Ah, London! The city that never fails to captivate with its blend of history, culture, and modernity. But let’s talk about something even more exciting—unique London experiences that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet. This article is your go-to guide for nine such experiences that make London an extraordinary place to visit.
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A tour of London in album covers
First up on the list of unique London experiences is a musical journey through the city’s iconic streets. London has been the stomping ground for legendary bands and artists like Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse. Take Berwick Street in Soho, for example. This vibrant street served as the backdrop for Oasis’s iconic album cover for “What’s the Story Morning Glory.” It’s not just a street; it’s a slice of musical history. Of course there’s also Abbey Road, where The Beatles created one of the most iconic album covers ever. These streets are like living museums, each telling its own tale of London’s rich musical past.
If you’re a big music lover, definitely have a read of our top London tours and experiences for music lovers article.
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Straddle both sides of the world
Have you ever stood on both sides of the world at the same time? Well, a visit to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich lets you do just that. The Prime Meridian Line runs right through the observatory, allowing visitors to stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere. It’s a geographical marvel and definitely one of those unique London experiences, especially as the concept of the Prime Meridian was created right in London. By the way, if you’re not sure how to fit Greenwich into you London trip plan since it’s quite far away from central London, we’ve actually already figured it out for you. It’s included in Day 6 of our 6-Day London Itinerary.
Book a visit to the Royal Observatory | Greenwich | WA
Get a taste of the entire world in one city
If you’re a foodie, London is your playground. The city’s culinary scene is a melting pot of global flavours. From the spicy curries of Brick Lane to the authentic Italian dishes in Soho, London offers a gastronomic world tour without the need for a passport. It’s a food lover’s dream and certainly one of the unique London experiences that shouldn’t be missed as not many cities in the world can compary to the cuisine diversity here.
Not sure where to start when choosing where to eat? Head to the food and drink section of our site for tips and recommendations.
Image Courtesy of Walks
Tour the British Parliament
The Houses of Parliament aren’t just a sight for sore eyes; they’re the beating heart of British democracy. A guided tour of this architectural masterpiece offers a behind-the-scenes look at the UK’s political system. You’ll get to see the Commons Chamber, the Lords Chamber, and other significant areas. It’s like a live history lesson, but way more exciting!
You can book a tour directly with Parliament via this page, or if you’re from the UK, you can write to your MP to get free tickets. For a bit of a more special experience with an incredible tour guide and that includes a visit to Westminster Abbey, book this tour with Walks.
Book this special tour of the Houses of Parliament | Westminster
Ride the iconic red double-decker bus
These buses are more than just a means of transportation; they are a symbol of London’s rich history and a staple of its culture. Step foot onto one of these vehicles and head to the top level, where you’ll get top-deck views of the city’s architecture, landmarks, and people.
Image Courtesy of The Mousetrap
See the world’s longest-running theatre show
The West End is a must-visit for theatre lovers. However, there’s one show that outshines the rest – Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”. It’s been running since 1952, making it the longest-running play in history. The murder mystery is considered to be a “quintessentially British” example of theatre, and seeing it in the historic theatre it’s been in for decades makes the experience even more special.
The Mousetrap at St. Martin’s Theatre | Covent Garden | WA
Image Courtesy of Official London Theatre
Get last-minute discounted tickets to a theatre show
Speaking of theatre, did you know that in London you can snag last-minute tickets at a fraction of the cost? There are a few ways to take advantage of this.
First, if you have a specific show you definitely want to see, you can go to the theatre’s box office around 9am and see if they have any discounted last-minute tickets left. This can be risky to do if you REALLY want to see this show, as they might sell out, but it can be done.
There’s also a TKTS booth in Leicester Square which starts selling day-of tickets at 10 am each day. Pop to the booth to see what shows they have available and what discounts they’re offering. Going in person means you can ask the knowledgeable staff for their recommendations and advice if you’re not sure which show to pick.
Finally, if you prefer to get the discounted tickets at the TKTS booth without having to get out of bed, just head to the Official London Theatre’s website (they run the booth) and buy last-minute tickets there instead. You’ll find some great deals.
Image Courtesy of English Heritage
Spot the blue plaques around the city
London is a bit like an open-air museum, thanks to its blue plaques, which can be found on the facades of buildings around the city. Each commemorate a significant person or event that happened in that building or residence. It’s like a historical treasure hunt, offering a fun and educational way to explore London’s rich past.
Find out more about the Blue Plaques on the English Heritage website.
Visit a working royal residence
Last but not least, let’s talk about Kensington Palace. It’s not just a museum and palace; it’s a working royal residence. While you might not bump into Prince William or Kate Middleton anymore since they moved out, you can certainly walk through rooms that have been graced by royals for centuries. Explore the palace, see historic royal clothing and other items on display, while learning the history of the royal family.
Book a visit to the Kensington Palace | Kensington
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a seasoned Londoner, these nine unique London experiences are sure to make your time in the city unforgettable.
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