Here is a full-round up of are all the reasons to love London, enjoy!
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Okay, I have a secret. But given the nature of my blog, I guess it’s not that much of a secret. I love London. Samuel Johnson said when a (wo)man is bored of London, (s)he is bored of life. And I think he was onto something. As an American, London always seemed dreams away, but over the past few years of calling this city a home I’ve fallen in love with this pocket across the pond in every way possible.
And so, in no particular order, here are 50 reasons to love London as much as I do.
1. Diversity
I’ve always felt London to be a place where no one quite belongs. So, in turn, everyone belongs. There’s no status quo to follow, no right way to dress, no wrong way to be. The diversity of the city allows me to be me, and only me, all the time.
2. Queues
Who came up with this and where can I thank them? There’s nothing in London not met with an orderly line. Need a sandwich? Queue. Going to the restroom? Queue. See a queue? Queue.
3. British Humor
It’s hard to take yourself seriously when everyone around you is “taking the piss”. Playful banter, sarcasm, and dry humor are a London staple, and I absolutely love it.
4. Mandatory Kettles
Because growing up we used to microwave water. Yep, don’t ask. Now I can never see my life existing without a kettle. Thank you, Brits.
5. Free Museums
Coming from America free museums were an enigma. Now, I can’t get enough. From Tate Modern to the British Museum you never get tired of all the amazing exhibitions on offer.
6. Walking Everywhere
Living in between Florida and New Jersey, you couldn’t survive without a car. As one of the most walkable cities in the world, every Londoner gets their step counts without fail.
7. Cycle Culture
Professional cyclists may have yet to agree, but in my opinion, the cycling culture in London has encouraged me to take up biking way more than the city allowed me in the states. Ample bike lanes and Boris bikes make it an easy add to your London routine.
8. The Tube
I’ve never once worried about getting somewhere on time. The tube is as efficient as it is humorous. And another reason I love London.
9. Don’t Forget the DLR
Somehow London’s found a way to add humor to the entirety of public transit. Coming from Canning Town to the sounds of Barry White’s announcements will always be my favorite commute memory.
10. Every Borough Feels like its Own City
Wandering through London feels like you’re stepping in different scenes of the same movie. Each neighborhood splashed with its own distinct character, things to do, see and eat. Like I said, you’ll never get bored.
Speaking of my favorite neighborhood….
11. Shoreditch
Because I can feel insatiably cool for the day within the span of 5 tube stops. Checking out the street art, roaming Brick Lane, and of course, stuffing my face with Beigel Bake.
12. Kensington
Because if I ever want to feel like a Royal for the day, all I have to do is visit my (very metaphorical) backyard.
13. Notting Hill
And there’s nothing about this movie that didn’t make me immediately want to jet off to Notting Hill.
14. Notting Hill Carnival
Because it’s one of the largest (and coolest) street festivals in the world. The city comes alive with the beauty of Caribbean culture and I’ve honestly never seen anything like this in the states. It’s amazing!
15. Skygarden
Because you’ll never get tired of London’s free views.
Especially ones that look like this.
16. Love Actually
Because I’m still waiting on Hugh Grant to find his way to East London.
17. One Day
And crying over this movie.
18. Bridget Jones Diary
Because I grew up singing “All by myself” in my teenage bedroom.
19. Chewing Gum
And my London dorm days rooting for Tracey.
20. Lovesick
Because Dylan’s quest for love is hilariously British and charming.
21. London is for the Hopeless Romantic
There’s nothing quite as romantic as falling in love in London. From cheap wine strolls along Southbank to a late-night dip in Camden there’s endless room for date ideas (and romance to ensue).
22. The Royal Wedding
Speaking of romance, an hour outside of London and you’ll find yourself in castle territory. Windsor to be exact. Going to the Royal Wedding (eagerly perched outside, but still) leaves it high on my reasons to love London.
23. Unmatchable History
Boasting with a history over 2,000 years, London will always make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
24. International Food Scene
Because every food in the world has somehow found it’s way to London. Speaking of food…
25. Fish and Chips
Because a chunky chip and crispy fish is all that’s on my mind when I go back to the states.
Yes please.
Moving to London? Check out my E-book!
26. Afternoon Tea
My version of afternoon tea consisted of Lipton and lemon. Luckily, London has raised my standards. Afternoon tea for two, please.
27. Sunday Roasts
Because Yorkshire puddings have slowly become my new favorite. Sitting down for a homemade Sunday Roast has one been of my favorite memories in London to date, and I’m sure it’d be yours too.
28. Pub Culture
I never thought it’d be me. But there’s nothing like cozying up in a pub with friends. Over time pub culture has had it’s wear on me, and I’ve come around.
29. The Architecture
Because I’d be hardpressed to find any buildings like this in America.
30. London in Autumn
And fall leaves are somehow lovelier with Chelsea Embankment as your backdrop.
Read More: The Ultimate Autumn in London Bucketlist: 101 Things to do
31. Guy Fawkes Night
Because who doesn’t love a firework filled holiday. Especially with London as your backdrop.
32. London in Winter
Because there’s nothing quite like Winter Wonderland.
33. Christmas Markets
And Christmas markets become 10x more magical when they’re in London.
34. London in Spring
And spring flowers are too.
35. Chelsea Flower Show
36. London in Summer
Because despite a hot, sweaty tube, summer in London means picnics, al fresco and 6 week holiday. Yes fellow Americans, 6.
37. Picnics on Primrose Hill
And impromptu picnics on Primrose Hill.
38. Live Music
Because a solo performer singing their soul out on Leicester square is as common as a midnight jam session in Shoreditch.
39. Night Scene
The London night scene is unmatched. From Mayfair to Shoreditch I can never do outings the same after London.
40. Free Classes
With a consistent need to be out and about, I knew I’d have to figure out how to do budget London. Eventbrite and Groupon have consistently been my go-to and a savior for London life.
41. Parks
Because the best antidote to city life is nature and London is smothered in it. Home to some of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen there’s nothing I love more than grabbing my journal and a picnic for a day in London’s greenery.
42. Coffee Shops
If there was only one reason to love London, I’d hand it over to the coffee scene. The city oozes amazing independent cafes and charmingly aesthetic interiors. Enough to make any coffee lover swoon.
43. Cozy Rainy Weather
The Florida girl in me slowly traded her love for sun in exchange for the cozy London weather. And there’s no going back. A bit controversial as a reason to love London, but I swear this city was made for rainy days in.
44. Telephone Booths
Because there’s nothing like having impromptu phone booth photoshoot.
45. Book Shops
I knew the book nerd in me would be smitten by London’s literary scene, but I still underestimated just how beautiful London book shops can be.
Case and point.
46. Local Markets
Because there’s still nothing like picking up a vintage camera in Notting Hill or a fresh bouquet in Columbia Road.
47. Proximity to Europe
Perhaps this shouldn’t count on the reasons to love London. But the fact that you can sit on a flight for 2 hours and find yourself on the cobblestoned streets of Paris still baffles my little American heart.
48. English Countryside
Sleepy villages, rolling hillsides and quaint market towns make the U.K one of the best countries for a charming staycation. And I’ll admit, a sometimes needed break from the city hustle.
49. Expat Community
Leaving America always leaves me looking for tastes of home. Luckily the expat community here is massive.
50. Because it’s London
And no matter how long I study, live or work here, London has a way of making me feel like I’m in a movie, every single day.
Despite the lack of butter on popcorn machines (we’ll talk about that later) there’s so many reasons to love London. And these were just a few.
Indeed, the American girl that dreamed of moving here in 2016 hasn’t been disappointed yet. Between the melting pots of culture and diversity, sleepy English towns, and that dream-like feeling of living life across the pond, London, indeed, has my heart.
Don’t forget to read up on my favorite London quotes and how to move to London!
