Explore historic pubs: London is home to some of the oldest and most famous pubs in the world. Visiting historic pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese or The George Inn not only offers a good pint, but also a glimpse into London's rich history.
Attend a Premier League match: If you're a soccer fan, attending a Premier League match at iconic stadiums like Wembley, Emirates or Stamford Bridge is a must. The atmosphere is electrifying, and it's a great way to discover British culture.
Visit the British Museum: The British Museum houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. Exploring its impressive exhibits, from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, is both fascinating and educational.
Explore Borough Market: For those who love food, Borough Market offers a plethora of gastronomic delights. From artisan cheeses to international cuisine, it's a culinary adventure not to be missed.
Take a cruise on the Thames: Seeing London from the Thames offers a unique perspective on the city skyline. Opt for a cruise that includes sights like Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
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London is a dynamic city rich in history, offering a multitude of exciting activities for travelers. Whether you’re a soccer fan, a history buff, a gourmet or simply looking for new experiences, this metropolis has something for everyone. Here are the five must-do activities for men on a trip to London, and of course I asked quite a few of my friends to compile this list! Let’s go for a weekend in London guys !
1. Explore historic pubs
London is home to some of the oldest and most famous pubs in the world. Visiting these establishments allows you to enjoy a good pint while discovering fascinating anecdotes from the city’s history. For example, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, located at 145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BU, is reputed to have been frequented by famous writers such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. This pub, rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, retains a traditional atmosphere with its fireplaces and hidden nooks and crannies.
Another iconic pub is The George Inn, located at 77 Borough High Street, SE1 1NH. This pub is unique in that it is the only gallery relay pub still standing in London. Shakespeare himself is said to have been a regular visitor, and the establishment is mentioned in the works of Charles Dickens. The atmosphere is warm and reminiscent of Elizabethan times, with wooden beams and period furnishings.
2. Attend a Premier League match… Goal!!!
If you’re a soccer fan like the vast majority of guys, attending a Premier League match in London is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere in the stadiums is electrifying, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in British culture.
For example, Arsenal FC plays its home games at the Emirates Stadium, located at Hornsey Road, London, N7 7AJ. This modern stadium, inaugurated in 2006, offers spectacular views over the pitch and can accommodate over 60,000 spectators. To experience a match here is to feel the passion of Gunners fans, especially during a London derby.
Another iconic club is Chelsea FC, who play at Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS. Stamford Bridge is one of the Premier League’s most historic stadiums, with a capacity of over 40,000. The atmosphere is particularly intense at big games, and the chants of Chelsea supporters echo throughout the stadium. To attend a match here is to be at the heart of the action and feel the pride of the Blues.
Finally, for an authentic experience, don’t miss a Tottenham Hotspur match at their state-of-the-art stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, located at 748 High Road, London, N17 0AP. The stadium, which opens in 2019, is equipped with all the latest technology and offers uninterrupted views of the pitch. With a capacity of 62,000, the atmosphere is phenomenal, especially during meetings with historic rivals. There are several entrances and everything is very well organized to handle the large number of fans.
3. Visit the British Museum
A visit to the British Museum is a must when you’re in London, guys – a bit of history never hurts! (Buy tickets here)
Located at Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG, this iconic museum houses a vast collection of artworks and artifacts from all over the world. Each gallery tells a unique story, offering a journey through civilizations and eras.
Among the most famous treasures is the Rosetta Stone, a major key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics. Discovered in 1799, this granite stele is displayed in the Egyptian Gallery and attracts millions of visitors every year. The story of its discovery and contribution to modern Egyptology is fascinating.
Another centerpiece is the collection of Parthenon sculptures, also known as the “Elgin Marbles“. These spectacular sculptures, from the Parthenon temple in Athens (Greece), offer a glimpse into the art and culture of ancient Greece. The debate surrounding their acquisition and restitution adds an extra dimension to the visit.
Finally, don’t miss the Egyptian mummies in the Mummy Gallery. These artifacts offer a captivating glimpse into the funerary practices and beliefs of ancient Egypt. The mummy of Katebet, a singer from the 22nd Dynasty, is particularly well preserved and intrigues visitors with details of her life and death.
The British Museum is more than just a museum; it’s a gateway to world history and culture, where every object tells a unique and exciting story.
4. Explore Borough Market
For food lovers, a visit to Borough Market is a culinary adventure not to be missed in London. Located at 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL, this historic market is one of the city’s oldest and largest. Since the 13th century, Borough Market has attracted traders and gourmets from all over the world, offering an incredible diversity of fresh produce and artisan specialties.
Among the most popular stalls, Kappacasein Dairy is famous for its melted cheese sandwich and raclette, prepared with artisan British cheese melted over new potatoes. The mouth-watering smell of grilled cheese immediately attracts visitors, and the taste is simply divine.
Bread Ahead Bakery is another must-see, especially for its famous doughnuts. The soft doughnuts, generously topped with custard, jam or salted caramel, are a treat not to be missed. Bread Ahead also offers baking classes for those wishing to learn the secrets of British pastry-making.
For an international touch, head to Brindisa, a Spanish stand offering top-quality Spanish tapas, charcuterie and cheeses. Their famous grilled chorizo, served in a crusty bun with roasted red peppers, is an explosion of Mediterranean flavors.
Finally, seafood lovers absolutely must visit Richard Haward’s Oysters. This stand offers fresh Essex oysters, which can be enjoyed on the spot with a drizzle of lemon or a drop of hot sauce. The experience of tasting fresh oysters directly from the producer is unique and authentic.
Borough Market is much more than just a market; it’s a meeting place where culinary traditions mingle with innovation, offering an unforgettable dining experience.
You may also like to read London: 5 activities to do for less than $50 in total !
5. Take a cruise on the Thames
Seeing London from the Thames offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on the city. A cruise on this iconic river allows you to admire some of the capital’s most famous monuments while enjoying a relaxing stroll. There are many different types of cruise, from classic sightseeing tours to elegant dinner cruises, each offering a different but equally memorable experience.
One of the highlights of a Thames cruise is passing under Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London. This bascule bridge, completed in 1894, is a marvel of Victorian engineering. Passing underneath, you can admire its imposing structure and the magnificent views of the Tower of London nearby.
Another must-see attraction is the London Eye, the famous Ferris wheel located on the south bank of the Thames, which I find truly giant. Cruising along the south bank, you’ll have a stunning view of this impressive structure and, if you choose an evening cruise, you’ll be able to see the London Eye illuminated, offering a stunning visual spectacle.
Cruises often include a passage past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Seeing these majestic monuments from the river offers a different perspective on their magnificent Gothic architecture. During parliamentary sessions, you may even hear the distinctive sound of Big Ben echoing over the water.