This past fall semester, I studied abroad at the University of the Arts London and I took a class on British culture. I was introduced to countless places of interest, particularly with regard to art and fashion.
In Central London there are a few can’t-miss sights. Old Bond Street is filled with designer shops and historical storefronts. Liberty’s department store is in the neighborhood. As one of the oldest department stores in the city, it flaunts beautiful wooden interiors with detailed crowning and banisters. Each floor opens to different wonders where you can almost get lost. The store was originally a fabric store, so most of its products are textile focused and of the highest quality.
If you’re interested in fashion or art, I would also recommend going to the Dover Street Market concept store. A range of brands have products displayed there, including Supreme and Balenciaga. This store takes an artistic approach to showing the designer apparel and accessories.
If you’re okay with leaving the central city for a while, be sure to check the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. With multiple greenhouses, expansive greenspaces, and lovely architecture, it feels like stepping into a wonderland.
How’s the weather while you’re visiting? Taking just a brief walk from London Bridge will bring you to St. Katherine’s Docks, an area filled with boats moored and crisp blue water. If seeing street art is more up your alley, go for a walk around Shoreditch and take a look at all of the graffiti. If you want to go back the following week, you’ll probably see something new! The street art scene is always being refreshed.
London is one of the biggest cities in the world, and with so many things to do it’s not possible to get to all of them. I recommended my personal standouts, but I have to go back and find even more!