As one of the world’s centres of music, culture and fashion, London attracts backpackers from across the globe to its winding streets, sprawling parks, and iconic landmarks. In 2019, alone there were 1.06 million visits from Australia to the UK, so if you’re planning to explore London on a backpacking vacation, you’re in good company.
But where exactly should you spend your time in the UK’s largest city? With so much to see and do, planning your trip can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to be that way, so we’ve done the hard work for you and put together some of the city’s must-see destinations.
Thames Side Strolling
Many of London’s most iconic buildings can be seen during a stroll along the banks of the River Thames. Think the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Tate Modern art gallery, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, the Oxo Tower, the Tate Britain gallery, HMS Belfast, and more.
Seriously, there’s a lot to see and if you want to take the weight off your feet, you can hop on a river boat to take in these renowned landmarks from the water.
Bird’s Eye Viewing
What better way to get a feel for the sheer expanse of the metropolis of London than to view it from above? You’ve got several options here, including getting on the London Eye, which just so happens to be the world’s largest observation wheel. Alternatively, you can head to The Shard, a 72-storey skyscraper with a viewing platform on the top floor.
Or if you’re feeling the need to stretch those legs and get in a bit of cardio, you could also climb the 311 steps to take in the views from the top of the Monument to the Great Fire of London.
Drinks, Dining and More
London is incredibly diverse, which means that the food scene right across the city is genuinely amazing. Whether you’re keen to tuck into street food as you wander around, treat yourself to a bit of fine dining, or sit back and relax in a laid-back eatery with tempting drinks and food menus, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Take a seat in Bob Bob Ricard in Soho to try out their iconic ‘press for champagne’ button for yourself, experience food as works of art at Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant in Hyde Park, and bathe in natural light surrounded by striking floral displays at Dalloway Terrace in the Bloomsbury Hotel.
For even more restaurant inspo, including rooftop terraces offering food with a view, check out Mandoe Media’s list of restaurants that you categorically won’t want to miss out on during your trip.
Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park
We couldn’t talk about London without mentioning the Royal Family at least once now, could we? Buckingham Palace is the Queen of England’s official residence and even if you don’t plan on taking a tour of the inside, its exterior is pretty impressive.
The Palace is surrounded by beautiful areas of green space, which are ideal for soaking in the British sunshine when it decides to put in an appearance. There’s a charming lake inside St. James’s Park, which is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a picnic and feed the ducks.
Fancy a Souvenir?
Obviously there are a lot of dedicated souvenir shops but we recommend hitting up some of London’s famous markets to pick up a unique memento to remember your trip by.
Every Saturday Portobello Road Market draws both tourists and locals alike to the neighbourhood of Notting Hill, with stalls offering everything from antiques and collectables to jewellery, art, clothing and more. You’ll also find plenty of food stalls and be in the right location to enjoy one of the many local restaurants, cafes, pubs, and boutiques.
Foodies will enjoy the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Borough Market, which is the city’s premier food market, with the likes of Brick Lane Market, Camden Market, Spitalfields Market, Maltby Street Market, and Brixton Village and Market Row offering just about everything you could ever possibly imagine.
Importantly, you’ll always be met with a warm welcome, as there is a strong Aussie community in the city. Plus, if you time your trip right you could also make the most of the London Australian Film Festival, which is run by the London Australian Film Society.
