Ahhh, the United Kingdom. The magical home of the beloved ginger price, our One Direction boys, tea and scones, and the good ol' pubs with a substantially lower drinking age. Once you've nailed the perfect *candid* picture in front of a red telephone box with Big Ben popping in the background, there is so much to truly experience in London. I'm going to tell you seven places to see/things to do before you leave….

• 1. St. Christopher's Place ~ W1

This is my ultimate favourite place in London. A little square, tucked in behind a huge Selfridges department store, St. Christopher's Place is a charming and vibrant mix of shops and cuisine. Authentic Italian cafés and French crêperies provide delicious shopping breaks between browsing the boutiques. Escape the wilderness of Oxford Street by taking the alleyway entrance next to H&M and wander through the street to the secrete concrete garden.

• 2. The Children's Zoo at Battersea Park ~ SW11

Battersea Park, though smaller and lesser known than Hyde Park, is a gorgeous place to walk dogs, play sports, unwind, or… pet animals. After getting down and personal with pigs and goats, the park is an entertaining yet relaxing place to stroll. The Old English Garden was established in the early 1900s in honour many Londoners and is now partially supported by the fragrance brand Jo Malone. The garden patch is also a lovely place to pass by, and then there are the men of Battersea playing football (soccer), rugby, or cricket on the pitch. Shirts optional… unless it's cricket, of course.

• 3. The Phene Pub ~ SW3

The Phene is a beautiful pub in Chelsea, close to the River Thames. Owned by a member of “Made in Chelsea" cast, it's a perfect place to swap the pint for a bottle of champagne, the true Chelsea way. It's also a socialist's place to meet, so keep your eyes open for celebrities. (PS: Cara Delevingne lives in the area). The barman may or may not also give you a few cheeky Russian vodka shots on the house, but who knows. Definitely not spoken from experience.

Special shout out to meeting my freshman roommate at this very pub… and sitting two tables from Made in Chelsea stars.

• 4. The Camden Market Food Stalls ~ NW1

Camden Market is the ultimate destination for those of you on the look out for unique trinkets. Close your eyes and imagine cobbled streets that give way to the Camden Lock, colourful festival flags rustling in the summer breeze, and the smell of an assemblage of different ethnic foods being prepared in front of you. Once you've chosen your food, you can sit on old motorcycle seats by the water and watch the small boats pass by. The market is plastered with vibrant tapestries, handmade jewellery, leather jackets, and countless small ornaments you always seem to find a use for.

Last summer, I stood and took photographs of the market when a stranger came up and introduced himself as Levi. This older man, wearing an enormous Rasta cap, turned out to be the sweetest and most interesting chap, which I learnt after having an afternoon coffee with him on a picnic table at a nearby terrace café.

• 5. Mr Foggs ~ W1

Surely you can't go to the United Kingdom without having tea! Tea, or tipsy tea. What's the difference? “Bottomless teapots" of gin or champagne tea will make for a memorable afternoon. With vintage flags, a hot air balloon, weathered maps, and birdcages, the décor is a sight to see in itself. The return to Victorian times in this eccentric cocktail bar/tea parlour will give you a British experience not many tourist activities can offer.

• 6. The Cuban, Camden ~ NW1

You may be in London, but why not step into Cuba for the night? The Cuban is a restaurant and cocktail bar that captures the true Havana spirit. With tapas, paellas, curries, and stews, you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy…. Then it's onto the Cuban cocktails. “Flaming Kiss" with chilli vodka and cocoa liqueur will give a kick to your night, and there's a whole menu of “good ol' rum." On Mondays there's live comedy, Tuesdays through Wednesdays there's dancing, then Thursdays through the weekend expect to see a lot of live Cuban bands, DJ's, and happy hours. Oh happy days.

• 7. Punch & Judy, Covent Garden ~ WC2E

Punch & Judy is a landmark pub, built in 1787, and established in a place and time when puppet shows would be held to amuse the children of flower-sellers. The building was one of the few that survived the Blitz bombing during the Second World War, and has since kept its original construction. Its prime location allows for a proper English meal in the seating area, or drinks on the terrace overlooking the street performers. Covent Garden is a whirlwind of entertainment. And it's true British entertainment.

Enjoy, and cheers.