Since you’re ‘down with the kids’ you don’t need me to tell you that YOLO stands for ‘You Only Live Once’! This millennial-popular saying perfectly sums up the selfie culture of ticking off your bucket list, camera in one hand, tube map in the other! So, here’s five essential attractions every tourist should tick off during a visit to the capital.
YOLO (you only live once)! is part of a three-part London travel guide that is based on three different tourist personalities. The other two parts are ‘The Spender’! and ‘The Foodie’!
Abbey Road, St Johns Wood
Made famous by ‘that’ album cover by The Beatles; Abbey Lane remains a homage to the fab four, since 1969. Get a friend to take a picture of you walking over the zebra crossing as you belt out ‘here comes the sun’! More than just a tourist attraction though, the world’s most famous crossing has been given a grade II listing for its cultural significance.
The best way to get there is by tube to St Johns Wood…. You won’t miss the crossing, there’s always someone there taking a snap!
Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill
There really is something for everyone at Portobello Road. There’s new goods and second-hand goods, antiques ranging from vintage cameras to bespoke silverware, and all sorts of tiffin that you wonder might have belonged to the Rolling Stones at some point! Fashion is big and you can pick up a bargain from a new designer, or bag a rare vintage item from a bygone era.
While you’re in the neighbourhood, find your way to 280 Westbourne Park Road to see one of London’s most famous front doors. You will probably recognise it from the film ‘Notting Hill’!
The Millennium Bridge
Within walking distance of Waterloo, Millennium bridge is a modern beacon, introduced in the millennial year.It caused controversy for being ‘wobbly’ and while it’s perfectly safe you can feel a little shudder when you walk over!
It brings you out at St Paul’s Cathedral – a must-see since it’s a symbolism of London’s stoicism, having survived the blitz. At the foot of the Bridge is The Tate Gallery, a magnificent building in its own right and home to a spectacular collection of modern art. Did I mention its free…
The British Museum
To round off your tourist ‘tick list’, the British Museum (Great Russell Street) is one of the greatest free cultural day’s out you can have in the capital. Open daily from 10-5.30pm, the revered museum is home to eight million works from around the globe.
This includes art, artifacts and historic collections. Enjoy classic collections from Ancient Greece and Rome, to ceramics from China and Aztec objects from Mexico. A day out in itself – just be sure to take your selfie outside, since many of the items can’t be photographed.
Selfie In The Rain (Outside Buckingham Palace)
It’s what you came for! There are some things integral to visiting London – riding the tube, having afternoon tea, a selfie in front of Buckingham Palace… and walking in the rain. Why not combine the best of these, pour a cup of tea outside Buckingham Palace and wait for it to pour down… you won’t wait long!
If a tourist from warmer pastures, the novelty of rain will not be lost on you. It’s great for a ‘wish you were here’ selfie, and great for outdoor sightseeing as queues suddenly evaporate. Make the most of it! Among the best places for a rain selfie is Hyde Park, outside Buckingham Palace or standing in front of a red bus as it splashes you as it rushes past! Wish you were as they say!
Bonus Tip! – If you are lucky enough to catch a sunset in London, then Primerose Hill is the place to be.
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