My first trip to London was in December 2018, during the magical holiday season. The festive atmosphere, from twinkling lights to charming Christmas markets, made me instantly fall in love with the city. Growing up, I never had London high on my travel bucket list, but after my visit, that quickly changed. London is a stunning city, known for its rich history and diverse architectural styles, including Victorian, Gothic, Baroque, Tudor, and Art Deco. Beyond its iconic landmarks and stunning visuals, London is home to some of the world’s best shops and restaurants, making it a paradise for food lovers and shoppers alike. And, of course, it's the home of the royal family! After just a few visits, London has become one of my favorite cities in the world. In this guide, you'll find my top recommendations for the best things to do, see, and experience in London. Enjoy your trip to this incredible city!
When to visit London + things to do
If you’re traveling to London for the first time, I highly recommend planning your trip during the holiday season. Starting in mid-November, the city comes alive with festive Christmas markets, offering a magical experience you won’t want to miss. There’s nothing quite like spending an evening strolling through these markets, sipping a warm glass of mulled wine as you take in the holiday lights and unique gifts. To make the most of your trip, here’s a list of must-see attractions and top things to do in London:
- Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, a large annual Christmas fair with rides, games, food, drinks, and endless amounts of fun!
- Take a ride on the London Eye, a 30-minute observation Ferris Wheel that offers 360°views of London's landmarks.
- Test out your luck at the casino. London has many throughout the city!
- Embrace your inner King or Queen and take a picture outside the iconic Buckingham Palace. It's pretty cool to watch the guards.
- Attend a ballet at the Royal Opera House. The theater is much more accessible in price than in the USA!
- Explore Primrose Hill, a village-like area filled with Victorian terraces and pastel-coloured Regency townhouses.
Where to Eat in London
Eating your way through London is a true international culinary experience. Whether you're craving traditional British fare, Asian fusion, Mediterranean cuisine, or anything in between, London has it all. Be sure to visit one or two of the city's famous food markets, like Spitalfields Market or Borough Market. You can easily spend hours wandering through these vibrant markets, sampling a wide variety of dishes and shopping for unique finds. These food markets are a must-visit for any food lover in London! In addition to the markets, here are some of the best restaurants in London you should try:
- Mildred's: Excellent plant-based cuisine.
- Tattu: Asian-fusion restaurant with a sexy atmosphere.
- EL&N Cafe: Super cute breakfast spot, certain locations even have games! The all-pink atmosphere is happy and fun!
- Dishoom: Celebrated Indian restaurant.
- Savoy Lounge: Located in the Savoy hotel, perfect for afternoon tea.
- Luca: Italian food with a cozy ambiance.
- Bubala: Delicious mediterranean fare.
- Clos Maggiore: Dreamy french restaurant in Covent Garden.
- NoMad London: Another Covent garden restaurant decked with lush greenery.
My favorite Hotels in London
London is home to some of the most stunning and luxurious hotels in the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at a few incredible places during my visits, and I’m excited to share my favorite London hotels with you. Whether you're looking for five-star accommodations or boutique gems, these are must-visit spots for a memorable stay. I’ve also included a list of beautiful hotels in London that are on my must-visit list for future trips:
- The Savoy: known to have the "best bar in the world" this is a luxurious stay for special occasions. I got to spend a night there and I wanted to move in!
- Kimpton Fitzroy London: Near the gorgeous Russell Square, this hotel has antique charm and a prime location.
- Claridge's Mayfair: Known as the first hotel in London!
- Broadwick Soho: Boutique hotel for the lover of Maximillist style.
- 1 Hotel Mayfair: Natural, upscale aesthetic.
- Middle Eight: Luxurious hotel for an affordable price.
- NoMad London: Great choice for art lovers.
Shopping in London
Shopping in London is a must for fashion lovers seeking the latest in luxury and designer brands. Known for iconic labels like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Burberry, London is a global fashion capital where trends are born. From high-end boutiques to unique vintage stores, here are some of my favorite London shopping spots you can't miss during your visit:
- Selfridges: Iconic upscale department store with ultra-trendy pieces. My favorite stop in London.
- Harrod's: Also my favorite shop in London, it is a visually stunning upscale department store with extremely beautiful store in stores from the world's best brands.
- Brick Lane vintage market: underground vintage clothing market with plenty to look at.
- Fortnum & Mason: an 18th century department store known for it's gourmet groceries. The perfect place to purchase your English tea!
- Regent Street: A major shopping street on the west end of London.
- Bond Street: Shop designer brands and fine jewelry here.
- Beyond Retro: Number one spot for vintage lovers.
From London, With Love
Whether it's your first visit or you're returning to discover more, London offers endless experiences for every traveler. My favorite part about this city is the ultra cool style and inspiring architecture. I can't wait to go back and visit again someday. I hope you get to visit too!
XO BRI