Guidebook for London
Everything Else
Challenge yourself! A thrilling form of all-round, focussed exercise. Beginner courses available. Sociable and 4 minutes from the flat!
39 locals recommend
Mile End Climbing Wall
Haverfield RoadChallenge yourself! A thrilling form of all-round, focussed exercise. Beginner courses available. Sociable and 4 minutes from the flat!
Launderette
Service washes and dry cleaning just down the road.
London Buddhist Centre
51 Roman RdFree guided meditation classes every day at 1pm.
Especially busy on Sundays. This one ticks many boxes: bars, cafes, restaurants, sight-seeing, arts and entertainment. The heart of South Asian cuisine and London's great hipster revival!
878 locals recommend
Brick Lane
Brick LaneEspecially busy on Sundays. This one ticks many boxes: bars, cafes, restaurants, sight-seeing, arts and entertainment. The heart of South Asian cuisine and London's great hipster revival!
Bars, coffee, restaurants, alternative shopping and sometimes free entertainment, amongst Shoreditch's hipsters
377 locals recommend
BOXPARK Shoreditch
2-10 Bethnal Green RdBars, coffee, restaurants, alternative shopping and sometimes free entertainment, amongst Shoreditch's hipsters
This is inside the Olympic Park and close to Westfield shopping centre. You can actually swim in the Olympic pool if you bring your kit!
141 locals recommend
London Aquatics Centre
This is inside the Olympic Park and close to Westfield shopping centre. You can actually swim in the Olympic pool if you bring your kit!
In Soho, hub of London's gay scene. Great spot for people-watching... drag queens, muscle Marys, all sorts of colourful characters
29 locals recommend
Old Compton Street
Old Compton StreetIn Soho, hub of London's gay scene. Great spot for people-watching... drag queens, muscle Marys, all sorts of colourful characters
Jack the Ripper (who was he?) terrorised the East End of London in the 19th century. These walking tours are amazing. Book online. The tour guides (often actors) are knowledgable & excellent!
6 locals recommend
Jack the Ripper Walk
Jack the Ripper (who was he?) terrorised the East End of London in the 19th century. These walking tours are amazing. Book online. The tour guides (often actors) are knowledgable & excellent!
An old style sports centre with an old style swimming pool, open to the public. Expect to pay about £5 for a swim. Also live boxing events!
36 locals recommend
York Hall Leisure Centre
21 Old Ford RoadAn old style sports centre with an old style swimming pool, open to the public. Expect to pay about £5 for a swim. Also live boxing events!
Pamper yourself.. you deserve it! Thermal Spa, Hammam, Massage, Body Treatments, Facials, Eyelash and Eyebrow tinting, Waxing, Threading, Tanning, you name it. Men & Women. www.spa-london.org
25 locals recommend
Spa Experience
5 Old Ford RdPamper yourself.. you deserve it! Thermal Spa, Hammam, Massage, Body Treatments, Facials, Eyelash and Eyebrow tinting, Waxing, Threading, Tanning, you name it. Men & Women. www.spa-london.org
One of London's biggest hospitals, with Accident and Emergency unit should you need it.
52 locals recommend
The Royal London Hospital
Whitechapel RoadOne of London's biggest hospitals, with Accident and Emergency unit should you need it.
Check it out! My alma mater is expanding and developing all the time.
30 locals recommend
Queen Mary University of London
327 Mile End RdCheck it out! My alma mater is expanding and developing all the time.
BMI The London Independent Hospital
1 Beaumont SquareGood private hospital, but private fees are payable.
Restored to its former glory, this is one of London's major train stations and the closest. On edge of the busy Square Mile - financial district.
247 locals recommend
Liverpool Street Station
Restored to its former glory, this is one of London's major train stations and the closest. On edge of the busy Square Mile - financial district.
Essentials
Convenient grocery shopping nearby. High quality selection of fruit, veg, meat, cheese, wine and most things you need. A little pricier than elsewhere, but also good special offers.
58 locals recommend
SimplyFresh Bethnal Green
201-203 Roman RdConvenient grocery shopping nearby. High quality selection of fruit, veg, meat, cheese, wine and most things you need. A little pricier than elsewhere, but also good special offers.
Shopping
Near the Olympic Park, Europe's largest shopping centre. Here is everything you could possibly want to buy, but prepare for crowds. It's always busy!
1214 locals recommend
Westfield Stratford City
157 Montfichet RdNear the Olympic Park, Europe's largest shopping centre. Here is everything you could possibly want to buy, but prepare for crowds. It's always busy!
Usually 12 mins from Bethnal Green on Central Line. Now closed for Cross Rail. But Number 8 bus takes you here, to Centre Point & start of Oxford Street. Shop, shop, shop till you drop!
43 locals recommend
Tottenham Court Road station
Oxford StreetUsually 12 mins from Bethnal Green on Central Line. Now closed for Cross Rail. But Number 8 bus takes you here, to Centre Point & start of Oxford Street. Shop, shop, shop till you drop!
Restaurants, clubs, bars, shops, craft market, huge Apple IStore and live free entertainment by talented street performers.
955 locals recommend
Covent Garden
41 James StRestaurants, clubs, bars, shops, craft market, huge Apple IStore and live free entertainment by talented street performers.
Old Spitalfields Market
16 Commercial StShop for food, arts and crafts in this modernised venue.
Classic East End market, good for cheap clothes, shoes and other accessories.
61 locals recommend
Petticoat Lane Market
119-121 Middlesex StClassic East End market, good for cheap clothes, shoes and other accessories.
Sightseeing
On a Sunday morning, this is one of my favourite places ever! Fresh-scented flowers and core-blimey cockneys selling their wares. East-end market culture at its best. Love it!
1660 locals recommend
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia RoadOn a Sunday morning, this is one of my favourite places ever! Fresh-scented flowers and core-blimey cockneys selling their wares. East-end market culture at its best. Love it!
This park is a joy to walk, ride, play sport, or picnic in (or bask in the sun when the weather is kind). Voted Britain's most loved public park.
1666 locals recommend
Pavilion Cafe
Old Ford RoadThis park is a joy to walk, ride, play sport, or picnic in (or bask in the sun when the weather is kind). Voted Britain's most loved public park.
Relive the magical atmosphere of 2012! Well worth a nostalgic visit if shopping at Westfield Stratford City. Also home to the Orbit, which you can ascend for a fee for an awesome view.
755 locals recommend
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Relive the magical atmosphere of 2012! Well worth a nostalgic visit if shopping at Westfield Stratford City. Also home to the Orbit, which you can ascend for a fee for an awesome view.
You can't miss this one! In good weather, here I begin a very long walk along the south bank to the London Eye and Palace of Westminster. Or why not take a leisurely sightseeing cruise?
1577 locals recommend
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge RoadYou can't miss this one! In good weather, here I begin a very long walk along the south bank to the London Eye and Palace of Westminster. Or why not take a leisurely sightseeing cruise?
A personal favourite - everything from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the old British Library under one roof ... Free entry except for special exhibitions.
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetA personal favourite - everything from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the old British Library under one roof ... Free entry except for special exhibitions.
This one is on the Number 8 bus route through the City. Christopher Wren's masterpiece built after the Great Fire of London
845 locals recommend
St. Paul's Cathedral
This one is on the Number 8 bus route through the City. Christopher Wren's masterpiece built after the Great Fire of London
Just take a look at it from the Number 8 bus on your way through the City. This is the heart of the old City of London and financial district.
48 locals recommend
Bank of England
Threadneedle StreetJust take a look at it from the Number 8 bus on your way through the City. This is the heart of the old City of London and financial district.
If you feel very fit, you can climb all the way to the top for an amazing view of London (at a fraction of the price to go up the Shard!) But there are no lifts!
107 locals recommend
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
Fish Street HillIf you feel very fit, you can climb all the way to the top for an amazing view of London (at a fraction of the price to go up the Shard!) But there are no lifts!
Soho, previously London's seedy red-light district, is legendary for restaurants, bars, music, arts and entertainment. Expect West End prices though.
576 locals recommend
Soho
Soho, previously London's seedy red-light district, is legendary for restaurants, bars, music, arts and entertainment. Expect West End prices though.
This is not really classic London (more like New York!) - a thriving financial district with shopping centre. The riverside walk is nice. Very easy to get to on the 277 bus.
651 locals recommend
Canary Wharf
1 Bank StThis is not really classic London (more like New York!) - a thriving financial district with shopping centre. The riverside walk is nice. Very easy to get to on the 277 bus.
Now London's tallest skyscraper, the Shard has dramatically changed our skyline. Apparently the view from the top is breathtaking. Book online but beware: it's expensive!
828 locals recommend
The Shard
32 London Bridge StNow London's tallest skyscraper, the Shard has dramatically changed our skyline. Apparently the view from the top is breathtaking. Book online but beware: it's expensive!
Great day trip via Docklands Light Railway. The capital of star-gazing & navigation. Stand on 0 degrees, Greenwich Mean Time. See the Cutty Sark tea clipper, Greenwich craft market & Maritime Museum.
612 locals recommend
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Blackheath AvenueGreat day trip via Docklands Light Railway. The capital of star-gazing & navigation. Stand on 0 degrees, Greenwich Mean Time. See the Cutty Sark tea clipper, Greenwich craft market & Maritime Museum.
A great morning/afternoon outing. Small but lovely museum with interior space as its main theme. Period rooms from 1600 onwards show how people used to live. You can imagine it well... fascinating!
326 locals recommend
Museum of the Home
136 Kingsland RoadA great morning/afternoon outing. Small but lovely museum with interior space as its main theme. Period rooms from 1600 onwards show how people used to live. You can imagine it well... fascinating!
Houses every book ever published in the English speaking world! Also great exhibitions - free. See the original Magna Carta, Beatles lyrics. Shakespeare's & Jane Austen's handwriting.
430 locals recommend
The British Library
96 Euston RdHouses every book ever published in the English speaking world! Also great exhibitions - free. See the original Magna Carta, Beatles lyrics. Shakespeare's & Jane Austen's handwriting.
Jack the Ripper (who was he?) terrorised the East End in the 19th century. Great walking tour. Book online. Knowledgable talented tour guides/actors. http://www.thejacktherippertour.com/
41 locals recommend
The Jack the Ripper Tour
88 Whitechapel High StJack the Ripper (who was he?) terrorised the East End in the 19th century. Great walking tour. Book online. Knowledgable talented tour guides/actors. http://www.thejacktherippertour.com/
Imperial War Museum. My Dad's favourite. It's interesting, moving, and it doesn't glorify war - not at all!
461 locals recommend
Imperial War Museums
Lambeth RoadImperial War Museum. My Dad's favourite. It's interesting, moving, and it doesn't glorify war - not at all!
Take a fascinating walk through English history. Beefeaters are at their posts in full regalia. Here you can see the crown jewels!
1372 locals recommend
Tower of London
Take a fascinating walk through English history. Beefeaters are at their posts in full regalia. Here you can see the crown jewels!
My nephew toured this old warship, learnt a lot, and absolutely loved it!
195 locals recommend
HMS Belfast
My nephew toured this old warship, learnt a lot, and absolutely loved it!
There's no grander way to move between St Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern Art Gallery. It used to be called the wobbly bridge because it swayed - but they fixed that and now it's heavenly.
129 locals recommend
Millennium Bridge
There's no grander way to move between St Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern Art Gallery. It used to be called the wobbly bridge because it swayed - but they fixed that and now it's heavenly.
A superb way to cross the Thames and photograph St Paul's and Tower Bridge on the east side, Palace of Westminster on the west side.
16 locals recommend
Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges
Blackfriars RoadA superb way to cross the Thames and photograph St Paul's and Tower Bridge on the east side, Palace of Westminster on the west side.
Crowds mill at this hub. There's always something entertaining. Bordered by National Gallery, St Martins in the Fields & prominent embassies. Quick walk from Embankment & Charing Cross stations.
634 locals recommend
Trafalgar Square (Stop B) station
Crowds mill at this hub. There's always something entertaining. Bordered by National Gallery, St Martins in the Fields & prominent embassies. Quick walk from Embankment & Charing Cross stations.
Maybe not the most exciting museum but here you can see a bit of the old Roman wall and learn about ancient Londinium!
300 locals recommend
Museum of London
Museum of LondonMaybe not the most exciting museum but here you can see a bit of the old Roman wall and learn about ancient Londinium!
Start your exploration of Greenwich from here, see the bending River Thames and Cutty Sark tea clipper, then the Observatory and Maritime Museum. Maybe even get a boat to the Tower or to Westminster?
226 locals recommend
Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich station
Start your exploration of Greenwich from here, see the bending River Thames and Cutty Sark tea clipper, then the Observatory and Maritime Museum. Maybe even get a boat to the Tower or to Westminster?
A thrilling cable ride over the Thames, with stunning views
6 locals recommend
The Emirates Aviation Experience
Edmund Halley WayA thrilling cable ride over the Thames, with stunning views
Entertainment & Activities
V&A Museum of Childhood
Cambridge Heath RoadKids seem to love this place!
See what schools were like during Victorian times! Great fun for all!
17 locals recommend
Ragged School Museum
46-50 Copperfield RdSee what schools were like during Victorian times! Great fun for all!
A pleasant 20 minute walk along Regent's Canal, Broadway Market is a great place to visit - plenty of cafes, bars, bookshops, fresh produce and Hackney hipsters.
1735 locals recommend
Broadway Market
Broadway MarketA pleasant 20 minute walk along Regent's Canal, Broadway Market is a great place to visit - plenty of cafes, bars, bookshops, fresh produce and Hackney hipsters.
Drinks & Nightlife
I love the atmosphere in this parkside pub. Organic, independently brewed beer and cider. Reasonable food (but smallish portions and a little pricey).
129 locals recommend
The Crown
144-146 Hatfield RdI love the atmosphere in this parkside pub. Organic, independently brewed beer and cider. Reasonable food (but smallish portions and a little pricey).
The 'alternative' Hackney bar and club scene is appealing. I especially like the canal-side bars.
137 locals recommend
Hackney Wick
The 'alternative' Hackney bar and club scene is appealing. I especially like the canal-side bars.
Old East End building, now buzzing at weekends. Fun and friendly, also serving food.
56 locals recommend
The Star of Bethnal Green
359 Bethnal Green RoadOld East End building, now buzzing at weekends. Fun and friendly, also serving food.
The Victoria
110 Grove RdNice pub, easy walking distance, popular with students.
A sociable place within easy walking distance. Lively atmosphere especially at weekends.
82 locals recommend
The Plough at Swan Wharf
60 Dace RdA sociable place within easy walking distance. Lively atmosphere especially at weekends.
Quaint pub, nice atmosphere. Two for one lunch menu and half price pizza on Sundays and Mondays! www.thefloristarms.co.uk
59 locals recommend
The Florist Arms
255 Globe RdQuaint pub, nice atmosphere. Two for one lunch menu and half price pizza on Sundays and Mondays! www.thefloristarms.co.uk
This is a great gathering point (to drink outside) on a warm day.
116 locals recommend
The Palm Tree Pub
127 Grove RdThis is a great gathering point (to drink outside) on a warm day.
Nice waterfront aspect with bars and restaurants serving Canary Wharf financial bankers, etc. More of an after-work than a late night scene.
13 locals recommend
West India Quay station
Nice waterfront aspect with bars and restaurants serving Canary Wharf financial bankers, etc. More of an after-work than a late night scene.
Number 90 - Bar & Restaurant
94 Wallis RdPopular bar/club on the Hackney scene
Fabric London
77A Charterhouse StFamous nightclub
The Truman Brewery
91 Brick LnDozens of bars, clubs and restaurants.
One of the world's most famous gay nightclubs, now hosting gigs and opening its doors to just about everybody.
14 locals recommend
Heaven
Villiers StreetOne of the world's most famous gay nightclubs, now hosting gigs and opening its doors to just about everybody.
Mother Kelly's
251 Paradise RowTaste different types of beer. Fun!
Perfect place to stop for a drink when exploring Victoria Park and Victoria Park Village
75 locals recommend
Royal Inn on the Park
111 Lauriston RoadPerfect place to stop for a drink when exploring Victoria Park and Victoria Park Village
Arts & Culture
National Theatre
Upper GroundExcellent theatre, and a great spot to be in London - always!
Tate Modern
BanksideModern art at its finest. And free entry. Oh wonderful!
Such a wonderful collection of art from times past. Free entry and guided tours available.
796 locals recommend
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareSuch a wonderful collection of art from times past. Free entry and guided tours available.
Lee Hurst's Comedy club. Laugh your head off at great stand-up comedy, not too expensive, most nights of the week.
24 locals recommend
Backyard Bar
231 Cambridge Heath RdLee Hurst's Comedy club. Laugh your head off at great stand-up comedy, not too expensive, most nights of the week.
Fabulous! Run by the Society of London Theatres at the Clocktower. Get half price tickets for magnificent shows, best seats available on day of performance. Also book online: http://www.tkts.co.uk/
20 locals recommend
TKTS
Leicester SquareFabulous! Run by the Society of London Theatres at the Clocktower. Get half price tickets for magnificent shows, best seats available on day of performance. Also book online: http://www.tkts.co.uk/
Cutting-edge art! Whitechapel has been home to a community of artists and alternatives for decades. Free entry -usually. Sometimes special exhibitions.
589 locals recommend
Whitechapel Gallery
77-82 Whitechapel High StCutting-edge art! Whitechapel has been home to a community of artists and alternatives for decades. Free entry -usually. Sometimes special exhibitions.
East London's Independent Cinema and Arts Venue. A cool place to hang out in Shoreditch. Adjoining cafe/restaurant. Popular new films & International film festivals. www.richmix.org.uk
260 locals recommend
Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green RdEast London's Independent Cinema and Arts Venue. A cool place to hang out in Shoreditch. Adjoining cafe/restaurant. Popular new films & International film festivals. www.richmix.org.uk
One of the coolest independent cinemas. Regular festivals plus contemporary films. £4 on Mondays and Wednesdays!! Coffee to die for and chilled out bar/restaurant upstairs. www.genesiscinema.co.uk
244 locals recommend
Genesis Cinema
93-95 Mile End RdOne of the coolest independent cinemas. Regular festivals plus contemporary films. £4 on Mondays and Wednesdays!! Coffee to die for and chilled out bar/restaurant upstairs. www.genesiscinema.co.uk
Not as much character as Rich Mix or Genesis but more spacious, comfortable and modern. Showing the latest films. Includes cocktail bar.
99 locals recommend
Cineworld West India Quay
5 Hertsmere RdNot as much character as Rich Mix or Genesis but more spacious, comfortable and modern. Showing the latest films. Includes cocktail bar.
Showroom venue and art gallery, Cre8 is a versatile, multi-functional space: exhibitions, movie screenings, film and photo shoots, private functions.
Cre8 Life Style Centre
80 EastwayShowroom venue and art gallery, Cre8 is a versatile, multi-functional space: exhibitions, movie screenings, film and photo shoots, private functions.
Shapes
117 Wallis RdPart social enterprise comprising artist studios, and part performing arts venue.
The wonderfully recreated Globe, immensely popular for Shakespeare's plays - past and present.
449 locals recommend
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
21 New Globe WalkThe wonderfully recreated Globe, immensely popular for Shakespeare's plays - past and present.
Barbican Centre
Silk StreetHome to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Superb theatre!
A festive place to be in the winter, great to skate!
Also a nice spot to relax amongst the corporates in the summer.
Ping pong tables available.
Broadgate Ice Rink
Sun Street PassageA festive place to be in the winter, great to skate!
Also a nice spot to relax amongst the corporates in the summer.
Ping pong tables available.
Jazz and blues heaven! But you have to book. It gets busy.
123 locals recommend
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
47 Frith StJazz and blues heaven! But you have to book. It gets busy.
The Millennium Dome was a multi-million pound white elephant, but now it's been revived as a great entertainment centre, hosting live concerts.
631 locals recommend
The O2
Peninsula SquareThe Millennium Dome was a multi-million pound white elephant, but now it's been revived as a great entertainment centre, hosting live concerts.