London is the most diverse city with the best weather, which I have learnt is a highly opinionated statement. Here are some of my favourite places in this wonderful city while studying abroad in London.
All Year
Craft Coffee
By far the best coffee in London. On Sclater Street in Soreditch, a quaint little coffee shop with the best espresso you will find. Anywhere. It has a little astroturf sun room where you can go to hide away from the busy London life or take your friends when you want to impress them with your knowledge of coffee.
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| Craft Coffee, love |
Shoreditch
Coolest borough. For the grungy type who are into tattoos, flannel and beards. Very trendy. If you are lucky (or unlucky) enough to life at the Alexander Flemming hall, you are at the centre of it all. I recommend going to a gig at Hoxton Bar and Kitchen and getting a pint at Owl and Pussycat. Then in the morning going to the Breakfast Club or Bills for brunch. During the hot spring days when we finally see the sun, go to Boxpark and watch the passersby while sipping on a fresh juice or a treat from the many restaurants on the upper level.
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| Enjoy the street art all over Shoreditch |
Kingly/Carnaby
Best place for dinner when you feel like spending a few extra quid. Sit outdoors when you eat (Pizza Pilgrims/ Senor Ceviche’s), in winter, you can enjoy the twinkling lights and in spring, you can enjoy the temperature.
Winter
V&A
Actually, winter is the best time to visit all of the museums because you can get there on the tube whilst it being an acceptable humidity and temperature and a place to hide from the cold outdoors. Victoria and Albert is one of my favourite museums, especially the fashion exhibitions. Currently, they have Alexander McQueen on display, and earlier they had a wedding dress exhibition. The National Gallery is also a fantastic place to spend the day.
Spring
Greenwich Observatory
Beautiful. Worth the trip. Just trust me.
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| View of Greenwich from the Observatory |
Rose garden in Regent’s
The Queen’s gardens are fantastic. For the peaceful days laying in the sun or feeding the ducks. In fact, some friends and I are going for a picnic today.
Hampstead heath
Same as Regent's, but a bit further and less 'touristy.' It actually reminds me of the Renoir painting, Bathers at Asnières, which you can see in the National Gallery
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| Lovely Regent's |
With help for directions, I recommend downloading the City Mapper app
With help for ideas on where to eat or what to do, I recommend downloading the Dojo app.
Hanna Neitzke is the Spring 2015 CEA MOJO in London, England. She is currently a Senior at Humboldt State University.