10 Unmissable and Off The Beaten Track Sights in London

If there is one popular European city which should never be underestimated, it would definitely be London. When mentioned, one thinks immediately of Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. The magnificence of the Houses of Parliament is truly unique and I am firmly convinced that one of the most spectacular views of the English capital is that from the London Eye. But London isn't only this. London is full of gems, more or less hidden, and all too often the tourists miss them. It's true that a lifetime isn't enough to experience everything and every time that you go back it will surprise you with something new, but I want to give you some interesting tips; 10 places that I discovered during my year of Erasmus and, for me, are some of the most unmissable, despite not making it onto the "Extra Famous" list.

• In first place it has to be the Charles Dickens Museum. As the name suggests, the first place that I recommend to you is a museum dedicated to one of the most famous British authors: Charles Dickens. It isn't, however, simply a museum; it is also the house where the author himself lived between 1837 and 1839, and where he wrote the famous Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers and Nicholas Nickelby. This is the only one of Dickens' houses still standing in London; the others have all been knocked down over the years. Whether you are already passionate about the romance of Dickens or whether you know the author only because you heard his name mentioned at school, the museum is an enjoyable break from the hustle and bustle of the city (despite being in central London!). You can admire a vast number of objects that used to belong to Charles Dickens, amongst which are copies of his romances in the study in which he used to write. There are guides to answer any of your questions and once you have finished looking around you can chill out in the splendid Garden Café with some of the best cakes in the world. Sit outside in the garden if it isn't too cold. You will be fascinated!

Practical Information: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09.00 to 17.00, but last entry is at 16.00, to have time to complete the tour of the house. (Note: the Garden Café also closes at 16.00!)

The full ticket price costs £9, while students and over-60s pay £7. Children up to 6 years old go free and 6-16-year-olds pay £4. Take a look at their site or at the Facebook page as they often organise interesting events, including lectures and evening visits.

Address: 48 Doughty Street

Closest station: Russel Square, Chancery Lane, Holborn (but I absolutely recommend you download the CityMapper app, which tells you the bus numbers and how often they pass, just in case you want to travel by bus. )

• The next place is included in the London Pass but is overlooked by many tourists, maybe due to its location a little further from the city. I am talking about Hampton Court. Hampton Court is an immense palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey and belonging to Henry VIII. Fans of the Tudors will already know what I'm talking about, but for those still in the dark, I will explain. Wolsey was one of the closest people to the king but when Henry VIII broke his ties with the church and Rome in order to be able to divorce Catherine of Aragon, he seized the palace. Wolsey was accused of treason on the grounds of failing to secure the king's divorce.

  The dimensions of the enormous palace and its gardens require a minimum of half a day to explore thoroughly, giving you time to appreciate the rooms and furnishings, relax in the marvellous gardens and enjoy finding your way out of the labyrinth. If you're really lucky you may even spot Henry VIII wandering around the gardens with a lovely lady...;)

Practical Information: The full ticket costs £23, for students and over-60s it costs £19, under-16s pay £11.50 and under-5s go free. The price is steep, so I recommend you book online because you can save a few pounds, but there is also the option to visit the gardens only. Keep an eye on the official website for any changes or closures!

How to get there: from Waterloo station take a South West Train to Hampton Court Station (they run roughly every 30 minutes).

• The third place I recommend you visit is the Courtauld Gallery, found in Somerset House on the Strand. A small art gallery with many interesting and some very famous works, it takes nothing away from the National Gallery and the British Museum. (Both are unique and also a must-see in London, as well as being free if we are being completely transparent). However, the little Courtauld Gallery in the heart of the city is definitely less frequented compared to the more famous museums, which makes a visit to your favourite Monet, Degas or Renoir more enjoyable. These last are just some of the famous names that you will find inside the Courtauld Gallery and in addition, Somerset House is a beautiful building where you can find a skating rink if you are in London over the Christmas period. Little tip: if you want to chill out for a moment, either before or after your visit, head for the cafe (which is actually a small van) outside King's College for a coffee. You can enter from one of the side doors of Somerset House and sit at one of the little tables in the university courtyards. It is much cheaper compared to the classic chains and the cappuccino isn't bad either (but maybe pass on the espresso!)

Practical Information: The gallery is open every day from 10.00 till 18.00 (last entry at 17.30). Prices vary according to the different exhibitions and offers, but usually the regular ticket costs £7; for over-60s and disabled people £6; students, under-18s and those with a National Art Pass go free.

Address: Somerset House (entrance on The Strand)

Closest station: Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Temple, Embankment

• A little, hidden London gem, despite being found in the heart of the city, is Leadenhall Market. This covered market inspired the architect Giuseppe Mengoni to build the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Originally a market selling cheese, meat and fish, now it houses restaurants and shops. One of the most beautiful things is the false ceiling of "hanging books", real books which hang from the ceiling! It creates a magical atmosphere in that little corner of the market and maybe that's why it has been chosen as a location in many films, including Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

Practical Information: Open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 16.00.

Address: Gracechurch Street

Closest station: Monument, Liverpool Street

• Not far from Leadenhall Market you will find Monument, the oldest stone column in the world. As the name suggests, it is a monument designed by the architect Christopher Wren (the same architect who designed St Paul's Cathedral) and built to commemorate the Great Fire Of London in 1666. There are many attractions with panoramic views of the London skyline, but if you want something more budget-friendly Monument could be for you. It may not be very high, but remember there are still 311 narrow steps which, for all they might be tiring, reward you with a beautiful view of the Thames, Tower Bridge and the modern part of the city.

Practical Information: Open from 09.30 to 17.30 (last entry at 17.00). Tickets cost £4, £2.70 for students or free with a London Pass.

Address: London Street

Closest station: Monument, London Bridge

(View from Monument)

• The next place on my list is a shopping centre! It is called One New Change and is found in Cheapside, the financial district. Don't worry, I'm not saying you should go shopping (I'd probably send you to Oxford Street for that, although you can still find many of the big chains like H&M, TopShop and Nandos here at One New Change). What I am recommending you do is head up to the rooftop in the lift and enjoy the view over the dome of St Paul's cathedral. You won't regret it!

Practical Information: Open from 10.00 to 18.00 Monday to Saturdays and 12.00 to 18.00 on Sundays.

Address: 1 New Change, Cheapside

Closest station: St. Paul's

• Now we'll move to a different part of London and head to Covent Garden, one of my favourite places. As well as wander around Covent Garden Market, I recommend you look for Neal's Yard. It is a narrow street, but it is impossible not to recognise it, as the buildings are brightly coloured and it seems like something out of a fairy tale! A small and quiet corner of the frenetic city to take a deep breath and calm your mind for a moment before diving back into the fray. Try it and see for yourself! In the surrounding area you can find a number of places to eat as well as the famous Neal's Yard Remedies, which sells organic skin care products.

Practical Information: If you can't find Neal's Yard marked on the map, once you're in the area you will be sure to find a sign or two. In any case, it is located between Short Gardens and Monmouth Street.

Address: Seven Dials, Covent Garden

Closest station: Covent Garden, Leicester Square

• The next place might sound familiar, but in reality very few tourists actually go. I am talking about Little Venice. It gets its name thanks to the two canals running through it, the Grand Union Canal and the Regent's Canal and you can admire the houseboats, barges and parks. To be honest it reminded me more of Amsterdam than Venice, and it is so relaxing to stroll around, maybe stopping for a beer in one of the bars overlooking the canal.

Practical Information: Little Venice is located in Maida Vale.

How to get there: Get off the tube at Warwick Avenue (I once again recommend you download CityMapper for the bus services). You can also get there by Waterbus, which also passes through Camden Lock and Camden Town.

• Sticking with the relaxing theme, I have cheated and offer you not one, but two places to visit. They have in common the fact that both are situated in a park (different parks!) The first is Primrose Hill, a hill in the northern part of Regent's Park (a beautiful place in itself) which on a good day offers superb views across London from your position lying back on the grass. So instead of being a man-made attraction, it's a natural panoramic viewpoint! The second place is Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. As you might guess from the name, it is a Japanese garden inside the larger Holland Park. It is an oasis of calm, far from the chaotic metropolis where you can stop and read a book in almost total silence. You will find a small pond with enormous fish and the classic wooden bridge.

Practical Information: (Primrose Hill) Regent's Park and therefore Primrose Hill are open from sunrise, but check the closing times as you enter because it changes throughout the year!

How to get there: The closes tube station is Chalk Farm, then follow the signs to Regent's Park.

Practical Information: (Kyoto Garden) Holland Park opens early in the morning and closes at sunset (so here too closing time depends on the season). This means roughly 16.00 in winter and 18.30 in summer.

Closest station: Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate, Kensington High Street

(The view from Primrose Hill)

(Kyoto Garden)

• From West London we now move to East London and last but certainly not least is Old Spitalfields Market, a vintage market. It's not just clothes; you can find a bit of everything at very reasonable prices. It is a completely covered market so it is perfect for a rainy day and if you don't like really busy places (like Portobello Road on a Saturday), this is a great alternative.

Practical Information: Although the shops and restaurants are open every day, the market itself is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10.00 to 16.00 and Sundays 09.00 to 17.00. The Thursday market is dedicated more to vintage and antiques and the Friday market is more arty.

Address: Brushfield Street, Spitalfields

Closest station: Liverpool Street

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