top things to see in london

London Travel Guide

For those of you who know me, I tend to think of myself as a wanna be historian. And as a passionate traveler and Anglophile, London has always been and remains one of my favorite places on earth.

From the iconic landmarks that grace the city’s skyline to the hidden gems that whisper tales of centuries past, and the tantalizing flavors of global cuisine, London has woven its magic into the fabric of my being. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s embark on a grand adventure! Whether you’re looking to explore classic spots or non touristy things to do in London, we’ve got you covered.

Picture yourself standing in the shadow of the towering Big Ben, watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, walking through centuries of history at Westminster Abbey or taking in a show in the West End.  At every turn, beyond its famous landmarks, there’s another London waiting to be discovered.

I always begin a visit to London in the same way…a stroll down my favorite street, Pavilion Road in Chelsea. Just steps from the Sloane Square tube station, Pavilion Road is the perfect London pedestrian street lined shops, restaurants, cafes and boutiques. I usually begin by grabbing a coffee and gourmet donut rom Bread Ahead. Brainchild of founder Matthew Jones, Bread Ahead is not only a great bakery, they offer incredible baking courses at locations across the city – and now around the world with locations in Dubai and Jeddah. I also make a return visit in the evening, when the street takes on a different vibe. For me, my nighttime visit always includes cocktails at Hans’ Bar & Grill and that means a champagne cocktail!

Dining/Drinking:

Let’s stay in Sloane Square for a moment. The Botanist is a trendy and elegant place for some of the best handcrafted cocktails in town. Just across the street is the incredible Colbert, a French cafe with an incredible bar and menu to match. Request to sit on the terrace for a truly London experience.

A few minutes walk down King’s Road you’ll find Duke of York Square. Lot’s of great dining and shopping choices, but my favorite is Vardo Chelsea. In summer the outdoor space is a must and when it gets a bit chilly, it’s still awesome, with warm blankets and heaters!

Venturing a bit further, a visit to the Shoreditch is a must for food and cocktail lovers. Young and fashionable here you’ll find some of the hippest places to eat and drink in all of London. Cheap, cheerful and tasty, stop in at Troy Bar. The Caribbean feel is a nice change from the more British spots and come on, jerk chicken and a beer is the perfect lunch! And if flavor is your thing, you won’t want to miss Smokestak, where you dine off metal plates savoring the best BBQ in all of London.

If you’re looking to fancy it up a bit, check out The Coral Room at the Bloomsbury Hotel. Besides being a feast for the eyes, the cocktails are off the chart and you’ll feel like a movie star as you sip from a selection of English sparkling wine.

Sightseeing:

You don’t need me (or anyone else) to remind you to visit Piccadilly Circus, The Tower of London or any of the landmarks. Instead, I’ll share places that are worth your time, but may not be on your radar.

First up, Sir John Soane’s Museum. It’s hard to properly describe this museum, built in the home(s) of Sir John Soane, one of England’s most important architects. Quirky, incredible and staggering are often used, but you won’t quite get it until you visit. Kept exactly as it was when he died in 1837, the museum is a respectful hodgepodge of ancient sculpture, paintings, furniture and just about anything else that interested him. Also, take time to stroll Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the largest public square in London.

The East End: If you really want to step back in time, in a real neighborhood, London’s East End is the place to do it. Sure, it’s famous because of Jack the Ripper, but it’s so much more. Home to one of the all time best markets – anywhere – Old Spitalfields Market is a destination of its own with a history to match. And it’s at this market that one of my favorite walking tours departs, Eating Europe’s East End. A combination walking history tour with food and drink, I loved the way our guide brought the East End to life and the tasting stops were woven perfectly into the story.

Hampton Court Palace: You’ll definitely pass Buckingham Palace and you might even see the impressive Changing of the Guards. But for those of us who want to get up close to historic palaces, it’s simply not enough but a journey to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace does the trick. Just a short ride from London via the National Rail, the palace allows you access to one of the most important royal residences in history. Visit the Great Hall, the famous Tudor kitchens and the Baroque palace of William and Mary – all in one palace. And if you’re traveling with kids, they will love it. There’s a dress up station, an outdoor maze and acres of park grounds to explore plus ice cream stands and cafes!

To hire a guide or go it alone, that is the question. And I have the answer. For most of us, visiting a city is a once in a lifetime journey. Even for the most seasoned traveler with the best guide books, getting the most from a tour can be a challenge. I strongly suggest hiring a guide. There are many to choose from and a guide from the British Guild of Tourist Guides will be some of the best. My personal favorite (and I’ve done plenty of tours, is Jack Chesher of Living London History Before booking my tour, I had read his blog, followed his social media channels and read his book. And with at that, I was still surprised at how incredibly he brings London’s history to life, all in a fun and exciting way. In January, I took “Secrets and Symbols” a walk through the historic heart of the City of London and it was amazing!  I don’t know who had more fun, those of us on the tour of Jack himself!

Where to Stay:

In London, accommodation ranges from the opulent to the basic and just about everything in between. Here are just a few of my personal faves:

11 Cadogan Gardens:  Located in the heart of elegant Chelsea, this luxury boutique hotel is everything you dream of for a truly English experience. With 34 rooms, 22 suites and 6 apartments, no two spaces are identical, each carefully and elegantly designed. The Victorian architecture immediately transports you to another era as does the impeccable service and attention of the team.

The Londoner: Right in the heart of Leicester Square, the world’s first “super boutique” hotel has been called an “urban resort” and for good reason. From the moment you step through the doors, you know you’re someplace special. I especially love The Residence, a private space for guests only that is perfect for a cocktail before kicking off the night in the West End. And if the night gets a little wild, no worries. A selection of in room Drip Therapies will have you back on your feet and feeling great in no time!

Sloane Square Hotel: In the heart of one of London’s chicest neighborhoods, sits a 4 star gem, the Sloane Square Hotel. Perfectly located for shopping, dining, cocktails, and steps away from the Royal Court Theatre and the Sloane Square tube station, this charming hotel is a perfect choice for those looking for great quality and pricing.

The Rockwell: Well located in West London, close to shopping, museums and nightlife, The Rockwell is a lovely boutique hotel inside a Victorian townhouse. Well appointed, super comfortable rooms I really liked the outdoor space, a perfect place for drink or bite from the restaurant and all at a great price point.

Shopping:

I’ve already mentioned Spitalfield’s Market. This place is an absolute favorite of mine with places to eat, drink and of course, shop. One of the things I like best about this market is the amount of local artisans who bring their creations to the market for sale. If you like to stroll and stumble upon things you never imagined, this is the place for you.

If there’s one street that seems to have it all, it’s Sloane Street. Here you’ll find some of the most famous brands in the world; Balenciaga, Chanel, Loro Piana, Louis Vuitton and, well, you get the idea. But you’ll also find art galleries, cafes, bars and small shops that make visiting and shopping here a welcome experience. And for those of us old enough to remember AbFab, lets meet at Harvey Nichols for champagne!

For book lovers a visit to London’s oldest bookstore,  Hatchard’s at 187 Piccadilly is a dream. Booksellers since 1797  (with Royal Warrants to boot!) Hatchard’s had been the favorite bookstore of kings, queens and everyone in between, from Oscar Wilde to Betty Davis.

After visiting Hatchard’s stroll down the block and stop in at another legendary store, the 18th century Fortnum & Mason. For over 300 years, F&M has been providing the highest quality food stuffs to Londoners and of course, make sure to check out their famous “hampers” (picnic baskets).

Pavillion Road: While visiting Pavilion Road, take your time. In addition to Bread Ahead and Hans’ Bar & Grill, there are plenty of shops to visit. Some of my favorites are the Chelsea General Store, Ice Cream Union, London Cheese Mongers, Mother Vine, Moyses Stevens Flowers and Ottolenghi.

One of London’s most loved neighborhoods located in the heart of the West End, Covent Garden is a vibrant, must-see destination for anyone who enjoys shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture. Easily accessible by tube, train, boat or taxi, must see things in Covent Garden include the London Transport Museum, iconic Market Building and Piazza, world-famous shopping, the Royal Opera House, Somerset House and Covent Garden Market.

Battersea Power Station: For decades, the Battersea Power Station provided electricity for a fifth of London’s population. Today the building has been transformed into a public space unlike anything else in London. Now home to global luxury brands, local markets, restaurants, and an amazing rooftop bar. Even for non shoppers, Battersea is worth the visit just to experience the architecture and history.

Non touristy things to do in London

Street Art Shoreditch: Take a self-guided tour or walk around Shoreditch’s vibrant street art scene, featuring works by renowned artists like Banksy and also new and upcoming local talents.

Little Venice: Soak in the peace and clam of this picturesque neighborhood in West London lined with charming houseboats, cafes, and waterside pubs.

Hampstead Heath: Feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Escape for the day to Hampstead Health. A beautiful park set in North London offering panoramic views of London’s skyline, serene ponds, and wooded trails.

London’s Speakeasy Scene: Experience London’s thriving cocktail culture offering elegant twist on classics or underground pubs by seeking out hidden speakeasies tucked away in alleys and basements across the city.