List of London things to do for a first time tourist

So you're coming to London and you want to hit some of the London highlights but don't want to just stand underneath the Big Ben or take the £20 red tourist bus. Now if you are in the big smoke for only a couple of days, here are a few suggestions. This is by far an exhastive list and is one for the general travellers who want to see the sites and have a few extra things thrown in.

• British Museum: Has the Elgin Marbles, mummies, and the Rosetta Stone to name a few. Nearest tube: Tottenham Court RoaVictoria and
• Albert museum: Lots of quirky displays including musical instruments and keys.  Nearest station: South Kensington
• Borough Market: All sorts of great local food - Saturday mornings the best! Nearest station: London Bridge (Borough exit)
• Sir John Soane Museum: Largest house museum in the world. Nearest station: Holborn
• Southbank Centre: Worth checking if there are any free events, there often is. Nearest station: Waterloo/ embankment
• National Theatre: Some plays have £10 seats available.  Best new writing/ classical theatre in London. Nearest station: Waterloo/ embankment
• BFI: Lots of both new, old and art house films. You can either drink out front and people watch overlooking the Thames or head to the back of the BFI. Here is Benugo's - my favourite spot for a drink and chip buttys (a french fry sandwich) on comfy couches in funky mismatched patterns. Nearest station: Waterloo/ Embankment
• Rock and Sole Plaice: Reportedly one of the top 10 places in the country to get fish and chips.  Across from one of the best ice cream places as well. Nearest station: Covent Garden.
• Near covent garden is lots of bespoke shopping in areas such as Neal Street and there is a great coffee place called Monmouth coffee which should be on Monmouth Street.  There are also lots of street performers around the square.
• Best free view of London: Primrose hill.  A bit of a climb but it is where movies have been shot and you can see all of central London.  Beautiful. Nearest station: Chalk farm
• Best pricy view of London (but very romantic) - OXO tower.  You eat overlooking the thames sometimes with a jazz band playing. Nearest station: Waterloo.

If you have time, do the trip down the Thames to Greenwich on the thames clipper (that's the name of the ferry) if it's a nice day and if you want to go slightly out of town I'd go to Hampton Court Palace to wander through the hall of the former of of Henry VIII and his many wives.  Kew Gardens is also near by that area.  There's a walk along the treetops which is supposed to be lovely.

If you are ever here at the lead up to Christmas they do a carol service at St Paul's which is absolutely magical and there are christmasy concerts at the Royal Albert Hall which is an amazing venue.

Have some other must see London locations? Give us your tips!

Posted via web from Oot and Aboot