There are a million and one reasons to love London, but here are my top 10 reasons for why you should jump on the next flight to this cooler-than-cool capital. Seriously, what are you waiting for?
1. The world is here
London is as cosmopolitan as it is British with people from around the globe drawn to the city. Such diversity has seen London become a place of endless possibilities. See a film at a French cinema? No problem. Brunch at a Nordic bakery? Dinner at an authentic Mongolian restaurant? Take your pick. It’s not just food where London has benefited from diversity – over the years diversity has helped to drive creativity, making the capital an international leader in a variety of fields.
2. It celebrates creativity
London has been a magnet for creative spirits for centuries. From William Shakespeare to Jimi Hendrix and J.K. Rowling – the great and the good of the art world have been inspired by London. It still attracts the very best in musical, artistic and acting talent, as well as comedians and modern day literary greats. Endless works of fiction have been set and continue to be written about the streets of London with the likes of Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, and Mary Poppins all calling the city home.
3. Music is all around you
London moves to its own, distinct soundtrack. From Ed Sheeran and Adele to The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the UK has produced countless artists who have shaped the international music scene. You can see an artist every night of the week – choose from superstars at the O2 Arena and indie rockers at the historic Brixton Academy, to up and coming bands in the bars of Camden. The city boasts a number of summer music festival with the British Summer Time festival at Hyde Park and Wireless at Finsbury Park being two of the biggest.
4. The nightlife is legendary
No two nights need ever be the same in London. Take in a spellbinding musical in the West End or watch some of Hollywood’s biggest names tread the boards at the big movie theatres at Leicester Square. Head to the hippest pop-up bars and restaurants in East London, or get a taste of London’s legendary club scene or sing your heart out at a gig featuring London’s hottest new bands or big name acts in Soho or Shoreditch.
5. The food will knock your socks off
British cuisine might be the punchline of many jokes, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what London has to offer. Swanky restaurants, delicious street food, and experimental dishes in quirky settings all contribute to London’s constantly evolving, global cuisine. That’s not to say you can’t get a traditional full English breakfast or a Sunday roast – which is not for the calorie conscious- just head to a traditional cafe or gastro pub for your taste of British cuisine.
