Born and raised in the heart of England’s capital, Amazon Austin is a Londoner through and through.
She is currently working for King’s College London as a diabetes researcher and lives in the south east with her fiancé. When taking a break from working with one of the world’s leading research programs, she loves heading into town to see what the glittering lights of the centre have to offer.
With 24 years of city experience under her belt, let’s take a look at Amazon’s City Insider: London
How did you end up in London?
I was born here!
Sell me your city in 100 words or less
London has everything you could possibly want from a city. With it being one of the most multicultural hubs in the world, anything you can imagine in terms of food, music and culture is only a tube away. Although it can be pricey for some of the main tourist traps, many of the attractions are free, meaning you can experience a day out for next to nothing in one of the greatest cities in the world!
Favourite places to grab some food and a drink
Camden is amazing for a first timer to London – with bars on the river and a really alternative vibe, there’s plenty of things to do. Lots of cocktail bars, craft beer joints and great food places.
The market is great if you are on a serious budget and they give out plenty of free food samples meaning you can eat for free if you want to! They also do happy hour on food at closing and you get tubs of food for £3. All my friends from foreign parts have said this was one of their London highlights.
Amazon’s #1 hang out
I personally like slightly lesser known hang outs and my favourite is a small piano bar under Charing Cross station called the Players Lounge and Kitchen. Open til 3am at the weekend, reasonably priced drinks and great piano tunes til the early hours. Lots of am-drams and lovelies there – a jolly fun night!
I need a memento of my trip.
What can I pick up to remember your city by?
A trip to Harrod’s or Selfridges may set you back a few quid but they do lovely tea in nice boxes giving you a flavour of London to take home. Covent Garden’s Tea House also has an amazing assortment at a more reasonable price.
If I had 24hrs in your city, what would you recommend I do?
Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, West End musical, High tea at the Ritz, Camden bargain dinner and a burlesque show at Proud Cabaret – you might not sleep but it would be totally worth it!
And If I wanted to get off the tourist trail?
There aren’t many unknown places left in London to be honest although there are lots of new pop up places every week. Check out Timeout London for alternative things to do the week you are here and you never know what you might find!
At all costs, avoid…
Madame Tussauds – it’s dull and ludicrously expensive.
Finally, any more words of wisdom on your city?
Two things:
Firstly, bring an umbrella and good walking shoes – London is so much better to see on foot!
Secondly, there is stuff to do on any budget here. Once you have your accommodation sorted – which I would book well in advance – you will have one of the best city breaks you can imagine!
Thanks, Amazon!
Photo credits: London Underground, Proud Cabaret, Tea House and Players Lounge and Kitchen Facebook pages.
In Seat Number 3 