Fergusbrandon

London is, no doubt, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world as it has a plethora of historic landmarks, tourist attractions, cultural centres, shopping opportunities and fine dining restaurants. However, most tourists usually take the oft-beaten track of seeing the most famous attractions such as Harrods, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. But if you really wish to get the true feel of the city you should visit the less touristy areas and go to those places which the locals visit.

Harrods is perhaps the most desired place to visit as most visitors make it a point to visit this department store, although they may not buy anything due to the high cost of the goods displayed in the store. It is, no doubt, a store meant for the ultra-rich people but you will always find large crowds thronging the place. A local can rarely be found at such a store. If you wish to do as the locals do in London, you should instead visit the Liberty Store on Great Marlborough Street. It is usually referred to as the quintessential English emporium. The store, opened in 1875, is designed to offer quality and beautifully designed products while ensuring that customers get value for money. It has a quirky layout and its façade mocks the Tudor style but the merchandise offered by it follows the latest fashion and trends. It offers garments for men and women that are designer classics created by emerging designers. It also has different types of accessories such as designer handbags, sunglasses of different styles and shapes and an exhaustive collection of footwear ranging from retro brogues to clogs in different colours. The scarf room in the Emporium is worth a visit as it offers a large selection and a variety of styles. Even with all its offerings the store is a favourite place for locals but it does not attract a large crowd of tourists.

Another famous tourist destination in London is Hyde Park which is a must-visit place for all tourists. It offers a lot of attractions and many options of leisure activities such as relaxing in the lush green meadows, rowing or boating at the Serpentine Lake, having a picnic with friends or relatives, horseback riding, tennis, cycling and visiting the Serpentine Gallery and Speakers’ Corner. However, most locals prefer to go to Richmond Park, which is another large park in London as they can spend a pleasant day visiting the ponds, gardens and ancient trees. They can also rent a bike and ride into the rolling hills. Most Londoners love to visit the Georgian Pembrooke Lodge after a tiring day at the park and enjoy real English tea and cones. They can get a spectacular view of the Thames valley from here.


When in London for sightseeing, many people like to stay at a corporate rate hotel. Many visitors also choose Park Grand Paddington Court London Hotel for staying because of its superior location, close to most attractions and in close proximity to Paddington Station.

Whereas visitors have it drilled into their minds that Madame Tussauds is not to be missed, which is not wrong because of its interactive exhibits, but there is lack of crowd control and the entry fee is quite high. Most local Londoners would much rather go to see the interactive galleries at the Museum of London that, besides offering 350 years of London’s history, includes the Lord Mayor’s gaudy gold coach and the “Georgian Pleasure Garden” that has mannequins adorned with wigs, masks and period dress from ancient times. However, the most compelling reason why the locals like to go there is that it has no entry cost and the crowds are not as large.

The locals also like to spend a pleasant day moving along the South Bank of the River Thames as the river flows past some of the most popular tourist destinations of the city such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. This area is agog with a lot of things to see and do and most of them are free. You can do some shopping here in a relaxed environment and visit a number of boutiques, jewellery stores and a plethora of shops, studios, bars and restaurants at Gabriels Wharf that also offers a stunning view of St Paul’s Cathedral.

The other favourite places where locals like to go include Regent’s Park where you will be away from the maddening rush of the city’s streets and can relax on the large green areas. You can also check out the open Air Theatre, London Zoo, the Wildlife Garden and the large number of cafes and restaurants in the vicinity.  Most people like to see the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace.  The other favourite haunt of locals is Trafalgar Square which is one of the most famous squares of London and is home to National Gallery. For having some great coffee in a fantastic atmosphere, people like to go to Exmouth Coffee by the Aldgate East tube stop.  


Many locals also like Pizza Express and Medeteranio which is down the street from King’s Cross and which offers great Italian food in an amiable environment. The Globe Theatre is everyone’s favourite as at no other theatre can you see Shakespeare’s plays at £5. To top it all, a visit to Jeanette Boylin Ice Bar will certainly leave a sweet taste in your mouth.

As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do and so, when in London visit the places that Londoners like to visit.