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London’s Central Line: 25 Free Things To Do Along the Tube Line

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A local’s guide to the best hidden gems and things to do along the Central Line on London’s Tube, from secret gardens to free museums and more!

London’s Central Line, a bustling tube route, stands out as one of the city’s most heavily traveled lines.

It boasts renowned tube stations, including Oxford Street, Lancaster Gate, Stratford, Holborn, and St Paul’s, contributing to its popularity.

Thus starts a new series of articles on The Working Line, with the best free things to do on London’s Central Line.

From medieval sites to secret gardens and other really unusual places to visit in London for free, you’ll find here plenty of things to do and spice up your bucket list!

London’s Central Line: 25 Free Things To Do Along the Tube Line

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I lived in Bethnal Green and Mile End for over a year, and while I’ve moved around London a lot, I will always remain an East London girl at heart.

From Liverpool Street to Queensway, you’ll find here plenty of cool and non touristy things to do in London.

Pretty useful if you’re living in London on a budget, or even if you’re planning a romantic date and can’t splurge!

Which are the Main Stations on London’s Central Line?

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Photo: LondonTubeMap

I thought it would be nice for you to be able to see what stations are on the Central Line in London, so here goes.

At some point, I’ll tell you about some of the best hidden gems at the end of the Tube lines, but for today, we’re going to be focusing on rather central activities.

If you’re interested in secret places, I’ll mention and link to plenty of these as we go along the Central Line, so keep an eye out for all kinds of hidden gems in East London, South, West and North!

Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line Around Holborn

Let’s start with Holborn, one of the oldest neighborhoods in London, which also happens to be one of my favorites.

I’m a sucker for secret alleyways and historic streets, and Holborn, along with Barbican and Clerkenwell, is where you’ll find most of these – but not only.

You’ll find many hidden gems in Holborn, from Cloth Fair to the Charterhouse, all very much worth a visit if you enjoy historic places and beautiful architecture.

Don’t forget to pop by the secret church of St Bartholomew the Great, which requires a bit more walking but is gorgeous in all ways possible.

Free Things to Do in Holborn, Central Line: The Charterhouse

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Photo: LondonChurchBuildings

First up, we’re going to be taking the Central Line to Holborn, then, and visit the Charterhouse.

Dating back to 1371, this is one of the oldest, and most beautiful buildings in London, and was originally established as a Carthusian monastery, before serving as a Tudor mansion, a school, an almshouse and a private residence.

Inside, you’ll find a beautiful chapel and one of the most unusual and free museums of London, in addition to a tiny curated garden.

Read: The Prettiest Hidden Courtyards and Secret Gardens in London

Free Things to Do in Holborn, Central Line: Sicilian Avenue

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Photo: @igor_eezo via TimeOutLondon

Closer to Covent Garden, Sicilian Avenue is a historic street famous for its Edwardian buildings.

Looking for a taste of Italian culture in London?

Sicilian Avenue is a place to visit absolutely, especially when it’s sunny, as the plays on light on the Sicilian-inspired arches and columns are very much reminiscent of those you can admire when in Italy.

One of the best free photo spots in London, if I may, especially given the grandeur of Sicilian Avenue’s entrance.

Free Things to Do in Holborn, Central Line: The British Museum

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Photo: SmithsonianMag

My favorite way to access the British Museum is by walking along Museum Street, one of the prettiest streets in Central London, very local, with tiny coffee shops and colorful houses.

While the British Museum in itself is not a hidden gem, it does not stop me from visiting every chance I get, as the collections of Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek and Roman art pieces are nothing if not breathtaking.

Don’t miss the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian Gallery during your visit to the British Museum.

The best part? The museum is entirely free!

Be sure to drop by early to avoid the substantial queues that tend to form.

It just so happens that we’re close to the Sir John Soane’s Museum and Lincoln’s Inn Fields, two historic places you won’t want to miss.

Read: The Best Things to Do in Camden Town

Free Things to Do in Holborn, Central Line: St John’s Gate

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Photo: @skyeoneill via TimeOutLondon

We’re still close to Holborn, but are moving to the Clerkenwell neighborhood, known in London as Little Italy due to the concentration of Italian shops, restaurants and people – one of the dreamiest neighborhoods in town in my opinion.

In Clerkenwell, make sure to visit another medieval gem, St John’s Gate.

Erected in 1504 as a component of St John’s Priory, the former English hub for the Knights of the Order of St John, this gate stands as the sole survivor of the priory.

Amidst the Tudor architecture prevalent in Holborn, Clerkenwell, and Chancery Lane, St John’s Gate stands out as one of the most well-preserved structures to date.

Read: The Most Secret Places to Eat in Central London

Free Things to Do in Holborn, Central Line: Sir John Soane’s Museum

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Photo: MainlyMuseums

When I was last in London – I keep moving to London and back to Rome, until I move back to London later this year, I visited the Sir John Soane’s Museum for the first time, and could not believe my eyes.

Located in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, right off Holborn and Southampton Row, the Sir John Soane’s Museum is one of the best hidden gems in Central London.

The former home of Sir John Soane’s, a famous architect who lived in the 18th century, is filled with sculptures from all parts of the world, from Roman sculptures to Egyptian busts.

Come early, or you might have to queue for at least half an hour!

Read: London’s Secret Bakeries, Bageriet Covent Garden

Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line Around St Paul’s Cathedral

We’re now moving away from Central London with the Central Line, and we’re going to spend some time around St Paul’s Cathedral.

You’ll find many famous sights and hidden gems near St Paul’s Cathedral, and I’ll mention here a couple of my favorite places to visit when I’m around.

Free Things to Do near St Paul’s, Central Line: The Reflection Garden

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Photo: PremierConstructionNews

Let’s start with the Reflection Garden, one of the tiniest and most secret gardens in London.

What I usually do is walk down Watling Street, one of London’s oldest streets, until I reach the Reflection Garden and take some time to, well, reflect.

You have a few benches around and an immaculate view of St Paul’s Cathedral, even more striking as it’s clearly visible through the water of the pond built in the middle of the Reflection Garden.

It’s a perfect place to write, read, relax, have a picnic and whatnot, before walking towards Southbank and the Millenium Bridge, only a couple of minutes away on foot.

Read: The Coolest Shops in Covent Garden

Free Things to Do near St Paul’s, Central Line: Free Rooftop at One New Change

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Photo: MadisonLondon

Before you make your way to Southbank, though, pop by the rooftop at One New Change, which is completely free and offers a straight view on St Paul’s Cathedral.

One New Change also houses one of my favorite shopping centers in London, with Oliver Bonas, Mango, and a few other high-street brands.

At the top of One New Change, the Madison is a perfect place to go on a romantic date and have a drink and a bite.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair

Free Things to Do near St Paul’s: Paternoster Square

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Photo: SquareHighways

Hidden behind St Paul’s Cathedral, Paternoster Square is one of the best hidden gems in London, and often host to the Gillie and Marc endangered animal sculptures.

London Bridge and Tower Bridge also often see the Gillie and Marc sculptures set in an enticing art trail, but Paternoster Square also offers incredible architecture.

You can rest at the bottom of the Corinthian column at the center of the square, and there are a couple of study cafes, should you want to read or rest, and food shops to get a bite there too.

What’s interesting about the Paternoster Square Column is that it is a reconstruction of the original column destroyed during the Blitz in World War II.

Plus, walking around Paternoster Square allows you to get striking views of St Paul’s Cathedral, namely from the bottom of Canon Alley.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane

Free Things to Do near St Paul’s: Inner Temple Gardens

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Photo: ArtDistance

If by any chance you’d like to discover one of the best hidden gardens of London, you’re going to walk to walk from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Inner Temple gardens.

This will require you to walk for about 15/20 minutes, as Temple is not on the Central Line, but believe me, you want to see this.

Nestled within the Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court in the City of London (as mentioned earlier, Lincoln’s Inn Court is another), you’ll discover the tranquil Inner Temple Gardens. In close proximity, the enigmatic Temple Church awaits.

Temple Church is one of the City of London’s exceptionally secret churches, distinguished by its stunning architecture and adorned with effigies of Knights Templar.

The serene ambiance of both Temple Church and the Inner Temple Gardens offers a peaceful escape.

As you navigate the labyrinthine Inner Temple area, you’ll uncover numerous hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Indeed, all around Temple Station, too, statues, sculptures, and buildings with beautiful architecture unravel London’s rich history.

Read here my guide to the historic Temple area and its hidden gems, from Fountain Court to the secret poetic sundial in Elm Court, photogenic columns facing Temple Church and more.

Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line Around Bethnal Green & Mile End

Let’s now hop on the Central Line again, and make our way to East London – next stops, Bethnal Green and Mile End!

East London is filled with hidden gems, beautiful parks and free museums, although it might be better known for its incredible Neapolitan pizza places and vintage shops.

Both Bethnal Green and Mile End feel very local, more than Brick Lane and Shoreditch, which attract more tourists – and yet, you have plenty to do there.

Free Things to Do in Bethnal Green, Central Line: Young V&A Museum

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Photo: DeMatosRyan

The Young V&A Museum, for starters, is located on Cambridge Heath Road, a couple of minutes away from Bethnal Green station.

Formerly called the V&A Museum of Childhood, the museum features a diverse collection of games, toys, and costumes from different eras.

Even if you’re not traveling to London with kids, the Young V&A Museum is still a must-visit, free museum to experience childhood and its evolution over the centuries.

Read: The Prettiest Colorful Lattes in London

Free Things to Do in Mile End, Central Line: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

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Photo: SLBI

Oh, how this takes me back!

I used to live about 5 minutes from Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, and while in France, where I come from, cemeteries are burial grounds, the UK taught me that they can also become nature reserves.

Mile End is located right after Bethnal Green on the Central Line, and you’ll have to walk about 10 minutes to reach the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park.

Established in the mid-19th century, the cemetery, part of the Magnificent Seven like Abney Park Cemetery and Highgate Cemetery, was closed for burials in 1966 and later transformed in the park it is today.

It’s probably one of the most secret places to visit in London, especially compared to places like Oxford Street or museums, but with its Victorian gravestones and gorgeous nature, it’s a must-see in my book.

Read: The Prettiest Floral Coffee Shops in London

Free Things to Do in Mile End, Central Line: Ragged School Museum

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Photo: RaggedSchoolMuseum

The Ragged School Museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Mile End, as it gives us insight on 19th century ragged schools, charitable institutions that provided free education, meals and clothing to poor children.

From Mile End station, you’ll have to cross Mile End Park to reach the Ragged School Museum, and I promise you, this one’s a jump back in time.

The historical character of the original Ragged School was preserved by the museum, with artifacts, furniture and documents that recreate the Victorian classroom as it was.

Read: The Magical Alice in Wonderland Places in London

Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line Around Liverpool Street

Let’s make our way back to the edge of Central London now, hopping on the Central Line to reach Liverpool Street.

I’m very used to Liverpool Street’s study cafes, shops and markets – but there’s more to see there.

Free Things to Do near Liverpool Street, Central Line: Whitechapel Gallery

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Photo: WhitechapelGallery

The Whitechapel Gallery is located close to Liverpool Street Station and Aldgate East, and there, you will be able to enjoy contemporary art pieces by emerging and established artists.

If you want to start with a bite, Dulce Coffee and Grounded are two amazing places to have breakfast, and they’re also both halal cafes.

This is one of many free art galleries London offers, another one being the White Cube in Bermondsey, and the Whitechapel Gallery actually dates back to 1901.

Socially-committed sculptures, paintings, photography – the mixed media gallery is a place to visit absolutely when close to Liverpool Street, and also happens to house one of Whitechapel’s best restaurants.

Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Camden

Free Things to Do in Liverpool Street, Central Line: Bishopsgate Institute and Library

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Photo: Inigo

Once you’re done, come closer to Liverpool Street station and discover the Bishopsgate Institute, another one of London’s cultural institutions.

The Bishopsgate Institute is a completely free study space, for those who need to work on their laptops, and for others, you’ll want to visit because of the impactful social, cultural and historical collections the institute offers.

From music to literature and dance, the Bishopsgate Institute also hosts events and workshops all related to London’s history and contemporary issues.

Close by, you not only have the Eataly food shop I’ll talk about below, but also the Charnal House and its medieval ruins – one of the most unusual spots in London, out in the open, yet so secret.

Read: The Best Free, Cheap and Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf

Free Things to Do in Liverpool Street, Central Line: Window Shopping at Eataly

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Photo: Issuu

Now, I said we’d be talking about completely free things to do on London’s Central Line, and as long as you’re just coming to visit Eataly as you would a museum, we’re absolutely there.

Eataly is one of the best Italian food shops in London, and one of the only that sells everything from crisps from the 1936 brand to fresh mozzarella and chinotto from the Lurisia brand.

There are plenty of Italian cafes in London, too, with some of my favorites being located in Soho and Holborn, but for some fresh and strong coffee near Liverpool St, pop by Eataly.

Read: Cheap Eats in London: Where to Eat Lunch Under £5

Free Things to Do in Liverpool Street, Central Line: Old Spitalfields Market

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Photo: OldSpitalfieldsMarket

After Eataly, you can still roam around Liverpool Street Station, since the Old Spitalfields Market is located right across.

A mix of street food, fashion and antiques is what awaits you at the Old Spitalfields Market, but there are also a couple of makeup shops around you can pop by just to see the latest releases.

For instance, even if you don’t want to go shopping that day, SpaceNK is one of the only shops in London that offers the incredible Sol de Janeiro products.

You have some of London’s oldest streets around the Old Spitalfields Market, and when you feel like you want a change of scenery, walk up Hanbury Street.

At the end of Hanbury Street, you’ll find the Brick Lane Vintage Market, one of my favorite markets in Shoreditch, which doesn’t necessarily call for a purchase, but will make you fall in love with vintage designs.

Read: The Best Neapolitan Pizza in Central London

Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line Around Oxford Circus & Tottenham Court Road

Hopping on the Central Line to get closer to Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road now – did you know you can find lots of hidden gems on Oxford Street?

Sure, people mostly visit the shops on Oxford Street, but you’ll find many free things to do in the area.

Free Things to Do in Oxford Circus, Central Line: Soho’s Hidden Gems

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Photo: LikeLoveLondon

One of them is popping by Soho to see the street art – from Wardour Street to Dean Street, you’ll not only see beautiful graffiti but also incredible architecture.

My favorite hidden gems in Soho would definitely be the food spots, many of which are tiny and hidden away from the curious eye.

For instance, Elan Cafe on Wardour Street is a must-visit if you’d like to discover what a pink cafe looks like in London.

Harry Potter lovers, you’ll want to pop by Minalima, a Harry Potter shop, museum and gallery opened by the designers behind the saga.

And if you get a tiny bit hungry, just know you have many options, as there are many cheap eats in Central London, including:

Read: The Best Harry Potter Locations in London

Free Things to Do in Oxford Circus and Oxford Street: Free Rooftop at the Post Building

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Photo: RodicDavidson

I mentioned one of my favorite rooftops to get free views of London earlier in this guide, but since we’re close to Tottenham Court Road, let’s visit the rooftop at the Post Building.

We’re actually not too far from Holborn and the British Museum, so you could literally create a full Holborn bucket list and include the Post Building rooftop in there.

This is one of the newest free rooftops in town, along with Horizon 22, opened in 2023, and if you feel that you need a breath of fresh air at some point, that’s a good place to visit.

Read: The Cutest Bakeries in London

Free Things to Do in Oxford Circus & Tottenham Court Road: The Outernet

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Photo: DigitalAVMagazine

About 10 seconds from Tottenham Court Road station, you’ll find one of the most unusual highlights of Central London with the Outernet building.

You have a rooftop restaurant in there, but what will catch your eye is the stream of ever changing landscapes which almost feel like mini-movies.

The Outernet building always attracts many tourists and locals, and if you have some budget to go shopping, you have one of the biggest TK Maxx in London further down Charing Cross Road, with makeup, fashion, jewelry and candles galore.

Read: The Best Vegan Breakfast in London

Free Things to Do in Oxford Circus & Tottenham Court Road: Window Shopping at Timothy Oulton Shop

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Photo: AMNY

Since Timothy Oulton is one of the most luxurious homeware shops in London, we’re not even going to think about spending money here, but it’s still a must-visit shop.

Located on Tottenham Court Road, Timothy Oulton is one of the most unique shops in London, complete with a space capsule, astronauts and columns made of books.

It’s been a favorite of mine ever since I first discovered it when coming back from work in Oxford Street and going to take the bus to North Finchley, where I also spent a few months.

Ultra colorful, ultra posh, this is a properly British shop that pushes imagination beyond socially-set boundaries.

Read: The Most Beautiful Temples and Churches in London

Free Things to Do in Oxford Circus & Tottenham Court Road: Wellcome Collection

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Photo: WellcomeCollection

Walking down Tottenham Court Road, you’ll find many different budget shops, bookshops, cinemas and restaurants.

When you reach Euston Road, take a right and after a few minutes, you’ll find the Wellcome Collection, a free library and museum that explores anatomy, medicine, art, and the human experience.

It’s a perfect place to study if you don’t have budget for coffee shops, but it’s also one of the most unique museums in London, interactive, with a vast collection revolving around history and science.

You could start with brunch around King’s Cross, visiting Coal Drops Yard, and walk your way to the Wellcome Collection too.

Or, if you’re really looking for only places to eat on a budget, there’s a Lidl on Tottenham Court Road with really great pastries for breakfast!

Read: The Most Beautiful Castles and Palaces in London

Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line Around Queensway & Lancaster Gate

Now that we’ve visited a bit of East London and Central London, let’s take the Central Line again and make our way to Queensway and Lancaster Gate, both with a strong posh influence.

We’re here in one of London’s prettiest neighborhoods, with all-white buildings and fancy cars, and that’s where you can go when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and Marble Arch.

Free Things to Do in Queensway & Lancaster Gate: The Italian Gardens, Kensington Gardens

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Photo: RoyalParks

Lancaster Gate station is located almost right across the Italian Gardens, one of my favorite places to read in London.

When the sun is shiny, this part of Kensington Gardens comes alive with its fountains, Italian statues and beautiful views.

Whenever it’s that time of the year when I don’t live in Rome but take a few months to enjoy London, the Italian Gardens is a place I’ll visit as often as I can.

Not only to feel the Italian influence, but also because it’s one of the quietest and prettiest natural spots in London.

Read: Why the Leicester Square Sculpture Trail Should Be on Your Bucket List

Free Things to Do in Queensway & Lancaster Gate: Conduit Mews, Paddington

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Photo: PennaSpillo

About 10 minutes away from Lancaster Gate station, Paddington’s Conduit Mews are one of the most colorful places you could wish to see in London.

Since this is a residential area, you might want to pay attention to the noise you make when visiting.

This is, however, a well-preserved mews street that is now on many influencers’ bucket lists, as it’s not only multicolor but also a great place to see fall foliage in London when the time is right.

Plus, you’ll find many hidden gems in Paddington worth seeing, and the streets nearby are so beautiful that you shouldn’t miss out on this one.

Read: The Prettiest Villages to Visit in London

Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line Around Notting Hill Gate & Holland Park

Let’s now go even more West, and with the Central Line, we’ll hop off at Holland Park station, after which we’ll make our way to Notting Hill Gate.

A few of the best hidden gems of West London are located around these two stations, mostly colorful, natural, with of course, many instagrammable cafes and food spots to relax.

Free Things to Do in Notting Hill Gate & Holland Park: Dutch Garden & Kyoto Garden

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Photo: @biankaoana via Millenium Gloucester

At Holland Park, one of the biggest parks in town, we’ll start with the Dutch Garden, a curated and colorful place in the style of a traditional Dutch Garden.

Hedges, colorful flowerbeds and symmetrical designs are all to be found there, in addition to a beautiful fountain behind which you’ll find the Orangerie Arcade frescoes.

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Photo: GardenVisit

Not even five minutes from the Dutch Garden, enter a whole other world with the Kyoto Garden, designed in the style of a traditional Japanese gardens.

We have quite a few stunning Japanese gardens in London, but this one, complete with peacocks, cherry trees, bamboo and koi carps, makes for one of the best.

This is indeed one of the best places to admire cherry blossom in London, and you might want to visit as early as possible to escape the crowds, especially if you’d like to meditate there.

Read: The Best Cheap Day Trips from London

Free Things to Do in Notting Hill Gate & Holland Park: Notting Hill’s Colorful Houses

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Photo: MariandtheCity

If you’re in search of more even more free things to do on London’s Central Line, I highly suggest exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Notting Hill with its colorful houses.

London abounds with colorful spots, and from Portobello Road to Lancaster Road, and charming mews just beyond Notting Hill Gate, there’s a wealth of sights to discover.

Uxbridge Street and Hillgate Place, for instance, are two colorful streets you’ll want to see.

Should you find yourself hungry, take a stroll down Portobello Road, known for its market featuring fashion, food, and antiques, all the way to Lisboa Patisserie.

For an authentic treat, indulge in their pastel de nata – among the finest in London, truly tantalizing.

Read: The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

London’s Central Line: 25 Free Things To Do Along the Tube Line

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There you have them, all the best, unique, and free things to do in London on the Central Line!

Hopefully, you’ll have found here many different secret places to visit, free museums and even snatched a couple of bakeries and street food spots along the way!

You’ll soon see here many more guides of this style, like these ones:

and many more!