A Londoner’s guide to London’s top spots
Londoners are well known for tutting at tourists, but sometimes it takes a visit from a friend to remind us how much fun this city can be. We asked our Londoners where they would take someone visiting from out of town, so here are some great places to visit – as chosen by those in the know!
1) Exmouth Market
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Hula-hooping Marawa would take people here for the cool shops, great bars and good coffee. It’s also the first place that Ami would go for some breakfast.
2) The Museum of London
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Cabbie Paul would take visitors to the Museum of London, a great place to learn about the social history of London and its inhabitants throughout time.
3) Speakers’ Corner
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Before chatrooms and YouTube comments we had Speakers’ Corner, born out the struggle for civil liberties in Victorian Britain. Every Sunday, speakers still gather at the corner in Hyde Park to air their views, and many famous figures have spoken there including Karl Marx and George Orwell. Unsurprisingly, this is where our Philosopher Politician Shahrar would take his guests!
4) Paramount Bar
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Rose would take people up to the Paramount Bar at Centre Point, to soak up some great views of the city.
5) The Victoria & Albert Museum
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Former fashion designer Yvonne likes to show visitors the world’s greatest museum of art and design – the V&A.
6) Tower Bridge
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One of the most recognisable bridges in the world, a visit to this landmark is a must for Polish cage-fighter John and football coach George.
7) Soho’s Secret Tea Room
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Rose suggested this hidden gem, found above a pub and up a twisty staircase.
8) Oxford Street
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Some people visit London for the galleries, some for the architecture, but deep down we’re all here for the shops! Time Out recently compared Europe’s busiest shopping street to flying through the Asteroid Field in Star Wars, and it’s hard to disagree. But our teenage Magician Frank thinks it’s a great place to take out-of-towners.
9) St Paul’s Cathedral
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It’s construction was part of a major rebuilding programme that took place after the Great Fire of London, and designer Yvonne would take friends to this famous sight.
10) The London Eye
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John, George and Frank all agree on this attraction for any trip to London. And so would Hollywood actress Jessica Alba, who holds the record for the celebrity that has gone round it the most. 31 rotations and counting…