I am no longer a stranger in London. Arriving almost always feels like coming home. I am very often in my favorite European capital and I am still discovering new places. In the meantime I am specifically looking for places I haven't visited yet.
I have put together a few London insider tips for you, which I think you probably don't know yet!
London insider tips – 10 places you definitely don't know yet!
1. Liberty Shopping Center | Soho
This is a little hidden gem in bustling London. Not far from Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, this ancient building is hidden among other stores. In it hides a paradise for shopping maniacs. In addition to popular brands, you will also find many young designers and handmade products in the cosmetics and food department.
Even if you don't want to buy anything, it's worth taking a look inside the building. Because here is a piece of history – and by the way very nice and worth seeing toilets. Because everybody has to visit!
Regent St | Soho| London
2. Leake Street Arches| Lambeth
The so-called Banksy Tunnel, which is actually called, is one of my latest finds in London. I am always on the lookout for cool and worth seeing street art. Funny that this corner was not yet on my radar. Close to the London Eye, Big Ben and directly under Waterloo Station you will find a pedestrian tunnel with a lot of street art in it.
In this London insider tip spraying is legal thanks to the famous street art artist Banksy. He was involved in bringing more alternative art to London back in the day.
Here you will also find a few small cafes where you can stop for a while. In between there are also exhibitions in the Leake Street Arches, like the last one about Nelson Mandela.
Leake Street | London
3. St-Dunstan-in-the-East | City of London
The ruins of the former church are hidden among the houses near the Thames in the City of London. The perfect insider tip for recharging your batteries and recharging your batteries. During lunchtime it can get quite crowded, because also the London businessmen of the surrounding companies long for a little time out.
St Dunstan's Hill | City of Lodon |London
4. Leadenhall Market | City of London
Stumbled in and was amazed – that's how I felt on my first visit to Leadenhall Market. Harry Potter fans, now prick up your ears, because he was an extra in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Here the market in the heart of London was used for filming as a set for the entrance of the dripping cauldron.
At Leadenhall Market you won't find the classic market atmosphere that you know from many other markets. Here it is a bit more dignified and also not so bustling. Small cafes or healthy fast food stores have stores here and also some tables in the market building. And I find, with a delicious coffee you can also wonder wonderfully.
Gracechurch St| City of London | London
5. Old Naval College | Greenwich
Also the in Greenwich (about. 30 minutes outside of central London) is a famous and historical place. Also here countless movies and series have been filmed. Maybe you know the series "The Royals"? A big part of the scenes from Buckingham Palace were taken here.
Access to the famous Painted Hall is free and you can also visit the National Maritime Museum for free. If you have time then a small picnic on the grounds of the Royal Observatory is worthwhile. Nearby is also the Cutty Sark, the old sailing ship that became famous as the fastest sailing ship of its time.
King William Walk | Greenwich Peninsula| London
6. Nomad Community Garden | Shoreditch
Shoreditch is my heart place in London. Here I feel comfortable and always live directly at Brick Lane. In Shoredirch there is always something to discover and so I think that even if you know Shoreditch, the Nomadic Community Garden won't be a big term to you.
Just outside Brick Lane you'll find this garden, run by dedicated local residents. Between art made from old car tires, street art (of course, because we are in Shoreditch) and lots of plants, you can enjoy your coffee here in peace, which is available in the small coffee cart in the garden. In the summer I like to come here and bring my breakfast with me before going into the city.
By the way, I never stay in a hotel in London. The hotel prices are gigantic and what is called there is simply not worth it. I use Airbnb for my travels. By the way, I'll give you 34€ for your first booking through this garden.
Fleet St Hill | Shoreditch | London
7. Harrods Food Hall | Knightsbridge
Somehow there was too little food in this article until now. A small tip for gourmets or those who would like to become one is the huge , the large and famous department store on Oxford Street. The complete food department is not only from the offer, but also because of the historical backdrop a very big London secret tip!
Here you'll find sinfully expensive luxury food (oysters, caviar, truffles, etc.) and a lot of good food.) also down-to-earth alternatives. Either you can get hot food at different stations or you can take them as a takeaway. Especially the cake section with the cute cupcakes, eclairs and many other treats you should check out.
87-135 Brompton Rd | Knightsbridge | London
8. Icon Outlet | Greenwich
A must for shopping maniacs and brand new to London is the . Londoners have been waiting for this for a long time – their own outlet in the city. The Icon Outlet is chic and has also very modern stores. Perfect to combine the shopping experience with a visit to the O2 Arena for a concert. Otherwise, the Icon Outlet is also a tip for rainy days with typical London weather.
At the moment there is still a lot of work going on as more stores are being built. You can also eat very well at the O2 Arena. There are many restaurants here, almost all of them offering very cheap menus before the concerts in the house.
Peninsula Square | Greenwich Peninsula | London
9. Crossrail Place Roof Garden| Tower Hamlets
Canary Wharf is great and not as crowded as the rest of London. Here in the banking district you sometimes feel a bit like in Manhattan between the canyons of houses. Everything is modern and you can find cool restaurants and street food at the KERB Market.
On the top level of the brewery there is a rooftop garden, which unfortunately doesn't offer a view of the city, but is nevertheless a small oasis of peace. For this you can see the skyscrapers from the garden. A visit to Canary Wharf should be planned anyway, if you have a little more time.
Crossrail Pl | Canary Wharf | London
10. record store Rough Trade East| Shoreditch
I have to go back to Brick Lane and Shoreditch with my last London insider tip. Because here you can find cool vintage fashion and street art as well as a very special record store next to the Truman Brewery, the . Here you can find EVERYTHING your heart desires! Classic records, CDs and also new music.
By the way, here you can find the best coffee in Shoreditch. I do not want to urge you to come. But dear Frahling lovers, I drank a lot of coffee in the area!
Old Truman Brewery 91, Brick Ln | Spitalfields | London
What do you think of the London insider tips? I look forward to your comment!