Absolutely agree with everything that you've said. Good point made about the London Eye; To get a brilliant view of the city, I would recommend St. Paul's cathedral instead. I wouldn't recommend "the Shard," as it's far too expensive.
so agree with you about the london eye. same thing with the eiffel tower in paris. what's the point in having a view of london without the eye in the photo? or a view of paris without the eiffel tower? would take the free primrose hill over the eye any day.
Sure I enjoyed Primrose but I have thoroughly enjoyed the Eye (twice) . We did not get 24 people in the pod so the views were great and the photography easy. I must say I agree about the other attractions though....Abbey Road?
The London Eye is a must. You have to do one or two touristy things if you are visiting for the first time. The eye is almost as identifiable to London as the Elizabeth tower ( Big Ben). You gotta go on it once to say you've done it. Book the first time slot and you wont wait on any lines and its not overly crowded.
I'm fond of Fortnum and Mason's flagship store on Piccadilly--and right next door, Hatchard's Bookshop. Both places have been there since the 1700s, and F&M actually has items I can afford. Oh and some of the best Earl Grey tea ever. I'll try Liberty next visit; thanks for the recommendation. :)
One place in Chinatown that I totally recommend - Chinatown Bakery - small, busy bakery with fresh made all types of buns and most important - taiyaki !!!
Harrods security is sometimes rude at the entrance. They simple don't like tourists who are not interested to spent a lot of money inside the department store. I am visiting Harrods only for checking what I will order from internet much cheaper. I haven't visited Sherlock Holmes museum but the nearby Sherlock Holme museum shop was nice. During summer and especially during June the sunrise is very early at 4 AM and very early the morning the London roads including Abbey road have very few vehicles. Best hour for London eye no matter how long is the waiting, is during sunset. If you like photography the gondolas of London eye are usually dirty. An nice way to avoid dirty windows is a very bright normal or telephoto lens with larger than f/1.8 aperture. For example a full frame 85mm f/1.8 can make the dirty windows disappear with manual focusing at the infinity and aperture at f/1.8. It is just a phenomenon of optics. Oxford street isn't really busy early the morning weekdays when the shops start to open. Of course during the convenient noon hours and much more on Friday afternoon and Saturday Oxford street is hell. For really good and affordable Chinese or Asian food go to Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall. It isn't in the center of London but isn't far way with the underground. Check google and TripAdvisor.
Agreed, although Chinatown on-the-go food can be decent. Visitors should note that the Sherlock Holmes Museum was created against author's daughter's wishes. I personally recommend the Emirate Air Line as an alternative to London Eye. Other overrated attractions you missed are Platform 9 3/4 and Madame Tussauds. London Zoo, London Aquarium and London Dungeon can be hit or misses.
EliteXtasy As a foreigner who've been to London twice I can't agree abt Platform and Zoo. Platf 9 3/4 is a must for HP fans, fun place, where you can meet just as crazy ppl as you :-) , with great shop that sets the mood :-) . Zoo is so pleasant and cozy place to spend some nice relaxing hours between running about grander attractions! :-)
city hacks London Absolutely! I've been to almost all european capitals and many other countries, and imho London is the most convenient, tourist-friendly, easy to navigate, comfortable city in the world. And can offer something interesting, unic and amazing for EVERYONE!
One point you miss about the cable car is that it is not in the typical tourist hotspot unless youre headed towards the Cutty Sark or Greenwich Observatory - its a bit out of the way IMHO
Forget the London Eye. Save your money and take a trip out to Alexandra Palace, Hampstead Heath or Greenwich Royal Observatory. The views are pretty good on a clear day and the exercise and fresh air is free(!)
Huhuhu why did you come out with this video only now? 😫I've been to London and back last month! Prior to my trip, I did follow your advice re citymapper, oyster card, etc. *thumbs up!*
I laughed when you said, "If you are a hardcore fan, stand there, risk your life, I don't care..." Because you know there will be some one soo eager to do that damn walk with their friends! And I have heard The London Eye at night was worth it. Oxford Street, by your definition, reminds me of Times Square and Hollywood Blvd. It's OK but, there are better places around the corner or a few blocks away with better, cheaper knick knacks and better tasting/priced eateries. Also, when I head out there, planning on not going to chain restaurants. I am, however, going to go to a lot of free museums out there!
Oxford Street is repeated every two or three blocks. After you see two or three stores in the same franchise in ten minutes you start to wonder if you’re in a time warp, or if you’ve suffered brain damage.
Nice list, but i don't agree on No 4: London Eye. Totally love it. Book in advance and there's not much queuing... But if you book: don't book the combi-ticket with Madama Tussauds, because the latter sucks. As for department stores: i prefer Selfridges, the food court.
Regarding the Chinese food. The usual stuff: chicken, noodles, soup etc. Fair enough. But i do recommend going to one of the cake stores in Chinatown and buying either a slice or two of Tiger cake or a few Anko (red bean paste) fish known in Japan as Taiyaki - they are soft, sweet and glorious!!
I'm going next week. From my research the last few days I suspected most of these would be on this list. Seems like changing of the guard should have made the list as well.
I love your channel. I'm going to London soon for the first time without a Londoner with me. In South Africa we don't have tubes and things like you do and I'm still a bit worried about getting on the right ones. I want to go from The Hyatt hotel in Heathrow to areas like the Big Ben and so one. Could you perhaps tell me how much that would cost? Sorry for the long question and keep the great videos coming. They are so helpful.
Thank you for your kind words - so glad you like the channel. I would say get yourself an oyster card and top it up with pay as you go credit. This will never cost you more than £10 per day. Remember that once in London it may be more convenient to walk between landmarks than getting the tube. And definetly download city mapper and you will never get on the wrong tube. Enjoy London!
Ironically, I was thrown out of Harris’s for eating a brownie I’d BOUGHT at Harrod’s, so I went to Liberty on Regent Street for the same Halcyon Days porcelain box at the same price as Harrod’s. Coincidentally, watching an American tourist pay full-whack retail at Harrod’s for a watch that’s heavily discounted everywhere else almost made me ill. I guess the “I bought it at Harrod’s” story was worth the $500 she over-paid.
Edmonton in Alberta Canada has the worlds 3rd largest mall: The West Edmonton Mall. The driving is on the right and the city even has a transit system with tube lines and transit busses like London.
Did you say "bitches" about Sherlock Holmes fans? That's pretty tough for a travel video. I'll be in London on May and I agree the London Eye and Harrods can scr*w off but I'll go to Picadilly Circus for a few seconds. I'll watch the rest of your videos. You remind me of my neighbors on Hollywood, California. Thx!
I think you are right about the London Eye. I have been to London a couple of times now and was never interested in it. Then I visited London with a friend (and did most typical touristy stuff again...) and she insisted on going on it. It was okay, but definitely not worth the money in my opinion. I like Oxford Street, because they have the biggest Lush Store in the world with some exclusives. I try to go there between 10 and 12 on a weekday, it isn't as busy then. Will try out your tips for other streets for shopping during my next trip to London. (Only 3 months till then! Yeah!)
Hi Don't agree with your comment about Abbey road. My only problem was it took me several trips before I figured out where it was and I got the photo no problems
Interesting take on Chinatown. I've heard lots of good things about it and from Chinese people. Might be one of those things I have to try and see for myself...
I was lucky with the London Eye. When I was married my then wifes relatives visited and we went into London and we went on the Eye. As my wife knew someone who worked on security at the Eye...we wangled a whole pod for just 5 people. As Im not keen on heights I didnt really enjoy the weird feeling of rotation in places. Good views but...not much else Harods. I think people simply like to buy something cheap and get a Harrods carrier bag as a souvenir Shopping is shopping and dont interest me. I would say that I think Leicester Square is interesting to visit for the low budget street entertainment
Hi. I will not be going to London eye - but instead god to the Emirates Cable cars. I will be going with a Group of 24 youngsters from Denmark. My question is, what is interesting in this area in late September?
Hi Syrus. Great. I read the Emirates cable car has better views, it's cheaper and you can use your Oyster card. Also heard a lot of the Whitechapel Jack the Ripper Tours are over priced and not historically accurate. Thanx
Definitely agree with you about the restaurants, cinemas and M&Ms World, but Leicester Square has some fantastic street performers. A few of the pitch's musicians have gone viral such as Morf! RU-vidr & magician Steven Bridges also performs there. I've found the street entertainment at Covent Garden to be hit or miss, but Leicester Square has consistent talent!
There isn't a US equivalent. Primark is like lower quality H&M, but with a lot more options at cheaper prices. They change their stock all the time too, but it seems the US stores gets UK's old stock.
For me the most overrated attraction was the Shard. However just nearby, Hays Galleria and the southern bank of the Thames around City Hall, the HMS Belfast, and the Queen’s Walk were awesome. Also the musicians around the city (Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Chinatown and in some of the bigger Underground stations) were always worth stopping for. All definitely worth giving a few pound to.
For people wanting to go on the London Eye, do the Orbit at the Olympic Park instead, and you still get to see Central London, and it is not busy. Also, for anyone planning to do Legoland, Thorpe Park, Chessington, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeon, Sealife and Shrek's Adventure, get a Merlin Pass. Thank me later. :)
I think you are wrong A friend of mine invited me to a Chinese restaurant where I got the best Chinese food which I have ever eaten in my life. And guess where it was
I was going to say SHERLOCK HOLMES MUSEUM? But I've been a Sherlock Holmes fan since I was small and before the BBC version, so I sighed like "phew I enjoy all versions of Sherlock I'm good" lol thanks for this list! It helps in planning my trip!
Ive seen from many London youtubers that the london eye is one of the most overrated ones and a big reason is the line and the price, the alternative that love and london suggested or a similar youtuber was the sky garden. abbey road was on my list but decided to cross it out. if you want beatles go to liverpool i guess. Soho and Covent Garden are highly recommended. LS and PC are overrated, they suggested to just take a picture then go. which i plan to do. terms of london eye, i plan to do it around sunset or maybe at night before dinner.
Being an ex city boy now, all of what you say is true, Regent st is the better place and always has been, even back in the 1980's we never went to Oxford st...nuff said
St Pauls, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace. You need a good bus tour. Enjoy London & do tell all of your friends about city hacks London :-) Syrus
London has it fair share of typical tacky tourist attractions and shops! There are only so many hats and cups people can have that declare their love for the city!
Made the mistake of going to Harrods to find Christmas ornaments for souvenirs because I knew they would have them. It was a mission from my companion's mom. What a mess. Have those people never heard of a map? 187 North Gower Street is where the Sherlockians want to go. Don't eat lunch first so you can eat in Speedy's. I unfortunately was full when we went by there and couldn't eat another bite.
Go up St Paul's the views from the top of the dome are incredible, and for ever more you'll be able to say "been there" at the very nearly very top, every time it appears on telly..... well that's what I do😉
I refuse to go in St Paul's on principle that you should not have to pay to enter a place of worship. A voluntary donation to the poor box fine, but an admission fee is wrong and not to mention tacky.
I don't agree with harrods. I don't think you go there to actually buy stuff as a tourist, but to browse through it as an expirience. you certainly could go here for 1 or 2 hours. Btw: if you want free good views go to ... (no i'm gonna keep this for myself)
I think you are missing the point when it comes to Harrods. You aren't going there because you need to buy anything, you are going to see what it is like. You might buy something while you are there, if you can afford it, but the rooms are almost like a museum or that you are stepping back in time. So I agree there are better department stores to go to if you are going with the purpose of shopping, but if you are just going to see what it is like then I'm all for it. The food hall is amazing, if you can't afford anything else in the store maybe you can pick something up there and get one of those iconic green bags!!! So i wouldn't have put Harrods on this list. I would have put the Tower of London on this list. I live in London now, but unless it has changed since a went a number of years ago unless you are into armoury or wowed by jewels it isn't really that interesting. The only good bit is the guided tour, once that is finished the rest is a bit boring imo.
I did the eye when it first opened and then when I went with my 15yr old niece and I'd say 'dunnit'. The thing I always said though is - so you buy your tickets in advance, you're only there for a few days and it's sopped in cloudy. Then what? Most of everything else though it's "I cam I saw" and that's what you're supposed to do in London. Have you been on the lookout deck in The Shard? It's more expensive but you get to decide how long you're there for. I think my 'most overrated' thing is Hamleys. I guess, because of its age and grandeur I expected to step through the doors and be magically transported back to porcelain dolls with real hair, wooden soldiers and rocking horses LOL. Glad that wasn't one of my 'gotta see it' places.
I went on the London Eye when I was a kid on a day trip to London, and I was just like, what's the point of this? I'd rather go and visit the actual historical sites and museums rather than stare at them from a distance. I also hate Oxford Street, but yet again I just hate shopping.
The whole point of Speaker’s Corner is the heckling of the crazy people and religious fanatics. The witty comments by the hecklers is the height of British humour . . .
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If you want to see a beautiful skyline of London visit the sky garden which is in the walkie talkie building, it’s free but you have to book tickets in advance but trust me it’s a worth it experience skygarden.london, also The view at the top of the hill where the royal observatory sits in Greenwich Park is really nice too, all better than what you can see from the London eye
Disagree with you over Oxford Street, Leicester Square etc. People are gonna need to eat. They want to enjoy it as its central. They want to enjoy the restaurants, bars,cinemas. You are used to it because you are a Londoner
I'll defenitely stop by there, it's got the Café's front just like in the series and all! Also if you're going to read this I wanted you to know that your city hacks videos have made all the difference whilst planning my trip! Thank you so much for making the effort, it's been a great help! :)
+Victoria Hi Lin chong I have eaten in a lot of Chinese restaurants in London which are amazing. I have also eaten in a lot in Chinatown & in my experience they have all been bad quality as they are particularly targeted at tourists.
Tbh London ist Overrated to me. Maybe I had to high expectations, but when everyone is saying oh it's so awesome bla bla bla best city ever bla bla bla then it is hard to not be disappointed.
Captain Calculus A very sad reply. London is a dump. It's noisy, smells, filthy and full of its own self importance. Anyone satisfied with London is easily satisfied.
