London
London is an incredibly diverse and vast city. It has come to be one of our favorite cities and after traveling there three times within the past year our London guide is finally fully complete with all of our favorites! Some of our favorite areas include Chelsea, Notting Hill and Marylebone. The city has a big food scene for any foodie with an array of different markets scattered around the city with fresh unique vendors as well as some amazing restaurants. The tube is the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to get yourself around the city as it is quite expansive. We would not suggest taking an Uber and definitely do not take the black cabs as their metered fares are through the roof. Another tip would be to not ever walk around with your phone out and be very cautious of your surroundings, London is filled with pickpockets and we know too many people who have gotten their phones, and other belongings, randomly stolen from them on the street. Overall, there are a ton of hidden gems throughout the city and every neighborhood has something unique to offer.
Restaurants
Sticks n Sushi
(Pictured Above)
This is a classic with multiple spots around London. They have a great selection of starters and rolls for all very reasonable prices. Also if you are in the mood for ordering in, the kids menu has bento boxes with a bunch of different options in it for as low as 12 dollars. If you are wanting to come
Sushi
Sticks n Sushi
(Pictured Above)
This is a classic with multiple spots around London. They have a great selection of starters and rolls for all very reasonable prices. Also if you are in the mood for ordering in, the kids menu has bento boxes with a bunch of different options in it for as low as 12 dollars. If you are wanting to come
Sushi Samba
Located in Covent Garden, Sushi Samba is essentially the same as Sticks n Sushi except it is just more expensive. What stood out to us about this restaurant though was that it was a fusion of traditionally Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian dishes. So the starters, rolls and even the miso soup all had some sort of twist to them. It was all amazing but it is more of an occasion dinner place.
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Dishoom
(Pictured Above)
We recommended this place for Edinburgh as well but couldn’t resist adding it to the London guide. Dishoom has various locations around London and we even came here two nights in a row in our time in London. If you are going for dinner they do not take reservations, so make sure to either come early or be prepare
Dishoom
(Pictured Above)
We recommended this place for Edinburgh as well but couldn’t resist adding it to the London guide. Dishoom has various locations around London and we even came here two nights in a row in our time in London. If you are going for dinner they do not take reservations, so make sure to either come early or be prepared to wait in line. If you do go, here are some of our favorite dishes....Okra fries, Garlic naan, Chicken ruby, Bowl of greens, Chicken tikka, Malai mushrooms
Kuro Eatery
Located in Notting Hill, this spot is perfect for a reliably good brunch after you are done exploring the Portobello Market. The avocado toast and granola bowl saved us and the smashed eggs also looked to die for so that is an honorable mention.
Circolo Popolare
Located in Soho, this was a super well designed and very Instagrammable restaurant with some classic Italian dishes. We got the Giant Peach Bums (pictured above) which were ginormous and very delicious even though they were a hangover waiting to happen. There was also a truffle pasta situation that was delicious. If Circo
Circolo Popolare
Located in Soho, this was a super well designed and very Instagrammable restaurant with some classic Italian dishes. We got the Giant Peach Bums (pictured above) which were ginormous and very delicious even though they were a hangover waiting to happen. There was also a truffle pasta situation that was delicious. If Circolo Popolare is too far from you or perhaps there are no reservations, Ave Mario in Covent Garden seems to have a similar atmosphere and dining experience that I have heard is equally amazing.
Faros
With two locations in Oxford Circle and Holborn, Faros is another Italian food restaurant with a similar menu to Circolo Popolare. Their pornstar martinis hit and the truffle pizza and burrata pasta were both genuinely amazing. We would come back here in a heartbeat, so definitely check it out.
Borough Market
This market which is right near the London Bridge tube station has a diverse array of vendors, is very well kept and clean and offers something for every craving. Some of the highlights that we tried here included the mushroom risotto, lavender lemonade, fresh oysters, a variety of different meats/cheeses and the sausage r
Borough Market
This market which is right near the London Bridge tube station has a diverse array of vendors, is very well kept and clean and offers something for every craving. Some of the highlights that we tried here included the mushroom risotto, lavender lemonade, fresh oysters, a variety of different meats/cheeses and the sausage roll. We have also heard that the Black Pig sandwich is to die for. If you are in the area stop by the Neal's Yard Dairy to grab some amazing cheese.
Sketch
This restaurant is definitely not worth the price tag of a full meal except for the atmosphere (especially their iconic egg bathrooms which are pictured above); the design of the entire place is so unique it feels like you are transported to some quirky museum or art gallery. We would recommend coming here for a drink and taking lots photos!
J Sheekey
If you are in the mood for a bit of a splurge on some spectacularly fresh seafood head to J Sheekey. We ordered the divine Dover Sole which was literally butter and the Miso Salmon which was equally amazing. It is also in the theatre district so if you are in the mood for some quality seafood before you see a play then this is
J Sheekey
If you are in the mood for a bit of a splurge on some spectacularly fresh seafood head to J Sheekey. We ordered the divine Dover Sole which was literally butter and the Miso Salmon which was equally amazing. It is also in the theatre district so if you are in the mood for some quality seafood before you see a play then this is the spot to hit.
Fortnum and Mason
You cannot go to London and not have afternoon tea at least once, and Fortnum and Mason is the best place to experience this. Everything about coming here feels like such a traditionally classic English tea vibe. If you do decide to come though try to book your reservations far in advance as they become booked pretty fast.
Activities
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a must see. The amount of regal ceremonies that have gone on here (40 coronations and 16 royal weddings) and more than 18 past leaders buried on the grounds is extraordinary. It is such a symbol of English culture and from touring around the grounds, you learn a lot about the history of the United Kingdom.
National Gallery
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The national gallery is home to a wide array of some of the most famous art work in the world (pictured above from the National Gallery Van Gogh's Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers) including pieces from Johannes Vermeer, Vincent Van Gogh, Diego Velazquez, Rembrandt, Claude Monet etc. So all of the art history lovers will be sure to love the National Gallery.
British Museum
Westminster Abbey
Portobello Market
The British Museum definitely exceeded our expectations. There is a lot of important British history here and a lot of artifacts from other countries collected from colonial times. Arguably the most important of the artifacts housed here is the Rosetta Stone which helped experts learn to read Egyptian hieroglyphs. So, if you are going to see anything here, make sure it is that!
Portobello Market
Westminster Abbey
Portobello Market
The Portobello Market is so fun if you are a shopper. The streets are lined with vintage and knick knack stores and there are street vendors that line Portobello road. The best day to come here is Saturday as it is when the most vendors are out.
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
This reminded us of the Natural History Museum in NYC (especially with the hanging whale). It was an expansive and very aesthetically pleasing museum, so if you have extra time, we would suggest it but it is not a must see.
Tower of London
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
While this is definitely one of the more touristy recommendations, it was also one of the most interesting things we did. While at the Tower of London, you are also able to see the crown jewels but you would have to get specific tickets for that. The Tower of London is filled with so much insane history, and is a really unique and entertaining spot so definitely recommend doing a tour there.
Tate Museum
Natural History Museum
St Pauls Cathedral
If you are a fan of modern art, this should be your first stop in London. There are a bunch of exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, so the whole museum is very current.
St Pauls Cathedral
Natural History Museum
St Pauls Cathedral
This was the sight where both the wedding of Princess Diana and King Charles as well as Winston Churchill's funeral took place. We walked in with pretty standard expectations, but photos truly do not do this cathedral justice. This is a must see.
Nightlife
Clubs
Maddox : Mayfair
Dear Darling : Mayfair
Ministry of Sound : Elephant and Castle
KOKO : Camden
Cuckoo : Soho
Cirque le Soir : Soho
Pubs & Cocktail Bars
Dirty Martini : Covent Garden
Bar at One : Soho
O'Neill's Wardour Street
411 : Islington