London
City Guide
This is a very special city… my all time favorite! I’ve been lucky enough to visit London many times but even so it’s never long enough and I’m always ready to return. There is something about the rich (and royal!) history that hits home for me. Strolling through the trendy streets of Soho, spending the entire day walking on Marylebone Highstreet and hitting EVERY SINGLE shop (it’s my favorite area of all), running through Hyde Park, masking the chaos of Piccadilly Circus, or riding the tube like a local (which is crazy clean compared to the subway). I’ve taken a spin on the London Eye – the view is a dream, we’ve walked through the Tate Modern countless times, looked up at Big Ben, and stood out front of Buckingham Palace in sheer amazement . I really don’t think I could ever get enough of London..if I could pick a second home this is it!
If there is one thing I have learned about London is that it’s massive! It’s best if you plan your visit in terms of neighborhoods rather than specific sites. For example, charming Notting Hill…spend one day roaming along the cute residential streets then end up at Portobello Market for all vintage shops & cafes. Chelsea area— walking along King’s Road (tons of good shopping) and end up at the Sattchi Gallery. Good news, London is a very walkable so be prepared to get your steps in!
On my most recent trip this past May I took my mom and mother-in-law for their very first time. This was by far one of the most special memories I have…getting to see London through their eyes. We only spent four days in the city before training off to Paris (not near enough time) but we managed to squeeze in everything at the top of my list.
As a city so dear to my heart I’m excited to share my London favorites with you guys! Hopefully you are reading this and planning your next trip!
Yummy restaurant that serves breakfast lunch & dinner, super cool industrial vibe with an open kitchen – the roasted cauliflower pizza was great but next time I want to try their butternut & coconut soup.
Ham Yard Bar & Restaurant – Delicious food & great environment, their cocktail menu is delish. My mom got this drink called the Ham Yard Tonic that I was jealous of 🙂
Located in the top of the Herron Tower – gorgeous view of the You have to try their duck & waffles if you go! Mad ordered them but I ended up eating most of it!
Located in the Packham area is a super yummy restaurant serving contemporary European dishes, it’s fun to go and share a bunch of small plates.
A farm to table fresh restaurant, fun vibe, allover very healthy. Their homemade bread is divine.
This spot is a dream, it is kind of hidden gem as it only seats twelve people in the basement at beautiful marble bar, delicious food & amazing ambience. On top of it is a cool beer garden called Blue Post.
Located in Soho this is the coolest underground speak-easy-esque bar, it is a do not miss for a yummy cocktail.
If you’re in London during the summer don’t miss this rooftop bar, their mojito is delish!
So I haven’t been here but heard great thing about Rovi the new Ottolenghi restaurant, it is vegetable focused (but not only veggies!). It’s on my list for next time.
Located in London’s Marylebone neighborhood is an old firehouse transformed into a hotel (owned by the same group that owns the Chateau Marmont in LA). There are only 26 guestrooms; this is a gorgeous spot for a romantic getaway. The restaurant is also not one to miss! My mom and mother-in-law went here and shared tons of plates and drank tons of yummy wine. One of my favorite evenings we had.
Lux per usual for the Edition hotel! It’s a great stay, conveniently located right on the edge of Soho, gorgeous rooms and great service. Berners Tavern is located in the hotel, great restaurant.
Amazing hotel in a great location. As you know can’t go wrong at a Soho hotel.
I’ve only rode the London Eye once and it was on this past trip, to be honest I was always a little hesitate because it felt very touristy. But I am so glad I did, the view is amazing, and I have the best memories’ from it.
Fun area near Kings Cross, full of cool boutique stores all designed by Thomas Heatherwick. Don’t miss IYOUALL, an incredible home goods store.
A travel focused book store I love to go and spend a while there getting inspired for my next trip!
You can’t make a trip to London without experiencing Dover Street Market; it is high fashion shopping heaven.
Liberty is a super fun department store that has everything from men’s, women’s, & children’s clothing to cosmetics to home goods, to stationary & gifts.
I love a good art museum, if you do as well don’t miss out on the Tate Modern, they hold the UK’s national collection of art as well as international modern & contemporary art.
As much as I love an art museum I also love strolling through art galleries, here are a few that I love; Victoria Miro, Pace Gallery, David Zwirner, & the Marian Goodman Gallery.
If it is a gorgeous day you’ll see tons of people enjoying the beautiful Hyde Park, its somewhere I wish I could spend more time.