Borough Market
If
you’re into Jamie Oliver and organic food, Borough Market in Southbank
is the place to go. It’s London’s best food market with fresh,
ecological products and lunch meals, such as falafel sandwiches and
Kidney pie. The market is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
www.boroughmarket.org.uk
White Cube
The
agenda setting gallery in London that was one of the first to grant
solo shows to the so-called YBA – Young British Artists – like Damien
Hirst. A must for art lovers. Located on Hoxton Square in the East End.
www.whitecube.com
The Regent’s Park
Everyone
goes to Hyde Park, but the Regent’s Park in Marylbone is a great
alternative. Especially because it’s less known and less crowded than
it’s famous “colleague”. On the walk from Camden to Baker Street, you
will pass a beautiful rose garden with lovely cafés. Close to Baker
Street you can also find Central Mosque, which has a small Halal café.
www.royalparks.org.uk
Hampstead Heath
Only
four miles north of Trafalgar Square, you will get to the lungs of
London: Hampstead Heath. The place to go if you need to take a breath
away from the city. Large green spaces and parks surround the small
center, which is filled with exclusive vintage- and designer shops,
cafés and restaurants. Parliament Hill has a great view over London.
A lovely retreat that can be reached by the underground or by bus. Or on foot.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
Serpentine Gallery
Tremendously
interesting art gallery in the southern part of Kensington Gardens,
right by Hyde Park. Not just the avant-garde of modern art, but each
year an acclaimed architect or artist is invited to design the summer
pavilion of the gallery. In 2007 it was the Danish/Icelandic artist
Olafur Eliasson and the Norwegian architect Kjetil Thorsen, who were
behind the creation.
www.serpentinegallery.org
London Rib Voyages
See
London in 50 minutes – from a speedboat. This is what London Rib Voyages offers and it is strongly recommended. At 30 knots an hour you
get a thorough trip along the Thames, and one that is both informative
and much better than the usual tours. A so-called Thames Barrier Trip
that goes from London Eye to Thames Barrier and back again costs £ 39
per adult.
www.londonribvoyages.com
By David Rich