London Guide
Hello!
As someone who has visited London countless times and recently made it my new home, I’ve had the chance to explore the city from both a traveler’s and a local’s perspective. London is a city that never stops surprising you, with its mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and diverse neighborhoods. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite spots, from where to stay and what to see, to the best local eats.
Stay
The Savoy: With stunning views of the Thames, The Savoy combines historic charm with modern luxury. The grand interiors, top-notch service, and iconic spots like the American Bar make it a must for anyone wanting a true London experience in style.
11 Cadogan Gardens: A boutique, 5‑star townhouse hotel tucked behind Sloane Square, where each of its 56 individually styled rooms and suites combines heritage charm with design‑forward comfort, and guests enjoy refined dining at Hans’ Bar & Grill, Regency‑style public spaces and access to a private garden.
Claridge’s: Known for its Art Deco vibe, Claridge’s mixes timeless elegance with modern touches. From its chic rooms to Michelin-star dining, it’s the perfect place to feel pampered right in the heart of Mayfair.
The Connaught: This hotel blends British tradition with contemporary luxury. With its world-class service, stylish decor, and the Aman Spa, The Connaught is a peaceful and indulgent escape in the upscale Mayfair area.
Eat
Kahani: A modern Indian restaurant in Belgravia/Chelsea by Michelin‑star chef Peter Joseph, Kahani uses seasonal British ingredients on a robata grill to create a contemporary and communal dining experience.
Fuji Grill: (at Beaverbrook Town House): A stylish Japanese‑sharing‑plates restaurant within an intimate Georgian‑townhouse hotel on Sloane Street, offering refined sushi and modern Japanese tapas in a sophisticated setting.
Dishoom: Inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom is beloved for its flavorful Indian dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and retro décor. Whether you’re there for breakfast or dinner, the food is consistently amazing, with standout dishes like the black daal and bacon naan roll. It’s worth the hype!
Darby’s: The Sunday roast here is the perfect mix of comfort food and something a bit special, with roast potatoes that might just ruin you for any others. It’s the kind of meal you linger over with friends, just soaking in the atmosphere, often with live music.
The Milestone: The Milestone’s afternoon tea always feels like stepping back into my childhood—same plush armchairs, same delicate tea service that made it feel like a real occasion. With a city full of afternoon teas, this one feels the most intimate and special.
The Wolseley: There’s just something about an English breakfast at The Wolseley that makes it feel like a true London morning. The polished interiors, the bustle, the perfectly crisp bacon—it’s like a love letter to breakfast.
Other standouts include the iconic Gymkhana, and The River Cafe for celeb spotting and dinners that feel worth dressing up for.
Do
The Wallace Collection: Starting off strong with my favorite museum in London, The Wallace Collection is a hidden gem, offering an exquisite array of art, armor, and decorative pieces in a beautifully preserved historic mansion. It’s never as crowded as the big-name museums, so you can wander and really savor each piece, especially the stunning Rococo rooms and masterful paintings.
Kensington Palace and Gardens: Skip Buckingham, Kensington Palace provides a more peaceful alternative to some of London’s busier landmarks, blending royal history with tranquil paths and lush greenery. It’s a unique chance to delve into the lives of past monarchs while enjoying a relaxed stroll through one of the city’s most scenic spots.
Duke’s Bar: For the best martini experience in London, Dukes Bar is unbeatable. Their martinis are legendary—notoriously potent and expertly crafted tableside in a small, cozy bar that feels worlds away from London’s bustle. Get there early and be prepared for a wait. It’s well worth it!
Hatchards & Daunt Books: London is a city for book lovers. These are my two absolute favorite book shops. Hatchards is an institution with a history dating back to 1797. Nestled in Piccadilly, it has a timeless charm with wooden shelves, cozy nooks, and a distinctly British elegance that’s hard to replicate. Daunt Books in Marylebone began as a travel bookstore and now has a wealth of books across genres. Plus, both shops have iconic totes to bring back home.
Walk: My favorite areas to walk around are Notting Hill, Primrose Hill, Richmond, and Hampstead Heath. Notting Hill has that charming, vibrant vibe with its colorful houses and cute cafes, ideal for a casual wander. Primrose Hill is a peaceful spot with great views of the city, perfect for a relaxed stroll or a picnic on a sunny day. Hampstead Heath feels like a nature escape right in the city, offering quiet walks and amazing vistas from Parliament Hill.
42, the bar above Gymkhana
Tips
1. London’s Underground and buses which all use contactless payment are the easiest way to get around. Plus, exploring by bus lets you see the sights as you travel!
2. Many major sights can get busy, so aim to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Also, consider exploring lesser-known spots like the Wallace Collection for a quieter experience.
3. London’s charm is in its neighborhoods, so venture beyond the tourist zones! Wander through areas like Shoreditch for street art and quirky cafes, or Richmond for peaceful green spaces and village vibes.