London is one of the most visited countries in the world and it’s no question as to why! From its incredibly diverse food scene, exceptional shows and nightlife, and rich history around every corner, London is by far one of the most magical cities I’ve been to!
There is something for everyone around every London corner. The museums are endless, the art is incredible, the tea is constantly flowing, and the historic buildings are seemingly never ending! It’s so easy to be a tourist in this big city, but it doesn’t take long to feel like a local…
…And lucky for me, one of my internet besties, Faye, IS a London local, and she has hooked us up with some of her best recommendations! So grab some tea and scones, and let’s get started!
Where to Stay:
London and the surrounding suburbs have so many cute neighborhoods to stay in! I would suggest staying along the Central tube line for easy access. Additionally, King’s Cross has a lot of hotels and is centrally located. Here’s a list of hotels to check out:
- Mama Shelter
- St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel at King’s cross
Where to Eat:
While England as a whole is not known for its cuisine, London is a different story. The city is such a cultural hub, and the food scene definitely reflects that. I personally cannot recommend curry in London more!! London is a foodie city, and there are hundreds of cuisines to choose from, so here are some restaurant recs (pro tip, make reservations in advance. They’re a must in London):
- Sticks and Sushi (I spent close to 500 pounds at this restaurant and it was worth every penny. It’s a chain but all are excellent)
- Chick n’ Sours
- J Sheekey
- Circolo Popolare (owned by the group that owns Pink Mamma in Paris! Get the Carbonara which is served in a parmesan rind)
- Ave Mario
- Dean Street Townhouse
- Little Social
- Brat
- Dishoom (a very well known + trendy spot for Indian food, also a chain)
- Gloria (Also owned by the same people who own Pink Mamma in Paris)
- Padella
- Honey and Smoke
- Hovarda, Soho
- Yokocho, Mayfair
- The Florist, Watford
If you’re looking for a little bit more of an experience, I’d definitely recommend a Market. London has some of the cutest markets for shopping and eating. Here are some recommendations, but be sure to look up when they are open, because some of these are only open on the weekends:
- Broadway Market
- Borough Market
- Maltby St Market
- Brick Lane Market (vintage shopping!!)
- Flat Iron Square
- Mercato Metropolitano
- Lala Land
- Seven Dials Market
- Vauxhall Marketplace
- Spitalfields Market (food carts and shopping, located by Brick Lane, so do this for lunch and then head to Brick Lane for some vintage shopping)
And of course, you can’t go to London and not have tea! Here are a couple fun spots for afternoon tea:
- Sketch (very popular and trendy)
- Fortnum and Mason (most well known/ classic)
- Searcys at the Gherkin
- Linnaean Living, Embassy Gardens, Vauxhall (more affordable option)
- Mr. Fogg’s House of Botanicals
Shopping:
You KNOW that London’s shopping game is on point! The city is so chic, so obviously their shopping has to match! From Oxford Street, to the West End, the options are endless! Here are some of my favorite places:
- Oxford Circus- main road with tons of shopping (not boutiques, more mainstream stores)
- Regent Street
- New Bond Street (designer shopping)
- Brompton Road (Harrods)
- Burlington Arcade
- Westfield Shopping Centre (massive/ hectic)
- Liberty Department Store
- Selfridges
- Brick Lane Vintage Market (huge underground vintage market)
- Shoreditch (cute boutique shopping)
- Colombia Road
- Camden- Grungy, vintage shopping
- Bicester Village (Discount designer village about an hour from London by train)
- Broadway Market (lots of food and boutiques)
- Coledrops Yard near King’s Cross
- Battersea Power Station
- Redchurch Street in Shoreditch (mix of high end and boutiques, go to bakery called Jolene when you visit)
Things To Do:
Past the obvious West End for a show, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, London Bridge, etc, there are so many other areas to check out. Here are a couple neighborhoods that would be a perfect destination for an afternoon wander. Grab a coffee and a coat and get lost in any of these suburbs:
- Camden (a grungy part of town with lots of vintage and thrift shops. Go here if you want to get a spontaneous tattoo/ piercing)
- Notting Hill (just adorable and quaint. Watch Notting Hill and then go explore. Check out this guide to colorful houses in the neighborhood).
- Shoreditch/Hackney (trendy and cute. Lots of good boutique shops and yummy food. A great area to explore on an open afternoon)
And there you have it! Your full guide to a fabbbbulous trip to London. London is a city of magic, so you’re sure to have an absolutely magical time. Enjoy!!
Stay tuned, and we sure to watch my Instagram to see upcoming travels!
Xoxo,
Hannah
