London is a beautiful city filled with so much history. It feels like a more regal New York, and there are so many different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. I got to explore over a long weekend with a few friends, and we chose to stay in Shoreditch, a young and vibrant neighborhood that’s still close to all the main attractions.

It’s absolutely impossible to see all of London in three days, so we picked our top sites; Kensington Palace, Notting Hill, Oxford St, and Westminster, among others, and tried to see them at a pace where you can enjoy the moment instead of cramming as much as possible into the time you have.

Where to Stay

Budget

Wombats Hostel in Shoreditch is a great option for budget travelers. It's clean, has a cool bar, and is out in the younger area of London, but still easy to get to all the main attractions!

Boutique

Hazlitt's in Soho, the former home of William Hazlitt, has individually decorated Victorian style rooms with busts of prominent figures and free-standing bathtubs. Plus, you're right in the heart of London, so all you need to do is step out your door!

Luxe

If you're in the mood to splurge, The Savoy in London's Covent Garden is the place to be. All rooms are decorated in either Edwardian or Art-Deco style, and many have breathtaking views of the River Thames and the London Eye! 

What To Do

There’s so much to do in London, you can’t possibly cover it all in one trip. My advice, pick your top sites, and don’t try to fill up days too full. Take time, slow down, and enjoy this incredible city.

Here are a few ideas:

Classic sites

• Tower of London

• Tower Bridge

• Westminster Abby

• London Eye

• Buckingham Palace

• Hyde Park

• Kensington Palace and Gardens

• Oxford Street

• Covent Garden

• Borough Market

• Notting Hill

• Sherlock Holmes Museum

Museums

• The Tate

• Queens Gallery

• Wallace Collection

• National Gallery

• Victoria and Albert Museum

Where To Eat

Brunch / Lunch

• Farm Girl $$ - the best Notting Hill spot for healthy and delicious meals like pumpkin squash soup and

• The Breakfast Club $$ - If you want a hearty english-style breakfast in a 90's throwback atmosphere, hit up this place out in Shoreditch! It always has a line out the door, but worth the wait!

• Sketch $$$$ - On the pricey side, but worth it for the atmosphere alone. This pink-lovers-heaven has multple dining rooms each with slightly different decor, and the food matches up to the hype of this place!

• Corazon $$ - a great modern mexican resturant in Soho serving mouthwatering tacos, hash, and huevos rancheros.

• Dirty Bones $$$ - Great at any time of the day, and they have locations all over London, but thier Botomless brunch has amazing cocktails and the food is to die for. Definitely worth a splurge.

Dinner

• Dishoom $$$ - A modern Indian resturant over near Kings Cross Station with delicious food! Think Indian Tapas while ordering, dishes are small and meant to be shared, but everything is divine!

• Hoppers $ - I'm not sure I knew what Sri Lankan food was prior to this, but Hopper over in Soho made me a fan!

• Barrafina $$ - Spanish tapas, with multiple locations all over. Note: they're always busy, don't take reservations, and don't take parties more than 4!

• The Dairy $$ - If you want modern British food, The Dairy serves a select menu of carefully crafted dishes that are all mouth-watering!

Drinks

• Victorian Bath House $$ - Decked out in Victorian era grandeur, this is a great spot for sipping a cocktail and chatting with friends.

• The Bootlegger $$ - prohibition-style bar in East London with a relaxed vibe and classic cocktails

• NOLA $$ - Grab a taste of New Orleans jazz in Shoreditch. It's hidden above the Bedroom Bar on Rivington St, and sure to make you crave a trip to The Big Easy.

• Bar Elba $$ - Named after the island where Napoleon was exiled, and in the neighborhood of Waterloo (ironic, much?) this summer rooftop spot is washed in bright colors and sunny cocktails

Tips from Locals

• Instead of paying for those hop-on buses, just buy a regular metro pass and ride the #15 bus. I'll take you around all the major stops of central London for a fraction of the cost!

Xoxo,

Audra