This guide aims to provide a detailed list of the best spots in London! With over 170 places listed, it provides an extensive list of places to visit! The outline of the guide is as follows:
1. It lists about 75 Museums, which are organised by whether they are royal affiliated, art, history, or science.
- The list has 10 royal-affiliated museums.
- The 25 art museums are divided into whether they contain art of all eras or exclusively modern art.
- The 30 history museums are subdivided into whether they focus on general, literary, Roman and pre-Roman, or war-related history.
- The list also provides 7 science museums that I recommend visiting.
- I also provide details on how to save money on visiting museums.
2. The guide lists 12 of London's must-visit parks
3. The guide lists 16 sights and other activities.
4. The guide lists six of London's best markets, including details on when to visit them.
5. I provide a brief list of 15 of London's best restaurants broken into breakfast and lunch/dinner sub-sections. It's hard to go wrong with London's food scene, but this narrows it down since it is so expansive.
6. Since every trip to London is complete with enjoying the pub scene, I've provided a list of 6 of my favourite pubs.
7. This guide includes 9 of my favourite coffee shops throughout the city.
8. Another must for any visit to London, I've included a list of 5 afternoon tea spots I particularly enjoyed.
9. This guide includes 11 bars and nightlife spots throughout London for fabulous cocktails!
10. London is world famous for its shopping. I've included 14 shops throughout the city, broken into the sub-sections of department stores (3), bookshops (7), and others (4).
11. Enjoying London's theatre and entertainment options is a must-do in the city. I've included several suggestions for concert and theatre venues and a link to my comprehensive London's West End guide.
12. England's train system offers many opportunities to take easy day trips, so I've also linked my guide to 25 easy day trips from London.
This guide ends with information on day-by-day itineraries, how to get around London, and suggestions on where to stay.
This palace covers the history of William and Mary, Queen Victoria, and more! It is also a current royal palace and members of the royal family actively use it. I recommend using the audio guide throughout your visit but don't miss talking to the staff since they're so knowledgable.
This museum displays the royal family's stables, coaches, and cars. You can even meet some of the royal horses! A visit to the Royal Mews costs £28.00 and includes an audio guide.
This gallery rotates the royal family's impressive and valuable art collection. A visit costs £17.00 and can be converted to an annual pass to allow you to enjoy all of the exhibits throughout the year.
This museum outlines the history of the five Foot Guards regiments from the English Civil War to present. It is located under the parade ground of the Wellington Barracks and costs GBP 8 to visit.
This museum is one of the only surviving parts of the old Palace of Westminster and is dedicated to the history of Parliament and the history of the tower itself. A visit costs £8.50 or is free for English Heritage Members.
This museum is situated within the Horse Guards and costs GBP 10 to visit. You do not have to visit the museum you can also just attend the Changing of the Guard which occurs everyday at 11am.
A visit to the Tower of London costs GBP 33.60. Here I recommend prioritizing the Crown Jewels, the Beauchamp Tower to see the prison graffiti, and the chapel royal to see where several royals are buried . Additionally, if you can, attend the Ceremony of the Keys. This ancient ceremony occurs at sunset when the tower is locked for the evening.
Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent royal residence located in Richmond upon Thames, just outside London. Originally built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16th century, it was later acquired by King Henry VIII, who transformed it into one of his principal residences. The palace is renowned for its stunning Tudor and Baroque architecture, lush Gardens, and historical significance. Key highlights include the Great Hall, with its impressive hammerbeam roof, the Chapel Royal, known for its exquisite Renaissance woodwork and beautiful choir stalls, and the Maze, a famous and intricate hedge maze dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can also explore the State Apartments, which showcase opulent rooms and period furnishings, and the Historic Kitchens, offering a glimpse into the culinary practices of the Tudor era. With its rich history and beautiful surroundings, Hampton Court Palace provides an enchanting day out for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Windsor Castle is a magnificent royal residence located in the historic town of Windsor, Berkshire, England. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, it has been a royal home and fortress for over 1,000 years. Key highlights include the State Apartments, which are lavishly decorated and used for official functions and state occasions. The St. George’s Chapel, an exquisite example of Gothic architecture, is notable for its stunning interior and as the final resting place of several British monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I. Visitors can also explore the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, an impressive and intricately detailed miniature house. The castle’s Windsor Great Park offers beautiful landscaped gardens and sweeping views. With its rich history and architectural splendor, Windsor Castle is a must-see for those interested in British royalty and heritage.
This free museum is the nation's largest collection of British art, spanning the 16th to the 21st centuries. Its most famous section is the area dedicated to JMW Turner.
The standing collection is world-renowned and free to visit! Despite this, the Royal Academy of Arts is better known for its temporary exhibitions, especially the Summer Exhibition. These have a fee to enter but they're well worth it.
This free museum features portraits from the 1500s to modern day. It has special exhibits that cost extra but are currently on a "pay what you can" program. The basement former coal storage has been turned into a trendy cafe called "Larry's" that I recommend. The cocktails at Larry's are all themed after different portraits in the gallery.
This free museum features famous art pieces from across the world. In the busy season, there can often be a large queue so to skip the line book a timed ticket in advance.
This is a free museum that houses the art collection of Sir Richard Wallace. The museum is wonderfully decorated and the pieces are magnificent. I highly recommend visiting! It's quieter and more personal feeling than some of the larger museums but the quality of the artwork is still amazing. It also has a lovely private cafe inside.
This free museum is the former home the architect Sir John Soane. It's a bit quirky inside and very fun to walk around. The art, sculptures, and knick-knacks make for fun wandering!
This free museum is a little outside central London in Hampstead Heath. It houses the art collection of the Guinness Family and there are some amazing pieces here! It's also a film location for movies such as Notting Hill. The home itself is historical and has a very unique history that is worth learning about.
My guide told me that this was building was Britain's answer to the Sistine Chapel and I can see why! The ceiling is gorgeous! The audio tour was great but if you can join a guided tour they are very well done. The Old Royal Naval College is also a very popular filming location and they offer a film tour.
Located in Bond Street this townhouse was lived in by two of the world's most profound musicians centuries apart. Handel rented the home and the first three levels are dedicated to his life there. Hendrix rented an apartment on the top level and that area is a recreation of how it looked then.
This museum is about British Victorian painter Frederic Leighton. He extensively traveled the world and incorporated styles from his travelling into the home. A ticket to the Leighton House also provides you access to the Sambourne House and content about the community of artists in Holland Park.
This museum is within the home of Sir John Keats and discusses the life of the romantic poet. It focuses on Keats but also discusses the creation of the Romantics.
This small museum in Greenwich displays thousands of handheld fans worldwide. The museum has to rotate its collection regularly due to the quantity of its collection.
This free museum features the City of London's art collection. It has an extensive collection of pieces on London and one of the largest oil paintings in the world. In addition the basement features Londinium's amphitheater.
This free museum in Hyde Park hosts rotating modern art exhibits. It also has a gazebo in the back redesigned every year by an up and coming architect from around the world.
This free modern art museum is located in London's Southbank. It hosts rotating exhibits that usually cost additional, but the standing display is free.
This museum features a rotating exhibit of modern arts. They host special exhibits specific evenings that are worth being aware of! They also have a nice cafe inside that is worth a visit.
This is a modern art museum in the Southbank that has a rotating collection. Since it's a temporary exhibition space I recommend looking into what the current exhibit is before you go.
This is a very small public art gallery that is fun to pop into. It's a quick visit but hosts rotating exhibits so you'll always have something new to see when you come.
This is a free museum with a rotating collection of exhibits. They often discuss social and global issues. There is a neat library on the third floor that is a great spot to study!
This museum has an especially beautiful collection from the impressionists. It’s located within Somerset House which is worth visiting in its own. It’s also the former home of the Royal Academy of Arts so each room is gorgeous. If you can book in advance but not required.
Cute, small museum dedicated to modern Italian art. They do a great job providing context for how art and politics in modern Italy were and are intertwined. The museum has a cute cafe in a small garden with amazing Italian food.
This is the location of the Houses of Parliament. You can tour this facility by booking online through the UK Parliament. There are a few types of tours including a multimedia guided tour, English guided tour, State Apartments of Speaker's House tour, and Big Ben tour. All of these tours need to be booked in advanced.
If you're from the UK then these tour will be free but if you're not than the cost will depend on the type of tour and your age.
The only preserved home of Benjamin Franklin this London townhome was rented by Franklin from 1757-1775. The museum often hosts special events on American holidays that can make expats feel especially welcome!
This free museum hosts more than four and a half million objects. It's so overwhelmingly large that it's often daunting to know where to start. If you're short on time taking the Around the World in 90 minutes tour is a great way to ensure you see the highlights.
This museum talks about the most infamous prison in history. It's a dreary topic and the museum is a bit dingy. The exhibits are primarily made up of torture devices.
This is the only preserved operating theater from before the regular use of anaesthetics. It's an interesting insight into the history of medicine and surgery. The museum is up a very narrow spiral staircase (although they do have a handicap elevator).
This museum is currently moving so it will be closed for the next few years. It is a free museum that provides a great overview of the City of London from when London was Londinium to the Great Fire of 1666 to the Olympics.
It costs GBP 23 to buy your tickets if you walk up but costs GBP 20.50 if you buy your tickets in advance. St Paul's will give you an audio guide but you can also take a guided tour by one of their staff members. These are really well done and I recommend! The other key activity is to climb the 528 steps of St Paul's Cathedral and see amazing views of London. There are several places to stop so you don't have to climb them all at once.
There are a few ways to see the abbey including:
- Audio guide, included in your ticket.
- Vespers guided tour cost an additional £10 and must be booked at the abbey. They run Mon - Sat at 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 2pm.
- Evensong service, free to attend. You'll be able to hear the choral music and get a glimpse inside the abbey while enjoying the prayer and readings. These take place daily, except Wednesday, at 5pm.
After visiting the abbey walk around the corner and visit Dean's Yard. This yard is a quiet corner of the busy City of Westminster and gives you a glimpse at the Westminster School. It's open unreliably but worth a visit if you can.
This family friendly museum has one of the best gift shops in London! Even if you don't visit the museum you should go to the gift shop. The museum itself is great it provides wonderful photo opportunity and is lighthearted.
An interesting alternative is to go on a Hidden London tour. These Transport for London (TfL) tours take visitors into disused parts of Tube stations and explain the history of underground system. These tours are very popular and book out well in advance. You can find a link to the tours here: https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/hidden-london
This small, free museum discusses the Order of Saint John and it's relationship with the UK. This is especially interesting if you're going to or have been to Malta.
This museum is very kid friendly! The best feature is the postal train. London used to transport the mail through the city by underground rail tunnels. At the Postal Museum you can ride in one of these trains and learn about the history of mail in the UK.
Museum about the history of gardening! It has art, history, and culture all in one - pretty much anything that relates to gardening. It's also in part of the Palace of Lambeth and you're able to climb one of the old towers to see a gorgeous view of London!
I highly recommend that you pre-book your tickets here in order to avoid the long lines. The museum is very tiny and often overcrowded so be aware if you're bad with small spaces. It discusses how Sherlock Holmes was created, his most famous stories, and has a recreation of his townhome.
The best way to see the Globe is by going to one of the performances. If this isn't your thing but you love Shakespeare and just want to know as much as you can, then taking a tour of the Globe is a great idea. I recommend booking the tour in advance. They run pretty frequently so if you choose to do a walk in tour, you probably won't have to wait very long. The tour talks about the rebuild of the globe, the design, Shakespeare's history, and the relationship to London.
Dr Johnson created the dictionary in the format that we currently understand it. This museum honors his contribution and provides context for how dictionaries have affected our society. It's a quick museum but very educational.
Stonehenge is one of the most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monuments in the world, located on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. This ancient stone circle, dating back to around 2500 BC, is renowned for its massive standing stones arranged in a circular formation. Visitors can marvel at the impressive stone structure and ponder its historical and astronomical significance. Key attractions include the Stone Circle itself, the Visitor Centre with interactive exhibits and the Amesbury Archer exhibit, showcasing artifacts from the surrounding area. The Stonehenge Landscape offers walking trails with views of the monument from different perspectives. On the summer and winter solstices, Stonehenge opens its gates for free, allowing visitors to experience the monument up close during these special astronomical events. For a deeper experience, consider joining a guided tour or taking part in special access tours that allow entry to the inner circle during quieter hours. Stonehenge is open to visitors year-round, with advanced booking recommended, especially during peak seasons. The site provides ample parking, and the visitor facilities include a café and gift shop.
This free museum features the Roman ruins from the Temple of Mithras. It is important to pre-book your timeslot. The museum uses lights, fog, and other features to reenact the experience of how the cult of Mithraeum would have felt.
A visit to HMS Belfast costs GBP 22.70. The boat was active 1936 to 1963 and the museum discusses it's numerous missions during these years, including World War II. It is now permanently moored in the Thames.
This free museum features exhibits primarily on World War I and World War II. They also discuss modern war and have special exhibits. The gardens outside the museum are very nice and have a great cafe to stop at.
This museum is below the Treasury building and is where the War Cabinat met during World War II. A visit to the museum costs £30 including an audio guide.
Bletchley Park is a historic site in Buckinghamshire, England, famously known as the home of British codebreaking operations during World War II. The park played a crucial role in intercepting and deciphering enemy communications, significantly contributing to the Allied victory. Today, Bletchley Park is a fascinating museum and heritage site where visitors can explore its well-preserved buildings, including the iconic Hut 8, where codebreakers worked, and the National Computing Centre, which houses exhibits on early computing and the work of Alan Turing. The park features interactive displays, original artifacts, and informative tours that bring the history of codebreaking to life. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful grounds, including gardens and lakes. Bletchley Park is open to the public throughout the year, with various ticket options available, including guided tours. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in wartime history and the development of modern computing.
This museum is within the home of the Duke of Wellington. The first Duke of Wellington won the Battle of Waterloo against Napoleon and freed Continental Europe from Napoleon's rule. Apsley House exhibits thank-you gifts from Europe's rulers for this act. It also features a small section on the current Duke of Wellington and his relationship with the royals. This museum is well worth a visit and I was surprised by how much I liked it!
This free museum in South Kensington hosts a large array of natural history exhibits. It is also in one of the prettiest buildings in London. I highly recommend taking some time just to admire the architecture! In addition don't miss the escalator through the earth that takes you to Earth Hall. In Earth Hall you also need to visit the earthquake simulator.
This free museum has an extensive anthropological collection discussing humans our interactions around the world. In addition, they have several exhibits you can pay for such as a small aquarium and rotating exhibits. This is a kid-friendly museum but worth visiting as an adult. They also have a large garden with views of London that make for a wonderful picnic spot or place to wander. On the weekend there's a small market that sells food and goods.
This free museum is in the basement of the Royal Institute of Science and is dedicated to the periodic table elements that the UK has discovered. It is specifically focused on Michael Faraday, a scientist in the 1800s. The museum is small and an easy addition to your day on Bond Street.
This museum is at St Thomas Hospital so walking in feels kind of weird but it is open to the public. It's exhibits focus on the life of Florence Nightingale but also the history of nursing. They do guided tours several times a day that provide highlights of the exhibits.
From here you can do several great things:
- See wonderful views of London from the park outside
- See one of the oldest telescopes in the world
- Take a picture with the prime meridian. If you don't want to pay to enter the observatory you can take a picture with the prime meridian in the park outside. It's located just behind the fence to the right of the observatory.
- Visit the planetarium. I recommend booking these tickets in advance.
This extensive free museum can occupy a whole day! It covers all aspects of science from clocks to transportation to technology to science fiction. There’s something here for everyone! It’s very kid friendly.
This free museum is about the history of surgery. The contents are kind of freaky but very interesting stuff!
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How to Save Money Visiting Museums:
- Become a member of English Heritage. English Heritage has a couple of offers including an annual pass and an overseas visitor pass. An annual pass starts at GBP 57/year and is valid at the over 400 English Heritage sites around the world. The overseas visitor pass is either a 9 or 16 consecutive day pass and is valid at 100 sites across the UK.
- Become a National Art Pass member. The National Art Pass costs GBP 55.75 or GBP 33.75 if you're under 30. The pass gets you free entry or half price entry to over 800+ places across the UK. Personally, I made back the cost of my art pass after two museum visits.
Regents Park is over 410 acres. It is home to one of the oldest zoos and one of the oldest outdoor theatres. A must visit is the Avenue Gardens. It's easy to miss but by far the most beautiful part.
This massive park can occupy your whole day! A few highlights to look for:
- Marble Arch and Wellington Arch
- Speaker's Corner
- Serpentine Lake for a boat ride or people watching
- Apsley House
- Watch the horses on Rotten Row
- Serpentine Galleries
- Rose Galleries
This park is beautifully located near Buckingham Palace. I highly recommend taking some pictures on the Blue Bridge (which has been featured in many films) for great views. In addition look out for the Duck Island Cottage.
The entrance to Green Park is marked by the Canada Gate. The gates were a gift from Canada to Queen Victoria to celebrate its contribution to the British Empire and include the crests of all the Canadian provinces.
London's highest public garden the Sky Garden is a free to access space. It does require booking in advance and it's so popular that you should look into tickets when they come out. They have a cafe with reasonably priced drinks to enjoy with the view.
It can become crowded so the best way to view is by buying one of their sunrise tickets. The tickets cost GBP 9.50 and include a hot drink and a pastry. You are able to visit the garden an hour before opening so you'll have the sky garden mostly to yourself.
If you can't get tickets to the Sky Garden than I highly recommend visiting The Garden at 120. You might have to queu for a bit but it's well worth it! There's also a restaurant on the level below.
This place is MASSIVE! It easily fills a whole day to wander the whole garden and makes for a great picnic spot. The gardens also have several wonderful cafes. I recommend going in the spring or summer for the great weather. They also have the Orchid Festival in winter. If you can pre-book your tickets to visit the Pagoda. The sight is about a 20 minute walk from the Richmond tube station.
This classic sight was one of the original entrances to Buckingham Palace. It is now in Hyde Park. It is named after the Duke of Wellington marking his victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. It makes for a great addition to Ansley House. It’s interesting to also walk the tunnels below ground (designed to help pedestrians avoid crossing the street and keep traffic flowing) because the tunnels depict the battle and other aspects of the Duke’s life.
This urban conservatory is free to visit and in the heart of the City of London. I recommend that you book your tickets in advance. The hours for the conservatory are kind of odd so be sure to look before you go. They have bar inside and if you can spend some time just sitting and relaxing here!
The Barbican Estate is the largest housing development in the City of London and also the largest example of brutalist architecture. As a result of its architectural significance it is a protected sight. I recommend wondering the sight and taking a glance in the gift shop. You can also visit for a show in the evenings!
It costs GBP 12.30 to visit the top of Tower Bridge. You can walk over the glass floor and see the busy bridge below. If you're lucky, the bridge will open while you're on it! In addition, you can visit the engine rooms and see a history of how the bridge was built.
London has done a great job of preserving their Roman roots. There are several spots to view the Roman Wall. This spot is one of the easiest to get to and I recommend at least passing by. It’s not everyday you can see something like this!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers a magical behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the beloved Harry Potter film series. Located in Leavesden, just outside London, the studio tour takes visitors through meticulously recreated sets, costumes, and props from the films. Key highlights include the iconic Great Hall, the enchanting Diagon Alley, and the detailed Hogwarts Castle model. Guests can also explore the Forbidden Forest, step onto the Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, and experience interactive exhibits like the wand-making and potion-brewing experiences.
To visit, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak times. The tour typically lasts around 3 to 4 hours, and there is ample opportunity to purchase food and merchandise on site. Accessible by train from London to Watford Junction, with a dedicated shuttle bus available, the studio tour provides an immersive and enchanting experience for fans of all ages.
This is my personal favorite bridge in all of London and therefore it had to make it on the list! It's affectionately known as the pink bridge and it's architecture is gorgeous.
Located within Kings Cross Station this is a photo spot for any Harry Potter fans. During the day you will need to qeue for the picture and pay but if you go in the late evening you can take a free picture.
Worth visiting from the outside you can also see from the inside. Tickets can be booked from the UK Parliament website. They come out in batches but must be booked well in advance.
These steps are located next to Tower Bridge and are the best spot for pictures of the famous bridge. It's also an opportunity to get on the bank of the Thames and try mudlarking - an activity where people search the banks of the Thames for valuables that have washed up.
This Sunday only flower market is gorgeous! I recommend either getting here early to avoid crowds or getting here late to receive sales. The market often becomes very very crowded and difficult to move through during the mid morning. In the early afternoon vendors will start doing really good sales in order to pack up their shops early.
The Brick Lane Vintage market is best on the weekend but active all week long. There are several components to the market including street stalls, the underground market, and brick and mortar shops along the street.
This market is most active on Saturday but busy everyday of the week. It’s most famous for antiques which are in the street stalls, brick and mortar shops, and stalls in the shops along the street. I recommend grabbing a drink at Portobello Gin Company which stills their own gin on site! There’s plenty to do here and it can easily be an all day activity.
Shops do close up early and set up late.
This market is open to the public but entering it can feel like going somewhere you shouldn’t. It’s a market specifically for silver and some of the pieces date back to the 16th and 17th century. I personally went for a bit of window shopping and each vendor was delightful! I recommend just poking your head in because it’s mind boggling.
This local cafe has two house cats and some of the best scones! It also has an extensive tea menu. This is the perfect place for a Full English Breakfast or a plate of scones and cup of tea.
Any of Dishoom locations are worth visiting. This is one of the best places in London to eat! It's great for any meal of the day. Before 5pm you can make a reservation but for dinner you'll need to line up.
Attached to the Globe Theatre this is a great place to go before a show. Even if you don't go to the Globe this is still a must because it is that delicious!
One of the tallest restaurants in London it has great views of the city! The food is delicious but at minimum I recommend going for a drink to see the views. You absolutely need to make a reservation before you go.
This wine bar and chicken restaurant is part garden shop. It's quirky and fun atmosphere makes for a great night! They only serve four things since their speciality is rotisserie chicken.
This is the narrowest pub in London and also one of the only parts of the City of London to have survived World War II. It's a great place to step back in time and enjoy a pint!
St. Clements Coffee Shop offers a cozy and welcoming retreat for coffee enthusiasts and casual diners. Known for its warm, inviting ambiance and excellent service, this charming café serves up a variety of high-quality coffees, from rich espressos and creamy lattes to refreshing cold brews. Complementing its exceptional coffee is a selection of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and light bites, all made with care and attention to detail. The shop's stylish yet relaxed décor provides a perfect backdrop for catching up with friends, working remotely, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment with a cup of your favorite brew. With its commitment to quality and comfort, St. Clements Coffee Shop is a delightful destination for both locals and visitors seeking a special coffee experience in London.
Ripe Kitchen offers a charming and inviting haven for coffee lovers and casual diners alike. This contemporary coffee shop is celebrated for its dedication to serving high-quality, locally-sourced coffee and delicious, freshly made treats. From expertly brewed espresso and artisanal lattes to a selection of delectable pastries and wholesome light bites, Ripe Kitchen provides a delightful array of options to enjoy throughout the day. The café’s modern yet cozy décor, combined with its warm and friendly atmosphere, makes it the perfect spot to relax, catch up with friends, or savor a quiet moment with a good book. Whether you're in need of your morning caffeine fix or a relaxing afternoon retreat, Ripe Kitchen delivers a memorable coffee experience rooted in quality and comfort.
The Little One Coffee Shop, nestled in the picturesque Primrose Hill neighborhood of London, is a charming haven for coffee lovers and casual diners. This quaint café is celebrated for its inviting atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy expertly brewed coffees, including rich espressos, velvety lattes, and soothing herbal teas. Complementing its exceptional beverages are a selection of freshly baked pastries, savory snacks, and light bites, all crafted with care to enhance your coffee experience. The café’s cozy, rustic décor and friendly service create a relaxed environment perfect for unwinding, catching up with friends, or savoring a quiet moment. Whether you're strolling through the scenic Primrose Hill or seeking a cozy retreat, The Little One offers a delightful escape with its focus on quality, comfort, and community.
GAIL’s, a beloved chain of bakeries and cafés in London, is renowned for its artisanal approach to baking and its warm, inviting atmosphere. Each location offers a delightful array of freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes, crafted from high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. GAIL’s is celebrated for its commitment to traditional techniques and creative flavors, providing a wide selection of breakfast items, hearty sandwiches, and delectable sweet treats. The café’s cozy, rustic décor, combined with its friendly service, creates a welcoming environment perfect for enjoying a leisurely coffee, catching up with friends, or simply savoring a moment of indulgence. With its focus on exceptional quality and a genuine love for baking, GAIL’s provides a charming and satisfying experience for both locals and visitors in search of delicious, handcrafted delights.
Kiss the Hippo Coffee, located in London, is a vibrant and contemporary coffee shop that stands out for its exceptional quality and innovative approach to brewing. Known for its commitment to sourcing high-quality, ethically grown beans and its expert roasting techniques, Kiss the Hippo Coffee delivers a remarkable coffee experience with every cup. The café features a sleek, modern design that complements its inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both relaxing and socializing. Patrons can enjoy a range of meticulously crafted beverages, from rich espressos and smooth lattes to refreshing cold brews, all served alongside a selection of freshly baked pastries and light bites. With its focus on sustainability, creativity, and customer satisfaction, Kiss the Hippo Coffee offers a memorable destination for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike.
Beany Green, situated in the lively Southbank area of London, offers a unique and vibrant coffee experience with its outdoor counter. This popular spot is known for its fresh, globally-inspired menu and casual, alfresco ambiance. At Beany Green’s outdoor counter, guests can enjoy expertly brewed coffees, from rich espressos to creamy lattes, alongside a variety of breakfast and lunch options. The menu features nourishing bowls, hearty sandwiches, colorful salads, and delicious pastries, all crafted from high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. With its bright and inviting outdoor setting, Beany Green provides a perfect place to savor your coffee and bites while soaking in the bustling Southbank atmosphere. Whether you’re taking a break from exploring the area or simply enjoying the fresh air, Beany Green offers a refreshing and satisfying experience.
Dark Sugars, located in London’s vibrant Brick Lane, is a renowned destination for chocolate lovers seeking a rich and indulgent treat. This artisanal chocolate shop is celebrated for its handcrafted, high-quality chocolates that showcase bold, exotic flavors and traditional techniques. From rich, velvety truffles and decadent pralines to unique chocolate bars and vibrant hot chocolate drinks, Dark Sugars offers a diverse selection of confections made with the finest ingredients. The shop's warm, inviting atmosphere, combined with its friendly and knowledgeable staff, creates a delightful experience for both casual visitors and dedicated chocolate enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to indulge in a luxurious treat or find the perfect gift, Dark Sugars promises a memorable chocolate journey in the heart of one of London’s most eclectic neighborhoods.
This is the oldest theatre in London. They always have a West End show but also offer afternoon tea and cocktails. I highly recommend it! The building is gorgeous. The afternoon tea was delicious; they offer full afternoon tea and just a dessert tea. There is also the option to have cocktails on the terrace.
This is a wine bar in a Victorian wine cellar. The majority of people sit in the outdoor space. They do not take reservations so you'll need to line up for a table. I've never had to wait more than 30 minutes for a table though!
This is a speakeasy-style bar. It's behind an unmarked black door so it feels a little unintuitive to find but well worth visiting! The cocktails are all traditional themed using primarily old fashioned liquors.
One of the most famous department stores in London this is a must for window shopping. It's a great place for a department store afternoon tea or to purchase tea as a souvenir. It is best at Christmas when the lights are up and the window displays are at their best.
This is one of the classic department stores. It's great for a department store afternoon tea or picking up tea to take home as a souvenir. It can be easier to access than the others making it an appealing stop.
Located in an absolutely gorgeous building made of old ships this is worth a visit just to admire the building and window shop.
Their Christmas shop is a must!
One of the most aesthetic bookshops a Daunt Book tote bag is a classic. Almost every Londoner has one. The bookshop is arranged by physical location where the book is set rather than genre which gives it a unique layout.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Regent’s Park in London, offers a unique and enchanting theatrical experience against the backdrop of nature. Established in 1932, this renowned venue is celebrated for its vibrant performances of classic and contemporary plays, musicals, and innovative productions. The open-air setting allows audiences to enjoy exceptional theatre under the open sky, with the lush greenery of the park creating a magical atmosphere. From Shakespearean dramas and popular musicals to modern works and family-friendly shows, the theatre provides a diverse and engaging repertoire for all tastes. With its charming ambiance, excellent productions, and stunning natural setting, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable and immersive cultural experience in London.
Alexandra Palace, often affectionately known as "Ally Pally," is a historic and iconic venue located in North London, offering a diverse range of cultural and entertainment experiences. Built in 1873 and renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic views over the city, the palace has long been a central hub for music, theatre, and community events. With its grand halls and extensive grounds, Alexandra Palace hosts a variety of events, from exhilarating live concerts and theatrical performances to exciting exhibitions and family-friendly festivals. The venue also features an ice rink, a beautiful park, and dining options, making it a vibrant destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you're attending a live show, exploring the expansive parkland, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, Alexandra Palace provides a memorable and multifaceted experience in the heart of London.
The Young Vic Theatre, located in London’s vibrant South Bank, is renowned for its innovative and bold approach to contemporary theatre. Established in 1970, this acclaimed venue is celebrated for its diverse and dynamic programming, featuring cutting-edge productions and new works that challenge and inspire audiences. The Young Vic is known for its intimate and flexible performance spaces, which foster a unique and immersive theatrical experience. With a commitment to creativity and excellence, the theatre continues to be a pivotal platform for emerging talent and thought-provoking performances. Whether you’re a theatre enthusiast or new to the stage, the Young Vic offers a compelling and engaging cultural experience in the heart of London.
There are so many options for where to stay in London and it's hard to go wrong! My main suggestion is that you stay in or near the heart of the city. For the purpose of this itinerary I'm providing a luxury, mid-level, and budget option that are accessible to all parts of the itinerary.
Luxury - Brown's Hotel
As London's first hotel, Brown's opened its doors in 1837 and has played host to many famous individuals since. Brown's offers a uniquely personal experience that is hard to match elsewhere. I highly recommend for individuals looking for a luxury experience.
As London's first hotel, Brown's opened its doors in 1837 and has played host to many famous individuals since. Brown's offers a uniquely personal experience that is hard to match elsewhere. I highly recommend for individuals looking for a luxury experience.
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Mid-Range
The Ruby Lucy is located in the adorable street of Lower Marsh. It's central location offers great access to all of London via foot and transport. The closest tube stations are Waterloo and Lambeth North.
The Ruby Lucy is located in the adorable street of Lower Marsh. It's central location offers great access to all of London via foot and transport. The closest tube stations are Waterloo and Lambeth North.
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Budget
The Corner London City is located within the City of London making it a perfect location for accessing all of London's highlights. It's a five minute walk from Aldgate East and Aldgate Tube stations. The hotel has a pod concept.
The Corner London City is located within the City of London making it a perfect location for accessing all of London's highlights. It's a five minute walk from Aldgate East and Aldgate Tube stations. The hotel has a pod concept.
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Drawing from my rich experiences exploring over forty countries across the globe, I offer unparalleled insights and invaluable advice to fellow travelers seeking unforgettable adventures. Whether you're planning a leisurely getaway, an off-the-beaten path expedition, or a cultural immersion, my diverse expertise ensures personalized recommendations tailored to your preferences. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, let me and my guides, assist you on your journeys and provide you with adventures filled with discovery, authenticity, and unforgettable moments.