5 London Places To Avoid & What To Do Instead

[@No14210]

Some additions and criticisms for the algo: 5. The Changing of the Guard is nice and free, just don't line up in front of the gates to barely see anything of a rather boring ceremony. There's a whole route that you can stand or even walk along, depending on the season, and get a good view of the guards marching past, take a picture, whatever floats your boat. 4. Never been on this because it's obviously stupid. "A bicycle wheel without the tire" as Johnny Rotten said. Also holy crap, you're right about the area around it. What a dump. Decent views of the river though, and you don't see the ferris wheel! I guess the Eye could be OK if you have something like the London Pass that includes it (I see the price of a 5-day London Pass has DOUBLED over the last year, which is insane, so buyer beware!). But there are other (free) views to be had. The Shard costs money too by the way, but is also often included in tourist passes like that. 3. Never been here because I don't care for the waxworks, and in any case it's a well recognised tourist thing. It's been a tourist attraction since the 19th century, in that sense it's "historical". It's older than Tower Bridge! I guess if you have a burning desire to see some waxworks of celebrities then it could be fun, but don't let anyone tell you it's a must-see. This also seems like one of those places that have doubled their prices within a decade. I could easily spend 2 weeks in London and still not be tempted by this one. P.S. The location seems like the least problem here since it's close to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Regent's Park, and other attractions people might be interested in. Not really a big deal that it's not in walking distance. London doesn't really have one walkable "centre". A lot of interesting sights and activities are in districts best visited by tube. Almost all tube lines stop at Baker St. Or take the bus, which is cheaper and you can still see something. 4. Don't care about Oxford Street since I don't go on holidays for shopping. Looks like any other high street to me, just bigger and with more crappy candy shops. 5. Meh, Wetherspoons is cheap and "authentic" in that lots of Brits will get a cheap pint there. What is an "authentic" pub in London? Seems pretty arbitrary to me. A lot of them are faux-thentic like 'Spoons, just more expensive. A lot of decent and affordable pubs are owned by other chains (Samuel Smith's etc.). It's usually either foreigners or posh Brits who will tell you to avoid Wetherspoons like the plague (and then recommend some gastro-pub lol). I wouldn't go out of my way to drink in one but neither would I avoid a decent boozer just because it happened to be a part of their chain. Bonus: yeah Leicester Square is not much to look at. I also don't care for theatre so not much to do there except take the picture to prove you've been there. M&M's World there deserves a mention of its own for absolutely god-awful "attractions".

[@StarstruckByLondon]

This made me laugh. Well done!

[@John_Fugazzi]

The Baker Street stop has some nice surprises. If you are a fan of 18th century art, furniture and decorative arts by all means visit the Wallace Collection. Among it's paintings is one of the eras most famous, The Swing by Fragonard. It has many other fine things in its rooms from the medieval Era to the 19th century as well. It's on Manchester Square.

[@StarstruckByLondon]

Thanks! I actually highlight The Wallace Collection in my Marylebone video.

[@John_Fugazzi]

@@StarstruckByLondon I'm going to watch that one now. London is one of my favorite cities to visit and I plan to view a number of your videos.

[@StarstruckByLondon]

@@John_Fugazzi thanks, mate. Much appreciated.

[@stevep1705]

As a Londoner I agree with everything except the Wetherspoons comments. Yes, the food isn't great but it's good value. The beer is excellent value. The only problem with them is that they're too popular.

[@StarstruckByLondon]

Wetherspoons is quite polarising. I will always lie on the no side just because us expats love the “real” pubs.

[@Lucan-ve6zc]

Lived and worked in town for years. Fortunately not for a while now. Would agree with your choices. London's an amazing city. Just walk a street or two from the famous spot and you're immersed in real city life.

[@StarstruckByLondon]

Did you catch your mention in the Starstruck Answers Your Video Comments vid, @Lucan-ve6zc?

[@Lucan-ve6zc]

@@StarstruckByLondon Aaagh. Nope! I'll have to watch it again! Now tracking it down.

[@dylvasey]

I'm a Londoner and I hate to say it but I agree with this guy. Only other thing I'd mention is avoid Chinatown. The food is crap and its over priced. Get a local walking guide and discover London the way it should be done ..... By accident. London is a maze of hidden treasures you will not find on a sightseeing bus.

[@StarstruckByLondon]

@dylvasey - I don’t know why you “hate to say it” 😂😂. Might be because of my Chinatown video 🤭

[@pierrecaron8731]

OH GOD PLEASE! Deliver me from the cell phones everywhere.

[@StarstruckByLondon]

Inescapable on Oxford, for sure 😖

[@johnholt890]

I rather liked the London Eye.

[@StarstruckByLondon]

It certainly gets a lot of visitors.