6 Most overrated sites to visit in London.

Planning a trip to London? Cut out the overpriced, underwhelming bits with tips from a local. Anyone who visits London for the first time usually comes with a checklist of sights to see. London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, The Shard, and the London Eye are always high on it but as a resident of London I can tell you, you have to lower your expectations a little otherwise you’ll be sorely disappointed. Below, my list of the most overrated attractions in town.

1. Leicester Square

I get the attraction of Piccadilly Circus, the lights and the buzz and likewise that of Oxford Circus, the shops hmmmm so many shops, but Leicester Square? Essentially, you're lining up for 40 minutes in the freezing cold (depending on time of year but some summer nights can get a bit chilly especially for those coming from Africa) to spend £12 on a cinema ticket and £7 on a bucket of popcorn. Chances are the cinema will be full as well so getting a prime seat might not be possible. There's a park in the middle of the square that's flooded with pigeons, while around the edges are overpriced, underwhelming restaurants. My advice, just go to and see it so you check it  off your list but go to a cinema and/or restaurant closer to you, the ticket and food will be cheaper, the queues shorter, less tourists and you’re less likely to experience drunk and disorderly behaviour. 

2. Eating in Chinatown

Every major city has a Chinatown, and London's isn't so special that it deserves a proper pilgrimage. If you're looking for good Chinese food, try Fortune Inn in Barking east London. Their special fried rice is amazing especially when you tell them to make it hot. Your food will taste better and cost far less and you’ll escape the tourists. 

 3. The O2 Arena

The Millennium Dome was a must-visit right through the year 2000, then it sort of became redundant. Now known as the O2 Arena, it's really only worth visiting for a concert. It takes a mission to get there, the journey there is quite awkward, it's full of overly excited teenagers and tipsy adults, and the dining options are largely overpriced fast food.  

4. View from The Shard

The Shard is quite the spectacle, dominant in the London skyline, so it's no surprise that going to the top is a popular box to tick on many a visitor's checklist. But paying £25 just to take the elevator to the crowded viewing platform? Don't do it. Instead, go to one of the bars at the top of the Shard and spend that money on cocktails. The panoramic views are just as good and the cocktails are great. But avoid Friday nights if you want to eat there because it’s crowded and very noisy and if you must go on a Friday then be sure to book a table well in advance.  

5. Riding the Bus down Oxford Street

London red buses are an international icon, and it makes sense that anyone would want to ride one. Just don't ride it down Oxford Street. What sounds like a fun idea is actually a painfully slow, frustrating and unexciting experience. Take a bus down any other street in London—for the same experience, it will go much more smoothly. Just be sure it’s during the day and seat upstairs. There isn’t much to see form downstairs. 

6. The London Eye

I have been on the London eye twice. Once just to check it off my list and then with my children just to check off their list. It’s fun for a few minutes then the novelty wears off and  you're stuck in your pod with up to 25 other people, making your way round for the rest of the half hour. And the views are not that great. You’ll be better off admiring the Eye from afar whilst taking a stroll on the Victoria Embankment.