Visiting any new city, especially one that is used to tourists, like London, can be something of a curated experience. If you have already done the tourist round and are looking to enjoy a more authentic London - the one the locals enjoy - there are several tips to help you find experiences and places that other visitors might miss.
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/crowded-people-walking-on-street-Bz18bJEC9Hg
Live - not Stay - There
You don't have to move to London on a permanent basis to enjoy the best that this mercurial, wonderful, bustling city has to offer, but if you can stay for anything longer than two weeks, why not invest in a short-term holiday flat for the duration? When you feel as though you live in the city, you will have more leisure to stroll about, seeing the authentic city. For example, when you are living in a hotel, you don't need to pop out for milk and bread. This means that you don't check out the shops down that narrow lane; you miss the tiny coffee shop that never-the-less does a roaring trade at peak rush hour; and you don't find the fresh fruit and vegetables barrow in the morning market that caters to nearby restaurants and hotels… There is also an element of psychology to be considered too: needing to go out and find your own groceries, holding the front door keys in your hand, all the little aspects of householder-ship - these give you a sense of belonging that is lacking when you are a guest at a hotel, to be looked after and cosseted by hotel staff - but never really made to feel 'one of us'. If a serviced apartment sounds like something you might be interested in, have a look here for more details: https://londonservicedapartments.co.uk/
Ask the Locals!
However, simply being in the middle of the action is not always the best way to uncover hidden gems like pubs where a pint will still get you a decent amount of change for a fiver, where the waiters learn your name and your 'usual' within a day or two, and where the image-conscious Establishment might as well be a million miles away. How do you find them in time to enjoy them before your trip is over? Ask! Chat to shop assistants and waiters, ask barmen and doormen - the people of London sometimes have a reputation for coldness, but most people are perfectly willing to point out their favourite bistro or coffee shop - as long as you don't then linger and try to have a conversation with them!
When You Can - Walk
Another good way to find the popular-with-the-locals spots is to walk around the area in which you are staying. London is largely a safe city (with some rougher areas, so do check before you book your serviced apartment) so walking about is usually quite permissible. Do take the usual precautions before setting out, and preferably do so in company. As you stroll along, watch the people - you will soon pick out who is local and who is not; and subtly follow the locals or observe which pubs and shops they frequent.
Be Open to New Things
Very often, visitors to London are astonished to find theatre tickets thrust into their hands 'for free'. Assuming the worst, they discard these tickets and congratulate themselves for avoiding the conman's trap. However, giving away tickets to performances of all types is a very common trick used by theatres to get bums on seats (makes the performance look good) and boost earnings from consumables like popcorn, ice cream and drinks. This practice is called papering and it is a great way to enjoy a cheap night out - one that other ticket-holders might have paid £50-plus for!
These are just some of the ways to enjoy London like a local - see if you can find many more as you explore London and get to know the city.
Leave a Reply