Awesome things I’ve seen and done in London that you should do too
KAHAILA CAFE
If you are on or around Brick Lane then Kahaila Cafe is a must stop destination for your weekly dose of coffee/tea and cake. They have in my opinion the best cakes in London – you’ll be drawn inside even by just seeing their array of delicacies in the window, and their brownies are to die for. There is a wide range of tea, plus the coffee was well worth it too.
THE MONUMENT
Looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the London Eye? Go on an adventure – climb the 311 steps of the Monument and enjoy the view … for a ridiculously cheap £4. The Monument is a memorial to the 1666 Great Fire and is situated just by its namesake tube station.
JAPAN CENTRE
This a must for Japanophiles! They stock fresh sushi, Ghibli/Hello Kitty shaped sweet buns (anpan) and other tasty items at their food court – and then there is the supermarket, offering over 20 different instant noodles, Green Tea Kit Kats, Japanese fashion magazines that you just want to buy for the photos and more sauces than you can imagine.
CURZON CINEMA
Cinema tickets aren’t really cheap in London, so if you decide to go to the movies make sure you get worth for your money and experience the atmospheric Curzon boutique cinema and enjoy your (art house) films while sipping your glass of wine without having to negotiate the mazes of Odeons or Vues. Whether you choose the 70s style Mayfair venue or the new sleek Victoria one is up to you.
ROUGH TRADE
Rough Trade East is an independent record store located in the Old Truman Brewery just off Brick Lane. If records, CDs, tapes, books and coffee, plus regular (often free) live music performances don’t do it for you then the old fashioned black and white photo booth might just swing it. Bonus points for the black background!
Wat een toffe insiders tips! Als ik ooit weer in Londen ben… Vooral Rough Trade en die Japanse supermarkt klinken super! En een alternatief goedkoop viewpoint is altijd een goeie.
Great post! I have very fond memories of making my way up the Monument as a child. I’ll definitely give Kahaila a try next time I’m in the area – thanks for the tips 🙂
I am planning to visit London soon and your tips should definitely be on my list of to do’s!
I love these little things you are recommending, quite funky and original :).
best, Sarah
Oooh Japan Centre looks like fun. I like going to Japantown in Los Angeles, so I bet this would be a new experience. :] // itsCarmen.com ☼ ☯
Really great suggestions the monument has wonderful views. I have never been in the Japan centre but this is on the list now. Independent cinemas are much better than big chains. Loved reading this Lucy x
great post! I am planning a trip to London next month for the first time and will be solo traveling while on a travel assignment. Wondering if you know of the best places to meet other people or check out if solo?
http://www.thepinthemapproject.com
Brick Lane sounds like a winner! Thanks for this post, the lesser known London spots are hardly ever mentioned but so worth it to visit 🙂
Heerlijke tips 🙂 Rough Trade vond ik ook echt geweldig!
Londen is geweldig he? Ben er zelf ook al zo’n 5x geweest en het gaat nooit vervelen! Bedankt voor de leuke tips 🙂
Oh dear, matcha Kit Kats, how did i miss those?
Your photos make me wanna visit London again right now!
I LOVE London so I LOVE your post <3
Especially the Japan Centre!!!!!!!!!!! I wish i knew about it,a year ago…i could have gone….
But I will go on my next trip to London….next summer….I hope (fingers crossed)!
I will definitely visit Kahaila cafe and Curzon cinema…THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU 🙂
Any other awesome things about London are very welcome!!!
Such an inspiring post! 🙂
I will defo check out these places once I’m back in London!