Liz's Lizzie Line lineup

If you’re travelling to London for INTA 2026 you will almost definitely hop on the London Underground's Elizabeth Line to arrive at London's ExCel convention centre. And whilst ExCel might be the epicentre of the conference, it's just the beginning of your adventures in our capital city. With world‑class museums, historic landmarks, neighbourhood pubs and West End theatre, the hardest part is choosing what to do. To help, Elizabeth Mills has curated a guide to exploring London, organised along Elizabeth Line stations, which runs right across London.

 

Custom House for ExCeL

Make leaving the area fun by taking the Emirates cable car across the Thames to North Greenwich, a £6 gondola ride over what I like to call the “Dangleway”.

 

Don’t confuse North Greenwich with Greenwich. Greenwich is leafy, historic, and home to landmarks such as the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark and the Fan Museum, plus a lively weekend market.

 

North Greenwich, on the other hand, is home to the O2, London’s hub for concerts, sports, indoor skydiving, outlet shopping, and activities like “Up at the O2”. I’ve heard that Mamma Mia! The Party is a great choice if you're an ABBA fan and have already seen ABBA Voyage several times.

 

Canary Wharf

There’s much more than high-rise office blocks. The Estate has spent years injecting culture into the area with public art, large outdoor screens and free events listed online.

 

Year‑round activities include:

• Fairgame – adults‑only fairground games across a 75‑minute session.
• Electric Shuffle – a neon‑bright modern shuffleboard bar.
• The Cube – a real‑life version of the TikTok‑famous competitive challenge box.

 

Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street sits between history, nightlife, and some of London’s best late‑night snacks (Polo Bar is a 24‑hour café across the road). Nearby Shoreditch, Spitalfields, and Brick Lane offer vintage markets, street art tours, and remarkable food. Brick Lane’s curry houses draw tourists, but Londoners are more likely to head to Drummond Street or East Ham for Indian food. Brick Lane is better known locally for its beigels, specialist cafés, and chocolate shops.

 

For history lovers, Liverpool Street is perfectly placed for:

• The London Mithraeum – a Roman temple beneath Bloomberg’s HQ, free to visit.
• The Guildhall – Home to an art gallery and the remains of a Roman amphitheatre.

 

You can also explore the City of London’s newer architectural trend: free rooftop viewpoints, created as planning‑permission trade‑offs. Book ahead for popular spots like the Sky Garden, Horizon 22, and One New Change’s rooftop terrace overlooking St Paul’s.

 

Farringdon

Farringdon hides fascinating cultural spots and a surprisingly strong Italian heritage, reflected in its delis and architecture. During the week, Leather Lane and Exmouth Market overflow with street‑food stalls.

 

Top picks include:

• The Postal Museum & Mail Rail – ride miniature trains through former postal tunnels.
• Museum of the Order of St John – explore the history of the Knights Hospitaller and St John Ambulance.
• The Barbican – brutalist, beautiful, and a guaranteed place to get lost (bring a snack).
• The Charles Dickens Museum – best at Christmas, but charming year‑round.

 

Tottenham Court Road

This station links directly to many of London’s most famous attractions. Exit at the rear for the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Chinatown, Covent Garden and numerous theatres. Exit at the front, or get off one stop later at Bond Street, or Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Regent Street shopping.

 

Favourite nearby stops:

• Novelty Automation – satirical mechanical games powered by tokens.
• London Transport Museum – a brilliant look at London’s transport history, with an excellent shop.

 

Paddington

Paddington is more than a bear statue and a route west. A short walk leads you to Little Venice, a peaceful section of London’s canal network lined with narrowboats and floating cafés, including the legendary Cheese Barge.

 

Walk, run or cycle east along the canal to Camden Market and King’s Cross. Highlights along the way include:

• Coal Drops Yard – a stylish district offering pop‑ups and events.
• Word on the Water – a floating bookshop.
• Canal Boat Rides – including guided rides to Camden or themed trips from the London Canal Museum.

 

Nearby, the Museum of Brands offers a nostalgic journey through decades of packaging and advertising, perfect for INTA attendees.

 

And for the adventurous INTA delegate, some Non‑Elizabeth Line Bonus Picks.

 

Ceremony of the Keys (Tower of London)

A 700‑year‑old nightly ritual in which the Tower is locked up. Tickets cost £5 and are released monthly. Expect an atmospheric and entertaining hour with a Beefeater guide.

 

Theatre Tips

• Book early for the best prices.
• Check TodayTix, Amex experiences and theatre websites for deals.
• Use SeatPlan for seat‑view photos.
• Try TodayTix “Rush” tickets for £25–£35 same‑day seats.
• Seat‑filling sites like Central Tickets can offer heavily reduced options for concerts and comedy.

 

Hidden London

Explore disused Underground tunnels at Aldwych, Euston, Clapham South, and more. These tours sell out quickly and include discounted entry to the London Transport Museum.

 

Thames Boats

Uber Boat/Thames Clippers are great for sightseeing, but adrenaline‑seekers should try a Thames Rockets RIB speed‑boat experience.

 

Phantom Peak

A surreal, quest‑based immersive world (reopening soon). Hard to explain, easy to enjoy.

 

Food Halls

London is having a food‑hall renaissance. Try Seven Dials Market, Mercato Metropolitano, or the many halls scattered near major stations.