London People Watching

A very enjoyable and inexpensive thing to do in London is to sit back with a nice cup of tea (with milk of course) and watch the world go by. London folk are an interesting lot so where better to do a little people watching.

For the trendiest coffee shops and the best-looking people, head to South Kensington. With some of the most expensive real estate in the world, this London neighborhood attracts people from all over the globe, including many celebrities. South Kensington has many extravagant apartments and a number of London bed and breakfasts, making it a very popular place.

Another great place for people watching is in Trafalgar Square. The site of many tourists mingling, festivals and occasional protest, the large plaza is a great place to sit in and stare. Just climb up onto the central monument with a coffee or tea and watch the people go by. That is if there isn’t already an impenetrable crowd. You can also climb up the bronze lions at the base of Nelson’s column, or just amuse yourself at the sight of many tourists trying to clamber up them for that all important photo. (Though, be warned, this may not be allowed for much longer according to an official report.)

Other popular places for people watching in London include Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, though it’ll mostly be tourists you’re watching. Some of the best people watching in London is probably on the London Underground, or just outside some of the biggest stations. In the morning and evening rush-hours near Canary Wharf, you’ll catch all the suits, while in Southwark you’ll catch the trendy creative types heading to work (or to the Tate Modern).

Whether you’re renting an apartment in London or just on a short holiday, when it comes to people watching, Londoners are some of the most interesting and most diverse people going.

Photos by Nanagyei, genvessel