I spent a year in London while I studied filmmaking and fell in love with this city. I have traveled to over 20 countries and many more cities, and London still remains my favourite. I truly loved everything about it (except for how expensive it was.) I haven’t visited since 2009 and I would love to go back.
It is hard to just pick just 3 things, but here are three things I love about London:
1. Diversity
Everywhere you go, from the streets, a pub or the tube, you can overhear many different languages and they’re not all necessarily tourists. London has a culture mix bringing people from all over the world with all kinds of backgrounds and stories. I love this mix because it almost forces people to be accepting and nonjudgemental. Different is normal.
I can safely say that London is one of the most diverse cities in the planet, yet they still are a community and come together when it matters.
And with diversity, an extended food culture comes. From restaurants to street markets, you can find any kind of cuisine you can think of!
Because of this cultural array, there is also always something going on. From Chinese New Year celebrations to Pillow Fight Day in Trafalgar Square.
Diversity gives London its personality.
2. Transportation
I’m not kidding you, the Tube was one of my favorite things about London. I have a terrible sense of direction and driving is very challenging for me in that sense. The Tube system was a lifesaver, it could take me anywhere I wanted and leave me at walking distance of my destination.
I also love that the Tube allowed me to catch up on my reading. London is the only place in the world where I actually read the paper because people leave them in their seats and you can read it and then leave it for someone else.
British people may be infamous about their quiet demeanor and lack of eye contact in public transportation, often just sitting with their ipods, books or papers ignoring the rest of the people, but I find this behaviour endearing and lovely. I love that you can be in your own space even around a crowd. I love that people don’t meddle in your business unless necessary.
For a night out, the bus system is also a life saver.
3. The indoor and outdoor beauty
By indoor beauty I mean a bounty of museums and art galleries, which by the way, most offer free admission! As an artist myself, I couldn’t get enough of many different museum visits from the Tate Modern to the Science Museum.
By outdoor beauty I mean the abundance of green space and parks. These parks are massive and very well taken care of as most are owned by the royalty.
I absolutely love that in the middle of the city you can quickly get out of the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peaceful time in nature surrounded by greenery, fountains and ponds.
I lived near Hyde Park, and boy do I miss my solo walks in the sunshine and in the snow.
London, I love you and I miss you.
Accor Hotels A Tale of Three Cities competition, challenges bloggers to write a post detailing 3 things about their favourite city.
First prize is a 9 night stay in amazingly located Accor hotels in Paris, Amsterdam and London, train travel between all 3 cities, and £1,000 in spending money. Enter by hashtagging your post #3cities and tagging @accorhotels, but be quick, because the competition ends at 12pm on January 26!
What is your favourite city?
A New Life Wandering 
i love English guys, I love theis taxi cabs, their fashion, and ofcourse! the music is the best!!!
LikeLike
I agree with ALL of those things! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so with you! I spent a semester in London during college and miss it every. single. day. I’m been dying to go back basically since I got home. Loved reading this post!
LikeLike
It was quite nostalgic to write it 🙂
LikeLike
It’s the first time im commenting on your blog, mainly beacuse i feel like i have “authority to”
I lived in London in 1998 for a year and loved it. Went back in 2012 and again the familiar resonnated. London is one of those cities that grabs everybit of you. You may be alone but never lonely! There is something for everyone. Amazingly, its so diverse that you have to search out the British! Def worth seeing…should be on one’s bucket list@
LikeLike
“You may be alone but never lonely” So true! Thanks for sharing your perspective 🙂
LikeLike
Gee, London sounds a LOT like New York City where I’m from. I plan on going to London for the first time within the next few months.
LikeLike
I can see that. I have been to NYC a few times but not spent considerable amount. They definitely have differences though. In my perspective, one example is that NYers are more blunt and speak out, Londoners are more reserved and polite. Have a great trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True! My boyfriend lives in London and he says the same about Brits being more conservative. He’s quiet himself.
LikeLike
Great post! 🙂 But I must admit that I’ve never really understood the fascination with London. I’ve been there a few times, but only for a few days at a time, so I think maybe I just haven’t spent enough time there to really GET it. Perhaps another visit is in order…..if only it weren’t so darn expensive!! 😦
LikeLike
If only it weren’t so darn expensive is right! I think London is not for everyone but it does have a big fan base.
LikeLike
We also love the food in London. There is such a lot to choose from when it comes to types of cuisine!
LikeLike
A lovely choice, well described! Good luck on the competition.
LikeLike
A lovely choice, well described! Good luck on the competition.
LikeLike