London Guide – Rediscover the City!

London – vibrant, multi-layered, full of surprises. But what if you want to experience the city differently, avoiding the beaten track and staring at the famous Big Ben from a distance? Here’s a guide that will lead you through the secrets of London, discovering its lesser-known but equally fascinating sides.

1. Breakfast in the Little Streets (not just Portobello!)

Forget about restaurants overlooking the Thames – the real London experience is found in the side streets. Maltby Street Market, in the south of the city, is where local chefs serve up unique flavours. You’ll find lively conversations and aromas at the small tables that you won’t find on the typical tourist routes.

Pro Tip:
Arrive early, grab a delicious sesame croissant, then head to the cafes under the stone viaduct – the coffee here is a little masterpiece.

Alternative Idea:
Check out E. Pellicci on Bethnal Green Road – a family-run place since 1900. This small, historic venue serves a full English breakfast to give you a great start to the day. The clientele includes both locals and celebrities.

2. Hidden Gardens Walk – Greenery in the Heart of the City

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are classics, but what about the little-known Kyoto Garden in Holland Park? This Japanese haven of peace is where squirrels come right up to your doorstep and paths lead you through bamboo alleys. Perfect for a moment of respite.

Local Tip:
A little further afield, you’ll find the Phoenix Garden near Covent Garden – a lovely, hidden community garden, full of flowers and butterflies. It’s the perfect place for a picnic in the middle of the city.

3. Places to Taste: Foodie Secrets

Borough Market is famous, but what about Exmouth Market? This market brings together food lovers from all over the world, from ethnic snacks to innovative desserts. Here, you can get a taste of London from the kitchen and hear the stories of vendors who have come to the city from all over the world.

Surprise Yourself:
Try the local dish – a “scotch egg” with toppings you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a combination of classic with a modern twist.

Exclusive Tip:
Did someone mention cakes? St. JOHN Bakery in Neal’s Yard is home to some of the best doughnuts in London, filled with sweet creamy vanilla or lemon curd.

4. Art & Culture Off the Trail

While the crowds flock to the British Museum, locals know better – Leighton House Museum in Kensington is a real treasure. The former home of the painter Frederic Leighton, it’s full of oriental accents and hand-painted mosaics.

Unique Experience:
The evening chamber concerts held at this museum are a real treat for the soul.

Unexpected Treasure:
In Peckham, you’ll find the Bussey Building, an arts and entertainment venue with artist studios, exhibitions and summer film screenings on a rooftop overlooking London’s skyscrapers.

5. London Nights – More Than Soho

Instead of wandering around Soho, head to Shoreditch. It’s a neighbourhood that never sleeps, full of art murals, neon signs and clubs hidden in old warehouses. XOYO is just one example of a club where DJs from all over the world perform their sets.

Insider Tip:
Try one of the speakeasy bars, like Nightjar. Located on Old Street, it offers unique cocktails and jazz music in a 1920s atmosphere. When you walk in, you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

6. How to Get Around the City: Alternative Routes

Bypass the tube and hire a bike or walk. The Regent’s Canal, stretching from Paddington to Camden, is a path with views that will surprise everyone. Stop by Little Venice – a miniature world of colourful boats where locals hold parties and small markets.

Bonus:
Hire a kayak and discover London from the water! Or take a ride on the historic London Waterbus to ZSL London Zoo.

7. Journey to the Past – Unconventional Museums

The Hunterian Museum – for fans of medical history, and Dennis Severs’ House, where each room is a window into time. Walking through this house, you’ll feel as if the residents have just stepped out for a moment, leaving traces of their daily lives behind.

Bonus Gem:
In Spitalfields, you’ll find 14 Princelet Street, a historic house steeped in immigrant stories, with beautiful 18th-century interiors that tell London’s stories in unexpected ways.

Summary: Your London Conquest Plan

The London you don’t know is full of nooks and crannies and surprises. Whether you’re travelling alone, with friends or family, discovering the city anew will make you feel like you’re part of its vibrant fabric.