Making its way onto any good travel bucket list, London is arguably one of the best cities in the world. Steeped in history, it’s architecturally beautiful and boasts world-class museums and galleries. Truly diverse, it’s culturally rich and has a never-ending choice of restaurants, bars, and entertaining options to suit all tastes and budgets. The biggest struggle? Choosing what to do and how to spend your time. London is sprawling and often described as a collection of ‘villages,’ each area offering a different vibe and having its unique charm. For first-time visitors, it’s worth positioning yourself central and exploring the classics, venturing outside the city center if you have the time. What’s guaranteed is you will want to return demanding more. After all, as the famous quote goes: “When a (wo)man is tired of London, (s)he is tired of life.” To get you started, here are some local-approved recommendations in our London travel guide:
What to Do
Go to a museum or gallery
You can spend a lifetime visiting every single museum and gallery in London, but some should edge to the top of your list. First, there’s Tate Modern, London’s top modern art gallery. Housing the likes of Picasso, Rothko, and Dali in an old power station, you can combine the trip with a wander down Southbank and admire the iconic river Thames views. If you can bag yourself a ticket, don’t miss the exhibition of the decade: Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms. Lastly, The British Museum, which covers an impressive two million years of human history and culture.
Relax in park
The lungs of the city, London prides itself on having vast amounts of green space. Hyde Park and Regents Park are the biggest and best parks to wander through if you’re staying central. Do like Londoners do and pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass — even if it isn’t that sunny. In Hyde Park, don’t miss the Serpentine Lake, where you can rent a rowing boat, while Regents Park has a Zoo and beautiful flower garden.
Visit a market
Markets are a great way to soak up some London atmosphere. Notting Hill fans will know all too well about Portobello, an antique market whose main trade day is Saturday. Head East on Sunday for Brick Lane market (great for vintage) and Columbia Road (the famed flower market), while Borough Market is open every day for gourmet treats.
Where to Eat
Dishoom
It was once said that Chicken Korma, an Anglo take on an Indian curry, is England’s national dish, and no trip to London is complete without dining out on an Indian feast. Traditional curry houses can be found across London (Brick Lane and Tooting are reliable spots), but for a modern take with a little more elegance thrown in, Dishoom can’t be beaten. Order dishes to share and miss the Slow Cooked Black Dahl at your peril.
Padella
Located in Borough Market, Padella serves up some of London’s best pasta at very reasonable prices (London can be an expensive city). From the people behind Trullo (a more costly Italian joint in Islington), Padella makes all their pasta on the premises, and you can prop up at the bar and watch the chefs work their magic.
Berners Tavern
Under the direction of celebrated Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, Berners Tavern in London’s EDITION hotel showcases the best of British seasonal fare. The lavish interiors, complete with ornate plasterwork, chandeliers, and a selection of art, make it a night to remember.
Jolene
The hottest spot on social media right now, Jolene is an all-day bakery-come restaurant serving a daily changing menu of comforting and seasonal classics. From the team behind two other much-loved London restaurants (both with Michelin-approved status), it’s well worth making the trip to East London — remember to book a table in advance.
Sketch
While the food and drinks are good (there’s a dessert menu that Willy Wonka would be proud of), we’ll be honest and say you come here more for the atmosphere. The Instagram-worthy pink velvet furniture, the famous egg-shaped restroom pods, and artist-designed dining areas are a feast for all your senses. Consider your selfie game upped.
Where to Drink
Gordons Wine Bar
Thought to be the oldest wine bar in London, the family-run establishment was started in 1890. A great spot for wine and cheese, the inside of Gordon’s Wine Bar is dimly lit by melting towers of candles, whereas in summer, you can pull up outside the lively garden next to the river.
The American Bar at The Savoy
A classic for a reason, this quintessential cocktail bar dates back to 1893, and the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe have sipped drinks in these seats. Pick any cocktail your heart desires at The American Bar, but the martinis come particularly recommended.
Seed Library
Nestled in the basement of One Hundred Shoreditch — one of East London’s best hotels — comes a new cocktail bar, Seed Library, from renowned bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana. This cozy and welcoming bar is known in the industry simply as Mr. Lyan, showcasing his ‘lo-fi, analog’ approach to cocktail making. Think: an ever-changing creative menu and twists on your classic favorites.
Where to Get Your Beauty Fix
Browns East
Browns East, the Shoreditch outpost of the iconic fashion store, moved into beauty this year, and it’s well worth a visit for the curated edit of interesting beauty brands plus exciting in-store residencies. Sunday Riley is the first to take over the beauty studio offering 30-minute On-the-Glow facials.
Liberty Spa
No trip to London is complete without a trip to Liberty, the storied department store which has been welcoming customers since 1924. The home of good taste, the shop doesn’t just sell a selection of the world’s best beauty brands but also offers treatments, including Sunday Riley signature facials. “The room is gorgeous, airy, with florals and products all around. The lighting has a soft, relaxing vibe, which immediately puts you at ease. Plus, the branded robes are a cute, personal touch,” says Sophie Cullen, U.K.-based beauty journalist. “I always get compliments on my skin whenever I get a Sunday Riley facial here. The facial massage helps relieve a lot of tension in my face that sometimes makes it appear puffy. I forever recommend Good Genes to my friends and family. It has transformed my skin,” she says.
Hershesons Fitzrovia
The Hershesons’ flagship salon in Fitzrovia is a must for any beauty fan. From hairstylist-to-the-stars Luke Hersheson (Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung are fans), this multi-story beauty haven offers treatments from head to toe. Alongside hairstyling, there are nails by DryBy, brows by Suman, and facials by us at Sunday Riley.
Where to Stay
Nomad
Located in Covent Garden opposite the Royal Opera House, the outpost of the New York hotel is London’s buzziest new opening. The decor at Nomad is 1920s art deco-inspired and luxurious at every level. Don’t miss the courtyard restaurant, a three-story glass atrium with hanging plants.
The Hoxton, Holborn
For an affordable and stylish hotel in an unbeatable central location, The Hoxton is just the ticket. Industrial chic is the vibe, and the rooms are cleverly designed to maximize space with lovely details like parquet wooden floor and Roberts radios.
