LONDON: ALL TIME CLASSIC

London! The capital and the biggest city of the United Kingdom. So impressive and unique.

A huge interesting city with incredible architecture, plenty of landmarks, museums, shops, restaurants and great entertainment options! London is undoubtedly one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities and the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre.

I think it is very difficult to cover every aspect of London, so I will just try to give you an idea of what you cannot miss, what you must do, general information, unknown spots and some personal recommendations of places I really enjoyed!

Let’s start!

ACCOMMODATION:  You can find plenty of hotels everywhere. In my opinion the most convenient (but also most expensive) area is Mayfair. Other options are Soho, Covent Garden, Westminster. When it comes to getting around, London is divided into ‘zones’ from 1 to 9, with ‘Zone 1’ being the city centre and ‘Zone 9’ being the outskirts of the city. Keep in mind that Zone 1 has the most expensive hotels/airbnbs and the further you stay from zone 1, the less it costs. South Bank and Southwark for example are some great areas to stay in London that offer cheaper accommodation options for budget travellers. Angel’s tip: I chose Premier Inn hotel in the Cut Street in Southwark this time, next to the tube station and it was decent and in a good location.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Please keep in mind that it rains a lot in London! Ideally visit it during Spring or Autumn, winters in the city are cold and wet while summer is crowded.

PLUG: The UK uses a type G plug for most of its appliances. Don’t forget to bring a universal adapter from home.

DRIVING: Be aware of the Traffic Direction. In the UK, cars drive on the left.

CURRENCY: The pound sterling £ or GBP. 1 GBP= 1.17 Euros = 1.27 USD.

TRANSPORT IN LONDON: Undoubtedly, the best you can do in London is walk. You can see so many places and details on foot that you cannot enjoy by tube or bus. But I understand sometimes it is impossible, that’s why I suggest taking the bus if you like looking outside and not missing out on the view or the tube if you prefer faster and more convenient transportation! In a few minutes you can be in an area that by car can take  up to 40-50 minutes. Despite that, you can use the black cabs too or use Uber/ Lift anytime. Angel’s tip: London is not a cheap city to be a tourist in. The London or the Explorer PASS is a good way of seeing many of London’s most iconic landmarks without the ever-escalating costs.  Expensive but it can be worth it if you are going to see many of the city’s attractions in a short period of time since it includes 60/70+ attractions: including: The Tower of London, The Shard, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, stadium tours etc. More details here. 

Another innovative way to stroll around London is by UBER boats by the Thames rivers. Scheduled service runs every 20 minutes throughout the day. Check the timetable before travelling. Details here.

COST FOR THE TUBE: A contactless “Oyster card” (you can issue in a tube station for 5£) is excellent for pay as you go travel in London tube system since it costs less than a physical ticket. However, you can use any contactless credit card as well and the cost is the same as with the Oyster card. Angel’s tip: I use my Revolut card.

TIPPING : Please have in mind that people tip around 10-15% of the total bill in London, from bars and restaurants to even taxis. In the most of the restaurants I visited, they had included automatically their tip to my bill. (service charge or tips)

DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON: Some of the top day trips from London (1-1,5 hour by train)  include Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, Bath,  Windsor Castle, Eastbourne…

THE TOP ATTRACTIONS IN LONDON THAT YOU CANNOT MISS

(at least seeing them from outside)

• Big Ben, a tower clock and landmark of the city.
• London Eye, the famous observation wheel where you can have a ride & enjoy the view from above. Angel’s tip: Book some days in advance in order to find the time and date you want.
• Westminster Abbey, a church and one of London’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Buckingham Palace, a London royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom.
• Tower of London, the famous castle officially His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London.
• Tower Bridge, the popular bridge that crosses the River Thames (close to the Tower of London)

MUST DO EXPERIENCE

Must do since you are in London:

• Try fish and chips.
• Visit a pub and try the variety of local beers Angel’s tip: Some authentic pubs I recommend are “The Audley” in Mayfair, “The Flask” in Highgate, “The Holly Bush” in Hampstead, “The Harp” in Covent Garden, “The Wenlock Arms” close to Angel station, The Coach & Horses in Mayfair and so many more. 
• Take the tube which is the oldest in the world!
• Watch The King’s Life Guard change either in Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards Parade (every day at 11 am/ Sundays 10 am)

DON’T MISS WALKING AROUND:

• Oxford Street and New Bond Street, two of London’s most famous shopping streets filled with high-end fashion boutiques and department stores.
• Regent street
• Carnaby street
• Piccadilly Circus
• Soho
• Chinatown area
• Kensington Palace Gardens
• Trafalgar square
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Covent Garden Angel’s tip: Walk a bit and discover the colourful “Neal’s Yard” as well.
• London Bridge

STUNNING VIEW

• Sky Garden. Free entrance with amazing view! Angel’s tip:  A skyscraper with unique shape, but in order to visit don’t forget to book many days/weeks in advance even if access is free of charge. Open on weekdays 10am-6pm and weekends 11am-9pm.
• London Eye, expensive but spectacular view from above. Angel’s tip: Book in advance, check the weather and choose a weekday.
• The Shard. One of the most impressive buildings in London. Book here tickets to visit it.
• “The Garden at 120”, a free terrace garden that opens from 10 am.
• “One New Change” shopping center near St Paul station. Take the glass elevator for free to the last floor where there is a restaurant with terrace and a great view over London.
• Primrose Hill is located north of the famous Regent’s Park and the top of the hill is 1 of the 6 protected viewpoints in London, offering stunning views.
• “Sushi Samba” restaurant in the 38th floor of the Salesforce(Heron) Tower $$$$
• “OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie” close to Southwark and Waterloo tube stations $$$$
• “Galvin at Windows” restaurant at the Hilton hotel on Park Lane $$$$

MUSEUMS

London is well known for its amazing museums.The most important ones and with free entrance are the first 5:

• The Natural History
• The British museum
• The Tate Modern, Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art.
• The Victoria & Albert
• The National Gallery
• The Madame Tussauds London, a popular museum chain for life-size replicas of famous celebrities & historic icons in themed galleries. Entrance around £32-42 .
• Balloon museum, as a contemporary exhibition till mid April 2024, close to Tower bridge.

PARKS

Explore London’s wonderful green spaces and parks, have a picnic and enjoy the sun (when it’s out haha) . Some great ones:

• Hyde park
• Regent’s park
• St James’s park
• Richmond park
• Greenwich park

NEIGHBOURHOODS

London is full of beautiful neighbourhoods, see below my favorite ones and check the tube map to visit them, it is so easy:

• Westminster: Home to iconice landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham palace.
• South Bank:  Riverside area offering cultural venues, the London Eye and stunning views.
• Covent Garden: Lively area with shops, theaters and street performances.
• Soho: Vibrant nightlife, diverse dining and great vibes.
• Mayfair: Upscale district with luxury shops, dining and a lively atmosphere.
• Piccadilly: Famous for Piccadilly Circus, a bustling square with vibrant lights and entertainment, theaters, shopping on Regent street and much more!
• Kensington: Elegant neighborhood with museums like the Natural history and the Victoria & Albert.
• Notting Hill , check the famous Portobello Market on Saturdays – otherwise go from Monday to Saturday to see the neightbourhood with less open shops than weekend. Angel’s tip: Have you seen the famous movie “Notting Hill” with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts?
• Hampstead which is known for its intellectual, artistic, musical and literary associations. It has some of the most expensive housing in the London area. Angel’s tip: Visit Parliament Hill and have a picnic while enjoying the view
• Camden town, so alternative, eclectic and diverse known for its markets. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss to visit the impressive clothing shop “Cyberdog” with the Djs and dancers.
• Shoreditch with a vibrant creative culture and many restaurants & bars.
• Greenwich  in south-east London, historic area with the Royal observatory.

NIGHTLIFE

Enjoy nightlife in Soho, Mayfair, Shoreditch, Camden Town, Angel & visit some of the most amazing cocktail bars like I did. Let me suggest a few:

Speakeasy bars:

• Nightjar: Insane cocktails with live jazz and blues
• Cahoots: Afternoon tea & cocktails served in a vintage-style speakeasy set in a disused underground station.
• The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town: An underground bar hidden behind a fridge inside “The breakfast club” on Artillery lane
• The Vault: Chic bar hidden away behind a bookcase
• Avora London: A New-World Cocktail Experience

Other bars I loved:

• Mr Fogg’s in several locations with the creative cocktail menu.
• The Connaught, in the list with the top 10 bars of the world.
• Amazonico (a restaurant actually but with extraordinary cocktails)
• The Alchemist for great cocktails’ presentation & taste. There are in several locations in London, I tried the one in Canary Wharf.

RESTAURANTS

London has no shortage of amazing restaurants and you can find literally anything! Below some of my recommendations, check the prices, if you want, before you go: 

Decent food with normal prices (some are fast food) :

• Johnny Schnitzel for sandwiches
• L’Antica Pizzeria/Pilgrims Pizza / Japes Pizza for pizzas
• Lina Stores/ Tom’s Pasta  for great pasta dishes and not only..
• Brasserie Zedel
• BAO in many places for for steamed milk buns & other inventive Taiwanese eats!
• The Blue posts pub
• Honest burgers
• Nando’s that specialises in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken.
• Sushi Dog
• Bancone Covent Garden for Italian
• Marugame Udon for Japanese
• Pastaio Pasta Restaurant Carnaby
• Fatt Pundit offering Indo-Chinese cuisine & drinks amid an informal atmosphere.
• Speedboat Bar for Thai food.

Angel’s tip: A nice one I went for breakfast  in a private igloo was Coppa Club.

Medium range prices for London(don’t forget it is expensive!) :

• Sticks & Sushi
• Gaucho for great meat
• Hawksmoor with prime cuts of matured beef, seafood & other British classics served in striking environs.
• Circolo Popolare and Ave Mario for delicious Italian food. Angel’s tip:  The decoration is impressive in both!
• Duck & Waffle, open 24/7 in a modern 40th-floor space that has floor-to-ceiling windows.
• The Port House, a cosy space for traditional tapas served with a list of Spanish wines!
• Fumo for Italian in Covent Garden
• The Ivy Asia at St Paul’s or Mayfair for Asian bites.
• Carlotta at Marylebone for Italian cuisine enthusiasts!
  

  Circolo Popolare

On the expensive side: 

• Tattu, a Chic – spacious restaurant turning out sophisticated, contemporary takes on Cantonese classics.
• 34 Mayfair where world meats are cooked on an imported Argentinian grill in art deco-inspired brasserie.
• Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill in Piccadilly
• 14 Hills and Berners Tavern for modern British dining
• Counter 71, a Chef’s table restaurant focusing on produce-led cooking, using ingredients found in and around the British Isles.

Expensive and fancy:

• Amazonico for Latin American flavours & sushi, one of my favorite in London!
• NOBU for excellent Japanese dishes.
• COYA  with 3 open kitchens, serving Peruvian sharing plates, char-grill dishes and ceviche.
• Sushi Samba
• The Maine Mayfair with live music.
• Sexy Fish
  

  The Maine Mayfair

Afternoon tea spots

Afternoon tea is exceptionally popular in London. It’s a quintessentially British tradition that typically includes a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries and cakes. Many hotels, tea rooms, and restaurants in London offer elaborate and luxurious afternoon tea experiences, often served in elegant surroundings. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cultural and social event, making it a must-try for visitors to the city. Below some spots for a delightful afternoon tea experience:

1. The Ritz: Renowned for its elegant surroundings and impeccable service.
2. The Savoy:A historic hotel known for its Thames Foyer tea experience.
3. Claridge’s: An art deco gem with a sophisticated atmosphere.
4. Sketch:  a quirky, 18th-century townhouse tea room that transforms into a cocktail lounge every evening. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss to visit the iconic bathroom!It was quite expensive though and I am not sure if it’s worth it!
5. Fortnum & Mason: A classic department store with a beautiful tea salon.
6. The Wolseley: A grand European-style café known for its afternoon tea.
7. Aquahard: Located on level 31st of The Shard with stunning views along with your afternoon tea at this iconic skyscraper.

Angel’s tip: Remember to make reservations in advance, as these popular venues can get booked quickly, especially during peak times.

Hottest Chocolate Spots:

• Knoops Chocolate
• Italian bear chocolate
• Le Deli Robuchon
• Dark sugars
• Ladurée
• Chin Chin Labs

SHOPPING & FOOD MARKETS

Who loves shopping? London is one of the finest cities in the world for shopping. From the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street to designer boutiques  & affordable high street fashion, you can find everything for every budget and style. 

• Oxford street for cheap/medium range shopping. Angel’s tip: Oxford Street gets quite crowded on weekends (shops are open on Sundays as well) so ideally if you have time and want to do shopping, visit it on a weekday. 
• Regent street for medium to expensive shopping
• New Bond street for very luxury shopping
• Harrods, home to over 3000 brands, shop designer fashion and accessories
• Selfridges, a chain of high-end department stores in the UK
• John Lewis

Angel’s tip: If you have time, visit Bicester village! It is located outside of London (1 hour by train) and it is a popular outlet destination with numerous high-end brands offering discounted products.

So maaaany wonderful local markets in London! Different cuisines and dishes, sweets, fruits, shops! Visit at least one and enjoy their authenticity :

• Borough food market, a historic market in central London with a variety of different cuisines.
• Camden market with over 1000 shops and stalls selling fashion, music, art & food. Angel’s tip: I loved “Bubble Mania”
• Mercato Mayfair: So impressive! A Hip market in an old stained-glass sanctuary, with food stands, eateries & a wine cellar.
• Maltby street market
• Leaden Hall Market
• Spitalfields food Market
• Seven Trials market Angel’s tip: Make a quick stop if you love cheese in the  “Pick & Cheese” , so innovative!

BAKERIES

• Fortitude Bakehouse
• Miel Bakery
• Little Bread Pedlar
• Arôme Bakery in Covent Garden
• Kuro Bakery in Notting hill
• Chinatown Bakery

HIDDEN GEMS

• “Attendant Coffee Roasters” , a little hidden café in a public toilet in the heart of London
• “The Mosaic House Chiswick”, an impressive house close to Chiswick Park Station
• “BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple”, a Hindu temple in Neasden area. Built entirely using traditional methods and materials, it’s the Britain’s first authentic Hindu temple.
• “Dalston Eastern Curve Garden”, a beautiful garden with cafeteria on an old railway line.
• “Little Venice” in West London, a picturesque neighbourhood with beautiful canals and waterside cafes, pubs & restaurants. Angel’s tip: Enjoy a coffee or a pizza in “Cafe Laville” overlooking the canal.
• “The World Turned Upside Down” on the campus of the London School of Economics.
• “Little Ben”, a miniature of Big Ben – a  black clock tower  close to Victoria Station.
• “Royal Observatory” in Greenwich.

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