The London Guide
General Tips
General Travel Tips
London is a magical city made up of lots of smaller neighborhoods, each with their own charm. It is impossible to see it all in one trip and while public transport makes it easy to get around, you can spend a lot of time in transit if you’re not careful. I’d recommend planning your time around the neighborhoods!
If you’ve never been to London before, the history of the city is incredible and everybody should spend a little time at the “tourist” sites (think Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, etc.) Once you’ve checked them off your list though, there’s so much else to see!
Staying in London
I’ve always stayed fairly central in London (Soho, Mayfair, Convent Garden, etc.) as I find it makes it easiest to jet off to the various neighborhoods I’d like to see.
I love the Soho House family of hotels and particularly love Kettner’s in Soho and Dean Street Townhouse (also nearby). They have the most lovely atmosphere and while they’re a little more than I’d usually pay for a hotel, they make the whole stay luxurious.
Eating in London
Restaurants
Bocca di Lupo (Convent Garden)
There is such a cool energy in this place. It’s great for bar dining or a table in the back and the food is impeccably made Italian. The whole place feels really refined and all the staff really know what they’re talking about. I loved sitting at the bar and watching as the team churned out the incredibly delicious food. It’s close to the theater if you need a spot for before or after, but a really great spot on any evening.
Gymkhana (Mayfair)
Potentially the best Indian food I’ve ever had. This place feels like old school London and the menu is sophisticated, delicious Indian food - exactly what I hoped to get when in London. You will want to try everything so definitely recommend coming with a handful of people so that you can order a lot and share! Also, the cocktails were delicious!
The Palomar (Chinatown, near Picadilly Circus)
This small Israeli restaurant is a hot ticket (so definitely get a reservation). The vibe inside feels almost like a refurbished diner that has only been reopened for those who know the secret and the food is unbelievable. Really fun experience. The pita is incredible. Need I say more?
The Wolseley (Mayfair)
You will walk into this restaurant, look up and your draw will drop to the floor. The architecture of this space is unbelievable, it feels like you time travelled into a earlier, far more glamorous era. Brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, evening drinks or dinner are all fabulous here - although the vibes will naturally vary based on when you’re there. Even if you can’t swing a meal here, highly recommend just taking a quick look in if you’re nearby!
Darjeeling Express (Mayfair)
Featured in an episode of Chef’s Table, Darjeeling Express has an all female cooking staff and supposedly incredible food (I have been dying to go but haven’t made it myself). It's a cozy but energetic atmosphere and perfect for a date or with a group. Do make a reservation though!
Berner’s Tavern (Bloomsbury)
This space is incredible. Feels like you’re eating inside the Met or the Louvre and the bar is gorgeous. It helps that in addition to all that, the food is delicious! I ate here for lunch but I’m sure it would be even more magical for dinner. Definitely a fancier vibe but I’m sure bar dining would also be fun and a slightly more low key experience. Highly recommend!
Chiltern Firehouse (Marylebone)
This is another one of those “on every list” spots. Built into an old firehouse, this restaurant has had many lives and is still thriving today. It’s hard to get a reservation here, so plan ahead (and if you can, sneak your way into their secret bar!). This is a great spot for late afternoon drinks as well, if you can’t swing the reservation!
Ottolenghi Notting Hill (Notting Hill)
Ottolenghi has a handful of restaurants throughout London and all of them have great reputations. The Notting Hill location will not be as difficult to get into as some of the others and specializes in Southern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine.
Granger + Co (Notting Hill)
Another spot with multiple locations. Granger + Co is an Australian style coffee/brunch spot. I’ve been told that you 100% must order the banana hotcakes. My recommendation with Notting Hill is to get up one morning and roam around this neighborhood and this would be a perfect spot for a little sit down while you’re in the neighborhood!
Churchill Arms (Kensington)
With a facade decked in flowers and an interior serving pub drinks and thai food, Churchill Arms is a really fun combination. It makes sense why it appears on most London lists you’ll ever sea. For something that could quickly be overdone tourist destination, this is still a really fun spot!
Rochelle Canteen (Shoreditch)
One day, venture out to Shoreditch (which is known for it’s artsy vibe, galleries and shops) and when you do, eat lunch at Rochelle Canteen. It’s good for any meal but they’ve got a lovely outdoor garden and the menu is perfect for eating looking out at the english flowers.
Gunpowder (Spitalfields)
London is known for Indian food. Gunpowder is known for innovative Indian food. The Infatuation recommends the okra fries and Rasam Ke Bomb. This has more of an evening vibe and there are lots of great bars near by that you can roam to after!
Bars
Mr Fogg’s Residence (Mayfair)
This is one of a couple bars by the same group (across a few neighborhoods). They are all quirky with a fun old school, collected vibe. I’ve had so many people tell me to try one of them but of all their locations, this is the most recommended. Go later in the evening, I’d say after dinner drinks (but make a reservation).
Dalloway Terrace & The Coral Room (Bloomsbury)
Both of these restaurants/bars are located inside the Bloomsbury Hotel. Dalloway Terrace is a beautiful flowery outdoor terrace (open year round, they have heated lamps) while Coral Room is a moody, vibey cocktail bar indoors. Both are a great spot to stop in for a drink and a few nibbles while you’re walking around the neighborhood! (And goes without saying, but here I am saying it anyway, the flowers at Dalloway Terrace make it a great spot for you Instagram lovers!)
Bar Americain (Soho)
Tucked inside Brasserie Zedel (which I’ve also heard good things about, but am not quite ready to add to this list yet), Bar Americain is another dark wood, good vibes bar in the Soho/Mayfair area. It’s described by many as a “good grown up bar,” but keep in mind with the drinking age in Europe, this is a perfect spot for mid-twenty somethings.
Cahoots London (Soho)
This spot is kitschy. It’s built inside of an abandoned tube station and designed as prohibition era. I’d assume it’s a bit of a tourist spot but looks so cool that it’s absolutely worth a trip in my book! Make a reservation here as well (it’s a small space).
Sightseeing in London
As I said, there are some spots in London that feel like everybody should see. Based on what you like most in history lessons, you may be able to cherry pick from this list. But I’d recommend that everybody sees:
Tower of London
Westminister Abbey
London Eye
Buckingham Palace
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
There are some other more pop-culture stops that if you are in the right neighborhood are fun to stop by!
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Abbey Road (for you Beatles fans!)
The Parent Trap house
The Notting Hill door
In addition to the many historical sights (or more pop history sights), the exploring and shopping in London is also absolutely next level. It’s actually my favorite way to do London: spend each morning and afternoon in a different neighborhood. Goes without saying, wear comfy shoes!
Some of my favorites:
Liberty London
Selfridge’s
Joseph
Designer’s Guild