London was one of the first cities to capture my heart from afar. I dreamed of traveling here for years, and when I finally made it, it became the very first city I explored in Europe. From the moment I arrived, I was in awe.
As a city girl at heart, London felt electric—familiar yet entirely new. The energy, the history woven into every street, the endless neighborhoods to get lost in, the pubs buzzing at all hours, and the food scene that’s so much richer than people give it credit for… it all felt like stepping into a place I somehow already belonged to. It’s a city that keeps calling me back, and I truly hope I get to live here one day.
Read below for my favorite places to eat, sights to see, and things to do.
What's Included in This London Travel Guide
Whether you're visiting London for the first time or returning to explore more of the city, this guide shares my personal recommendations from multiple trips, including:
London travel tips: How long to stay, getting around the city, and what to book in advance.
Where to stay in London: My experiences staying in different neighborhoods, including Victoria, King's Cross, and Chelsea.
Where to eat in London: Favorite restaurants, cafés, and afternoon tea experiences.
Things to do in London: Iconic landmarks, sightseeing, and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
Day trips from London: My experiences visiting Windsor, Oxford, and the Cotswolds.
Wellness experiences: Yoga studios I've visited while exploring the city.
What to Know Before You Go
How Many Days Do You Need in London?
If you're visiting London for the first time, I highly recommend planning for at least one week, especially if you're traveling from the U.S. With two days often dedicated to traveling, you'll want enough time to actually enjoy the city without feeling rushed.
London has so much to offer, from iconic landmarks and beautiful neighborhoods to incredible restaurants, cafés, and local shops. While you can certainly see some of the highlights in a few days, I think part of what makes London special is taking the time to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Personally, I love wandering through local neighborhoods, discovering new places to eat, and experiencing a city at a slower pace. Spending a week in London gives you the flexibility to do all of that without packing every hour of your itinerary.
If you're hoping to explore destinations outside London, like the Cotswolds or Bath, I'd consider saving those for a second trip or extending your stay. There's more than enough to keep you busy in London alone!
Getting Around London
One of my favorite things about London is how easy it is to get around! Having lived in New York City, I felt comfortable navigating London's public transportation system almost immediately. In fact, London was one of the first international destinations where I felt completely confident using public transit.
The London Underground, commonly called the Tube, makes it incredibly convenient to explore different neighborhoods and attractions without needing a car. I loved being able to hop on the Tube and easily make my way around the city.
When I traveled to London with my mom, we opted for black cabs or Ubers a little more frequently for added comfort and convenience, especially after long days of sightseeing. Both are great alternatives when you don't feel like navigating public transportation.
For most visitors, I recommend using a combination of walking and the Tube to explore London, with the occasional taxi or rideshare when needed. There's really no need to rent a car if you're planning to stay within the city.
Travel Tip: You can pay for the Tube using a contactless credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or an Oyster card. Just tap in when entering and tap out when leaving the station, making sure to use the same card or device for both. I also recommend using Google Maps or the TfL Go app to plan your routes, especially when exploring neighborhoods you're unfamiliar with.
What to Book in Advance in London
Not everything in London requires advance reservations, but there are a few experiences I'd recommend planning ahead for:
Buckingham Palace and special exhibitions: Many of London's famous landmarks can be admired from the outside without a reservation. However, if you're interested in visiting Buckingham Palace's State Rooms or attending a special exhibition, check opening dates and book tickets in advance. Some experiences are only available during certain times of the year.
Afternoon tea: I highly recommend making reservations in advance, especially during the holiday season when popular afternoon tea experiences can sell out.
Popular restaurants: Make reservations for any must-visit restaurants, particularly for dinner or weekend dining. For some restaurants, I was able to secure my preferred time slot just a few days beforehand.
Day trips and guided tours: If you're planning an organized excursion to places like Windsor, Bath, or the Cotswolds, I'd book ahead to secure your preferred tour and date, especially during peak travel periods.
Yoga classes: These were generally easy to book once I arrived in London, so I didn't feel the need to plan them far in advance.
My approach is to reserve experiences with limited availability before traveling and leave more flexibility for exploring neighborhoods, visiting cafés, and sightseeing.
Where to Stay
| Hotel / Neighborhood | Best For | My Experience |
|---|---|---|
| The Clermont Victoria | First-time visitors | My top choice! Beautiful hotel, central location, walking distance to Buckingham Palace, with plenty of restaurants nearby. |
| Crowne Plaza King's Cross | Travelers prioritizing transportation | Comfortable hotel, although I preferred staying closer to London's major attractions. |
| Airbnb in Chelsea | Neighborhood exploration | Beautiful residential area with cafés, restaurants, and shopping. Great for experiencing a more local side of London. |
Crowne Plaza - Kings Cross
I stayed at the Crown Plaza in Kings Cross during my first trip to London as I tagged along on my husband’s business trip. The hotel was honestly great. It was located in a quieter part of the city, which meant it offered more space, both in amenities and rooms. It was very close to King’s Cross station, so I was able to get around the city easily. It had the restaurant Bloom right inside the hotel, where I tried some delicious traditional English meals. If you want to be within walking distance to more sites, I’d recommend the Clermont instead.
The Clermont
During my second trip to London, I stayed at the Clermont Hotel in Victoria. It is a beautiful historic hotel with a modern touch. The rooms were quite small, but I feel like most London hotel rooms are (at least ones in my budget lol). The hotel was in the perfect location as it was within walking distance to Buckingham Palace and other major sites. There were plenty of coffee shops, pubs, and restaurants right outside. The Victoria tube station was right next to the hotel for easy access to get around the city.
Airbnb
On my last trip to London, I wanted to save some money and opted for an Airbnb instead of a hotel. I stayed in a small flat in Chelsea, and while the space itself was compact, the location more than made up for it. The flat was within walking distance of Sloane Square and King’s Road, an area full of shops, cafés, and grocery stores—including a Whole Foods just a five-minute walk away.
The biggest downside was that the pull-out couch didn’t come with extra blankets or sheets, and even after reaching out, the host wasn’t able to provide them. We ended up purchasing our own, which wasn’t ideal. That said, the location was truly hard to beat, and despite that inconvenience, I loved staying in this part of London and would absolutely consider booking here again.
Where to Eat in London
I’m obsessed with the food scene in London. There are so many restaurants that I want to try that it’s hard to squeeze them all in during my week-long stays. Below are the places that I have loved and recommend.
Smashed Avocado Toast at Timmy Green
Breakfast:
Timmy Green (Fitzrovia): This is a bright Aussie-inspired restaurant that is part of the Daisy Green group, offering delicious brunch dishes. You have to try the Smashed Avocado toast made on charcoal sourdough. My mom and I loved it and have returned each time we've visited.
Daylesford Organic (Notting Hill + Other Locations): A friend introduced me to Daylesford Organic on my first trip to London, and now I make a point to return every time! What started as an organic farm in the Cotswolds has grown into a series of beautiful London storefronts—part grocery store, part café. They offer an incredible selection of high-quality, organic food. My personal favorite is one of their fresh pastries, topped with butter and jam, paired with a steaming cup of tea. Honestly, everything on their menu is worth trying as it is all so fresh! I also love buying their teas to take home with me.
Breakfast Club (Soho + Other Locations): A beloved London spot known for its cozy vibe and hearty comfort breakfasts. Their pancakes, eggs, and classic English plates hit the spot—especially before a full day of sightseeing. You can make a reservation M-F and only a few are offered for early slots on weekends. If there’s a line, trust me—it’s worth the wait.
English Rose Cafe + Tea Shop (Victoria): If you want to cross a classic “traditional English breakfast” off your list, head to English Rose Café + Tea Shop. This charming, cozy café is tucked just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal in a homey, welcoming atmosphere.
Lunch:
Farmer J: If you’re looking for a quick, nourishing meal in London, Farmer J is a great option. This fast-casual, plant-forward spot serves flavorful, satisfying bowls and works well for any meal. I’ve listed it under lunch because it’s the perfect stop for a mid-day break between sightseeing or shopping.
Dinner at Circolo Popolaire
Dinner:
Dishoom (Covent Garden + Other Locations): Seriously, no London visit is complete without going to Dishoom. This is a British chain of Indian restaurants inspired by the Irani cafes of Bombay. It is the most delicious Indian restaurant I have tried so far. I go back every time I am in London. Make a reservation in advance if you’re with a group. Otherwise, you can walk in, but there might be a wait especially in certain locations like Covent Garden.
Circolo Popolare (Kings Cross): This is a very joyfully decorated Italian restaurant that is a part of the Big Mamma chain. It’s as fun as it is delicious.
Daphne’s: A classic Italian restaurant I originally heard about for its stunning Christmas décor—and it truly lives up to the hype. The space is absolutely beautiful and feels especially magical during the holidays. While you can tell the ingredients are high quality and everything is well executed, the food didn’t quite wow me in the way I hoped. Still, it’s a lovely spot for the ambiance alone. Décor: 10/10, Food: 7/10.
Vagabond Wines (Victoria + Other Locations): Hands down one of the coolest wine bars I’ve ever visited. Their self-pour taps let you sample as many wines as you like—no waiting, no fuss. Pair your tasting with one of their delicious small plates, and soak in the laid-back, lively vibe that makes this spot so special.
Where to Grab Coffee in London
A Blank Street Coffee was conveniently located within walking distance of where I was staying, so I stopped in on my first day—and was immediately hooked. I don’t usually drink coffee at home because of my GERD, but traveling feels like the perfect time to indulge. Even though Blank Street has grown into more of a chain, their decaf cappuccino was genuinely delicious. I found myself going back every morning for one, and honestly, I still think about it.
Things to See in London: Iconic Landmarks & Historic Sites
Buckingham Palace: One of London's most iconic landmarks and absolutely worth seeing on your first visit. If possible, catch the Changing of the Guard, a free ceremony held on select days at 11 a.m. Arrive early for a good viewing spot, as crowds can be substantial, and keep an eye on your belongings. Check the official schedule before visiting, as dates and times can change.
Big Ben: One of London's most recognizable landmarks. Westminster Bridge is a popular spot for photos, and you can easily combine a visit with the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey.
Palace of Westminster: Home to the UK Parliament, this historic building is known for its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture. I also had the opportunity to tour the interior, which offers a fascinating look at Britain's parliamentary history. If you're interested in history or architecture, consider booking a guided tour rather than simply admiring the building from outside.
10 Downing Street: The official residence and office of the UK Prime Minister. The street is closed to public access, so you can only view the entrance from behind security gates. It's a quick sightseeing stop rather than an attraction you'll need to plan much time for.
Churchill War Rooms: This underground complex served as Britain's wartime government headquarters during World War II. I toured the museum and found it fascinating to explore the preserved rooms and learn more about Churchill's leadership during the war. If you enjoy history, I'd highly recommend visiting. You can book tickets through the official museum website.
London Eye: This giant observation wheel sits along the South Bank of the Thames and is one of London's most recognizable attractions. It's worth seeing while walking along the river, even if you don't plan to purchase a ticket for a ride.
Kensington Palace: Located within the beautiful Kensington Gardens, this royal residence is worth visiting if you're exploring this part of London. I enjoyed walking through the surrounding gardens, which you can visit for free. If you'd like to explore the palace interiors, you'll need to purchase a ticket.
Crown Jewels at the Tower of London: One of the main highlights of visiting the Tower of London, this collection includes the ceremonial crowns and regalia used by the British monarchy. Viewing the Crown Jewels is included with standard Tower of London admission.
Things to Do in London
Afternoon Tea in London
Afternoon tea at the Dorchester Hotel
Afternoon tea is one of my favorite traditions to experience when visiting London. It's a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a beautiful setting.
One of my favorite experiences was afternoon tea at The Dorchester, which is genuinely one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever visited. From the moment you walk inside, the hotel is absolutely stunning. The teas were delicious, too. Even my mom, who doesn't typically enjoy tea, loved the ones we were served! If you're looking for a traditional London afternoon tea experience, this would be my top recommendation. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during the holidays.
Other well-known hotels offering afternoon tea include The Ritz, Claridge's, The Savoy, and The Langham. While I haven't personally tried their afternoon teas, they're additional options worth considering.
Walk around different neighborhoods
One of my favorite ways to experience London is walking through its different neighborhoods, discovering local cafés, browsing shops, and getting a feel for each area's personality. These are three of my favorites:
Soho: One of London's liveliest neighborhoods, filled with restaurants, shops, and endless places to explore. I love wandering through Carnaby Street, stopping into Foyles Bookshop, browsing Hamleys toy store, and treating myself to cookies from Crème. I could easily spend hours walking around this area.
Notting Hill: Known for its colorful houses, charming streets, and beautiful boutiques, Notting Hill is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore. Some of my favorite stops include Farm Girl Café, Farmacy, Daylesford Organic, and Granger & Co. Don't miss Portobello Road Market or the famous blue door from Notting Hill.
Shoreditch: London's creative, eclectic neighborhood that reminds me of Williamsburg in New York City. Spend some time exploring Brick Lane, browsing vintage shops, trying international street food, and checking out the independent vendors around the Old Truman Brewery.
Go to a Concert at the O2
I planned one of my London trips around seeing my favorite band, Mumford & Sons, at the O2—and it did not disappoint. I love catching concerts in different countries, and this one was a lot of fun. My main tip: the O2 is quite a bit outside central London. You can take public transportation, but since we were new to the area, we opted for an Uber. Our driver, however, wouldn’t drop us at the front of the arena and left us about half a mile away in a maze of roads, so we had to walk. If you plan to take an Uber, be very clear that you want to be dropped off at the main entrance—we learned that the hard way!
Day Trips from London
Windsor
My mom had always wanted to see Windsor Castle, so on our second trip to London, we finally made it happen. I almost booked a guided tour through Viator but quickly realized how easy it was to visit on our own by train. I purchased tickets directly through the Royal Collection Trust website (about £32), which I’d highly recommend. We took the Tube to Paddington Station and then hopped on the Great Western Railway, which drops you right in Windsor. The entire journey took about an hour and felt surprisingly quick and straightforward.
Once inside, the self-guided visit took around 30 minutes and offered a glimpse into some of the most iconic parts of the castle, including the lavish State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel—where Prince Harry and Meghan were married—and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, whose burial site you can see during your visit. While you only see a small portion of the full estate, it’s more than enough to appreciate the history and grandeur of the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Afterward, we spent some time wandering the charming streets just outside the castle, which are filled with cute shops, cafés, and restaurants—perfect for lingering and soaking in the experience.
The Cotswolds & Oxford
I booked a guided day trip through Viator that included two Cotswolds villages, Bampton and Bourton-on-the-Water, followed by Oxford.
The guides were fantastic, and the tour was a convenient way to experience several destinations without arranging transportation ourselves. However, the biggest downside was how little time we had at each stop—approximately 1–1.5 hours in each village and two hours in Oxford.
Looking back, I would have preferred spending more time in Bourton-on-the-Water rather than trying to squeeze in so many stops.
My recommendation: This tour is a good introduction if you're short on time, but expect a long, full-day excursion with limited time at each destination. If I return, I'd love to spend an entire weekend exploring the Cotswolds and visit Oxford separately.
Christmas Markets in London: Are They Worth Visiting?
Covent Garden during the holidays
I absolutely love Christmas markets! They're one of the reasons I try to plan a European winter trip every year. London has plenty of festive experiences, but I have to admit that the Christmas markets I've visited so far have been a little underwhelming compared to those in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.
Many of London's markets are smaller, with more food and drink stalls than traditional artisan vendors. They can also get incredibly crowded during the holidays. That said, I still love exploring London's festive decorations and seasonal atmosphere!
Christmas markets I've visited:
Southbank Centre Winter Market: Located along the Thames, this market features wooden huts, food stalls, and seasonal drinks. When I visited, there were more food and drink vendors than artisan gift stalls. The riverside setting is lovely, but be prepared for large crowds.
Covent Garden: One of my favorite places in London during the holidays! While it's more of a beautifully decorated shopping district than a traditional Christmas market, the Christmas trees, lights, and festive storefronts make it worth visiting.
Leicester Square Christmas Market: A smaller market in the heart of the West End. I found it a little underwhelming, so I wouldn't go out of my way to visit, but it's worth a quick stroll if you're already nearby.
Other festive markets and experiences on my list:
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: A large holiday event with rides, entertainment, food, and festive market stalls.
Christmas by the River: A seasonal market near London Bridge with views of Tower Bridge and the Thames.
Old Spitalfields Market: A historic indoor market that hosts seasonal shopping and holiday events.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre: A holiday shopping event set within the historic palace grounds.
Travel tip: Christmas market dates, vendors, admission requirements, and event offerings can change each year. Check the official websites before planning your visit.
Where to Practice Yoga in London
As a yoga instructor, I love exploring local studios whenever I travel. London has plenty of options, and these are two studios I've personally visited and would recommend.
Hotpod Yoga (Multiple locations)
Hotpod Yoga is such a unique experience! Instead of a traditional studio, you practice inside a heated, inflatable pod with soft lighting that creates a cozy, almost cocoon-like atmosphere.
The pod is heated to approximately 37–38°C (99–100°F), which I found to be a comfortable temperature for a heated class. My instructor was lovely and led a mindful yet challenging practice. If you're looking to try something different while visiting London, I'd highly recommend it.
MoreYoga (Multiple Locations)
MoreYoga offers a variety of classes across London, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to maintain their yoga practice.
I attended a Hatha yoga class, which isn't typically my preferred style since I gravitate more toward vinyasa. However, I still had a really positive experience! The instructor was knowledgeable and welcoming, and I loved the strong sense of community among the students.