Full Guide: London, England
A city full of culture and history that has something for everyone
On the heels of my latest visit to London in March, I had some truly amazing meals and fell more in love with this city. I’ve updated this guide’s Where To Eat and Where To Drink sections with my new favorites!
Getting There:
There’s a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement that has gone into effect in 2025. The process is easy and straightforward, and approval is usually granted within a few days. If you’re going last minute however, this could complicate things.
You can fly direct to London Heathrow (LHR) from any major international airport, as it’s one of the largest hubs to connect people throughout the UK and Europe. Depending on when your flight arrives, the Uber ride into central London can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour and a half if you hit weekday rush hour traffic. If you’re traveling light and want to take the train, the Heathrow Express will take you to Paddington Station directly, and from there you can transfer to the London Underground or Elizabeth Line.
LHR Tips: There’s a Harrod’s at LHR which makes for great souvenirs in case you don’t get a chance to visit the main store during your trip. They have plenty of gifts and edible treats to bring back. The shopping in general at LHR is some of the best of any airport with tons of luxury designer stores.
There is a good amount of walking to get to/from the terminal to your gate (and off the plane to baggage claim). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your travel day. It was welcomed after an 8 hour flight, but definitely felt like a bit of a hike.
Avoid London Gatwick (LGW) if you can. It’s farther away from central London, meaning the rides to/from the airport will take much longer (and over an hour is already a pretty long commitment). If it’s inevitable, just factor in plenty of extra time on top of how early you’ll need to arrive before your flight.
Getting Around Town:
The Tube aka London Underground - for those who want to do as the locals do, this is one of the most efficient ways to navigate the city and avoid traffic. If you can navigate the NYC subway system, then you can handle this. Be sure to check the site for any strikes that may affect certain lines.
Santander Cycles - a fun way to see the city by bike. Similar to the Citi Bikes program in some U.S. cities, with many stations offering e-bikes to boot. Very affordable and a great option when the weather is nice.
Uber or Black Cabs (also called Hackney Carriages if you want to be fancy) - when in doubt, you can always request an Uber or hail a taxi cab. Black Cabs will be the most expensive option.
What to See & Do:
Touristy things: If you’ve never been to London, or maybe you haven’t been in a while, then it’s definitely worth seeing some of the iconic sights and appreciating the city’s history - Big Ben, Tower of London, Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace etc. Depending on your level of interest, you can go deep with tours of certain ones or opt for a quick way to see them all in one fell swoop with the Big Bus hop-on, hop-off pass (go with the red or blue route).
Less touristy things
Parks: As one of Europe’s greenest cities, London has an abundance of parks and green spaces to enjoy, one of is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Kew Gardens). You could spend your entire trip just enjoying a different park each day. Take in a sunset at Primrose Hill Park overlooking the city skyline, stroll the Sunday market at Victoria (Vicky) Park, check out the Buddhist temple at Battersea Park, or catch a summer concert at Hyde Park.
Museums: One thing we love about London is the fact that most of the museums are free. No wonder there is such a strong cultural presence in this city. The two biggest and most popular are the Natural History Museum and the British Museum - both of which are impressive. For modern art and design fans, head to the Tate Modern and The Design Museum.
Locals Tip: Every last Friday of the month the Tate hosts Tate Late where it stays open after hours with music programming and food.
Neighborhood Strolls: Walking around some of London’s best neighborhoods will give you a local feel for the city and allow you to discover a new favorite shop or restaurant. Near Buckingham Palace is St. James’s, which borders Green Park and St. James’s Park. It’s also close to Soho which has a lot of shops and buzzing energy at night. On the west side of town is Notting Hill. Yes, you can visit the bookshop from the movie. This area has a lot of cute cafes and vintage shops - including Portobello Road Market.
Where to Eat:
Watchhouse - For your morning caffeine fix and a bite to eat, hit up one Watchhouse’s locations around town. This modern coffee shop is popular among locals and recently opened a U.S. outpost in NYC. They have a solid breakfast and brunch menu with hot and cold dishes for a sit down meal to start the day— including oats, eggs, avocado toast, and vegan options. If you’re in need of something to grab-and-go, they have sweet and savory pastries too.
Scott’s Mayfair - Scott’s is an institution, and for good reason. This restaurant is a must try, but especially so if you’re a seafood lover. Every seat in the house is a winner— if the weather is nice, the outdoor tables make for great people watching in the upscale Mayfair neighborhood. The energy in the restaurant is always bustling, and it definitely has a power lunch vibe to it. Get the Dover Sole Meunière (they’re known for it) and any other seafood dish that catches your eye.
Humo - A concept they have dubbed as “fire dining,” Humo integrates the art of wood-fired cooking throughout. Colombian chef Miller Prada pays tribute to his roots while using local produce and Japanese influences— and has received a Michelin star for it. The space is beautifully designed and comforting, while the dishes are plated with precision and appreciation for nature. The cocktails are refreshing and interesting, pairing well with the smoky flavors in the food.
KOL - Chef Santiago Lastra has received one Michelin star and is ranked #17 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for his modern Mexican cuisine. It’s been on my must try list and supposed to be great. They only offer a set tasting menu for 185 GBP per person and reservations tend to get booked up, so plan ahead.
If you can’t score a reservation or are just looking for a bit more flexibility, the downstairs lounge Mezcaleria is a great spot for before or after dinner drinks. The tostadas are artistic and vibrant, a great indication of what you’re in for upstairs. The cocktails are Mexican influenced with a very refined approach.
Berenjak Soho - This was by far my favorite meal I’ve had so far in London. My first time trying Persian cuisine and every bite had me going “Mmmm.” They don’t take reservations and it feels like a hole-in-the-wall spot, but put your name down and go somewhere nearby in Soho for drinks while you wait. We did the tasting menu with drink pairings and were beyond satisfied. The hummus is insane with a mousse-like texture.
Mount St. - Art lovers will enjoy dining on modern British fare here. The restaurant has a curated collection of 200 artworks, including the gorgeous marble floor, which is a site-specific commission by Rashid Johnson entitled ‘Broken Floor.’ The menu delivers on food equally well— the crab crumpet and roast chicken salad were standouts that I’d happily return for.
AngloThai - A new-ish spot in Marylebone that, as the name indicates, does a nice job of blending Thai cuisine with more western and Mediterranean influence. While some dishes were more ‘Anglo’ than Thai, everything in the tasting menu was fantastic and beautifully presented (as was the Pear Martini). The price is a bargain considering the amount of courses and the Michelin star quality.
Langan’s Brasserie - Any meal here is sure to impress here with a fabulous dining room and service that is on point. I came for a breakfast meeting and loved the Stratton Egg topped with caviar. Be sure to order a french toast for the table. Can’t wait to come back for a drink at the stunning green marbled bar.
BiBi - A trip to London isn’t complete without great Indian food, and BiBi is a perfect cure for this craving. The restaurant is small and well designed with unique decor accents and incense burning as the team greets you upon entering. The lunch tasting menu was plenty of food, and I enjoyed watching the chefs prepare everything from my counter seat. The staff is friendly and welcoming, while the food is refined and comforting yet bursting with flavor.
Where to Drink:
Side Hustle - Part of the NoMad hotel (enter next to the hotel’s main entrance), Side Hustle is a fun and upbeat bar that has proper seating so you can enjoy drinks and a bite to eat either as part of your night or the main destination. The cocktail menu is robust with pages of creative libations that will satisfy any palette, and they boast a large selection of agave-based spirits. Try their seasonal margarita to see what’s “of the moment”. Tacos, guacamole, empanadas and other tasty Latin-inspired bites pair well with the drinks to keep you going well into the night. Be sure to ask for Davide or Max— they’re the best!
The Connaught - A classic London haunt, this hotel is a sophisticated place to enjoy a drink at any of their restaurants and bars. The Connaught Bar was recently ranked #13 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list and is a must try for martini drinkers. When you order a martini, they roll over their martini trolley, and it’s a whole moment. You can upgrade to their namesake gin for a splurge that’s worth it for a perfectly crafted sip. The Red Room has more of a hidden speakeasy vibe that is design-forward and intimate, and of course the cocktails here are also fantastic. You can’t go wrong with either of these bars, though neither take reservations, so pop in and see how long the wait is for a table.
Downstairs at The 22 - The Twenty Two is a member’s club and hotel, but the main restaurant is open for reservations. Try to see if you know someone or can get into the club— the downstairs especially is a vibe with the low ceilings, red velvet seating and leopard-print carpet. The back room really gets going later into the night (around 11:30ish) with trendy locals enjoying the DJ and bottle service. Their signature cocktail The 22 is a more ginger-forward riff on Soho House’s Picante that’s refreshing and easy drinking. Otherwise their Paloma is also a favorite, and the friendly bartenders ensure each cocktail they make is perfected.
The White Horse - Not to be confused with any of the numerous other White Horse pubs, this cute and cozy wine bar in Mayfair is perfect for a glass or a bottle with some charcuterie. They also have a blind pour of the day where you can win a free bottle if you guess the grape and region correctly. Of course I had to order it and almost got it right, but will be back to try again.
The Devonshire Pub - Located in the middle of a more touristy area in Soho, this is the place to go for a quintessential London pub experience, if that’s something you’re looking for. It will be packed on a Friday evening with people ordering Guinness and is a fun place to experience the local pub culture. The upstairs restaurant is supposed to be tasty.
Where to Shop:
Selfridges: Selfridges is a proper shopping destination. You’ll find high-end designer goods plus all kinds of interesting and cool gifts. When you’ve worked up an appetite, there are over a dozen options to refuel with snacks, sit down meals, cocktails, and more. Din Tai Fung is a famous Taiwanese spot known for its soup dumplings.
Harrod’s: The OG London department store. They’ve launched their own branded merchandise in addition to carrying designer labels. The food hall is pretty impressive as well. If you can’t make it here during your time in the city, be sure to hit up the outpost at Heathrow Airport for your go-to souvenirs.
Carnaby Street: For less of the haughty department store vibe, head to this charming street with lots of character in Soho. Wander around for cute shops and be sure to check out Kingly Court for a wide variety of restaurants in an atrium-style food hall. Satisfy your craving for quality Indian food in a casual vibe at Darjeeling Express.
Where to Stay:
The BoTree: rates from $346, depending on the season
The BoTree is a modern boutique hotel that has a more playful take on entry-level luxury. The design is clean, thoughtful, and tech-forward with smart touches integrated throughout the room to make you more comfortable. The rooms are a pretty decent size for the basic Superior Rooms, and everyone from the staff was friendly and accommodating.
The biggest advantage of staying here is the location— you’re right on the edge of Mayfair and Marylebone while also being close to Soho. All of these are great neighborhoods to explore (and where a lot of our recs are located since we stayed here), so you really can’t beat it for the price, as most other hotels are old school London luxury at higher price points.
In terms of amenities, the gym is small but still feels quite new and has the essentials. We didn’t try the bar or restaurant, but room service had a solid cheeseburger and a variety of breakfast options. The minibar includes all the non-alcoholic beverages with the room, and there were a lot of great local snacks to choose from that weren’t too expensive. Bathroom and shower products are from Jo Malone’s new line Jo Loves, and the showers have both rainfall and detachable shower heads. The heated floors in the bathroom were a nice idea, but unfortunately it didn’t get warm enough in this particular room to fully appreciate it.
The Savoy: rates from $588, depending on the season
While we haven’t stayed here yet, it’s on the top of the list as The Savoy is among London’s most iconic luxury hotels (others being Claridge’s, The Connaught, and the Ritz). When it opened in 1889, it was supposedly the first “purpose-built deluxe hotel” in London and became known for its glamorous crowd. It’s now managed by Fairmont, maintaining its historic charm and the first-class service it has become known for. With a great central location on the River Thames, some suites have river views, and it’s close to the city’s biggest attractions. You’ll step back in time with the beautiful art deco design and modern touches. The whole property has a lot to offer with a full spa, luxurious cocktail bars worthy of Gatsby himself, and three Gordon Ramsay restaurants that are all supposed to be superb.
The Langley: rates from $450, depending on the season
If you’re going to London for a week or so, then you may want to plan a couple of days in the countryside for some R&R. The Langley is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection in Buckinghamshire, with a full spa, pool, and an abundance of beautifully landscaped grounds for exploring. The best part is that it’s easy to get to — by train, the Elizabeth Line goes direct to Langley station (then take a short car ride), or it’s just under an hour by car from central London.
What to Pack:
Small travel size umbrella and a water repellent jacket/coat - it will probably be raining at some point.
Comfortable shoes are needed for exploring this sprawling city by foot.
No need to buy or bring a UK adapter plug-in. Most hotels (including BoTree) have adapters if you need them for any of your electronics, or they have USB chargers built into the bedside table area.
You may not even need to exchange cash for British Pounds, depending on your activities - most places offer payment via Apple Pay or credit card.
This guide is extra special because we had a local contributor — thank you to Next Vacay subscriber and London local Camila Gamero for the great tips!
You can get all the way to Bond St or Tottenham Court Road from Heathrow on the Elizabeth Line for under £20 and in less than 45 minutes. You can tap a credit card in and out of the stations and you’ll hit the maximum day rate no matter how many short trips you take that day.
You can also use a credit card from Gatwick too. It actually doesn’t take much longer by train than Heathrow. Though is quite a bit further by cab.
The Lime electric bikes run in multiple cities around the world from the same app, though the passes you buy only work in one country at a time so you can’t take your minutes from London to Paris, for example. I’d say it can be a little daunting to ride them if you’re not a confident rider or don’t know the area well. But can be good for getting from one side of Hyde Park to the other, for example.
Hi Chelsea! So many! That’s why I write every week. 🤪 I tend to give friends recommendations based on what they’ll already be near or what I know they’d like because I don’t feel like London has a short list of must hits! Sorry that’s not enormously helpful. 😅