London: Best things to do and see

London is the city of time. It is when you walk in the streets of London that you realise that Big Ben might be the most famous, but by far not the only old clock in the city.

Here’s a game for you: How many clocks can you spot in this picture?

I walked down a street in central London, where on three walls of neighbouring buildings hung five big clocks, all to be seen from the same place.

Time is scattered across town, a constant reminder that, tick tock, you might be on holiday, but this is a city where many people come to work and have places to be and money to make.

On weekdays the streets are filled by, yes, predominantly men in suits and there is an atmosphere of business in the air.

 Every city, every room and every place has a distinct ambience. To me, it is one of life’s greatest pleasures to immerse myself in these auras and figure out what distinguishes one place from another.

So when you set off to London and visit tourist attractions, try and observe the city. Quite possibly, you might have a different point of view.  

A walk with the best attractions in sight

A Pablo Picasso sculpture in the Tate Modern

Most of the tourist attractions are on London’s South Bank. For an extra wow effect, take the underground (tube) to Westminster Station.

As you step out of the station, the first thing you see is Big Ben and it is where you will know straight away: I have arrived in London.

Just a few steps further you will get the prime view of London Eye across the Thames.

I did not take a ride on London Eye while visiting, simply because I don’t think it is worth paying £32.50 for. You can get a view over the city from Sky Garden, where entry is free. All you need to do is book a slot online.

I recommend crossing the Thames, turning left and taking a leisurely walk along the river.

You will pass attraction such as the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard and can walk as far as the famous Tower Bridge.

If you have the time, a visit to the Tate Modern is not to be missed. Entry is free and there are numerous floors of amazing art works and seasonal exhibitions.

After all the walking you will have built up a hearty appetite, so be sure to stop at Borough Market for a bite to eat. The choices are endless and there seems to be a food stall from every corner of the Earth.

London’s best museums

During my 48 hours in London I visited two museums: The British Museum and the Natural History Museum.

I cannot sing their praises high enough and even though I am not the most interested person in history, I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the exhibition rooms.

Again, entry is free for both museums.

The British Museum is focused on different cultures and their history. Think Ancient Egypt and its mummies, Japanese steel work and Europe and the war.

My favourite indoor activity was definitely visiting the Natural History Museum . It takes you back to a time when very little of the world and its living creatures was known.

The curators did a good job of making you feel as if you are discovering fossils for the first time or piecing together remains of long extinct animals and making suggestions to what they might have looked and lived like.

It is quite the exciting and humbling experience.

Off the beaten track: The Top Secret Comedy Club

If you are looking for something to do that is a bit different, why not have the laughs at the Top Secret Comedy Club?

Situated on Drury Lane, it provides a platform for emerging and established comedians.

I went on a Monday night to see George Zacharoploulos and ended up laughing at his gig for 45 minutes straight.

Also, entry was free. Other days, tickets might cost between £1-£20.

Notting Hill: A stroll for dreamers

Just a few stops on the tube, away from the hustle and bustle of Central London, lies Notting Hill.

You can rest assured that you will not be aware of time nor see clocks in this part of town.

The rows and rows of beautiful pastel-coloured houses, bookshops, vintage and second-hand stores create a totally different vibe to the inner city.

It is a walk for dreamers and those that enjoy the simple pleasure of having a coffee cup in hand whilst walking down the street, looking at cute logos on shop fronts, dropping in and out of stores and getting immersed in the slow part of town.