8 Cool Things About London (And Why You Should Consider an Internship There)

London, the home of Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Bean and many other larger-than-life characters. 

For centuries, London has been a beacon of culture – both foreign and domestic. And there are over 300 spoken tongues in the city to prove that. 

Long before the Romans crossed the channel, Druids used to rule the flatlands intersected by the Thames river. Fast forward five thousand years later, and London has accumulated culture from every corner of the world. 

Start your day with a continental-style breakfast, then explore the halls of the Victoria and Albert museum. Then finish off with a plate of fish and chips accompanied by an ice-cold pint of beer. 

As London is packed with culture, history, urban sites and stories to explore, it’s next to impossible to exhaust everything in just 8 highlights. 

However, it’s a good way to get you thinking about what to expect on an internship in London.

A cool thing about museums in England is that most of them have their gates open for free! 

As of right now, there are approximately 170 museums on London ground. All of which are waiting for visitors just like you! But above all else, The British Museum shines the brightest. 

It’s a depository of world history, with endless aisles and thousands of exhibits that one could never get tired of. 

In fact, it’s the fifth most visited museum in the world! And is dovetailed by The Tate, The National Gallery and Natural History Museum – which are also in London! 

Inside this temple of knowledge, visitors can try and decipher the mystery of The Rosetta Stone. And get a unique glimpse of the famous Katebet mummy. Or instead, be awe-struck by ancient and medieval weaponry – from Samurai era katanas to Arab shamshirs. 

Though, the wonders of The British Museum and its unique architecture are fascinating, it’s easy to miss. Which means you can visit multiple times and see something new! However, if you want an insightful introduction then the The British Museum Podcast will inspire you! Especially on what to look out for on your first visit.

For many, London has two vibes – the one imparted by its urban landscape. And of course, those produced by its (literally and figuratively) spectacular music culture. 

During the summertime, melomaniacs convene at the All Points East Festival, Gala Festival, Junction 2 and many more music events! Music is everywhere in the City of London. From jazz bars to nightclubs, small and large gig venues and open-mic nights galore.

Between May and September, London is practically fully booked for musical experiences. No matter your favourite genre, the wide array of artists playing during London’s music season can satisfy any ear. 

It’s long been a hub for musical performers and no tour is complete without a stop in London. The likes of the legendary Stevie Wonder, Black Eyed Peas, Robbie Williams, and Florence and The Machine perform here regularly.

But if you’re looking for something more underground, check out the smaller venues for up and coming acts. From grime to alternative rock and even folktronica or catstep (no I’m not making these up!), you’ll find it all.

You haven’t truly seen London until you ride on the city’s giant ferris wheel. No, really… the view is like no other and it’s an incredible way to see all the sights of London in one fell swoop. 

When it was first opened in 2000, it was the tallest ferris wheel in the world. And it can give you a breathtaking view of the City of Royals any day of the year. In fact, gray, overcast and cloudy days are ideal for any budding photographers. 

Although it’s only a thirty-minute ride its central location makes it a great place to explore. In fact, you can precede or follow it with a river cruise on the Thames. 

So take your friends along and get a glimpse of London from a new angle! 

The famous residence of the fictional Sherlock Holmes is one of London’s cultural hotspots. Plus, it’s not too far away from the trendy Oxford Street. 

While Baker Street is not a work of fiction, the famous sleuth and his lodge definitely are. 

Thankfully, the overwhelming amount of fan mail led to the Abbey Building Society to recreate the famous detective’s home. 

Today you can nip into the Sherlock Holmes Museum and look around. First check out the charming souvenir shop. Then climb upstairs for a look at the building’s original 19th century Victorian ambiance. 

An absolute joy for Arthur Conan-Doyle fans and Sherlock fans alike. You’ll be escorted by Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock’s trusty landlady who will regale you with Sherlock’s adventures and all the trouble he caused her. 

In fact the tour guides you through all the tenants’ rooms and their memorabilia. For example, Sherlock’s pipe, magnifying glass, deerstalker, and even evidence from former cases! 

Even for non-Sherlock fans, the Victorian aesthetic is worth it! Plus, there’s a great Sherlock Holmes themed pub nearby which offers some excellent traditional English pub food!

In this northwest London district, tourism clashes with the alternative scene.  

Hundreds of punks, goths, and rockabillies alike gather in Camden’s alleys, gig venues and markets to enjoy good music and food.

In fact, the stalls in Camden stretch far and wide. And they feature some of England’s finest local treats and snacks. Of course, it’s not just grilled cheese sandwiches and ice-cold smoothies.

Camden offers an astounding variety of sushi bars, Scandinavian cuisine, Italian gelato, Middle Eastern kebab and much more. 

But ultimately, it’s Camden’s rich rock history that attracts music lovers. And both aging and young punks walk its streets. The famous Roundhouse Hall was the first venue to bring Pink Floyd into the spotlight back in 1966. 

Following Pink Floyd’s success, the hall became the ‘mecca for counter-culture’. And it has since hosted concerts by The Sex Pistols and The Clash. 

To keep it short: Punk’s not dead in this part of London. In fact, its heart pumps vigorously in Camden’s back alleys and vinyl shops!

While you may call it soccer, football is the UK’s most beloved sport. Even if you don’t stumble on people playing football in one of London’s many parks or even attend a match. Chances are you’ll definitely catch a game in most of London’s pubs. 

Overall, there are 22 football stadiums across London, the biggest one being the world-known Wembley stadium. 

Whether you love watching or playing the world’s most popular sport, London is the perfect place to do so. Even those agnostic about the game can’t resist the buzzing ambiance of a football crowd. Or the community spirit when the home team scores a goal!  

So if you’re itching to see an Arsenal or Chelsea match. Or you just want to play a casual game in any of London’s biggest parks, you won’t be disappointed. Football is deeply ingrained in English cultures and you’ll find it everywhere!

Of course, for many this market brings a particular film to mind. Namely, fans of Notting Hill and Hugh Grant know its significance. But even if you’re not a fan or you haven’t seen it, you’ll lose your mind over Portobello’s antiques market. Which became the setting of the famous romance flick. 

Emerging in the mid 19th century, this famous market quickly became a hodgepodge of vintage culture.

Not only locals, but celebrities such as Meghan Markle and Elton John like to lose themselves in the 1500 stalls that fight for your attention and wallet.  

Amidst arcane items and collector’s books, there are stalls that cater to your taste buds too – in case you get hungry from all the shopping!

Not to get too sentimental, but Londoners are a darn good crowd to be around. They come in all shapes and sizes, and no one is like the other. 

In East London you’ll hang around with the cool kids in the vibrant music landscape London fosters in the summer season. Or visit the many cafes and trendy bars in the area. 

Up north, you’ll make friends at Regent’s Park and maybe even enjoy one of the best sandwiches in London. 

South of the river is full of numerous common grounds and parks available to the public. This place is not entirely hidden from the eyes of tourists. But you’re guaranteed to escape the flocks of tourists in venues like the Horniman Museum.  

And, finally, London’s poshest district. West Londoners will dazzle you with amazing sights and scenes. From the Museum district of South Kensington to the Knightsbridge shopping area, home of Harrods. 

Londoners are blessed to be in one of the world’s most captivating cities on Earth. Needless to say, they soak up what makes London so fascinating – a blend of cultures from all over the world, good food, great music, staggering venues and fine culture.

Of course, the 8 things we’ve outlined are certainly cool, but there is so much more to London. You’ll never be short of things to do or experience. 

But to truly become an honorary Londoner, why not experience what it’s like to live and work there? 

Beyond Academy offers you the chance to live out your career dreams in the city of your dreams. Sign up for an immersive internship program in London to take full advantage of this amazing city! 

Our internships also feature day trips that will uncover even more unique things that make it so cool.

And if London isn’t right for you, we have exciting internship programs in Seoul, Paris and Tokyo. As well as many more world-wide cultural hubs – 14 in fact! 

With Beyond Academy you’ll easily get to grips with London life and land a career placement that you’ll never forget!