Although it’s rare for me to write about backpacking or sightseeing in London, England the fact remains that I once spent a year working my ass off in London and it was only after leaving that job in 2007 (almost 7 years ago now) that I started this blog and became a more hardcore backpacker than ever before. I passed through London earlier in 2014 for the first time in 5 years though, and will be back again in 2 months on route to Brazil for the World Cup. Here are my personal top 5 backpacking sights in London. It’s backpacking so it has to be value for money right? Damn right!
My Top 5 Backpacking Sights in London, England.
1. St. Stephen’s Tower
Often known as Big Ben, this is the Westminster Tower that is famous the world over. You’ll have seen the clock tower before, of that I’m sure. Free to pose outside and admire Westminster Abbey and the Thames. Few decent pubs around too!
Top 5 sights in London – St. Stephen’s Tower
2. The New Den, Home of Millwall FC
My best mate on the planet, Millwall Neil would never read my travel blog again if the Millwall FC football stadium didn’t make it into my top 5 sights from London Town.
Way on down south London Town…
But actually – it’s not only because of Neil. I love football and if I have to pick a London Stadium, I’ll always plump for Millwall. It’s close to London Bridge, it’s never crowded, you can get a ticket easy enough for a decent price and you can guarantee the crowd will be lively. Good old English football! Backpacker style…
Top 5 sights in London – the New Den for Millwall FC.
3. Traffy’s Q (Trafalgar Square)
Another free and easy sight to tick off. Relax by the fountains, admire Nelson’s Column, watch the odd protest and visit a pub. I love Trafalgar Square and often nickname it “Traffy’s Q” for no reason…
Top 5 Sights in London, England: Trafalgar Square
4. Tower Bridge
Forget the fact that London Bridge is Falling Down, Falling Down, Falling Down. The Tower Bridge is an awesome backpackery spot to admire – remember it hoists up and down.
Backpacking in London – my top 5 sights.
5. Carnaby Street
Apparently this street became famous in the 60s cos of the Beatles and the Stones. I always like a stroll down it for retro music and football tops. I could easily have stuck Camden in here instead, but Carnaby Street edges it!
Drinking with Gavin on the London Underground.
As someone that used to live in London, you might wonder if I still do the whole backpacking thing while I’m back visiting, and the truth is I like to mix it up. I managed to find London hotels special offers online for the last quick trip back, next time will be doing an awesome hostel near London Bridge and I also have the option of staying with mates. I also really like the tube system in London!
Yes I go backpacking in London still…
Here’s a video of my quick trip to London earlier in the year:
You know, I’m from London, and I had no idea that what we usually call Big Ben is actually St. Stephan’s Tower! I also really like your nickname for Trafalgar Square…might have to nick it 😉
Indeed Sam! I actually should have looked that up – I’m not sure myself if it’s St. Stephen’s Tower but that’s what I always called it growing up. Couldn’t find my old photos from the Tower Bridge or Carnaby Street so will write about London again sometime for sure.
I have a load of nicknames for London places – Covi G, Lessy’s Q, Traffy’s Q, Ravi C P, Londy B, MB (Embankment). I got drunk one night in 2005 and made them all up. I’ve better things to do with my time now. Ahem…
On with the show – safe travels. Jonny