yes.
The Butterfly Trail
The Butterfly Trail is a free, public exhibition at The Now Building near Tottenham Court Road Station. Featuring cutting-edge AR and screen technologies, visitors use their phones to “catch” butterflies and hold them in their palms.
The designs are massively impressive and immersive. It’s unclear when or if the exhibit will close, so don’t lose out on a chance to see it. For more information, check out:
A Mixed Reality Butterfly Trail Is Happening In Central London (secretldn.com)
Embark on the Butterfly Trail at Outernet - Outernet London
Cost: Free
Worth it? Yes.
Buckingham Palace
Surprisingly, Buckingham Palace was the least accessible venue in my entire itinerary, which I guess makes sense for a place of high security. The closest public transport stations are about a 15-minute walk away.
The Palace exterior was crowded with tourists taking photos of the King’s Guard and chuckling at their periodic stiff walks from one post to another and back.
I found it enough to just observe for a while, no tour needed.
Cost: Free (if you don’t buy a tour)
Would I go again? No.
The Parks & Gardens
Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens
The first time I stepped foot inside one of London’s parks, I was shocked. The entire city traffic seemed to melt away completely, and I was left with only pools, birds, and nature.
Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens are located within Regent’s Park. I went on a drizzly day, so it was probably quieter than usual, but the atmosphere made for a peaceful trek. Unfortunately, the aforementioned roses weren’t in full bloom at the time, so I had to satisfy myself with the Boy and Frog statue.
The park is huge, and I only saw a very small portion of it. Carve out lots of time if you want to explore more areas like the Japanese Garden Island, Open Air Theatre, and the nearby London Zoo.
Cost: Free
Worth it? Yes.
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens has an entrance conveniently located across the street from Royal Albert Hall. You’ll recognize it by the gold statue of Prince Albert (The Albert Memorial) manning the front. It’s another sprawling park with wide trails for jogging and dog walking.
Cost: Free
Worth it? Yes.
The Museums
Most museums in London are free!
Tate Modern
I found Tate Modern a bit confusing to get around. The central atrium is several floors of open space, with one huge art model hanging from the ceiling. The rest of the collections are located in rooms around the four walls.
I’m not a museum person, though, so I was in and out fairly quickly. They were featuring Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors at the time (which you do have to pay for), but I’d already seen that at the AGO in Toronto several years ago. I highly recommend anyone who hasn’t seen that one to visit it. Kusama’s displays are absolutely stunning.
Cost: Free
Would I go again? Maybe… if there’s an exhibit I really like.
Natural History Museum
It’s not where they shot Night at the Museum (that’s the American Museum of Natural History in NYC), but that dinosaur skeleton sure gives off impressions like it could come alive at night.
It is, however, where scenes of Paddington were shot! I said I’m not a museum person, but the Natural History Museum might just change that. I stepped onto the Kobe Supermarket earthquake machine without knowing what it’d do, and you can be sure that made for a surprising start to my visit. The Gem and Mineral Hall also mesmerized me.
Finally, the dinosaur hall makes for great visuals.
Cost: Free
Worth it? Yes.
The British Museum
I don’t think I saw any of the exhibits here, but I was thoroughly astounded by the architecture. Talk about picture perfect. Their gift shop also features some pretty cool trinkets that I haven’t seen anywhere else.
Cost: Free
Worth it? You tell me!
The British Library
Not a museum, per se, but it might as well be one. The British Library is huge, accessible, and obviously free. There are your customary books for borrowing and study areas, and then there’s also gallery rooms of important documents and artifacts, such as the Magna Carta and some of Shakespeare’s original works.
A bibliophile will definitely want to mark this in their itineraries.
Cost: Free
Worth it? Yes.
Others
There are many other museums I didn’t peek into, along with some for-profit ones that charge admission, like the Sherlock Holmes Museum. This one is more a tourist attraction than anything else, and you should be prepared to wait in line because it’s quite popular!
The Entertainment
Royal Albert Hall Tour
I highly recommend this tour. The guides take you to some backstage rooms not usually accessible to the public, including the waiting room for members of the royalty before a show starts (it’s super tiny). They also introduce you to the acoustics of the main theatre space and some fun facts, like how they pay the government the same rent they paid when the Hall first opened, which is 1 GBP!
We couldn’t take any photos that day because Ed Sheeran (!) was rehearsing onstage. In that regard, I was happy to give him his privacy.
The first time I ever heard about Royal Albert Hall was when my middle school drama teacher showed us a DVD of Phantom of the Opera. Oh, how I wish I could see Phantom live at the Hall! One day…
Cost: $ - $$
Worth it? Yes.
The Royal Ballet
Yes, yes, and yes. No doubt about it, go see The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House. Even if you don’t understand the dance or the plotline, it’s still worth it to admire the agility of London’s best professional ballet dancers.
Cost: $$ - $$$
Worth it? Yes.
Royal Opera House Tour
I ended up missing my ROH tour because I was having too much fun browsing Portobello Road Market.
From what I saw when I went to see The Dante Project, the interior of the ROH is gorgeous. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Despite its unassuming front, which looks like a revolving door to a condo, the inside of ROH houses several top-notch restaurants, one of them in a huge atrium. There are bars everywhere, and a viewing gallery on the 5th floor offers a beautiful aerial view of the city at night. (You can also peek inside the wardrobe studio from here!)
Tip: ROH backstage tours are only available during select seasons, and they fill up quick. Make sure to book a ticket well in advance.
Cost: $ - $$
Worth it? You tell me!
West End
Now, I didn’t see any show in the West End. Whenever some dance or theatre artist’s bio states they’ve performed or had their show presented in the West End, it seems like a pretty big deal. Upon seeing the West End theatre district for myself, I can see why.
Even just walking along the streets, there’s an infectious energy about the area. The theatre houses are topped with flashing neon signs, and you can tell how much Londoners love their theatrics with the size of the billboard advertisements and headliners.
The sheer vibrancy alone is worth it.
Cost: $ - $$$
Worth it? You tell me!
The Shopping
Harrods
One word: EX-PEN-SIVE.
Harrods is not for the faint of heart. As a luxury department store, it would cost you an arm and a leg to spend here, especially on the designer clothing.
I took a leisurely stroll around some floors and fancied a pair of Loewe’s high heels. Woah — 800 GBP! I still tried them on for the fun and silently affirmed to myself that the day I can buy a pair of these without a blink is the day I’ll have struck it rich.
Don’t despair — there are lots of other departments that are more affordable, including the chocolate and meat sections. There’s also a restaurant in the back of Harrods.
Tip: Many luxury stores can ship your items to your home address for you, so you don’t have to carry around 3 tonnes of bulky, new items for the rest of your trip.
Cost: $$ - $$$$
Worth it? You tell me!
Marylebone
Marylebone is a cute neighbourhood about 30 min from the downtown core. It features high-end, trendy boutiques, cafés, and bookstores.
The price isn’t cheap, but it’s fun to window shop and enjoy all the displays they have up during the holiday season.
Cost: $$ - $$$
Worth it? Yes.
Soho & Oxford St.
Two of the most famous shopping streets/districts in the city. You get the idea. London is a fashion powerhouse. Everywhere you go, you’ll see people dressed in Sherlock Holmes-like crispness.
Tip: Overseas visitors: ask about VAT refunds in-store and having the item shipped to your home address. Check out this link here for more info.
Cost: Free to walk around, $$ - $$$ to buy.
Worth it? You tell me!
Conclusion
Even though I’ve given my verdict on what’s worth it and what’s not here, the truth is, it’s whatever floats your boat. Just because something wasn’t what I expected doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the process of going to see it, even if I wouldn’t see it again! XD
Remember, most of these places are free to roam as you like. You don’t have to be buying something to make a trip worthwhile. The spark of curiosity that ignites your explorations is what really makes an adventure.
Photo by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.