A Second Timer's (Ongoing) Guide to London
Welcome, one and all, to the Roaring ‘20s!This was originally going to be my first post of the New Year but, as you noticed, I changed my mind at the last minute but still kept the intro from before...I’m very lazy...I’m sure everyone has some awesome New Year’s Resolutions in place and I hope at least one of them is to TRAVEL!One of my goals for this year is to finally bring my favorite person to my favorite city in the whole world.That’s right, folks: I’m going back to London.I don’t know when, but I know that I am. The first time I went to London, I was so eager to do all of the amazing things I had dreamed of and visit all the tourist traps that I wasn’t sure how I was going to spend my time when I went back for a whole semester. I knew I had done all of the major attractions my first time around, and didn’t know where to start looking.If you’re in a similar boat, then this is the guide for you. If you’re not in a similar boat (or simply not looking for super niche activities), then head on over to my First Timer’s Guide to London for some more mainstream and “classic London” ideas.The first thing you’ll probably notice about this Second Timer's Guide to London is that this isn’t as long as my first guide. It will also never be completely finished. I intend to continue updating this as I continue to visit and discover more and more of this gorgeous city’s hidden gems.
Shakespeare’s Globe Tour and Show
The Globe has such a unique and compelling history, even if you aren’t a former actor and theatre fanatic (let’s be real, there’s nothing former about the fanatic part). Although not in the original location, it was built to be an almost exact replica of the first Globe Theatre. This is one of the few tours I actually recommend to people because it’s just so freaking awesome. To stand in this theatre feels like stepping through time itself.It’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.If you can, stay and see a show. If Shakespeare’s not really your thing, then definitely go for one of his comedies. Don’t know what you might be getting yourself into? Reach out to me. I know most of his works by this point and can tell you if I think it’ll be worth it.Do yourself (and your feet) a favor though and buy a seat. I’ve seen three shows there for £5 a ticket, which is an amazing deal, but they were standing room in the pit. Just like the old days. Seats are a little more expensive, but definitely worth it!Ticket: £17 (show ticket costs vary)
Borough Market (or any market, really)
My time in England introduced me to markets for the first time. Sure, I had heard of the term before, but more in the context of a grocery store.I couldn’t understand why my English friends got so excited to take me to Borough market.It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.There were stalls on stalls of food and small businesses selling clothing and crafts.I spent hours just walking around and taking it all in (along with lots and lots of food, of course). Ticket: FREE to enter, the food costs money… 
One of the highlights of my last trip to London was spending the better part of two hours exploring every nook and corner of Camden Market
Solve a Murder at Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
You guys, as a theatre major and lover of all things acting, it physically pained me to not include this in the other guide. It is, however, a perfect activity for the Second Timer's Guide to London. It's niche, it's a little quirky, it's quintessential London.English theatre is something I can gush about for days. It’s truly on another level.The Mousetrap is something that I, personally, consider to be a rite of passage. Every time I take a new person to England, I take them to see The Mousetrap. It’s an Agatha Christie, whodunit classic. This show has broken records. It’s been running for over 65 years. Not only that, according to the theatre’s website, it’s the longest running show ever. The best part?I’ve seen this show twice now and it’s never been with the same cast. The whole production feels fresh and exciting and authentic.Ticket: approx. £25 (costs vary depending on where you sit)
Head Over to Chinatown
True to form, I completely overbooked myself when I went to Chinatown and couldn’t stay nearly as long as I would have liked to. I did, however, pick up a couple really great tips along the way (because I strongly recommend you go and check it out).First, don’t go before noon. I got there at 11:15 and it seemed empty. I was so excited. The chance to take photos in a super popular place without having a ton of people around? Score! Then I turned a corner and saw them. Vans. So many vans. On both sides of the street.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A lot of the shops and restaurants in Chinatown open at noon, so going earlier means that you can walk around the streets, but you can’t really go inside the shops and restaurants. And also, vans.Also, bring cash. I didn’t, and regretted it so much. A lot of the shops and restaurants in Chinatown are cash only, so I was super limited in where I could go. I did, however, get some really good bubble tea.Ticket: FREE
Another tip if you're looking to get some awesome shots? Bring a friend. I think I was the most hated person in Chinatown for bringing my tripod...
Take a Walk Along the South Bank
Shakespeare’s Globe, The London Eye, the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre, the Tate Modern, amazing views of Big Ben and St. Paul’s…The South Bank really has it all.This is one of my favorite sections of London. On every trip, I find myself here at least once. Not only is it totally photogenic with all of the major landmarks you can see from any given spot, but it’s also an amazing walk to make on a nice sunny day. Although it’s a bit of a trek, I recommend going to Borough Market first for lunch and then taking your time and snaking down towards the London Eye. Will it be most of an afternoon? Yes. But, if you’re looking for a nice leisurely activity that will also let you see some of London’s most iconic sights, then this is a must.Ticket: FREE
Get Out of Town
Stonehenge, Bath, Canterbury, Cardiff, the Cliffs of Dover - there are so many places you can easily get to when you’re in London.While I’ve been to all of these places, they’re by no means the only ones you can get to. There are trains all over the country that could take you up to Manchester or down to Brighton. If you have the time, you could even go up to Scotland for a few days as well. Sometimes it’s a nice reprieve to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day and go explore a completely new place. I also love it because sometimes it’s so easy to convince ourselves that London is England, that there’s nothing else to the country.We couldn’t be more wrong.Ticket: Depending on how you get there, your costs will vary. Some tour companies offer great deals on day tours, while other locations may be equally as accessible by the National Rail Service.
There you have it, folks. As I update the Second Timer's Guide to London, I'll be sure to mark the date I update the list. For now, this is January 2020 signing off!