10 Reasons Why You'll Fall in Love with London

There had been other crushes before. But that time was different. That time I simply fell hard, fast and head over heels.

I was seventeen years old and I was completely, immediately, in love with London.

I loved everything about it, like those teenagers flirts where you love everything and you are blind to differences and problems, I was completely in love. I loved the Tube, the architecture, the free museums, the business of Oxford Street, the squirrels in Hyde Park.

I was in love.

I had to move there.

I first moved to London a year later using the excuse I wanted to learn English. I moved there without knowning much about the city but I still remember clearly the feeling of being totally overwhelmed with such a grand city.

I then moved to London permanently in 2008 and since then, it has been my favourite city in the world, the place I chose as my base and my adopted home.

As part of our #4monthstogether campaign, here are 10 reasons why, I believe, you will also fall in love with London.

1. Diverse culture and true meltin' pot

The reason why I love London this much? Mainly because when you live there, every day, you feel like you are travelling the entire world without boarding a plane. Just simply by crossing the city by bus or tube, you will have the opportunity to see people from all over the world. Fancy eating French? There are plenty of great restaurants all around town. Want a taste of Africa? Then head to the African Centre. Want to eat real Brazilian açai? Well, head to Bermondsey where you will find authentic markets.

2. Amazing, weird and FREE museums

In London, there are all the sorts of museums you would expect to find in a big city: history, war, modern and ancient art, maritime, science and portrait galleries. Most of them are free which is a massive plus if you consider the high cost of living in London. Another plus point is that London also features weird and very unique museums like the Pollock’s Toy Museum, Freud Museum and the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

3. Caffeine

Yeah, I haven't gone mad. I know the UK and London in particular is the world's capital of tea, but I am a coffee drinker so I will just mention the magnificient coffee-shop scene in London. London is filled with a huge amount of internet-connected cafes where you can spend time working, reading or just chilling.

4. All sort of free stuff

I know, I know. London is uuuuuber expensive and it's hard to make ends meet while living there. However, there are plenty of museums - as mentioned above, activities and things to do for free all year round.
Think about the Notting Hill Carnival, Gay Pride, the Sky Garden, The Angel Comedy Club and so much more.
For more details, read this blog post to find out all the other free events in London.

5. Music, tunes and vibes

Let me just say that David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and Adele were all born here. There must be a reason why so many great artists started and blossomed in the British capital. I have to say that wherever you go in London, you will be bombarded with open mic nights, free live events and festivals. Most international artists have a date or more in London during their worldwide tour so it's easy to see all your favourite bands and singers just by staying in London.

6. The rest of Europe on your doorstep

I never travelled as much as when I was living in London. With its 5 airports and international train connections (do you know you can catch a train to Paris and Brussels from St. Pancras?), Within an average of 2-hour flight, you can be swimming in Barcelona, eating pizza in Rome or exploring Vienna at weekends. Easy peasy.

7. The Architecture

Wherever you are in London, you will be amazed by the diverse architecture around you. It's not unusual that while wandering the city you will see a medieval building alongside a shiny, sky-scraper building. Getting lost in the British capital is throughly a walk through history.

8. The Parks

Despite the pollution, London is one of the greenest cities in the world and there are around eight million trees in London. Can you imagine that 47% of the capital is covered in green space? That's about half of the city!

Without going to Richmond Park, in central London there are seven beautiful parks, including Kensington Gardens and Hyde, Regent’s, Holland, Green, St. James’ and Battersea Parks.

9. The great beauty

Some people might not think of London as beautiful. But for me, taking a walk along the Southbank promenade, getting lost in Soho or seeing Big Ben once more, everything looks incredible and beautiful.

10. The Brits

Sorry Americans and Aussies, I just LOVE the British accent. I truly do, I worked super hard to replicate it (with minor results) but I love it. And I love the Brits too. At first I could not get their humour, but now I think it's brilliant, subtle and funny. Yes, even when they complain about the weather.

What do you think about London? Love it or hate it? Let us know in the comments below.

Which city are you in LOVE with? What if you could live there, rent-free, for 4 months? Well Spotahome is giving you that chance! Tell us in a video or photo the CRAZIEST thing you would do to live together with the city of your dreams, and it could become a reality! #4monthstogether

Looking for accommodation in London? Look no further than Spotahome!