Elevated City Guides: London
London. Where to even begin. In a city of 9 million people, the options are endless. But no matter what your cup of tea is, we’re here to help. Here are a few of our favorites places and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip. Cheerio!
Where to stay: On your first trip to London, stay in one of these neighborhoods for easy access to tube lines, short cab rides, and great walkability to restaurants, pubs and sights. There are more affordable options, and some options farther out, but if you want to be in the heart of it all, this is it:
Soho
Carnaby
Mayfair (Splurge: 1Hotel Mayfair)
Marylebone
Covent Garden
What to eat: You can throw a dart at a map of London and hit an amazing restaurant every time. This is the hardest section to narrow down. Depending on what you like, your options will be limitless, but here are a few favorites:
Indian Food (outside of India, this is the best in the world): Bibi ($$$$), Gymkhana ($$$), Dishoom ($$)
Pub food: Fuller’s Kitchen (Pies), Dog and Duck (Fish & Chips), any other corner pub that looks fun
London Staples: The Ivy, Gloria, Azteca, Circolo Popolare, Coppa Club, The Wolseley, 40 Maltby Street
Afternoon Tea: It may not seem like this goes in the “eating” category, but go to tea with an appetite! You’ll have sandwiches, scones, cakes, and of course, tea. This is a must-do while in London. We like Sketch, The Langham, and Pump Room (outside the city)
Where to drink:
Pubs: Pop into any pub along your route for the best Guiness on draft (even if you don’t usually like it, try it in London). Make sure to hit The Churchill Arms for a pint (and there’s a hidden Thai restaurant in the back)
Cocktail bars: The Pine Bar (order the Old Fashioned), Duke’s (get a martini), the Connaught (rivals Duke’s martini), The Savoy (Beaufort Bar, American Bar), The Donovan Bar
Drinks with a view: Sky Garden, Aqua at the Shard
What to do:
Walk! This is the best city to get your steps in. You can walk to all the below attractions, get lost in the neighborhoods, and enjoy the city greenery. Don’t miss Hyde Park.
Sights: Buckingham Palace (changing of the guard), Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the River Thames, London Eye (if you book this, do the champagne tour), Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Churchill War Museum, walk through Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square
Double Decker bus: The tube (their subway) is the most efficient way to get around, but there are often bus lines going the same direction. Most are double decker, so if you can get a seat up top, it’s a fun way to see the city as you ride through
Go to the theater. London is known for its shows, so find one that sounds interesting, see one of the historic theaters, and enjoy an afternoon of performance arts (half price ticket stands located near Leicester Square)
Good things to know:
Tap to pay is widely used. Get your credit card set up on your phone before you go. It makes it super easy to take cabs, buses, the tube, and even paying at restaurants or pubs
Wear shoes you can walk in! We averaged 20,000 steps a day simply because it’s a wonderful city to see by foot (and it’s expansive!)
Most dress codes are “smart-casual”. You’ll see everyone looking fashionable, mostly in neutral colors, and wearing clean-cut, put together outfits. Check dress codes before you go since some are even more formal.
Dinner reservations are extremely important: You can almost always make a reservation, and it’s sometimes challenging to be a walk-in, especially at the hot spots
Book activities ahead of time: For any sites or museums or tours you’d like to do, book them in advance. They will sell out, time slots will fill (and oftentimes you’ll get a discount booking ahead)
Happy Travels!
Hannah
