Curator’s statement
London has always held a special place in my heart. I studied abroad there during my junior year of college, and it quickly became my soul city. There’s something uniquely energizing about its rich history, vibrant art, and dynamic culture—and there’s never a shortage of things to do or incredible places to eat.
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Where to stay in London, England
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Things to do in London, England
Tea is a quintessential part of what it means to be British. It's offered almost everywhere, but I recommend making a reservation if you want the full experience.
Shopping on Regent Street
This is the hub of British fashion. Browse through Burberry, stop in Selfridge’s (especially the Food Hall), Harrods, and Claridge’s—you won’t be disappointed, and you might even come home with some goodies.
Afternoon tea
Though you can get an afternoon tea almost anywhere, some of my favorites include Althoff St. James's Hotel & Club in Mayfair, The Ritz London, and Sketch, which offers a more modern take on the traditional English tea.
Museums
One of the most intriguing things about London is its rich and complex history. The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Tower of London, The British Museum, and The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square are some of the most popular attractions. I also highly recommend The Churchill War Rooms and The Imperial War Museum if you’re interested in WWII.
Gardens
If you’re traveling to London in the spring or summer, the city’s gardens are breathtaking. Take a trip to Kensington Gardens, Kew Gardens, or pack a picnic to enjoy in Hyde, Green, or Regent Park.
See the sights
Walk along the Thames, take a tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral, watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, walk through Westminster Abbey, and overlook the city from the top of The Shard.
Camden Market
This massive, iconic, and alternative collection of retail markets in London (specifically in Camden Town/Chalk Farm) is known for its vibrant street food, vintage fashion, and unique crafts.
Day trips
The suburbs of London have so much to offer, and Hammersmith, East Molesey, Richmond, and Greenwich are all accessible via the Tube and by bus.
Explore Notting Hill
This adorable West London neighborhood is famous for its pastel-colored townhouses, the massive annual Notting Hill Carnival, and the bustling Portobello Road Market. It’s a cosmopolitan, affluent area known for its bohemian charm, luxury boutique shopping, and delicious restaurants.
Places to eat & drink in London, England
Borough Market is a sprawling open produce and specialty foods market in Southwark, London. Grab a duck confit sandwich as you stroll through the stalls, or try the famous Bomba Paella. You can also grab fresh groceries here.
The Savoy
This is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in London. Dinner at Restaurant 1890 is such a memorable experience (the beef wellington is a must), and you can’t go wrong with cocktails at The American Bar, which opened in 1893.
The Old Bank of England
Looking for classic pub food? Look no further than The Old Bank of England. Their modern approach to traditional English fare is cozy and flavorful, and it sits on Fleet Street, which is famous for housing the city’s major news publishers and proprietors.
Borough Market
Located near London Bridge, Borough Market is a renowned, historic food market offering a wide selection of high-quality British and international produce, specialty foods, and street food. Operating for over 1,000 years, it is a bustling culinary hub run by a charitable trust. If you’re a seafood lover, take a pit stop at Richard Haward’s Oysters as you stroll through the market.
Duke’s London
Do you love martinis as much as I do? If so, Duke’s is the place to go. This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of the historic St. James’s area of Mayfair, and they’re most well-known for their bar’s extensive martini menu.
Rock & Sole Plaice
You can’t go to London without grabbing a chippy, and this is one of my mom’s favorite places to go. It’s also one of the oldest chippies in the city, having opened in 1871, which makes their famous recipe about 153 years old.
Gymkhana
London is well-known for its Indian food, and Gymkhana is a two-star Michelin favorite among locals and tourists alike. Reviews consistently praise their signature butter chicken, tandoori lamb chops, and opulent atmosphere. Though it’s on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth the hype.
Kingly Court
If you find yourself shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets, you’ll most likely pass Kingly Court. This is a great place to stop, shop, and grab a quick bite.
The Parakeet
This old-school pub offers a fresh take on European and British cuisine. Frequented by locals after work hours, The Parakeet also offers a traditional Sunday roast menu, which is a popular weekly family meal for the British.
The Fox & The Pheasant
Located in Chelsea, this little country pub and dining room also has outdoor seating, which is enjoyable during the spring and summer months. They too serve a Sunday roast, and they offer brunch on Saturdays.
Mozart Concierge
Maybe you’re just in the mood for tea and a pastry. This sweet coffee shop located in Mayfair is the perfect choice for an afternoon pick-me-up, and it also doubles as a florist.
Need to know
There are three different airports you can fly in and out of when traveling to and from London: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London City. Heathrow is the largest and busiest of the three, which means there are more direct flights to and from the U.S. However, if you’re spending time in London before traveling elsewhere in Europe, you may have better luck finding cheaper direct flights from London City or Gatwick to your next destination.
London does have Uber and rideshare services. With that being said, almost everyone takes the Tube, and it’s incredibly efficient. I highly recommend relying on the Tube for transportation, especially if you are primarily staying in the Central London area. Each station has kiosks where you can purchase one-way tickets as well as re-fillable cards, which are a great option if you’re planning to stay for several days or weeks. Need to figure out exactly where you’re going? Download the CityMapper app on your phone so you can plan your adventures and take the correct Tube lines. The Tube shuts down at midnight, so in the event that you’re enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife, plan to take a rideshare.
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Alexis Welch
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