To know me is to know my undying love for London. I’ve adored the city since I was a teenager, although I’ve never quite been able to put my finger on what draws me to it so intensely. Of course there’s the fashion, and the architecture, and this buzzing energy, but the best way I can describe it is to say that no other city I’ve been to inspires me the way London does.
I was so excited to visit after nearly 4 years away, which is the longest stretch I’ve gone without my London fix since I first visited at 17 years old, nearly 10 years ago. This time was extra special though, because it was Jonah’s first time in the UK and I was so excited to show him the London I’ve fallen in love with over the years. While I’m by no means an expert on the city (you can only explore so much when you visit for a few days at a time), by now I have my favourite spots solidified so I thought I’d share those in case anyone else is planning a trip across the pond!
TO DO
The National Gallery | The National Gallery is one of my favourite museums in London. I remember visiting with my mom as a teenager and both of us being so blown away by the space and the works inside (the wallpaper alone, how could you not drool). Most of the museums in London are free, this one included, so it’s the perfect spot whether you want to take a quick skim or spend a full afternoon (or rainy morning as we did).
The Imperial War Museum | This was actually my first visit to the IWM, but as Jonah is a huge history buff we had to head south to pay it a visit. The World War I gallery was expansive and so interesting, and their recently opened Holocaust gallery is a must-see.
The Victoria & Albert | The V&A does some of the best fashion exhibitions, and is a favourite spot of mine in the city. We just missed a Gucci exhibit that ended a few weeks prior to our visit, and we didn’t have much time to explore Kensington so we didn’t make it this time, but it’s a must-see especially if you love fashion and design.
The Natural History Museum | Yet another one of London’s glorious free museums, we popped in quickly on our evening walk through South Ken and it was a real-life Night at the Museum moment.
Hampstead & The Heath | In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated spots for visitors in the city. Most people I think tend to stick fairly central, but Hampstead is one of my favourite parts of the city for feeling like a real local. The high street feels like the cutest little village, and the Heath is just stunning to walk around (and you can get some great views if you know where to go!). I wish we had time to check out the Kenwood Estate at the north end of the park, but it will just have to wait until next time!
Marylebone & Soho | These two neighbourhoods are kitty-corner to each other and make for a very quintessential London stroll. In & around the Marylebone high street are some must-visit shops and cafés (Daunt Books, The Conran Shop, Airmail News to name a few), and the quaint streets of Soho feel like a trip back in time to the ’60s.
TO STAY
It’s no secret that hotels in London are mega pricey, and while we were on a bit of a budget for this trip, I think we found a real gem nevertheless. We stayed at the Georgian House Hotel in Pimlico and it was truly the perfect little spot. It’s housed in one of those classic Georgian townhomes that are so prevalent throughout the city, on a leafy street with a small park across the road. We had breakfast included which was truly delicious, the bed was super comfy, and the location could not have been better. I’m used to staying in west London, but staying super centrally this time allowed us to cover a ton of ground very conveniently. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Victoria station which has great tube and bus links. The area itself was also really great; we were just a short walk from Elizabeth St. in the heart of Belgravia, which has tons of cute shops & restaurants. Would absolutely stay here again!
TO SHOP
Westbourne Grove | I first stumbled upon Westbourne Grove with my mom completely by accident, during our first trip to London when we were staying on Portobello Road. We went for a walk to explore the area and came across a small side street that we decided to go down. To our surprise, the street was dotted with absolutely stunning shops, from Soho Home to Sandro to Sézane. I think we visited the street 2 or 3 more times during that trip, and I’ve visited every single time I’ve been to London since. It’s just the greatest selection of shops I’ve probably ever come across in such a small area. It feels like more of a local secret versus the crowds of Oxford and Regent Streets, and is just the cutest little area.
Seven Dials | Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Long Acre in Covent Garden is Seven Dials, which is essentially a junction of seven roads that converge to a little roundabout with a monument in the centre. It’s a super historic part of the city that’s one of my favourites for shopping. I definitely remember it being a little less chaotic last time I visited, but maybe that’s just me getting old (or the holiday shoppers)! There are your classic shops like Le Labo, Dr. Martens, and Urban Outfitters, as well as some must-see indies like Choosing Keeping and Grosvenor Prints (if only I had unlimited suitcase space!). Definitely a must-visit if you want to see something a little more quaint than Oxford St.
Liberty London | It wouldn’t be a trip to London for me without paying a visit to Liberty’s. Founded in the 1800’s, Liberty is perhaps best known for their stunning prints and fabrics. They are also a huge champion for independent and British designers, so I love popping in to see pieces that are more difficult to find elsewhere. If you’re visiting around the holidays, they also have an unmatched Christmas hall. It’s truly just the most gorgeous setting, no matter the season.
Harrod’s | I feel like it just wouldn’t be a visit to London without a meander through Harrod’s. The food hall is a sight to behold, and the clothing they carry is the best of the best (but you already knew that). Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s still a must visit.
Coal Drops Yard | Coal facility turned shopping centre, Coal Drops Yard is a somewhat new complex that is home to some really awesome shops and restaurants. We went after dark so it was hard to truly get a feel for the place, but it’s essentially an open-air shopping mall that was converted from a disused coal facility. If you’re into history and architecture like I am, it’s worth a visit for the restoration work alone. The shopping is also great; I got my Lavenham quilted jacket at their shop here but there’s also an MHL shop, Earl of East, and some other great independents.
TO EAT & DRINK
Artist Residence | On the ground floor of this oh-so-chic hotel is the coziest little restaurant. It was actually around the corner from where we were staying, so it made for the perfect first dinner as it allowed us to get home to bed nice and early. Their chicken schnitzel was so delicious, as was the negroni.
Campania | An east London gem, Campania serves up some of the best pasta I’ve literally ever had. They make all the pasta fresh and it seems like the menu rotates out quite frequently. We has the pappardelle with beef ragu and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Pavilion Bakery | The cutest little bakery & café on Columbia Rd (although they have multiple locations around London). Stop in while you’re exploring the East End and be sure to grab a chai.
Borough Market | Somehow it was my first trip to Borough Market and I’m not sure what took me so long. It’s one of the largest and oldest food markets in the city, and it has a focus on quality food and sustainable production. Of note for me were potato latkes from Nana Fanny’s, a smoked salmon bagel from Oak & Smoke, and a classic meat pie from Pieminister. Come hungry and don’t make dinner plans!
Dishoom | I don’t think it would be a London food roundup without a mention of Dishoom. We went to their King’s Cross location at Coal Drops Yard, partially because we knew it was a larger restaurant so we would be more likely to get a table (or at least to minimize our wait time). Get the black daal, the chicken ruby, and the chicken berry Britannia biryani. I’m a massive Indian food fan and this was truly some of the best I’ve had.
Paul Rothe & Son | This deli in Marylebone has been run by the same family since 1900, and it is truly just the cutest place. They serve deli classics like soups and sandwiches but done so well, and we had the most perfect little lunch break here. It feels like a real community spot in the heart of the West End, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Gail’s | Another London institution, Gail’s is a must for a quick breakfast, a midday sit break, or a hot drink or treat to go.
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