A couple of months ago we were asked to contribute to a feature on the travel site ebookers called ‘London like a local‘. It asked bloggers from the capital to give a list of their 5 top tips so that visitors to the city could, indeed, visit like a local.
And to be fair, who better to tell the secrets of the city than a bunch of bloggers who write, tweet and vlog about these kind of things every day. Bloggers who come from all different walks of life and who write about a whole bunch of different stuff from lifestyle to street art and from fashion to history.
So, I thought I’d pick out some of the top blogger tips from the ebooker feature ‘London like a local‘ and see what it is the bloggers are saying about the city.
Charlie from Charlie Distracted a London lifestyle blog says – “Don’t forget to look up. Even on busy roads like Oxford Street there are beautiful buildings all around.”
That’s one of the things we love about the city, there is so much to see just by looking up where some of the spectacular architecture of the city really comes to life.
Charlotte from Fox Socks a London lifestyle blog says – “Don’t dismiss smaller parks. Postmans Park features plaques dedicated to people that sacrificed their lives for others (you might recognise it from the movie Closer, too).”
Postmans Park near to the Museum of London is a real treat. The plaque wall has some great stories of self-sacrifice on it and is completely unexpected.
Charly from Charlylester a dating blog says – “The best food on the South Bank is in the international food market behind the South Bank Centre.”
Charly gives some great tips on places to eat but our pick is the South Bank International food market. As with many of the World markets dotted around the city, the food can be spectacular.
Christy from Americangirlinlondon a lifestyle blog for expats says – “Decorating? Chelsea Design Centre is the go-to place for interior fans”
London is a great place for design fans, the Design Museum on High Street Kensington is also worth a visit although I think you do have to pay for that one.
Elfa from Californianmuminlondon a parenting and lifestyle blog says – “Most museums are free. The Science Museum. The National History Museum and the British Museum are firmly favourites”.
The museums in London are some of the best in the world. I’d probably add the Museum of London to that little list which is also free.
Erica from Beingerica a lifestyle blog says “Excitement exists beyond Central – Crystal Palace has Dinosaurs, Walthamstow has God’s Own Junkyard, and Richmond has real-life deer!”
Ah the Stow!! A great little place on the edges of the Victoria Line but quite easy to get to with a quaint little centre. It’s also got it’s fair share of street art which you can see here.
Freya from Frey de Fleur a luxury lifestyle blog says “London is beautiful from above. My favourite way to get a view of the city skyline is with a cocktail! Head to Queen of Hoxton, Dalston Roof Park or Radio Rooftop Bar for an amazing view of London.
Hannah from Bow Dream Nation a London lifestyle blog says “Instead of a traditional sightseeing bus, take a ride on the Heritage Routemaster Bus 15 from Trafalgar Square to Tower Bridge. You’ll see most of the City of London and it’ll only cost £1.50.”
John from The Everyday Man a lifestyle blog says “Take in the London skyline from the viewing platform on the 10th floor of the Tate Modern for free!”
The extension to the Tate is now complete and if you like modern art then it’s the place to go. There’s another Tate called the Tate Britain down by the embankment at Vauxhall with some of country’s greatest art treasures.
Kerstin from MsMarmiteLover a food blogger says “Go for a curry. For high end Indian food, check out Gymkhana; for cheaper fare, try Whitechapel’s Tayyabs.”
We love Brick Lane and have had more than our fair share of curry’s there over the years. The real draw for us though is the amazing street art and you can see a free tour here.
Kieran from Secret London a London City blog says “Take a ferry to historic Maritime Greenwich – or a thrilling high-speed tour – to understand the importance of the River Thames to London.”
Lauren from Blonde Vision a London lifestyle blog says “Check out BB’s afternoon tea bus to see the sights of London’s from the comfort of a refurbished route-master bus whilst enjoying afternoon tea.”
Lela from Lela London a London lifestyle blog says “Download Drinki! The app gives you a free drink a day as long as you mention them on social media. A great way to find new bars!”
Lubka from Balgarka a London fashion and lifestyle blogger says “Visit Hackney Wick for a taste of East London’s craft microbreweries.”
Lucy from Oh So London a London lifestyle blog says “Explore the restaurants of Brixton Village. From Japanese Okonomiyaki to Jamaican jerk chicken, it’s an exciting place to eat.”
Lucy from Shiny Thoughts a London lifestyle blog says “Book Sky Garden in advance, the view is top notch and the atmosphere swanky (You don’t even have to buy a drink!).”
Matthew from Buckets and Spades a mens fashion and lifestyle blog says “East London is a great hotspot for street art, independent stores, and has a thriving craft beer and cocktail scene.”
Milly from Mini Adventures a London Lifestyle blog says “Head to Borough Market and pick up as many free samples as possible!”
Navaz from Disney Roller Girl a fashion blogger says “Rub shoulders with famous designers at Claire de Rouen’s secret art and fashion bookshop.”
Paula from the LDN Diaries a London lifestyle blog says “Newport Street Gallery in Vauxhall is fun for art lovers & is home to Damien Hirst’s Pharmacy2 restaurant, not to be missed.”
Rachel from The Little Pip a London family lifestyle blog says “Don’t forget about the River Thames for transport and a city tour in one.”
Rom Levy from Street Art News a street art blog says “Brick Lane and Shoreditch have the best street art in town”
We are obviously big fans of street art here on Inspiring City and we’ve certainly documented enough of it in the past. Click gor our own top ten places to see art in the city.
Scarlett from Scarlett London a London lifestyle blog says “Head to Covent Garden for free street entertainment during the day and into the evening.”
Sophie from A Female View on Beer a beer blogger says “The Mad Bishop & Bear, Paddington Station, is a great place for an iconic British pint of cask ale.”
Stella from Stella’s Wardrobe a fashion blogger says “Instead of going in the morning, visit the Columbia Flower Market around 4pm and get all the flowers for a fraction of the price (usually about a pound for a bunch)!”
The Guyliner from the Guy Liner a dating blog says “On a walk of shame from an east London one-night fling? Grab a delicious early-morning bagel on Brick Lane, open 24/7.”
Victoria from Aurora Stories a lifestyle blog says “If you love a good brunch, pop down to the Haggerston canal where you’ll find a foodie paradise to tickle your taste buds.”
To see more great tips on what to see and do in London straight from the bloggers themselves, check out the ebookers feature ‘London like a local‘ which also includes some cool tips from ourselves at Inspiring City. For more articles on blogging have a looks at these 10 top tips for bloggers everywhere.
