15 Unique Things To Do In London (That You Won't Find On Trip Advisor)

11. Check Out The Traffic Light Tree

While you're in Canary Wharf, you may as well take a few minutes to visit one of the most interesting sculptures in London, the traffic light tree. Created by French sculptor Pierre Vivant, the eight metre tall 'tree' contains 75 fully operational, computer controlled traffic lights arranged on metal branches.
Standing on a roundabout next to the famous Billingsgate fish market, it's a slightly dystopian sight, especially considering the lack of vegetation surrounding it. But it's also quite beautiful, especially when lit up at night with it's customary red, amber and green hues. It should be noted that the traffic light tree is purely decorative and is not used to direct traffic in any way. We think.

10. Explore The Tropical Gardens In Barbican

Why schlep out all the way to Kew gardens, when there are tropical plants to be discovered in central London at the heart of the concrete, modernist jungle that is the Barbican. The Barbican is a fascinating place in itself, a 1960s residential estate built in the brutalist style that houses a school, museum and labyrinthine arts and conference venue, the largest in Europe.
At the heart of the complex, you will find the second biggest conservatory in London, which houses a 'tropical oasis' of plants, birds and exotic fish. The gardens are not always open to visitors, so you need to check ahead of time, but it's well-worth heading to Barbican anyway to take a look around and get thoroughly lost.