London calling! Find the city’s best hidden gems with our expert tips

In this article, our own staff members share their top London tips: Finnair cabin crew member Maria Dejanova and pilot Riika Kaipainen have both also lived in London. 

Finnair flies from Helsinki to London several times a day, so it's easy to get to your favourite city!

Play Bridgerton at picnic 

Weather permitting, Maria Dejanova recommends packing a picnic lunch and heading to Chiswick House & Gardens to enjoy a summer's day in English style. 

"I also spotted this place in Bridgerton's season three," Maria says.

Walking along the park's beautiful paths, you can enjoy the atmosphere of your favourite TV series and picture yourself in 19th-century London. 

After the picnic, Maria recommends continuing from the park to the riverside towards Kew Bridge. There are several lovely English pubs and stunning views along the river. 

Personalised gifts from an antique shop 

In Chiswick, antique lovers should head to The Old Cinema antique shop. 

"The shop is bigger than it looks from the outside and the range is extensive, from jewellery to crockery and furniture. You'll find some great, unique gifts here," Maria promises. 

Pearls of Notting Hill 

Notting Hill, familiar to many visitors to London, is also one of Maria's favourites.

"My favourite restaurant, Gold, is the gem of Notting Hill.  You might need a reservation, and if you're lucky you might spot some celebrities," she says. 

In Maria’s view, the most beautiful streets in the area can be found near Holland Park metro station. Holland Park itself is also well worth a visit, she says. 

Second hand finds 

London is much more than its busy city centre, says pilot Riika Kaipainen, who enjoys the Hampstead district in north-west London. 

"Hampstead is an example of a finer, more dignified London in its truest form," she says. 

A short tube ride from the city centre, you'll find a clean neighbourhood with beautiful houses and the sophisticated feel of a prosperous area.

While walking around, Riika Kaipainen says she also stops by the many second-hand shops in the area. 

"Hampstead High Street's second-hand shops are great places to find incredible bargains," she says.

Walking around the shops you may spot unused designer clothes at bargain prices, so a visit could lead to the bargain of a lifetime. 

"I have made my best purchases in Hampstead and found Prada and Gucci items with price tags still attached!" Riika says. 

You might also see familiar faces when wandering the streets of Hampstead, as the area is favoured by many celebrities, including football players, as several of London's major football stadiums are located nearby. 

Sunday afternoon in a pub 

Riika often schedules her visits to Hampstead on a Sunday and enjoys a meal at one of her favourite pubs.

"Sunday afternoon in the pub is a big thing in Britain! It's where you meet friends and have a meal together," she explains. 

"For us Finns, the idea of lunch at a pub may sound a bit strange, but in the UK people go to pubs for a casual, affordable meal." 

At the historic Holly Bush pub in Hampstead Riika often chooses a traditional Sunday roast with chicken or turkey from the menu. 

"The best pubs have their own kitchen and menu – avoid the chain pubs," she advises. 

Lovely Richmond 

Maria has a soft spot for the Richmond neighbourhood, famous for its river views and parks.

"The river is lovely to walk along, especially at sunset. If you like English gardens and interior design, head to Petersham Nurseries for afternoon tea and shopping," she advises.

One of Maria's favourite restaurants is No. 1a Duke Street. The restaurant is open from mid-morning until late evening, so it's the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can also enjoy a cocktail in the restaurant's atmospheric courtyard. 

Maria also recommends taking a stroll in Richmond Park. 

"It's a large park, with planes flying overhead to Heathrow. If you're into plane spotting, this is your place. You can also see herds of deer roaming free in the park," says Maria.

Shoreditch in East London is a great place to get inspired by street fashion and spot the latest restaurant trends," says Maria. 

"If you're in East London on a Sunday, make a day of it with a visit to Columbia Road Flower Market, which has a lovely atmosphere and gorgeous flowers. After shopping for flowers, head to a local café." 

Break away from the hustle and bustle of the city 

When the crowds of London start to feel overwhelming and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Riika Kaipainen recommends a day trip – or even a longer one – to Windsor, a small city that is also popular with the royal family. 

"Many people only know about the famous castle, but the place itself is quite charming and worth seeing", Riika says. 

Windsor is close to Heathrow Airport, operated by Finnair in London. Finnair flies from Helsinki to Heathrow several times a day. Book your Finnair flight now. 

Riika, who has visited Windsor several times, prefers to walk around the small town and enjoys the British atmosphere with beautiful buildings and English flags in many places. 

Afternoon tea with swans 

Riika prefers to sip her traditional afternoon tea at the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel, a lovely place to recharge yourself in the middle of a day in the city. 

"Five o'clock tea is often considered “upper class”, but you can come here in plain clothes carrying your shopping bags," she says.

Along with tea, you can admire and feed the swans. 

"In summer, you can also rent a small boat to ride the River Thames and admire the beautiful views of Windsor Castle," Riika notes. 

At dinner time, Riika advises heading to The Boatman restaurant, where she usually orders the classic fish & chips. At the Boatman, you can admire the towers of Eton College across the river. For dessert, try delicious Eton Mess, named after the boarding school. 

"I recommend a table reservation if you want to sit outside, which is the best place in summer!" Riika hints. 

Cotswolds, "Hampton of the English" 

If you're excited to dust off the city and want to experience authentic English countryside at its best, Riga recommends checking out Cotswolds, which she calls the Hampton of the English. 

The area is home to many summer homes for wealthy Londoners, and the area surrounded by rivers is just an hour's train ride from central London. 

"Coastal areas, such as Brighton, are often crowded with tourists. At Cotswolds, you get to experience the authentic English moorland landscape at its most spectacular," praises Riika. 

Locals come here to ride and hike among horses and sheep. 

Accommodation can be found – in true English style – in the pub, of course. 

"In rural areas, a pub is not only for entertainment and eating out, but also for accommodation. The best places to stay can be found in pubs: modest, but cosy and clean accommodation with breakfast," Riika recommends.