Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Anthony Walton
I’m taking the time to give you five ways to spend your time out and about in the swinging city, not because I think you can’t figure out how to have fun on your own with a short stay in London, but because sometimes it’s nice to have a starting point. Some of the items on this list you may have heard of due to their popularity, and others may be brand new.
Here are five things you can do during your short stay in London:
1. Hyde Park
I’ll start with Hyde Park, because it’s far more than just a shortcut to High Street Kensington. The park sits right in central London and is world renowned. Its references in music and movies in no way compares to the feeling of actually being there. Vast and full of greenery, it’s a site to see in the springtime — and a great place to take an ice cream break!
2. La Caffettiera
The second is one of my hidden gems. It’s a quaint Italian restaurant located at 40 Kensington Church Street. It’s called La Caffettiera and is so small that you might not notice it if you aren’t paying close enough attention. Marked by a stylishly weathered red sign, inside the sandwich shop you will find a kind Italian man who makes each and every item on the menu. While Church Street can be a bit busy, La Caffettiera is the perfect place to take a pause for an afternoon lunch and a photo to capture the moment.
3. The “White Cube”
In London, it’s imperative that you spend some time in the museums and galleries. First, because most of them are world famous and second, because most of them are free. This brings me to my third location, which is an ever-evolving contemporary art gallery by the name of “White Cube.” From the outside you may not understand the significance of the name, but as soon as you walk in it should all make sense. Though London technically has two white cube exhibitions, the one pictured above is on Bermondsey Street.
4. Camden Market
The fourth is one of my favorite places in the entire city, Camden Market. You can find anything and everything here, including great food. If you are staying in the inner city, you will definitely want to make efficient use of your time when exploring this area. It’s almost a 50-minute train ride, but well worth the commute. As a fashion connoisseur, I have several hats, bags and other articles of jewelry that reflect my numerous trips to this market. Due to the high volume of people in the area, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets and personal belongings!
5. Peggy Porschen Cupcakes
The last place on the list is a fashion blogger’s paradise. Aside from the picture-worthy aesthetic, Peggy Porschen Cupcakes is an expert when it comes to sweet treats. It’s in Belgravia, London, and you can’t miss it due to its flower-adorned exterior. It’s the kind of place where if you can’t get inside due to the line or ‘queue’ outside, you happily settle for taking a picture in front of the door.
That concludes my list! Whether you’re studying abroad in the UK or just visiting London for a weekend, I’m certain that one or more of these locations will be great use of your time.
This post was contributed by Anthony Walton, an AIFS Alumni Ambassador from the Ball State University who spent a spring semester studying abroad with AIFS in London, England.
