London is a cultural haven that’s given us punk music, pop art, iconic fashion and Bridgerton balls. There’s never a dull moment and although you can’t see it all in a weekend, start by picking a neighborhood to spend the day in and we’ll do the rest.
How will you explore London? (Photo Credit: Hugo Sousa)
Already seen London’s biggest hits? Check out our local recs for all: Extroverts, introverts, and ambiverts alike. (Photo Credit: Bruno Martins)
London for Extroverts
- Do you think it’s unfair that ball pits are reserved for kids? Us too. In Shoreditch, Ballie Ballerson has the most epic ball pit you’ve ever seen (1 million balls to be exact) and when you need a breather, there’s VIP tables, photobooths and a dance floor to keep you busy through the night.
- During the holidays, find yourself among the locals by taking in a panto otherwise known as a pantomime. Dating back to the 18th century, pantos encourage audience participation and feature offbeat characters going through a wild array of songs, dances and jokes that land for all ages. Oftentimes based on children’s stories, many household British stage actors and comedians will take a turn on stage so keep an eye out.
London for Introverts
- When the Thames draws back, its muddy shores are a boon for modern day mudlarking – casual scavenging for all matters of historic trinkets and artifacts. The rules are this: eyes only. No metal detectors, digging or special equipment allowed but definitely bring your galoshes and gloves to stay dry and clean. Grab a permit and thanks to centuries of everyday goods landing in the Thames, you might go home with Victorian coins, musketballs, clay pipes and Roman hairpins.
Hampstead Heath is a welcome respite for introverts visiting London. (Photo Credit: Amadeusz Misiak)
Go for a run (or walk!) and get out of the city for some fresh air. (Photo Credit: Charlie Egan)
- The Dennis Severs’ House on Folgate Street is one man’s large-scale interpretation of a time capsule, imagining how a Huguenot family may have lived centuries ago. The Silent Night tour is unguided and experienced via candlelight, all the better to sharpen the other senses.
- Hampstead Heath is a welcome escape from the city with over 800 acres of greenery and fresh air. Fun fact: C.S. Lewis drew visual inspiration for The Chronicles of Narnia from here. In the summer, don a suit for a refreshing dip in one of its swimming ponds or go for a scenic bundled walk in the winter months.
London for Ambiverts
- Brick Lane in East London is a must for thrift lovers and foodies. Graffiti and street murals point the way to a teeming stretch of art galleries, curry shops and vintage treasures. Vegan Nights sets up shop in Brick Lane to celebrate all things plant-based with 40+ vendors soundtracked by rotatings DJs.
For the ambivert: Explore Brick Lane in East London. (Photo Credit: Clem Onojeghuo)
- Plants reach for the sun and so does London’s Sky Garden, a free public garden that comes with panoramic views, observation decks and greenery that thrives all year round. Book a table at one of their two on-site restaurants for classic British cuisine – all while sitting in a gorgeous greenhouse.
Where to stay: Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel
As part of our Stay Human: Come As You Are series, we’re pulling back the layers to tailor immersive city experiences meant for all energy levels and personalities – from the most extroverted of us to the ones who prefer to sit back and observe.
