Living in London, or any big city tourist hub for that matter, we tend to pass over all of the amazing things our city has to offer. This can be because we think they're "too touristy" or because we just get in the routine of going to our normal places and figure we'll do it someday, hey you've got plenty of time! I know living in D.C. for half my life I've probably only been to about 10 sit down restaurants and every time a friend comes in from out of town I learn at least three new monuments, two new museums, and one whole branch of U.S. government I'd never heard of! But I only have three months in London to pack in as much as possible. Three months I've learned, that may not be enough. Here are some of my favourite things I've done so far:
1. The Shard.
The Shard was something I hadn't heard of until I got to London. I imagined it to be something like going to the top of the Empire State building, something I've neglected to do in all my years of visiting family in NYC, but The Shard proved to be a much classier outing. We opted to just show up one evening without any reservations and just stayed for a drink at the bar and enjoyed the view. It also served as a perfect option for a stormy night as the lightening bolts outside added to the experience.
2. Churchill Arms Pub.
This one took some insider knowledge to discover. It's a lovely pub on Kensington Church Street a few blocks from Nottinghill Gate station. The exterior of the pub is completely covered in flowers while every inch of the interior bar section of the pub displays quirky English knick knacks like tea kettles hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant section, contradictory to the Union Jacks hanging in the windows, serves some of the arguably best Thai food in London. While dining you'll feel as if you've hopped into the set of Secret Garden!
3. Hyde Park.
Hyde Park might just be my favourite place in London. Every time I go on runs through the park I end up discovering something new that catches my eye resulting in more pictures than calories burned. Having a picnic in the park and strolling through the gardens and along Serpentine Lake is a great (and free!) way to spend an afternoon on a sunny day. Poking around Kensington Palace is also something every Londoner should do! 4. Gordon's Wine Bar.
Another discovery I owe to some local friends, and easy to miss walking out of Embankment station, Gordon's Wine Bar is proud of its status as London's oldest wine bar. It certainly looks ancient with its décor of old newspaper articles and candle lit tables under the low stone ceiling. The downstairs looks something like a cave and the tube beneath is easily detected. If you like wine, cheese and history this is your place!
5. Tayyabs.
This addition to my list may be less exciting to those who have enjoyed the availability of good Indian food their whole life. However back in the Southeast United States, Indian food is a little less popular... I never thought I'd ever eat lamb curry but after being forced to go to Tayyabs I have to say my opinion was totally changed. Not only was it great food but the three floor restaurant also offers a great experience. 6. Tour of Parliament.
Yes, this is super touristy. But Parliament is home to a wealth of historical items and beautiful architecture and artwork. Getting a tour teaches you all about British government and how it has developed over the years along with all kinds of other fun facts. For a government as old and globally recognized as the British government, one can imagine there is a lot to be said about it.
7. Buckingham Palace.
Upon arriving in London, when we did all our main London tourist attractions, Buckingham Palace was not open for the public to tour. I was told it would be open sometime around August so I was surprised when we saw people queuing to go inside last weekend. Inside the palace was even more grand than the outside. Seeing that it is still a working palace makes it more pristine and interesting to tour. After seeing Versailles and even parts of the Vatican, I would imagine it to be more like a museum, but Buckingham palace is much more than that.8. Bailee's Fish and Chips
If you're looking for some proper fish and chips, you should go to Bailey's. This little fish and chips shop in Fulham was recommended to me by my trip advisor obsessed teacher, but it was great trip advising. Really nice fish and chips, open all day, seven days a week, that's all. 
