London Calling: Favorites From My Month Living Abroad

Cheerio from London! 🇬🇧

There’s no place like London—and after spending a month living there, I get why people fall for this city so fast. It’s loud, layered, and full of life. From iconic double-decker bus views to high tea and historic streets that seem to tell their own stories, London has a way of drawing you in.

This post isn’t a comprehensive travel guide—it’s something better. It’s a collection of the places I loved most: the spots I kept coming back to, the ones I always recommend first, and the corners of the city that made London feel less like a trip and more like a chapter. Whether you’re planning a visit or just daydreaming about life across the pond, I hope this guide gives you something to get excited about.

Quick Overview

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, located in Europe just across the English Channel from France. Known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, royal palaces, and vibrant neighborhoods, the city offers something for every type of traveler.

I was lucky enough to live there during the summer of 2023 as part of a study abroad program. I stayed near Russell Square in Central London from June 25 to July 29, which gave me easy access to the museums, theatres, cafés, and local spots I came to love.

✨ Iconic Sights (Touristy but Worth It)

• Big Ben + Westminster Bridge – Classic photo op. Seeing it in real life felt surreal (and yes, it does chime).

• The London Eye – I didn’t go up, but standing near it at sunset made for one of my favorite views of the city.

• Buckingham Palace – Worth a visit, even if just to peek through the gates and catch the Changing of the Guard.

• Tower Bridge – Walk across it for the views, or take in the skyline from below along the river path.

🏛 Museums

London’s museums are not only world-class—they’re free. Here’s are the best museums:

• The British Museum – Iconic and massive. The Rosetta Stone and ancient Greek collection were personal highlights.

• Tate Modern – Even if modern art isn’t your thing, the building itself and the views from the top-floor café are worth it.

• The Victoria & Albert Museum – Great mix of fashion, art, and history. Very aesthetically pleasing.

🍻 Bars + Pubs

London’s nightlife is full of energy, and while there are pubs on nearly every corner, these two spots stood out during my time abroad. Whether you’re dancing, gaming, or just people-watching with a pint in hand, these bars totally captured the spirit of London nights.

🍸 O’Neill’s Wardour Street (Soho)
O’Neill’s is the study abroad bar—everyone studying in London ends up here at some point. With three levels, including a DJ on one floor, a live band on another, and a rooftop bar overlooking Soho, the party never really stops. It’s a great mix of students, locals, and travelers from all over.

🕹️ NQ64 Arcade Bar (Soho)
If you love neon lights, retro games, and creative cocktails, this one’s for you. NQ64 is an underground arcade bar with a nostalgic vibe and an incredible soundtrack. Think Pac-Man, Mario Kart, Dance Dance Revolution—all with a drink in hand.

🍻 Spoons (Wetherspoons)

A trip to the UK isn’t complete without at least one stop at a Spoons—a beloved British pub chain officially known as Wetherspoons. The vibes are casual, the food is reliable, and the drinks are ridiculously affordable by London standards. It’s the perfect spot to go with friends when you want something easy, cheap, and low-pressure. There are hundreds of locations across the UK, so chances are, you’ll stumble into one without even trying. Bonus: many are inside stunning historic buildings, which makes the experience feel surprisingly charming.

👉 Find a Spoons near you

🍽️ Food Highlights

• High Tea – A must-do. I had mine at a hotel near Covent Garden and felt like full royalty.

• Fish and Chips – Simple, crispy, and comforting. Best enjoyed in a pub with vinegar on everything.

• Sunday Roast – Roast meat, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, gravy—it’s a full-on meal and totally worth the hype.

📍 Neighborhood Vibes

Each London neighborhood has its own personality. These were my favorites:

• Soho – Always buzzing. Great for nightlife, people-watching, and impromptu fun.

• Bloomsbury – Where I stayed! Calm, literary, and close to museums and leafy squares.

• Camden – Edgy, artsy, and full of personality. Think market stalls, vintage shops, and music energy.

• Notting Hill – Pastel houses, cute cafés, and that perfect “London postcard” feel.

• South Bank – Riverside walks, street performers, and views for days.

🎒 Tips for Future Travelers

• Get an Oyster Card – You’ll likely use the Tube every day, and an Oyster Card gives you daily capped fares across Zones 1 and 2 (so, yes—basically unlimited in central London).

• Download Citymapper – Hands-down the best app for getting around. It’ll tell you the fastest route, Tube delays, and even where to stand on the platform.

• Get a Pret a Manger Subscription – If you drink coffee every day, this is a lifesaver. For £5/month, you get up to five free drinks per day!

• Bring comfortable shoes – You’ll walk a lot—cobblestones, Tube stairs, you name it.

💭 Final Thoughts

Living in London for a month taught me a lot—about independence, about spontaneity, and about finding joy in the everyday. Whether I was catching a show in the West End, grabbing a pastry near Russell Square, or wandering into a museum just because it was free, the city always had something waiting for me. London isn’t just one thing—it’s layered, a little chaotic, and endlessly inspiring.

Been to London before? Have a favorite neighborhood, café, or hidden gem I should add to my list? Drop it in the comments—I’m already dreaming of my next trip. ✈️💬