For any traveler, London is one of the essential bucket list destinations, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Those who pay too much attention to the big and small screen are in for something of a shock. No, it’s not always raining, and while tea is popular, it is not the national obsession that the media likes to portray.
What you will find is a vibrant, multicultural city that contains a wonderful blend of the old and the new. You’ll also discover a city that takes on a whole new character after dark, as the workers and tourists are replaced by clubbers and party animals. The London nightlife is as unique as the city itself. Here are some of the venues and attractions that no first time visitor should miss.
The Hippodrome
There’s so much to choose from in a city like London, it can be hard to know where to start. A bustling bar? Live sports? Cocktails? How about some casino games? The Hippodrome in Leicester Square has all these things under one roof, and all in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. American visitors will feel right at home during the NFL season, as the venue shows a variety of games every Sunday on different screens. Meanwhile, if you’re a fan of live dealer online casinos, you can try out the real thing on the casino floor, where there’s blackjack, roulette and all the rest, as well as a huge choice of slots.
Ronnie Scott’s
One thing The Hippodrome lacks is live music, but if you stroll north towards Shaftsbury Avenue, you’ll find venues catering to every imaginable musical taste. The most iconic of them all, however, is Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, which has been a magnet for some of the biggest names over the past 60 years. Johnny Griffin, Sonny Rollins, Tom Waits, even the great Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits – they’ve all played here, in an intimate lounge bar-style setting. Check out their website to find out who’s playing and when.
Shakespeare’s Globe
If it’s culture you’re looking for, then The Globe Theatre is an obvious choice. Located on the South Bank of the Thames, the venue is an accurate recreation of the original Globe Theatre that was built in the 1500s. For something extra special, try their midnight matinee. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in A Midsummer Night’s Dream than late at night and under the stars.
Haunted London
With its long, and sometimes violent, history, it’s little surprise that London is one of the most haunted cities in the world. There are plenty of operators offering spooky walks through London’s haunted buildings, but the most highly acclaimed is London Ghost Walks. The walks are led by Richard Jones, who has written more than 20 books about the supernatural and has been conducting these tours since 1982. Richard offers a variety of walks, but the most popular is the Jack the Ripper tour, which starts at Aldgate East station each evening at 7 p.m.
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