London’s hidden gem's you need to hit this summer. -

Gen-Z have done it again, swarming over our buzzing, bright city of London. Home of some of the UK’s most beautifully diverse and magical pockets of culture. And an easy guess at their tactics is TikTok yet again. To those who aren’t afraid to gatekeep and share the world the hundreds of treasures London has to offer.

From exquisite food markets, underground thrift stores, and artistic installations. Here we will delve into some of the most cutting-edge spots in London whilst cutting the price. Whether you’re a thrifting baddie, coffee babe or artsy hottie vibing through the city, here are 5 hotspots curated just for the Gen Z taste palette.

Starting off with a personal favourite, let’s see if you can guess it. Street art at every corner? Check ✅ Mouth-watering dishes from a handful of different cultures to choose from? Double check ✅. Thrift central? Triple check ✅. And finally, we can’t forget the hidden gems of nightlife in the area. Home to one of the most popular clubs in London, XOYO. Had a guess yet? The spot only for indie icons to congregate. Shoreditch. An artistic, lively, and wallet-friendly hangout for you and your friends to discover.

(images shot by Emily Jemal)

Next up on the agenda is a more laid-back coffee and matcha stop that will stop you in your tracks, with rooftop bars hosting DJs that (I promise pass the summer vibe check you’re looking for). With gallery strolls at every turn, there’s an extra treat for our caffeine lovers, as the streets are packed with charming, independently run cafes where you can hide away from the scorching heat. The black-coloured heart of Camden still beats for punk and goth lovers, looking for an adrenaline rush and something spontaneous.

Piercings from as low as £2 or cheeky tattoos to spice up your look, more thrifting for spiced-up early 2000s punk rock gear, and delicious brunch on a budget in the centre of it all. One of the best and my favourite parts, which I’m sure you’ll agree, is the Wetherspoons in the centre watching over the canal. What more could a broke student crave than a cheap pint by the canal? It doesn’t stop there, baby, oh no. You haven’t had the real Camden experience until you’ve stood at the food market for 20 minutes deciding whether you want a Sunday roast stuffed in a gravy-filled wrap or been won over by the spices and sweet aroma of Thai and Chinese dishes served at the infamous food market in the heart of Camden.

Looking for something with an extra kick of flair? Jump on the tube to Hackney Wick for pure essence of grunge culture, we’re talking Canalside raves, re-purpose warehouses and for vegan babies, dozens of pop-up food stores to take your pick on. Hackney Wick is not polished. It’s raw, swarmed by passion-filled skaters, emerging musicians and lovers. Top tip from me is to catch a live performance at Grow, Hackney, providing you with a flood of music and food with the comfort of knowing sustainability.

London’s edge doesn’t just come from money, it comes from the creativity of Gen-Z communal chaos, vibrancy and passion. These juicy hotspots are living proof that you can live your devils wears Prada lifestyle on a budget this summer.