London is known for iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, as well as its world-class museums, West End theatre and centuries of royal history. It's also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with distinct neighbourhoods each offering a different flavour of the capital.
Discover Authentic London: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure London Bankside, we're lucky enough to have the Thames, the Tate Modern and Borough Market practically on our doorstep — and after years of pointing guests in the right direction, we've learned that London rewards those who go a little beyond the postcard shots. It's a city of overlapping villages, each with its own rhythm, so here's our locally-tested route through the best of them.
Our map pins local favourites such as Borough Market, the Kyoto Garden and Britain's smallest police station, alongside our Mercure hotels.
Top 5 Things to Do in London
Take a royal stroll through Kensington Gardens
This elegant royal park is home to the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial and Kensington Palace, a favourite escape from the city bustle.
Graze at Borough Market
London's oldest food market packs in artisan stalls selling everything from fresh oysters to melted cheese toasties, just south of the Thames.
Find calm at the Kyoto Garden
Tucked inside Holland Park, this tranquil Japanese garden with koi ponds and a waterfall is one of London's best-kept secrets.
Spot Britain's smallest police station
A tiny stone box on the edge of Trafalgar Square once served as a one-man police post — blink and you'll miss it.
Cycle or stroll through Hyde Park
One of London's largest Royal Parks, Hyde Park is made for a lazy afternoon by the Serpentine lake or a spin along its many paths.
Explore London's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in London
We've mapped local spots in London, from royal parks to curious corners.
Parks & gardens
Kensington Gardens
Once the private gardens of Kensington Palace: ornamental lakes, the Albert Memorial, the Italian Gardens and the Serpentine Galleries. Stroll like royalty.
Kensington · Royal park · Perfect for a royal stroll
Hyde Park
London's largest Royal Park covers 142 hectares, with the Serpentine, the Diana Memorial Fountain and Speakers' Corner. Hire a boat or bring a picnic.
Central London · Royal park · Great for walks and picnics
Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
A gift from Kyoto in 1991, this Japanese garden in Holland Park has waterfalls, koi ponds and peacocks. Come just before dusk.
Holland Park · Japanese garden · Ideal for a calm moment
Kew Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 living plants, 30 minutes from central London.
Kew · Botanical garden · Perfect for a picnic
Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park
Opened in 1934 around the Imperial War Museum, a park that's home to the Tibetan Peace Garden.
Southwark · Park · Made for a quiet stroll
Food, football & curiosities
Borough Market
London's oldest food market dates back to the 13th century: British producers and global street food, from confit-duck sandwiches to scotch eggs. Graze your way round.
Southwark · Food market · Perfect for foodies
Stamford Bridge – Chelsea FC
Chelsea's home since 1905: tour the stadium, dressing rooms and pitchside, then explore more than a century of football in the museum.
Fulham · Stadium tours · Great for football fans
Britain's smallest police station
In the southwest corner of Trafalgar Square, a hollowed-out lamp post built in 1926 once served as a lookout with a direct line to Scotland Yard. Walked past it yet?
Trafalgar Square · Curiosity · Made for a quirky photo
Natural History Museum
Free entry to dinosaurs, gems and scientific discoveries beneath Romanesque arches.
South Kensington · Museum · Perfect for families
Harrods
A luxury department store since 1849, with seven floors. Head straight for the food halls.
Knightsbridge · Department store · Ideal for shopping
TARDIS police box, Earl's Court
A replica of Doctor Who's blue police box outside Earl's Court station. Bigger on the inside?
Earl's Court · Curiosity · Great for fans
Canals & river
Little Venice
Where Regent's Canal meets the Grand Union: waterside cafés, pubs and boat rides.
Paddington · Canal-side · Perfect for a calm afternoon
GoBoat Paddington
Self-drive boats for up to eight people along Regent's Canal – no experience needed. You're the captain.
Paddington Basin · Boat hire · Made for groups
Shakespeare's Globe
A reconstruction of Shakespeare's open-air theatre on Bankside. Catch a play standing in the yard, as audiences once did, or take a tour.
Bankside · Theatre · Ideal for a play
Gabriel's Wharf
A riverside cluster of design-led boutiques and street-food stalls on the South Bank.
South Bank · Shops and food · Great for browsing
FAQ
The London Underground ('the Tube') is the fastest way to cross the city, complemented by an extensive bus network and the Overground. An Oyster card or contactless bank card gives the best fares across all forms of public transport, including the Thames river boats.
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) brings the warmest weather and longest days for exploring parks and riverside walks. December brings festive lights and Christmas markets, though visitors should book major attractions in advance year-round given London's popularity.
In Holland Park, west London; it was a gift from the city of Kyoto in 1991.
In the southwest corner of Trafalgar Square, inside a lamp post built in 1926.
Borough Market in Southwark, dating back to the 13th century.
Where to Sleep in London
See Mercure hotels in London, all within reach of these picks.