New research found the average resident hasn’t been to at least three of the city’s most famous tourist spots.
London has some of the most iconic attractions in the world which draw visitors from across the globe. But one surprising group of people is missing out – Londoners. New research found the average resident hasn’t been to at least three of the city’s most famous tourist spots.
More than a quarter (27%) have never visited the London Eye, followed by Sky Garden (24%), The Shard (23%) and the Tower of London (23%), according to the survey by City Cruises.
It’s not out of lack of interest with 24% putting off seeing a local attraction for at least three years, while 4% have had a site on their bucket list for more than 10 years. The main problem is crowds, with 58% admitting that they avoid major attractions as they are thronging with tourists.
Sara Di Filippo, also known to her 1.5 million Instagram followers as @prettylittlelondon, has shared the hack she uses to enjoy the city and avoid some of its challenges.
She said: “What I’ve noticed from years of exploring London is that quite often tourists are better at experiencing the city than the people who actually live here.
“We tell ourselves that ‘we’ll get round to that attraction at some point’, but somehow it never happens, because we’re terrible tourists.
“The reality is that London evolves so quickly, and major attractions fall by the wayside while we explore new neighbourhoods, bars, restaurants and museums.”
Her number one tip is to see the city by river, where you can view many of the capital’s most famous landmarks at relatively close quarters but far from the crowds.
“Whether you’ve lived in London for six months or sixty years, seeing the city from the Thames brings a completely fresh perspective to the city’s major landmarks,” she said. “It’s one of those experiences that remind you why you fell in love with London in the first place.
“It’s one of London’s greatest attractions, but I think people overlook it because it’s always there.
“We spend so much time rushing around the city that we forget to actually enjoy it. You don’t need to escape London for a memorable day out. The best memories and sights are often sitting right under your nose.”
While 64% have taken a sightseeing tour, 27% have never seen the city by water.
Ian Hailes, commercial director at City Cruises said: “London is one of the most-visited cities in the world, but our research shows that locals need to adopt the tourist attitude in their own city.
“We may all be guilty of getting caught up in our own routines, but sometimes it can take seeing the city from a new perspective to reignite your love for exploring your home.
“The Thames has always lived at the heart of London, remaining one of the best ways to see all the city has to offer, and its most famous landmarks. Where else can you find yourself up close with the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London within the space of an hour?”
To see London in a new light – with views of most major landmarks, from Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral, to Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena – book a City Cruises Thames sightseeing tour.
Top 10 attractions Londoners have never visited:
- The London Eye (27%)
- Sky Garden (24%)
- The Shard (23%)
- Tower of London (23%)
- Cutty Sark (21%)
- Big Ben (20%)
- Tower Bridge (20%)
- Buckingham Palace (19%)
- Royal Observatory Greenwich (19%)
- Kensington Palace (18%)