After experiencing some of the most fabulous places in London, I found it very difficult to narrow down my ten favorite spots. My most cherished places in London include restaurants, music venues, museums, and many more.

Brick Lane (note the Toy Story characters on the sign)

Brick Lane: I fell in love with Brick Lane the moment I stepped out of the tube station. The area is filled with hidden gems. You are guaranteed to find a store that tickles your fancy. There are people from all walks of life in Brick Lane, making it one of the most cultural areas in London. This area is also very inspirational. Everyone who visits Brick Lane has incredible style. I like to take note of what people are wearing and try to put my own spin on it. The best day to visit Brick Lane is on Sunday. There is a fantastic market that sells everything from food to clothing.

Teriyaki Chicken Donburi at Wagamama

Wagamama: Wagamama is my absolute favorite restaurant! I eat at this local spot at least once a week. The restaurant was inspired by traditional Japanese ramen bars and serves very tasty dishes. I always have the best experience when I dine at a Wagamama. The service is great and the food is incredible. I have found that my favorite dish is the Teriyaki Chicken Donburi. The meal is served with rice, spinach, carrots, and kimchi, which adds a tangy flavor. Wagamama is sure to provide amazing service and food.

Flowers at the Borough Market

Borough Market: Borough Market was a great London find. I could spend all day here! The market is located in Central London and offers food from every part of the world. You can take your pick among bratwursts from Germany, Indian food, Thai food, and traditional English food. The market also offers an amazing selection of pastries. Macaroons, fudge, chocolate, anything you could ever want!

Views from the Alexandra Palace

The Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace: I had the pleasure of visiting the Alexandra Palace in September to see a concert put on by The 1975. The venue has always been a recreation center for the people of London. It houses events, concerts, and exhibitions. The Alexandra Palace is situated on top of a hill that gives views of London in every direction. When I come back to London one day, I will be sure to see another concert here!

The Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

A piece of graffiti artwork in Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel: One of my tutors took my class on a tour to the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel under Waterloo Station. I live near the station but had no idea that the tunnel existed! English graffiti artist Banksy set up the tunnel as a space of inspiration and artistic expression. The walls of the tunnel are completely covered in artwork from hundreds of different artists. Just spending fifteen minutes in here will inspire you to pick up a spray paint can.

The skate park in Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre: The Southbank Centre is just around the corner from my flat. This part of town offers access to a lot of cool London places. From the Centre you can walk to Big Ben, the London Eye, the British Film Institute, and the Royal Festival Hall. There are also tons of restaurants and desert places in the area, my favorite being Snog, a frozen yogurt joint. The Southbank Centre also has a large community of skaters, bikers, and rollerbladers. There is a small skate park in the area where people can skate and hang out with friends.

The Camden Market

Camden: Another one of my favorite places is Camden. This borough of London offers shopping, food, and music. Whenever I venture to Camden I always have to weave through the market. Here you can find all sorts of little knick-knacks. There is also a great food market here where you can have fresh food and cocktails! Camden is a great place to go for the day and have lunch, shop, and listen to some live music.

A cup of hot chocolate at The Breakfast Club in Soho

The Breakfast Club: The Breakfast Club is the best place to get brunch in London! The restaurant is very small so there is always a long wait, but it is completely worth it. The menu ranges from bacon and banana French toast to eggs Benedict. This little restaurant is tucked away in Soho but offers brunch that you will crave for years!

Chanel Exhibit at The Saatchi Gallery

The Saatchi Gallery

The Saatchi Gallery: The Saatchi Gallery is my favorite gallery in London. When I visited the gallery there was an incredible Chanel exhibit created by Sam Taylor-Johnson titled “The Private Apartment of Mademoiselle Chanel.” The Saatchi Gallery features exhibits that really capture the different cultures from around the world. It almost feels like you’re traveling all over the world when you walk through the gallery.

The best chicken burger at Nando’s

Nando’s: Another one of my favorite restaurants is Nando’s. This restaurant serves flame-grilled chicken that is absolutely divine. My favorite is the Chicken Butterfly Burger. When ordering you choose from a range of sauces that have varying degrees of hotness. They come in flavors like lemon and herb and mango and lime. Nando’s is the best place to go for a delicious hearty meal.

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Alexa is a current student at Colorado State University studying at University of the Arts London (UAL) in London during the Fall 2014 term.