London by a Local - 3 Days
Nicole Ladonne Blair
Available for hire
See the sights of London through the eyes of a local. When I lived in London I learned which places are worth paying for, what can be seen and photographed from the outside, alternative (cheaper!) skyline views, and the best local pubs and restaurants.
51 Places • 55 Saves • ago
Free

Day 1 - Southbank and Embankment

My favorite thing to do in London is to walk along Southbank. Start your day grabbing food and coffee at vibrant Borough Market. I recommend a cheese toastie at Kappacasein and coffee at Monmouth, but there are plenty of options for every taste!

South Bank
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Borough Market
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Monmouth Coffee Company
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Kappacasein Dairy
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As you stroll along Southbank you’ll pass Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. If you have the interest and time it’s worth a tour, or you can buy tickets and come back for an evening performance - which is an even better way to see it.

You’ll also pass by Millenium Bridge, with a great view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Grab a photo here!

Shakespeare's Globe
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Tate Modern
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Next up is the Tate Modern. Here I believe the most interesting exhibits happen in the basement, or The Tanks! Pop down and see what’s going on.

And now you’re ready for a pint! Grab a spot on the river at nearby Founder’s Arms. I’d also recommend ordering a scotch egg here.

The Founder's Arms
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Continue on until you reach The London Eye. Take photos, but pass on the ride! You’ll get a better London skyline view tomorrow!

lastminute.com London Eye
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Instead, make your way across Westminster Bridge. On the other side of the river you’ll find Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey is definitely worth a tour. It houses the burial places of so many historical and literary figures, and is a breathtaking building.

Westminster Abbey
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After the tour you’ll be feeling peckish. Make your way down the river to Gordon’s Wine Bar. This is London’s oldest wine bar, and you can choose to dine outdoors, or in the underground wine cellars! (Go for this!) Pick out your own cheese and charcuterie board, and select a unique bottle of wine to enjoy!

Gordon's Wine Bar
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If you’ve saved room for more, amazing dinners can be found in both nearby Covent Garden, or London’s Chinatown. Here are a few of my top choices, depending on what you fancy!

For steak:

Flat Iron Covent Garden
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For curry:

Dishoom Covent Garden
@nicoleladonne
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Details

For dumplings:

Dumplings' Legend
@nicoleladonne
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Details

Day 2 - History, Parks, and a View

Start your morning with the best views and great food at Aqua Shard. As breakfast is leaps and bounds cheaper than dinner here, you’ll get an impressive meal that you can linger over while taking in all of London, for around the same price or less than paying for a ticket to The Shard’s viewing gallery! Pro tip - use the restroom here! The views continue even in there! Be sure to make a booking early for this one.

Aqua Shard
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Full and inspired, you’re ready to take in some history. The Tower of London is not to be missed. Take it from me, I’ve been at least a half a dozen times. Everyone heads straight to the Crown Jewels, which are lovely, but the White Tower and the chapel are my favorite bits. Take the tour with the yeoman, it’s worth it.

Tower of London
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From here, I would recommend a bus to the British Museum. Climb up to the second level, and try to grab windows in the front! What a way to see the city!

If you’re feeling hungry again, you’ll not want to miss afternoon tea at the British Museum. It’s served under the gorgeous roof of the Great Court. Take your time exploring after tea, and take note of any lectures or talks that may be going on! These can be fun and informative to sit in on.

The British Museum
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After getting your fill of tea, cakes, and historical artifacts, get back on the bus or take the tube west. Get off around Victoria, and stroll over to Buckingham Palace and Fountain. Big photo ops here!

Buckingham Palace
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You’re going to want to see Hyde Park. Walk on over, and into the park. Walk along the Serpentine. If you’re in London near the holidays, you’ll find a gigantic Christmas market called Winter Wonderland! In the summer there may be concerts or festivals going on.

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Details

Now that you’re in West London, an affordable dinner will be a little harder to find. Here are some of my recommendations depending on your taste.

For Indian (needs to be booked early!):

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Details

For tapas:

Tapas Brindisa South Kensington
@nicoleladonne
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Details

For pub grub:

The Windsor Castle
@nicoleladonne
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Day 3 - Greenwich and East London

Most likely you’ve been using an Oyster card to get around the city by bus and tube. Did you know that Oyster card will also take you on a boat?!

The Thames Clipper will pick you up at many stops along the river, including Westminster, London Eye, London Bridge City and Tower. Take this west, to Greenwich.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - Westminster Pier
@nicoleladonne
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Walk past the Cutty Sark clipper ship (grab a photo!) and head over to the Old Royal Naval College. These buildings are gorgeous and you may recognize them as background sets to many a period drama! They are definitely worth exploring, before heading up to Greenwich Park.

Old Royal Naval College
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Greenwich Park
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The hill up Greenwich Park may look daunting, but the views from the top are well worth it! When you reach the summit, it’s also worth checking out the Royal Observatory where the prime meridian line passes through!

Royal Observatory Greenwich
@nicoleladonne
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When you make your way back down the hill, reward yourself with a pint and some pub grub at The Old Brewery.

The Old Brewery
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Details

If taking the boat back, get off at the Tower Millenium Pier. If tubing, head to Shoreditch High Street station.

You’re aiming for Brick Lane.

Brick Lane Market
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Book lover? I’m one to include a bookstore or library into every trip itinerary. If you’re a bookworm like me Brick Lane Bookshop is not to be missed!

Brick Lane Bookshop
@nicoleladonne
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Details

If music is more your thing, check out Rough Trade East. You’ll be the envy of your vinyl loving friends.

Rough Trade East
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Vintage fashion your cup of tea? Head to Brick Lane Vintage Market.

The Brick Lane Vintage Market
@nicoleladonne
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If you’re feeling the need to refuel during all this shopping, grab a salt beef bagel at Beigel Bake.

Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery
@nicoleladonne
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Details

If you’re here on the weekend, you could also check out the Truman Brewery Markets!

The Truman Brewery Markets
@nicoleladonne
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Details

If you’re now ready for something more substantial, here are my nearby dinner suggestions.

For views - grab a table at the rooftop bar and grill:

Boundary London
@nicoleladonne
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Details

For pizza:

Pizza East Shoreditch
@nicoleladonne
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Details

For upscale British:

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Details

For curry - worth the trek, order the lamb chops:

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Details

For kitschy but yummy fish and chips:

Poppies Fish & Chips
@nicoleladonne
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Details

If it’s your last night in London, grab a cocktail after dinner at Nightjar. A perfect little speakeasy with impressive and delicious drinks. Definitely book ahead!

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Details

Where to Stay

While London is extremely easily navigated by public transport, you’ll still want to be relatively central. My favorite area to stay is in Angel/Islington! It has a charming neighborhood feel, with lots of great cafes and restaurants.

Other wonderful and assesible areas are Kings Cross - that tube station will get you anywhere, Soho if you like the night life, Shoreditch if you’re trendy, and maybe a contentious choice, but one of my absolute favorite spots - Bermondsey. Here are some hotel options in each:

Islington

Citadines Apart'hotel Islington London
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Hilton London Angel Islington
@nicoleladonne
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Kings Cross

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
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The Harrison Pub & Hotel
@nicoleladonne
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Soho

The Soho Hotel
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Mimi's Hotel Soho
@nicoleladonne
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Keep in mind Mimi’s has very small guest rooms!

Shoreditch

The Hoxton, Shoreditch
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Boundary London
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citizenM London Shoreditch Hotel
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Bermondsey

Hilton London Tower Bridge
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The Dixon, Tower Bridge, Autograph Collection
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Shangri-La The Shard, London
@nicoleladonne
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The Shard is a huge splurge!! But if you can push the boat out, enjoy!

* * *
CURATED BY
Nicole Ladonne Blair
Available for hire
Hello! I’m Nicole! I’m a nomadic artist, writer, and photographer and have lived in Texas, Michigan, London, Hawaii, and now Virginia. I have travelled extensively through Europe, the US, and Mexico, and am the vacation planner and tour guide for everyone I know. I love everything about travel, and can not wait to share my favorite spots (especially my favorite places to eat!!) with you. Take a look through my guides and get in touch with me for custom planning services!
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London by a Local - 3 Days
Nicole Ladonne Blair
Available for hire
See the sights of London through the eyes of a local. When I lived in London I learned which places are worth paying for, what can be seen and photographed from the outside, alternative (cheaper!) skyline views, and the best local pubs and restaurants.
51 Places • 55 Saves • ago
Free

Day 1 - Southbank and Embankment

My favorite thing to do in London is to walk along Southbank. Start your day grabbing food and coffee at vibrant Borough Market. I recommend a cheese toastie at Kappacasein and coffee at Monmouth, but there are plenty of options for every taste!

South Bank
@nicoleladonne
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Details
Borough Market
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Monmouth Coffee Company
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Kappacasein Dairy
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

As you stroll along Southbank you’ll pass Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. If you have the interest and time it’s worth a tour, or you can buy tickets and come back for an evening performance - which is an even better way to see it.

You’ll also pass by Millenium Bridge, with a great view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Grab a photo here!

Shakespeare's Globe
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Tate Modern
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Next up is the Tate Modern. Here I believe the most interesting exhibits happen in the basement, or The Tanks! Pop down and see what’s going on.

And now you’re ready for a pint! Grab a spot on the river at nearby Founder’s Arms. I’d also recommend ordering a scotch egg here.

The Founder's Arms
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Continue on until you reach The London Eye. Take photos, but pass on the ride! You’ll get a better London skyline view tomorrow!

lastminute.com London Eye
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Instead, make your way across Westminster Bridge. On the other side of the river you’ll find Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey is definitely worth a tour. It houses the burial places of so many historical and literary figures, and is a breathtaking building.

Westminster Abbey
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

After the tour you’ll be feeling peckish. Make your way down the river to Gordon’s Wine Bar. This is London’s oldest wine bar, and you can choose to dine outdoors, or in the underground wine cellars! (Go for this!) Pick out your own cheese and charcuterie board, and select a unique bottle of wine to enjoy!

Gordon's Wine Bar
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

If you’ve saved room for more, amazing dinners can be found in both nearby Covent Garden, or London’s Chinatown. Here are a few of my top choices, depending on what you fancy!

For steak:

Flat Iron Covent Garden
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

For curry:

Dishoom Covent Garden
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

For dumplings:

Dumplings' Legend
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Day 2 - History, Parks, and a View

Start your morning with the best views and great food at Aqua Shard. As breakfast is leaps and bounds cheaper than dinner here, you’ll get an impressive meal that you can linger over while taking in all of London, for around the same price or less than paying for a ticket to The Shard’s viewing gallery! Pro tip - use the restroom here! The views continue even in there! Be sure to make a booking early for this one.

Aqua Shard
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Full and inspired, you’re ready to take in some history. The Tower of London is not to be missed. Take it from me, I’ve been at least a half a dozen times. Everyone heads straight to the Crown Jewels, which are lovely, but the White Tower and the chapel are my favorite bits. Take the tour with the yeoman, it’s worth it.

Tower of London
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

From here, I would recommend a bus to the British Museum. Climb up to the second level, and try to grab windows in the front! What a way to see the city!

If you’re feeling hungry again, you’ll not want to miss afternoon tea at the British Museum. It’s served under the gorgeous roof of the Great Court. Take your time exploring after tea, and take note of any lectures or talks that may be going on! These can be fun and informative to sit in on.

The British Museum
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

After getting your fill of tea, cakes, and historical artifacts, get back on the bus or take the tube west. Get off around Victoria, and stroll over to Buckingham Palace and Fountain. Big photo ops here!

Buckingham Palace
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

You’re going to want to see Hyde Park. Walk on over, and into the park. Walk along the Serpentine. If you’re in London near the holidays, you’ll find a gigantic Christmas market called Winter Wonderland! In the summer there may be concerts or festivals going on.

Add to
Details

Now that you’re in West London, an affordable dinner will be a little harder to find. Here are some of my recommendations depending on your taste.

For Indian (needs to be booked early!):

Add to
Details

For tapas:

Tapas Brindisa South Kensington
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

For pub grub:

The Windsor Castle
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Day 3 - Greenwich and East London

Most likely you’ve been using an Oyster card to get around the city by bus and tube. Did you know that Oyster card will also take you on a boat?!

The Thames Clipper will pick you up at many stops along the river, including Westminster, London Eye, London Bridge City and Tower. Take this west, to Greenwich.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - Westminster Pier
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Add to
Details

Walk past the Cutty Sark clipper ship (grab a photo!) and head over to the Old Royal Naval College. These buildings are gorgeous and you may recognize them as background sets to many a period drama! They are definitely worth exploring, before heading up to Greenwich Park.

Old Royal Naval College
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Greenwich Park
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

The hill up Greenwich Park may look daunting, but the views from the top are well worth it! When you reach the summit, it’s also worth checking out the Royal Observatory where the prime meridian line passes through!

Royal Observatory Greenwich
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

When you make your way back down the hill, reward yourself with a pint and some pub grub at The Old Brewery.

The Old Brewery
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

If taking the boat back, get off at the Tower Millenium Pier. If tubing, head to Shoreditch High Street station.

You’re aiming for Brick Lane.

Brick Lane Market
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Book lover? I’m one to include a bookstore or library into every trip itinerary. If you’re a bookworm like me Brick Lane Bookshop is not to be missed!

Brick Lane Bookshop
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

If music is more your thing, check out Rough Trade East. You’ll be the envy of your vinyl loving friends.

Rough Trade East
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Vintage fashion your cup of tea? Head to Brick Lane Vintage Market.

The Brick Lane Vintage Market
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

If you’re feeling the need to refuel during all this shopping, grab a salt beef bagel at Beigel Bake.

Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

If you’re here on the weekend, you could also check out the Truman Brewery Markets!

The Truman Brewery Markets
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

If you’re now ready for something more substantial, here are my nearby dinner suggestions.

For views - grab a table at the rooftop bar and grill:

Boundary London
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

For pizza:

Pizza East Shoreditch
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

For upscale British:

Add to
Details

For curry - worth the trek, order the lamb chops:

Add to
Details

For kitschy but yummy fish and chips:

Poppies Fish & Chips
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

If it’s your last night in London, grab a cocktail after dinner at Nightjar. A perfect little speakeasy with impressive and delicious drinks. Definitely book ahead!

Add to
Details

Where to Stay

While London is extremely easily navigated by public transport, you’ll still want to be relatively central. My favorite area to stay is in Angel/Islington! It has a charming neighborhood feel, with lots of great cafes and restaurants.

Other wonderful and assesible areas are Kings Cross - that tube station will get you anywhere, Soho if you like the night life, Shoreditch if you’re trendy, and maybe a contentious choice, but one of my absolute favorite spots - Bermondsey. Here are some hotel options in each:

Islington

Citadines Apart'hotel Islington London
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Hilton London Angel Islington
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Kings Cross

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
The Harrison Pub & Hotel
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Soho

The Soho Hotel
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Mimi's Hotel Soho
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Keep in mind Mimi’s has very small guest rooms!

Shoreditch

The Hoxton, Shoreditch
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Boundary London
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
citizenM London Shoreditch Hotel
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

Bermondsey

Hilton London Tower Bridge
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
The Dixon, Tower Bridge, Autograph Collection
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details
Shangri-La The Shard, London
@nicoleladonne
Add to
Details

The Shard is a huge splurge!! But if you can push the boat out, enjoy!

* * *
CURATED BY
Nicole Ladonne Blair
Available for hire
Hello! I’m Nicole! I’m a nomadic artist, writer, and photographer and have lived in Texas, Michigan, London, Hawaii, and now Virginia. I have travelled extensively through Europe, the US, and Mexico, and am the vacation planner and tour guide for everyone I know. I love everything about travel, and can not wait to share my favorite spots (especially my favorite places to eat!!) with you. Take a look through my guides and get in touch with me for custom planning services!
Send A Tip
Support Nicole Ladonne Blair’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Feeling overwhelmed?
Thatch can help.
Send a request and we'll handpick a list of Thatch-verified travel creators who would love to help with your trip.
No request is too big or small...
"Research places for beach trips this winter."
"Help me plan a romantic getaway to Milan."
"Find and book kid-friendly activities in Paris."
"Curate a walking tour of historic Berlin."
"Suggest wineries worth visiting in Napa."
You can relax now :)
Person laying on a bed relaxing
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Nicole Ladonne Blair Privacy Terms