25 November 2014 | Best Of London | By: Londonist

Youre sitting there, poring over travel brochures looking for an exciting new cultural experience before checkingyour dwindling bank balance and chucking them all in the bin.Or maybe you just dont have the time to jet off on an exotic holiday next year?Dont get your travel socks in a twist, its possible to experience some of the best ofwhat the world has to offer, without even leaving the capital.

Travel blogger and founder of World in London, Ed Hewitt, has picked his favourites:

Londons well known for its fantastic markets. But for something completely different try the authentically South American one in Seven Sisters. Its known locally as Pueblito Paisa and has been the beating heart of Londons South American community for decades. Stepping inside feels like youve actually been transported to Bogota. Latin beats blare, buzzingrestaurants serve up hearty Colombian soups, meats and empanadas, ladies get their nails done, guys drink beer while watching the football direct from South America. Spanish is spoken everywhere. The market is mainly Colombian, although other Latin countries are also represented.

Another fantastic option for multicultural adventuring is Ridley Road in Dalston. A hive of Ghanaian, Nigerian, Turkish, Bangladeshi and many other nationalities, its raw, yet brilliant. Dont think you need to go thousandsof miles to encounter a glazed sheeps head, or pick up a dried catfish. Its right here.

Of course there is Brick Lane, Chinatown and Brixton market but we feel they lack the raw authenticity of Seven Sisters and Ridley Road.

Neasden Temple is the largest Hindu templeoutside of India. Photo by J van de Pas via the Londonist Flickr pool

There are some incredible religious buildings in London. For the largest Hindu temple outside of India, head to Neasden Temple its hand-carved fromItalian marble and is an incredible work of art. Theres also Wat Buddhapadipa, an authentic Thai Buddhist temple in Wimbledon. The Greek Orthodox church, St Sophias on Moscow Street has incredible mosaics. The Central London Mosque wouldnt look out of place in the Middle East, the golden domes looking spectacular against the Regents Park greenery.

We all know that London is awash with restaurants representing cuisine from all over the world. But where to go for something really authentic or different which isnt just inhabited by Shoreditch hipsters? TryCentro Gallego which also doubles as the Galician social club on the Harrow Road (much better than the overpriced touristy tapas of central London). Or try the Palace for authentic Korean food in Londons Koreatown(thatsNew Malden to you and me). TheresGold Coast in South Norwood for Ghanaian delights (and awesome parties), el Rincon Quinteno on Holloway Road for a little slice of Ecuador, and Mestizo near Warren Street is the Mexican where actual Mexicans go. For something uniquely Central Asian try Kazakh Kyrgyz in Camberwell its decked out in beautiful Silk Road-style upholstery and has live belly dancing most Fridays.For even more suggestions, weve rounded-up the best food and drink options in London, bynationality.

Get even more intimate with great tastes of global flavours with some of the capitals excellent supper clubs. Highlights include Burmese fare with Dine with Kyi, Zoes Ghana Kitchen, Argentine Olis pizza supper club (complete with music) as well as some really lovely social enterprises highlighting global cuisine such as Mazi Mas, Cooking with Mama, and Papis Pickles

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Travel The World Without Leaving London