London Favorites & Hidden Gems: Where to Go, Sip, and Explore Like a Local

From Big Ben to cheese on a conveyor belt—here’s how to experience both the iconic and the unexpected sides of London.

🏛️ Iconic Sights You Shouldn’t Skip

🕰 Big Ben & Westminster Abbey

These landmarks are right next to each other and make for the perfect “welcome to London” moment. Stroll along the Thames, cross Westminster Bridge, and take in that postcard-perfect view.

👑 Tower of London

Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s also absolutely fascinating. Visit for the Crown Jewels, stay for the Beefeater tour, and get swept up in centuries of royal history.

⛪ Climb to the Top of St. Paul’s Cathedral

The inside is beautiful—but if you're up for the 500+ step climb, the view from the dome is unforgettable. Sweeping skyline, historic architecture, and a solid leg workout to balance out all that cheese and wine.

🍴 Market Moments: Eat Your Way Through London

🧀 Borough Market

A must. Go hungry.
Grab a raclette sandwich, fresh-baked bread, and a warm cookie from Gourmet Goat or Bread Ahead. It’s buzzy, flavorful, and full of local character.

🧀 Seven Dials Market (Covent Garden)

A more modern and curated vibe. The highlight? Pick & Cheese- The Cheese Bar—where artisan cheese and charcuterie plates rotate past you on a conveyor belt. Add wine, and it's basically a dream afternoon.

🍸 Mercato Mayfair

A true hidden gem: a food hall inside a converted church, complete with stained glass windows and cozy seating nooks. Grab small plates and a cocktail, and soak up the ambiance. There’s really nothing else like it.

🍸 Drinks with a Story: Mr. Fogg’s Gin Parlour

If you love a theme, this one’s for you.
Tucked in Covent Garden, Mr. Fogg’s Gin Parlour is a Victorian explorer–themed bar with velvet chairs, vintage teacups, and a gin menu that reads like an adventure novel.

It’s quirky, cozy, and has hundreds of gins to explore. A must-visit for cocktail lovers and hidden gem hunters alike.

🎉 Bonus Favorites: Just for Fun

🚄 A Day Trip to Paris on the Eurostar

Yes, it’s doable—and magical.
Hop on the Eurostar from London and be in Paris in just over 2 hours. Croissants, Eiffel Tower strolls, and still back in Soho for dinner? Worth it.

🕵️ The Churchill War Rooms (aka The Bunker Room)

An underground, immersive museum that brings WWII to life. You’ll walk through the very rooms where Churchill and his team made critical wartime decisions.

Perfect for a rainy London afternoon with substance.

🚇 Tap-and-Go Travel

Forget the Oyster card. Just use Apple Pay or your contactless credit card to tap in and out of the Tube and trains. It’s effortless—and Apple Maps makes navigating even easier.

🌍 Rooted Takeaway

London is layered—historic and modern, iconic and surprising. The best trips blend the must-sees with the “how-did-I-find-this?” moments.

Walk past Big Ben. Climb a cathedral. Ride the cheese belt. Sip a secret gin cocktail. Even hop to Paris for a day.

It’s all easier than you think—and absolutely worth it.

💬 Want a downloadable foodie guide? Drop a comment or follow along on Instagram @rooted.roaming for more travel tips and luxe-for-less itineraries.