Following our special edition about England’s amazing capital city, here is the TOP 10 things to do while studying English in London:
1. Watch a Movie under the Stars at Somerset House
The Film4 Summer Screen runs in August – it’s a beautiful open-air cinema with a state-of-the-art screen. If you want to enjoy watching movies under the stars, get your tickets early. You can find more information and book your tickets at www.somersethouse.org.uk/film.
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2. Grab a Meal or a Drink at Brick Lane or Shoreditch
While the West of London is all about magnificent theatre shows and fine dining, East London is the place to be for heavenly food and creative street art. Stop at Aldgate East or Shoreditch High Station and explore the area. You won’t just get to enjoy street art by Ben Eine, ROA, Banksy and Dcreet, but you can also grab a bite to eat or take time out to relax at one of the local pubs, spend a night out clubbing, or simply browse the street markets.
3. Eat at Borough Market
For the perfect mix of eating out and a hint of history, go to Southwark. This is one the most historic neighbourhoods in London and looks like something straight out of a novel by Dickens. You can get off the train at London Bridge or Southwark station and head straight to Borough Market for some hearty street food. The George Inn is also well-known for serving delicious lunch.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL TIP: Start a conversation with the staff members at the market (ask what’s in the meal you ordered, if they get many tourists from your country, etc…).
4. Go for a Secret Night Out
Just like New York, in the movies, London is full of secret bars. Fancy entering a bar via a fridge door? Then stop over at Liverpool Street and find The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town.
5. Grab a Coffee in a Private Loo
The Attendant, on Foley Street, is a charming café that once used to be a Victorian public toilet. The place is not only clean and comfortable, but you will marvel at the masterpiece it was turned into. To reach it, get off at Goodge Street or Oxford Circus.
ADVANCED LEVEL TIP: start a conversation with the staff and find out how this unique idea came to life, to turn a public urinal into a quirky coffee house. Spread the word by telling the story to your friends and colleagues (and even share it on social media).
6. Visit the Skateboard Graveyard
At Hungerford Bridge in London you will find a resting place for disused skateboards. The skateboard graveyard came to life in 2008, and since then it has attracted many tourists and has its own website at
hungerfordbridge.pbworks.com/w/page/1858104/FrontPage.
7. Dine In Nomadic Style
The Ginger Line in East London is a unique restaurant that only operates on selected dates and at secret locations throughout East London. To find out the location, you just book in advance, and the day before your reservation you will get a text with the location. You will not only be surprised with the location, but also themed decorations, from Casino Royale décor to a gothic vibe. Definitely not your typical restaurant.
8. Fancy Visiting a Different Kind of Museum?
In London, you can find an unusual museum called The Savoy Museum, which is located near the legendary Savoy Hotel’s American Bar. Here, you won’t find paintings or historical monuments, but rather an impressive collection of old photographs and cards from famous guests that stayed at the Savoy Hotel. You can also buy vintage alcohol – if you are prepared to pay around £5000 for a vintage cocktail, that is. However, if you’re not buying expensive alcohol, this experience won’t cost you a penny, since the entrance to the museum is free.
9. Watch a Movie at the Secret Cinema
Instead of the old school cinema, why not enjoy a select screening experience? The Secret Cinema offers the opportunity to turn up at an unknown location in costume (which you will be advised about in advance) and enjoy an experience which is definitely memorable. The film release will match the fancy dress theme, making it quirky and even more fun. Find out more about the Secret Cinema at their website – www.secretcinema.org/.
10. Book Dinner at the Supper Club
When you are in London, you cannot miss out on the unique supper club culture. Here you can expect to dine in a tube carriage or even a warehouse. Two of the great supper clubs in London include The Secret Larder and Grub Club’s.
ADVANCED LEVEL TIP: when you go to one of the supper clubs dinners, start a conversation with a complete stranger and try to find out as much as you can about them. Ask them about their age, occupation, hobbies and even places they like to travel. It won’t only open the door to friendship, but you will get to practise your speaking and listening skills, and your vocabulary.
Would you like to check more suggestions of the best ways to explore London? Download our guide now for FREE!
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