5 things to avoid in London (and what to do instead) ad

[@terrykavo21]

Lived in London all my life. I have E1 on my birth certificate as a marker of authenticating my comments on this post. Also I have been a licensed taxi driver (black cabs) for 18 years. I have to say these London posts are the best I’ve seen. I’ve been prompted to post because the accuracy of the advice is as if it came from your own parents growing up in London. The Leicester Sq part was absolutely spot on and I’m so glad a foreign visitor, ex pat has highlighted this to potential visitors. We’ll done. Totally endorse these posts and am looking forward in watching more and subscribing.

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelabeijer675]

I only go to Leicester Square because it’s a shortcut between Chinatown and the nearest convenient tube station! 😂

[@Cookstudio71-pk]

​@@loveandlondon I want to marry with you

[@MarianoTufro]

Completely agree. Having been living in London for 21 years, all of these recommendations are spot on.

[@bandit4690]

Hey but at least Leicester Square has the worlds biggest Lego store! That’s a must for all lego fans!

[@andrewbyrne3709]

I lived in London for 7 years and can honestly say that I have never heard more accurate or better advice for tourists then this video! Absolutely spot on.

[@loveandlondon]

❤️❤️❤️

[@tomchitling]

Agreed, there are actually only 2 two reasons to go to Leicester Square. 1, The TKTS office, to get less than Half Price theatre tickets for the same day. (Avoid other booths nearby at all costs unless you know which are reliable). 2. To see 80% of the sights in half a day, walk 2 minutes from Leicester Sq Station, to Trafalgar Square, the British Museum and Portrate Gallery. Then Walk down under Admiralty Arch, down The Mall, or through St James' Park to Buckingham Palace then up Birdcage Walk to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Parliament, then back up Whtehall past No 10 and Horse Guards, Then turn right, back towards the Thames at Embankment Pier and get a River Bus ((RB1 boat) to The Tower of London or Greenwichfor the afternoon.

[@salsadip7453]

Thank you! Gonna be there next week and am very excited!

[@justDave3453]

Uh, that's the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, not the British Museum! Otherwise, good advice. On a nice day that's a very pleasant stroll.

[@robertdullnig3625]

The street leading from Embankment to Leicester Square is okay, especially if you just need somewhere to eat late at night. Plus, pop up urinal. (WARNING: may be out of date)

[@sandrajenkins6822]

I've been living in London for 40 years and never tire of it. Don't forget to mention the fantastic museums in your next video, I'm off to the British Museum next week for the afternoon and the week after the Museum of London. Free and totally wonderful.

[@loveandlondon]

I have a few videos where I mention the more off-the-beaten-path museums that I highly recommend :) Thanks for watching!

[@B-A-L]

Me too! I love London so much I'm currently playing Assassin's Creed Syndicate on my PS4, which is set in 19th century London, and the attention to detail is incredible and gives you the chance to see iconic buildings and monuments such as St Paul's Cathedral, St Stepen's Tower, Nelson's Column and Buckingham Palace up close and from angles you wouldn't see in real life!

[@tofu5259]

​@B-A-L London reminds me of that game, too 😂

[@Neenlibbyo]

We recently spent a week in London and the Sky Garden was one of the highlights. There were a LOT of tourist who turned up and expected to be able to get in that day only to be disappointed. Because of your advice I bookmarked the date 3 weeks out from our trip (when tickets come available) and then sat online for hours trying to book tickets - eventually I got through at 1 am Australian time and it was worth it! Some timeslots were booked out almost straight away but I managed to book for 3.30pm. On the day we arrived about half an hour before our booked time slot and were let straight in (no queue) and enjoyed an amazing gin and tonic with the best view! There were lots of families on the lower level but it was much less crowded on the top level. We stayed for at least 2 hours just enjoying the ambiance and the spectacular views.

[@tayloroliver7293]

We just got back from 10 days in London! Your videos are extremely helpful for planning and executing trips to London. We've never had a trip go so seamlessly from start to finish; we are hugely in your debt. Keep up the excellent work!!

[@loveandlondon]

So glad to hear it! Thanks Taylor and thank you for watching.

[@Janus-fn2uz]

This girl is so out of touch with how to behave socially. Specially in my city London. If you follow her advice you will be singled out immediately as an easy target simply because Americans talk far too loud and draw attention by the filth that will nick your phone right out of your hand.

[@tayloroliver7293]

@@Janus-fn2uz Can you provide a link to the video where she advises all Americans to speak loudly into their phones in public places while being socially out of touch?

[@desireevankuyk]

@@Janus-fn2uz lol why you commenting on every single american girl that posts a London vlog? Get a life, try coming outside of your house sometimes you little internet trol 🤡

[@JanMorristheadminmaven]

@@Janus-fn2uz Rude!

[@transitcaptain]

I love that an American is making comprehensive videos about London. Good dedication

[@loveandlondon]

Been here for nine years, and this has been my job for about 5 !

[@Aoife24601]

Let a Londoner say something....explore....find out for yourself what you like and dont like. These women all over You Tube.....9 years shes been here...im a Londoner born and bred....50 years...what they like you may not like etc ...shes right some places can be crappy...Find out for yourself...its called EXPLORING!

[@FOFA1630]

@@loveandlondon oh gosh you not even British, makes sense from the first video I saw of you 😂

[@Pencilman246]

@@Aoife24601 while true, not all of us have 50 years to explore a city, only a week or less, so it’s nice to get some tips on what to prioritize. That’s what these videos are for.

[@slippinjimmy6997]

​@Stalina Da the American or Canadian accent was a bit of a give away, no?

[@RedwoodGeorge]

On my first trip to London I accidentally did something that turned out to be really smart - I took a guided tour of the British Museum. You can hire a tour guide who takes a small group (about six people) on a two or three hour tour of the British Museum and it cost something like 35 pounds. This gets you express entry to the museum (I hate queues like the devil) and you've got an expert who knows the museum, the pieces worth seeing and the stories behind them. Our guide was a young woman who was studying history at the museum and worked as a tour guide to earn some money, and she was extremely knowledgeable. She knew the "stories behind the stories" and the museum was a much richer experience.

[@loveandlondon]

Lots of stories of all of the stolen goods haha! Yup we do say anything that's manically busy like the British Museum a tour can be a great option ❤️

[@RedwoodGeorge]

@@loveandlondon Funny, what was my takeaway too! "See these beautiful Aztec artifacts? The Spanish were bringing them back from Mexico when the British Navy attacked their ships and stole the artifacts!" "See that Rosetta Stone? The French were bringing it back from Egypt when our Navy..." You get the idea. Don't even get me started on the Elgin Marbles! But if I hadn't hired a guide, I never would have known that nearly everything in the British Museum was stolen either directly or indirectly (all "acquisitions" were told as highly entertaining stories)

[@DestinationUnknown4x4]

I did the same with the van gogh museum in amsterdam. Great experience 👍

[@Ankita-t4e]

Hello writing in from India, planning to visit london for the first time with family and we are history buffs could you suggest where did you book this tour from? Thank you in advance

[@enjaysee750]

Been a Londoner all my life so I'm always fascinated to see how others see my fantastic city! When you live and work somewhere its easy to forget what is around you through the day-to-day grind. I'd forgotten about the Sky Garden - I've got lots of holiday time to use up so I'll visit that on my next day off, thanks for the tip! And I can totally vouch for Leicester Square; I work in one of the buildings there and its a nightmare - the odd movie premiere aside its really not that interesting. I'm so glad for hybrid working! Great video by the way - very useful even for residents!

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@SonalDack]

Agree with all but the London Bus Tour. Fair enough if you're on a shoestring budget, but as a 'local' tourist, I learned so much when we took an open top bus it was well worth the cost of the ticket!

[@loveandlondon]

You do you girl. Thanks for watching

[@Gmackematix]

I wonder if there is a mobile app that tells you about the things you see from the top deck of the number 11 bus in London.

[@mandaroseblade1000]

I did too .l live in Southwark but took my 11 year old daughter and it was really great...learnt tons and the big bus tour experience gave us a complete picture of central London ..joined up all of the dots!

[@SonalDack]

@@mandaroseblade1000 It was a real eye-opener and I'm constantly parroting what I learned to my friends!

[@lindadutch-k2s]

Love your recommendations, 11 bus is good to know but I do find the tour buses worth the money as they give a commentary, also the drop off points are in convenient places and only 10mins wait without paying as you have a ticket. Have used these in many countries. Also I love the boat trips from Westminster pier, with amusing commentaries, Love to hear your personal views, please continue the good work

[@zohramasani5039]

I did visit sky garden walkin when i was in London this Sep. It was my 1st time visiting London. By far the best free experience!! Loved it.. I am glad you mentioned it..

[@loveandlondon]

nice! Thanks for watching Zohra

[@deweydjb]

I went for over a week. The museums are too notch and the special exhibits in them are only 15 to 20 pounds and so well curated. My favorites were the Victoria and Albert, the National Gallery and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. I honestly spent four hours a day and didn't see everything they had. And the buses are great and very easy to use!

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks for watching Doug!

[@loganstroganoff1284]

I'm studying your videos like it's finals week for my Londom trip the first week of December! Loving the content and its getting me pumped, can't wait to hop on that plane and go! Keep up the good work!

[@loveandlondon]

Ah amazing !! Thanks so much for watching Logan ❤️❤️❤️

[@twinjas512]

Same here!!

[@nataliagagner1431]

She is awesome! These videos helped me so much to build our London trip.

[@Janus-fn2uz]

Fyi. May one point out that in correct English grammar one cannot be "loving" something. The correct term is I "love" it.

[@Janus-fn2uz]

@@nataliagagner1431 for correct information on my city I suggest you refer to an English local guide that actually gives "correct" info unlike this manic arm waving girl who annoyingly "sings" every other word.

[@DootFm]

I know this video 10 months old but I just come across it and had to comment.... what a fantastic little vid this is! .... great info, spot on and put together so well.... I live in London (always have, 47 years on the clock) and am looking forward to checking out your other vids

[@lesterthorpe4190]

🎉 well done to you for helping the humble tourist know these alternatives are out there ! Especially the Tate Modern and Sky garden tips for free ! A walk along the South Bank from Lambeth Bridge to London Bridge is also very pleasant on a good weather day , and is also free to enjoy , in your own time , at your own speed ? * thus spake an old 70’ year old Londoner 😇

[@loveandlondon]

:) Thanks for watching!

[@jomarkov2613]

We went to the Sky Garden thanks to your recommendation 👏🏻 We were trying to get a ticket for three months with no luck. We walked up to the door last Friday afternoon and they sent us to the Garden on 120. A short walk away and said to pop back in an hour or so. That was also free and amazing. We went back to the Sky Garden and managed to get in. It was such a great experience. There wasn’t any time limit so we enjoyed the views and had a drink and a chat at our leisure. Family who visited a year earlier had never heard of it and did mostly expensive tourist stuff so thank you so much for your videos! We can’t thank you enough ❤🇬🇧👏🏻☺️

[@ljrigsbee]

I was in London last month. I spent an afternoon out at Hampstead, which is a bit further out but also provided a spectacular view of the London skyline from the Heath. Lovely small town feel too. I agree about the Pixel camera, I got some fantastic shots in London.

[@richt71]

As someone that's lived in London for 12 years Hampstead Village/Heath is a favourite place. I'd love to live there but it's super expensive and mainly for the rich and famous.

[@loveandlondon]

Hampstead is amazing, we cover it in our 6-Day Itinerary! Thanks for watching Laura :)

[@gaetanomaximus8650]

Good call on the Google Pixel 6. During my trip there 2 weeks ago, I used mine for everything. The only time I switched over to an SLR was when the battery was running low. London is awesome, and I'm going back for New Year's.

[@loveandlondon]

Oh I use it constantly. We just got back from a shoot in Paris and I got some amazing pics and videos with the new 7 Pro. Thanks so much for watching!

[@seanhilton3199]

I’ve been watching your videos for years and I finally made the move to this beautiful city on my own. If it weren’t for your tips about travel, I would have been incredibly lost on how to use the public transport! Since being here your tips have made me make the most out of living here. ❤️

[@loveandlondon]

Great to hear Sean thank you!

[@adefort]

Thank you for sharing your tips in such a lovely way! I'm going to London today and your videos have helped me a lot. I wish you all the best!

[@cijmo]

Great advice about the "awful four" and using the Sky Garden vs the Eye. With the eye, though, I just let people know the difference but still don't discourage if they want to go on the eye. (Unlike the awful four, I would always discourage LOL). I disagree about the hop on hop off bus though. Granted, I travel alone so maybe a family of 5 would be best to explore by regular transport. The bus is great for a first time visitor. You get all the pictures of everything you are expecting to see, you get the commentary, most include a 1way trip to Greenwich, again with commentary. At least do the Big Bus for the first couple of days, then you may want to venture on your own. Also ... SO much of what a first timer wants to see is all in walking distance. They're not exactly side by side but you can cover a lot of the usual things on foot.

[@tomriley5790]

Yep I agree it's a good way to get an idea of where all the things are and an introduction to the city - I've done it in other cities when I've been abroad too.

[@OneRedFeatherStudios.]

Really liked this video. Very informative (as always), but also, lots of nice options as replacement attractions. Your Awful Four is on point with me, but personally, I still like the London Eye experience, simply because every time I visit London, I go on the Eye, but vary the time of day, so it's a nice and new experience when I do. Great job on this.

[@loveandlondon]

Nice!! Thanks so much for watching 😘😘😘

[@OneRedFeatherStudios.]

@@loveandlondon - Oh absolutely. Keep up the amazing work you do. It really impacts in a very positive way.

[@amyslaughter395]

This was very interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing. It will help with my London trip.

[@cerwelt]

Just a quick comment. Found your channel and have watched so many of your videos that I’ve actually booked my flight and accommodations based on what I’ve learned from you. Taking my little brother and we are more than excited. Our great grandmother came to the US from London, and our great Aunt Anna Sjoblom (living in London) was on the Titanic. (She survived, and her name is included in the back of the book.) I have a children’s channel here on KZbin and know how nice it is to know your videos are appreciated. My comments are disabled so I’m usually guessing whether mine are appreciated. Letting you know just how helpful yours are. This grandma has traveled across the world for other reasons, but this is a first time just for pleasure. Thanks for doing what you do. Ok, so not so quick a comment! Apologies.

[@loveandlondon]

haha aw thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to write this ❤️

[@CharlineLikesC]

I did splurge on Madame Tussauds while I was in London and although I agree that it is overpriced, my sister and I still had a lot of fun with all the photo opportunities.

[@jeristalford4241]

Just back from my 3rd trip to London, and tried to do something new. If you are interested in history The Imperial War Museum and the Churchill War rooms are fascinating and bring that history to life. We as American's can't even fathom what it was like to live through both World Wars on your home turf.

[@BartNoble]

Churchill War Rooms is one of my favorite exhibits anywhere; a must see!

[@MEA5755]

I went to the Shard on a visit in 2018. Like you, instead of just going to the observatory level, we chose to book in for lunch at the Aqua Shard restaurant, also in the Shard. We pre booked their three course fixed price menu, available for lunch Monday to Friday. It was only slightly more expensive than going to the observatory level. The food was fabulous, the views were great from the restaurant and we had a lovely time. I completely agree with you about the London Eye - it was a waste of time and money. I have yet to visit Sky Garden and hope to add this to my list for my next trip.

[@ib9rt]

I think the London Dungeon was probably a lot more interesting in the 1970's when it was more of a local attraction than a tourist attraction. I remember visiting it soon after it opened when it was tucked away in the backstreets.

[@hambo76]

I remember it too (Tooley St) but as I haven't been in England for 20 years and probably won't be back for another 20, I think The London Dungeon is a fun recap of the darker London past. Where else in the world can you do that?

[@Richard-wx4wv]

Its quite hard getting tickets for the Sky Garden. An alternative is Tower 22 which has a lot more tickets. It's not quite in the same league as the view isnt 360 Degrees. She's dead right about the awful 4 but I think I'd make it 5 and include the ludicriously expensive London Zoo. Free places to go in London if you're on a budget and don't fancy afternoon teas are the London Parks which are all stunning. St James Park, Hyde Park and Regents Park are probably the best and all include great views of London. Other great areas to visit are Hampstead Heath, including The High Street, Primrose Hill for the view and just 20 mins away on the tube, Richmond-upon-Thames.

[@newbeginnings4933]

Finally a great advice video about a London trip there's just so many things to do in LDN it was hard to find suitable replacements for those tourist traps, thank you!!

[@DreamsofmyDreams]

I’m planning to go to London next year in August and I have SO many of your videos saved to help me get the best experience I can when I go there 😄

[@loveandlondon]

Amazing! Thanks so much for watching. Don't forget we have thorough guides in our shop: shop.loveandlondon.com

[@peterryan6497]

Don't go, it is the most overrated shithole on the planet, take my advice, you'll find out.

[@willottaway1818]

I'd also add in other suggestions. 1) Do NOT visit Oxford Street, its a prime location for pickpockets and its no longer what it used to be as some of the major shops/stores there have gone out of business and their buildings have been just left empty. Instead, if you need to go shopping, visit either Westfields Shepherds Bush OR Westfields Stratford City. Both have all the shops that you need and plenty more. If you go to Stratford City, you'll also be a 5 mins walk away from the Olympic Park from the 2012 Olympic Games with the Swimming Pool available for public swimming or the stadium for concerts or sporting fixtures. 2) Another view point would be "The Climb" at the O2. From here, you climb up the side of the O2 building and can have a drink on top of the venue. You will be given a suit to wear and an instructor will guide you up. Just bear in mind the weather when booking, you are exposed to the elements! At the O2, there are a lot of places to eat after so if you get an evening / sunset time, you have plenty of options! 3) In the Winter months, there is a "Winter Wonderland" in Hyde Park which I would AVOID! It is overpriced for everything, very crowded and if you have little ones, it can be unpleasant for them. 4) If you'd like another way to view the City, I would suggest a River Tour. You can stay in the warm throughout the journey, some offer refreshments and it gives you some interesting information while watching the city float by. You'll need to do some research over which tour / journey you want to take. Some will go from the London Eye to Tower Bridge and back while others will go from the London Eye all the way to Greenwich (stopping off at some piers on the way)

[@Entertainment-is6ex]

Ditto about Oxford St, it’s nowhere near as good as it used to be. I would still go for the largest/flagship stores of John Lewis and Marks and Spencer (mainly the westerly 4-5 floor flagship near Marble Arch, although the other easterly one isn’t too bad), and a big Selfridges (although very overpriced), and not much else (there used to be so many more special attractions/reasons before; RIP Debenhams/HMV/Borders). It’s now full of money launder… I mean temporary American Candy stores and souvenir shops x n (similar fate is befalling many other town centres in UK, but this is the best/most prolific example). But I guess that’s better than the shops staying empty because no one else can afford the rent. Visiting West End/Oxford St is now more of a day out for food and ice cream (as mentioned, the Westfields are a much more complete shopping experience if you’re not fussy about visiting the very largest flagship stores in Oxford Street). Oxford Street also has 2 Primarks (easterly one is their biggest flagship store), and I sometimes end up going there for cheap shopping (e.g. spare socks/underwear/thermals/jumpers) if I have extra time.

[@richardb3363]

We went to the Sky Garden this week. The views are spectacular. Overall, it's a much better experience than the London Eye.

[@heatherqualy9143]

I agree with you 60%. Well, maybe 50%. I wouldn’t AVOID Leicester Square for any particular reason, but wouldn’t seek it out, either. We absolutely loved our trip around the London Eye. Very cool with the interactive screen, so you know what you’re looking at. Actually put a decent map in my head, doing that, for the rest of the trip. And the hop-on hop-off bus tour was probably the most information we absorbed in one day. It was great for us because there were a lot of places we wanted to SEE, but weren’t 😂necessarily interested in going in to tour. So a drive by with some commentary was just right.

[@loveandlondon]

Nice! thanks so much for watching Heather!

[@lindadee2015]

Planning for a trip to London next year. Never thought about what NOT to do. Very helpful video.

[@loveandlondon]

Glad to hear it Linda, thanks for watching!

[@JaKrish]

Don’t forget, though, that everyone is different. She hates Leicester Square, but it doesn’t mean it’s not still interesting to walk through. First time I was in London I got one of my favourite street photography photos in front of the M+M shop of a protestor with a megaphone. It was a memorable juxtaposition. I avoided Leicester Square last week, however. Instead, took a stroll through Camden Market, after a canal tour. Was it better? Who’s to say? If every-variety of food truck, endless knick-knack shops, and hordes of people are your thing, you’d probably love it. Just remember, if you buy something from a shop, you’ll have to carry it around all day. Factor that in to your plans. A good backpack is a MUST. As for her other things to avoid, also remember she’s been living there for 8-9 years. The novelty of where the tourists go has loooooong worn off. If I also lived there, I’d avoid 95% of the attractions in London. Just like I do in my own city. And I’m always surprised when a visitor says how much they loved something I drive by every day with complete disinterest.

[@Anonymous_Anon882]

Yeah, neither had I.

[@Owlandpie]

I genuinely like Madame Thussaud and London Dungeon, its a matter of opinions I guess but I don't doubt your alternative suggestions are also great.

[@loveandlondon]

:) thanks for watching!

[@TheVaughan5]

As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is full of tourist traps which are contrived solely for visitors and a real rip off. As a Londoner for over 30 years I agree with the advice given here. For a genuine experience it’s more important than ever to know what to avoid wasting your time and money on Videos like this are a good way to start.

[@ellafarricielli1591]

Thank you so much for all your recommendations and tips. We just got back from London and your videos were very helpful. We loved the Sky Garden, I cannot believe it’s free. 🤩

[@loveandlondon]

So glad you had a good time Ella!! Thanks for watching!

[@markoshea6833]

My family holidays in the 1980's were- go to the Imperial War Museum, Stratford upon Avon for Shakespeare; I loved Marble Arch area. Harrod's. And, stayed in the Challoner Club. On Pont Street. The black taxi's were great. Hyde Park. Congratulations, it's a great travel piece.

[@loveandlondon]

Things are very different these days ;) Thanks for watching Mark

[@markoshea6833]

@@loveandlondon Yup.

[@paulawakefield7869]

IWM is still excellent

[@gabriellemcmanus2650]

I love London. I was there in September. I'd recommend a walking tour. It's a great way to see the hidden parts of the city. I've done the Harry potter one, jack the ripper and spies and spycatchers.

[@loveandlondon]

We're launching Tours and Experiences in a couple of weeks and we'll be offering a walking tour that is a more ethical alternative to the usual Jack the Ripper tours! :) Thanks for watching!

[@birgitk8065]

I haven’t been in London for about 20 years and i am happy to got this update from you. Thank you so much

[@loveandlondon]

You're very welcome !

[@doubleplusgoodthinker9434]

I recommend a visit to the Temple of Mithras (Roman God) in the city. It is very interesting and free but you do have to book. Also the Imperial War Museum. It is also free and very moving. As I am an English pensioner, I can use my bus pass to travel on all London buses for free.

[@loveandlondon]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@Upndouin]

Just one small update. It is no longer £1.65 for the bus fare - it’s gone up to £1.75 (let’s see how much it will increase next year when I revisit this video) 😂 - very good tips!!!!

[@ecurbnosrub]

And the daily cap is now £8.10. Tube/bus is by far the best and most economical way to get around.

[@Upndouin]

@@ecurbnosrub I think it depends on the zones. I live in Croydon and getting to central London can cost over £11

[@ecurbnosrub]

@@Upndouin Yes, it is zone dependent. I was replying to her mention of £7.70 as the daily cap. That's for zones 1 & 2 and the cap is now £8.10.

[@lottyhogan1333]

That was a very nice video. As someone else mentioned, the museums are great, the British Museum and all the museums in South Kensington (Science museum etc). A trip across the Thames by cable car from North Greenwich is nice too. Time Out is a great publication online with a diary full of things to do each day .

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks for watching!

[@burlhorse61]

into art exhibitions-so keep an eye out.Seen some amazing ones in london

[@timgriffith9414]

Insightful! Having lived in London, I can 100% validate all of the suggestions in this video. Definitely agree with Soho>Leciester Sq! Also, the double-decker bus tip is genius! A game changer and money saver. Nice work Jess!

[@loveandlondon]

❤️❤️

[@ep-79]

London Dungeon is actually amazing! I’ve been about 5x and would still go again.

[@kanakalatahembram1650]

Immensely helpful. Didn't knew about Google Pixel eraser thing. Didn't knew about Ronnie jazz, didn't knew about the sky garden, this is such a cool video 👍😎

[@loveandlondon]

So glad you enjoyed it!! thanks so much for watching.

[@jekaterina8248]

I am watching this video just after returning from London where we tried most of the things from both categories and I can totally agree with your opinion. Soho is the best, West End shows are amazing, a regular city bus is totally appropriate for sightseeing, and London Eye is such a waste of time and money. I wish I had seen the video before our trip.

[@loveandlondon]

hehe :) Thanks for watching!

[@tarekelsherbeny8409]

This is truly TRULY Helpful, I'm visiting London in a week and most of these places were on my list. Well not anymore! I'll go with the alternatives; Thank you.

[@loveandlondon]

Amazing!! thanks so much for watching Tarek. Have a great time!

[@sandrabehnken7197]

Thanks for the good Information; we fly to London next week and I always look for ℹ️ from Lokals to Go or not to Go/ to do. And who don‘t want to spend some Money when Atracctions and Points to View are free 😃 greetings from 🇩🇪👋🏼👩🏼 Sandra

[@karinbperrott747]

I really enjoyed the Tate Modern and the Sky Garden. Bothe being free was a big bonus.

[@loveandlondon]

Nice ❤️❤️

[@himawansusastra4279]

We went to United Kingdom recently, 8-14 and 16-17 March 2023 in London, and 14-16 March 2023 in Edinburgh...the first and second day was snowing..the last day was great sunny 11 C .. your Videos are great. Helped a lot. Thks from Himawan & Yanti, Jakarta - Indonesia.

[@loveandlondon]

Amazing. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@saifalam2030]

Madam. You're a savior. I can't thank you enough for your guide. Make making similar content.

[@robertdullnig3625]

The view from the terrace at the National Theatre is pretty much even with top of the London Eye. You can probably even sneak up there an hour or so before a show since the lobby is wide open and free to enter. (I would recommend chilling in the lobby anyway if you happen to be on the South Bank and just need to get off the street for a while; they usually have a piano player a few hours before the shows as well as available snacks and a bookstore).

[@Life_of_John]

Guided boat tour down the Thames, then get off at the London Eye for a ride. You can buy a combined ticket. Great experience. The boat trip is very educational.

[@Tronipule]

I took your advice and booked ahead of time tickets for the Skygarden. What a great experience...thank you so much

[@murdermittensnyc]

I live in London for part of the year and am so glad to find you! Great vid. Completely agree. There are too many proper London things to do to queue for an amusement park ride. Looking forward to the rest!

[@loveandlondon]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CarinaFragozo]

Amazing video! I couldn’t agree more 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@junior.santana]

Carina, vc por aqui? Pensando em voltar em Londres? Já quero vlogs hehe

[@kinostrong6724]

Just AVOID London all together that City is a SHITHOLE!

[@suttiraksopapan7307]

I really appreciate the information that you have been provide, such a useful information for me during my visited on December2023.

[@missisfreddiemercury]

- Regarding Gong at Shangri-La, that is what I did last month, instead of paying lots of money for just a view. So cool you had the same idea. - I never understood people paying lots of money for Hop on Hop off buses. - Leicester Square is really terrible. - Thank god, I never did the Awful Four. They sounded awful to me. - It is lovely in London that they have many free entry museums. - I love the London Eye, but it is enough to just experience it one time. The suggested alternative Sky Garden was ok, but a bit overrated. It looks nicer in pictures. Sky Garden can be avoided. It is crowded too. And in summer it is so humid and just not worth it.

[@C--A]

The London Eye is the most famous ferris wheel in the world 🎡 so definitely a must for a tourist! But if you don't like heights then a few scenic photos of it from nearby for free is easily done 📸 Afternoon tea people from outside the UK seem to be bizarrely fascinated by. When it's actually very overrated! Basically a few sandwiches, scones with jam cream and a cup of tea 😅 global tourists are better trying a London chippy, fish & chips (a good one mind)

[@philwill0123]

Do the cable car between docklands and Greenwich . Cheaper, less waiting than London eye. Not as long, but in summer with a sunset, it's about 25mins long. And for museums, while free, make sure you have £2-3 just as a donation at the entrance

[@SusuWorld-dy3pq]

Sky Garden views are great, but the noise level was deafening.

[@kloqueman]

As a born and bred Brit, I can't agree more with ALL your recommendations. Well researched! L Square, total waste of time, yet 5 mins walk and you are in Soho/Chinatown. Walk a bit more then Covent Garden. I plan to do your Shard Afternoon Tea (from your other vid) and I think that kills two birds with one stone. A view with food!

[@adrideto]

Preparing our trip to London by watching your videos. Thank you!

[@loveandlondon]

Great to hear :)

[@andrewkoehler4541]

Excellent advise. My wife and I will doing two weeks in London, staying in Islington starting Valintines Day next year.

[@loveandlondon]

Nice! Thanks for watching.

[@BostonUnitedFM]

Another alternative to the view from the Shard is to go up the Monument - and one of the benefits of this is that you get a view OF the Shard!

[@loveandlondon]

Yes! or Sky Garden which is MUCH higher :)

[@KeithRickards]

That's wonderful advice for people. I live in London and always trying to find ways to save family and friends money when they do tourist things. Also. I'm on pixel 7 Pro and you are right. The photos and next level!

[@loveandlondon]

Team Pixel babyyyyy! Thanks so much for watching!

[@ronzahursky7018]

If you’re not a big jazz fan, I found the Old Eagle Pub in a cam den that had bluegrass Wednesday evenings. Free. Also, walking the Regent canal was fun and free.

[@luisalmas3743]

Brilliant! This is gold advice, and checks out with other guides and articles I've read, but here explained quicker and much better by Jess. I'm a fan! From the list to avoid I confess that I had to go to the London Eye with the family. Got a cheaper family ticket at picnic tickets.

[@loveandlondon]

We're glad you've enjoyed our videos ;)

[@Wkdjejfjf]

Ive been to the sky garden many times before and its one of the best places to go in london

[@Top10Variety-op7bs]

I totally agree 👍 Thanks for the fantastic information. I'll bring my mum and son there 😊

[@etherealtb6021]

Oh, I wondered what/where that Sky Garden was! Saw it in a movie or TV show at one point.

[@AkberShakil]

excellent suggestions, i particularly like the clever one about how to avoid paying tickets at shard.

[@jcg5280]

This was awesome! Loved this video on what not to do! So good for first-time Londoners!!

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks so much, so glad you liked it :)

[@virgilsolozzo3510]

great vid ...looove london , been there 3 times.planning to go back in november.... leicester square on a saturday night is the biggest chaos i ever experienced in my life 😂😂😂.... love campden market ...its a must every time !!!

[@lowlevel31]

I actually enjoyed the eye, didn't pay as much as you said. Waiting time was short and we were only 10 persons in one gondola (7pm), and you have a great 360 view Sky garden tickets are low in capacity. I liked madame tussauds (a bit busy) but really enjoyed London's dungeon. Great actors that are commited! Tickets was 55£ for eye, dungeon and tusauds combo. Correct value for money is the only thing I can say. The free museums are of course a must.

[@AlastairScarlett]

In your alternatives to the Big Bad Four I would have mentioned the Science Museum and Natural History Museum (which are my favourites), but ONLY in the mornings. Once it gets to lunchtime they tend to be a living hell of pushchairs/baby buggies! Another alternative is guided walks. I done several by London Walks including a great one from Tower Hill tube that tells you a lot about the Tower of London and the admission is part of the price and the guide buys a group ticket.

[@DWTC2]

these are some great tips. I will visit London next month and will follow many of the recommendations!

[@AdelAlKooheji]

Thank you! even your sponsor ads were nice and useful! I skipped nothing!

[@loveandlondon]

Glad to hear it! thanks for watching.

[@AdelAlKooheji]

@@loveandlondon I was watching one of your videos when I received your reply 😂 I am coming to London soon and you’re helping me with the underground / tube / train tips 🤝🏻

[@gbh_723]

Thanks a lot for the tips! Just one thing. You said we could save the View from The Shard ticket money by having an afternoon tea at Ting. But, their afternoon tea is actually around 70 pounds. whereas the Shard view ticket is half that price!!!!

[@loveandlondon]

But you get a ton of food with it... Or get a cocktail at gong as mentioned!

[@deejmum1]

Totally agree about Leicester Square, except maybe at Christmas when there is a market and entertainment.Also there is a cheap ish premier inn there which is very central for London theatre restaurants shopping etc.

[@downeastboy84]

Just visited tate morden this afternoon and while I do love to do art I cant say I love going to art museums but what I loved about tate is that at the main gift shop you could sit down and draw something or build something with these shapes they also have computer area where you can create digital art very great idea especially if you are traveling with younger children and you and/or they need a break I feel that more art museums need to have this option

[@loveandlondon]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@camorra4]

I was in London myself for a week in 2019 and started my London holiday with the Dungeon and I also went to Madame Tussauds and you get a lot for your money in both. I visited The Shard on my last evening and had a great view of London at night 👌 Your alternative recommendations all sound quite interesting, but I still think it's over the top to advise against the things mentioned above. Of course, this is just my personal opinion. I might visit one or other of the alternatives you recommended during my next trip to London in December 2024 😊.

[@Bailark]

We just got back from London yesterday, after spending a week in Westminster. The first thing I will say is that London is profoundly undersold. What I mean by that is...I have never heard anyone describe London as an absolute must see, or any other such superlatives. I'm here to tell you...London is AMAZING! The history is everywhere. The food was wonderful. The people were so very friendly. Riding the Underground was amazingly convenient. (We stayed at Royal Horseguards in Westminster, and I saw half a dozen garbage trucks during our week. On the next to last day I had to ask a driver about his truck. The point is, they are the cleanest, nicest trucks you will ever see). We saw a production of Richard III at The Globe. We rode the Underground on the Pickadilly line out to "Cockfosters"...because the name is just hilarious. (I plan to give my teenage nephews some "Cockfosters" sweatshirts for Christmas. I can't wait to see what my sister in law, and mother in law think of that). Half of the businesses in town have it in their name. We dined in SoHo and made friends that we will have a very long time. I can now picture warren Zevon, "walking' thru the streets of SoHo in the rain...", as the Werewolves of London did. I went out at night and took photos on the street. I walked under a canopy of mature trees and came upon The Great Clock of Westminster and heard Big Ben strike midnight. Our last night was the last night of Glastonbury. We watched the BBC coverage of several acts, including Coldplay...the headline act. The show was amazing, of course, but the coverage, the BBC...just one of a kind institution. I wish the U.S. had something comparable.

[@loveandlondon]

Well we have a whole business around showing the great parts of London so I don't think WE undersell it 😂 glad you had a great time!

[@Bailark]

@@loveandlondon It wasn't meant as a criticism or complaint. I only meant that London far exceeds any compliments it gets.

[@monpet8952]

I watched a bunch of your videos about a month ago in preparation for my fourth London trip, and I am doing the Skygarden today. I did horizon 22 when I arrived on Friday and it was fabulous even in downpour. I think you did a market section as well I’ve already been to Leadenhall, spitalfields, planning on Camden market today or just riding the bus the sky garden ticket at 2:15 pretty much cuts up my day but I definitely want to go do that. And after that, I’m gonna pop into Garden 120🎉.

[@loveandlondon]

Have the most incredible time!

[@BryonnaNobles]

Thank you. I know some of the "shallow things" I'm still going to do because its what my British Boyfriend loves to do in London. But I also really love the alternatives you present. Especially about the bus.

[@loveandlondon]

You do you girl. Thanks for watching!

[@Cotty360]

One thing you might want to check out is One New Change. Its a shopping mall (so free to enter) with a rooftop view of St Paul's Cathedral.

[@loveandlondon]

We filmed part of the advert there! Thanks for watching

[@tanyaluck6552]

I appreciate you in 2024!!!! I have booked a tea experience and a play with shopping and spa day thank you so much

[@loveandlondon]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@sandyvilop7668]

Thank you so much for all the information, our trip it was amazing. Good job !!!

[@loveandlondon]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching

[@kaylacooper3066]

Pro tip: DO NOT GO to Sky Garden if the weather is warm in London! I went there on a day when it was 85F/29.5C and I was so dehydrated and tired because it is basically a giant greenhouse with no AC. Go to the Shard instead. While it is smaller and a bit pricey, the cost of actually enjoying your time there and not being soaked in sweat is worth it. The only way to ever get into Sky Garden is to book a meal at the restaurants there (which I found to be average at best), so the Shard ended up being cheaper.

[@loveandlondon]

Agreed - it can get hot at Sky Garden, so a cooler day is definitely better to head up! You don't need to book the restaurant though. They have tickets for the viewing deck available on their website, which are completely free. You just have to grab them a few weeks in advance ❤️

[@icillay]

I would add that if one does go to one of the super touristy open spaces (especially Covent Garden) then go specifically to watch the street performers. They are excellent, good-humoured and extremely skilled at engaging the audience.

[@loveandlondon]

Not my thing but you do you! :) Thanks for watching!

[@miguelangelazielortegasanc4301]

Thank you so much. You just saved us around £80 with the double decker bus tip ❤

[@loveandlondon]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@rebeccachrisinger8547]

Excellent info and help to avoid some costly tourism traps! Thanks for the advice. I’m subscribing from now on.

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks Rebecca!

[@reptongeek]

I was in London for eight days this month. Most of it was spent on the London Underground as I was trying to visit all the stations in a single day. Didn't quite succeed but I got to see areas of London that I had never seen so that was a bonus, as it included three buses and four walks

[@loveandlondon]

That's a LOT of stations. Thanks for watching!

[@terrym3837]

Did it has a kid with mates great days

[@thomasdenholm8315]

I love the video fully endorse everything you said but as a Londoner i have to say the London dungeon is actually fantastic, the actors are witty (some cheesy) and a brilliant light hearted way to experience some of the darker history of London.

[@Justboatfishing]

My dad used to take us back in the day. I’m sure it’s even better now. Definitely avoid madam Tussaud’s tho. Yawn fest

[@clarkbenefitconsultingltd8907]

Pretty much spot on advice, especially avoiding Leicester Square

[@josephsnearline2022]

If you want a tour that’s worth the money, tour the Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster. It’s probably the favorite tour I’ve done there.

[@RichardHaywardMelbourne]

Thank you, I just saved time and money by watching this video. My trip to London is much the better for your advice.

[@loveandlondon]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching Richard

[@HereBeBarr]

The London Eye reminds me of the temporary Ferris wheel they had in Times Square that apparently had a view of nothing.

[@loveandlondon]

hahahahh what a GREAT idea that was

[@cadwg77]

Never hop-on the tour bus and always preferred walk through soho - oxford st - and always loved the sky garden… Jess, I like your vlogs very much ‘cause I remember all these places from when I lived there… keep it up. Try to make other areas - restaurants - the surroundings of London are also full of rich history… Cheers!

[@loveandlondon]

Yes I've got lots of videos for outside central London ;) thanks so much for watching Cesar, I appreciate it!

[@dlandis8146]

Thanks for the video. Will be there for 3 days in March and want to make the most of my time.

[@loveandlondon]

No worries! You should definitely have a look at our 3-Day London Itinerary, which is currently one sale :) shop.loveandlondon.com/products/3-day-london-itinerary

[@appleofeden22]

Thinking of visiting London, thank you for these great tips!