There are so many cool places in London that it takes 1st place in being the most recommended metropolitan cites for tourists & international students. Granted, this could be a biased opinion, but after this post, you’ll understand what we mean *wink wink*. If you’re the ‘Hidden Gem’ type of tourist and are less fussed about the generic & popular tourist destinations, we are here to help you discover cool places to go in London from such areas like Shoreditch, Camden, Brick Lane, you name it! London has everything you need to create the quirkiest memories.
1. Camden
The bustling area of Camden, based in North West London is known for its authentic mouth-watering street market food, vibrant restaurants, pubs & bars & we can’t forget its iconic musical culture of Punk Rock. Throughout the decades, many artists, writers, and philosophers have made it their home. From the legendary Amy Winehouse, Agatha Christie & Karl Marx. This area also serves as an awesome spot for student living under The Stay Club Camden, offering premium student accommodations within the heart of London. For more details about this quirky area, scroll down for all the information you need!
Camden Market
Camden Market, which is one of the 7 Urban Wonders of the World was set up in 1974 consisting of just 16 stalls. It has since grown with hundreds of stalls & has become one of the most visited places in London. Famous shoppers include David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Bette Midler, and tons more! This iconic market consists of unique thrift shops, street food markets, al fresco dining & vibrant, colourful buildings to feed the senses for all those that visit the quirky area. Situated by Regent’s Canal, you can expect to see tons of tourists, students & locals simply enjoying the scenery & the vibe.
Pub Crawl
It’s safe to say that there are plenty of quality pubs in Camden to have an amazing pub crawl. A popular destination amongst locals after a long day at work, going to a pub for finely crafted beers and wine is part of British culture that you should get involved in. Aside from a great selection of beers & ciders, you can also enjoy hearty snacks from burgers to chunky fries from The Lock Tavern, The Hawley Arms, The World’s End, and many more! If you’re into pubs with beer gardens, Camden has got you covered!
Primrose Hill
A 10-minute walk from Camden Town, you’ll find the picturesque park that is Primrose Hill. One of the original royal hunting grounds for Henry VIII, the iconic park is also known for its oak tree aka ‘Shakespeare’s Tree’ that was first planted in 1864 to commemorate the birth of Shakespeare. Primrose Hill is a popular grassy hill destination to catch the best views of North London in the middle of mother nature. Organise your perfect picnic spot with family & friends today!
2. Shoreditch
Located on the hip side of East London & nestled between Clerkenwell and Bethnal Green, Shoreditch is a bustling & lively area known for its art, culture, fashion & food. You can expect to see a bunch of trendy & cool hipsters congregating around various social hangouts and contemporary street art on every side that illustrates the area’s creative and imaginative edge. Discover more about Shoreditch and all the cool things you could get up to!
Shoreditch’s Street Art
Take a spectacular excursion like no other and marvel at one of the world’s best street arts all for free! You can find yourself spending hours admiring & appreciating these creative pieces while taking pictures as some of them do tend to disappear. From alleyways, erected buildings & even wheelie bins, many talented artists such as Banksy, Mr Cenz plus others have all made it their canvas to be admired.
Top Tip: If you want to see Shoreditch’s street art without the crowds, it’s recommended to wake up early & beat the traffic. It’s surely worth it!
Boxpark Shoreditch
Boxpark is the world’s first pop-up mall which was established in 2011 and is one of the most popular social & retail hangouts to have hit the scene. Designed within shipping containers, it houses at least 60 independent fashion & lifestyle stores. The establishment offers an impressive selection of authentic street food, visitors can also enjoy finely craft beers, wines & spirits while enjoying live music & entertainment. To have the perfect experience, Boxpark Shoreditch has its own year-round schedule of entertainment & events to make your visit even more special & memorable. Check it out and see what days you fancy booking!
3. Brick Lane
Take a trip to one of London’s coolest areas, Brick Lane! Located in East London, for centuries it has seen a blend of different communities which makes it such a diverse place that it is today. The area is best known for its independent shops, street art, some of London’s best curry houses and of course…London’s infamous serial killer, Jack The Ripper! Here are the best things to do in Brick Lane!
Thrift Shopping!
Brick Lane is all about promoting creativity and individuality which makes it the hub of many quirky independent stores and vintage markets. A popular fave within the area is The Brick Lane Vintage Market where vintage specialists from across the UK promote & display their wares within The Truman Brewery. You can expect to find stocks of clothes dating back to the 1920’s all the way through to the 90’s – A vintage lover’s dream. Discover your next eclectic purchase at Brick Lane!
Curry, Curry & more Curry
One of Brick Lanes’ top attractions is their curry houses & it’s truly spectacular! The exotic smells of spices & gingers lure in tourists & locals who desire a taste of Asia at their front door. Some of the best curry houses in Brick Lane include City Spice Brick Lane, Brick Lane Brasserie, Tayyabs, and many more!
Jack The Ripper Walking Tour
If you love history & a good’ ole murder mystery, then you’ll love the Jack the Ripper Interactive Guided Walking Tour. This tour aims to take participants back to 1888 with their own Ripperologist to assess the unsolved murders, hear true stories about the historic investigation and get a visual look at what life was like during those scary times. To give it the full fantasy, these tours usually run in the evening and it’s definitely worth attending!
4. Islington
Islington is one of London’s trendiest areas where the term ‘posh meets the high street’. Located in North London, the area boasts rich history shown in the preservation of its classic Victorian-styled homes. A prime location in central London, it offers locals and visitors shopping, dining, and drinking. Typical locals include British singer, Lily Allen and a majority of the Eastenders cast! Take a look at what you could get up to in Islington.
Camden Passage
For those that take joy in antique buying and thrifting, Camden Passage is the place to discover & explore. Its picturesque walkway adds to the charm of a perfect shopping experience. Expect to see a handful of quality cafes and restaurants that offer al fresco dining. During the weekends, there’s an intimate market that sells items from clothes to decorative knick-knacks. End your shopping experience by heading to The Camden Head, a quality pub that features a charming beer garden for your perfectly crafted beer.
Little Venice
When it’s sunny, you should definitely take the opportunity to travel by water in Little Venice. Spanning from Hyde Park & Warwick Avenue, its central location allows you to see other attractions within the area. Along the canal, you can expect to see vibrant narrowboats, tearooms, and cafes. The ideal brunch spot!
