LONDON

Impressive spot in the heart of Trafalgar Square with works from da Vinci, van Gough, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Picasso, Cézanne and more!

Hugely extensive collection of portraits from the 8th century through to modern-day stars, musicians, royalty and politicians.

3 min walk from National Gallery & National Portrait Gallery

Contemporary art gallery.

A collection of homemade satirical arcade machines.

International miniature art exhibition in South Kensington.

Charming place featuring the history of British homes and gardens from 1600s to present day in a Grade I listed 18th century house.

Particularly vibey outside in the summer - especially on a Sunday when the flower market is on! 8 min walk from Museum of the Home.

Features the history of branding and advertising in Britain over the last 200 years. Walking distance from lovely Notting Hill.

The interior design alone is enough to get me into this place. 9 min walk from the Museum of Brands.

Smaller spot featuring contemporary design. Brilliantly located - in Holland Park, on Kensington High Street and not far from Kensington Gardens!

5 min walk from the Design Museum and Holland Park.

Absolutely stunning building from the outside and in with a huge collection of 2.3 million objects of art, design, fashion and textiles. Located in lovely South Kensington.

8 min walk from Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum.

Right on the River Thames, it houses a substantial collection of UK art since Tudor times.

5 min walk from Tate Britain

Home to a collection of diverse items over the history of the Bank of England and the UK economy from the late 1600s to the present day.

Amazing space with incredible artefacts to see like the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.

Your go-to museum for plant, animal, fossil and rock artefacts dating back millions if not billions of years! Impressively big dinosaur bone display right at the entrance. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit is absolutely worth paying extra for - I go every year and absolutely love it!

One of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. Right on the River Thames in bustling Bankside.

Wine bar

A casual cheesemonger and small plate cafe / wine bar in the gorgeous ornate Leadenhall Market.

Omg I love this place. It's a candlelit, low vaulted cellar with walls covered in old photographs and newspaper clippings. It's a total escape from the hustle and bustle of surrounding central London. There's also a huge, thing outdoor area that has a buzzing after-work vibe during the week.

A brilliant, cosy and chilled wine bar in Fitzrovia. Our server was so friendly and the Mediterranean inspired small plates are delicious. Great place to meet friends who are coming from out of town (especially from west into Baker Street or Marylebone train stations).

A brilliant small neighbourhood wine bar in Hackney - a brilliant spot to go for a night cap after having dinner at Sesta (around the corner on Wilton Way).

An awesome wine bar off the bustling Kingsland Road in Dalston. There is one huge table for lots to sit at, where you'll be in the thick of the vibe. Or you can opt for one of the few high-top seats along the window lined with dried flowers and wine bottle-turned-candles. The chalkboard menu uniquely uses 2-3 word descriptions to list the available wines by the glass, so you know exactly what style you're ordering (e.g., crisp white, chilled red). They also bang out some awesome cold and hot small plates that make for a brilliant dinner alternative.

My go-to neighbourhood wine bar in Hoxton that I've been to at least 5+ times. A small space that's very simply but beautifully designed with rows of wooden shelves on one wall covered with wines from around the world, all female-owned or run. Sia (the owner) is very warm and friendly. I recommend pairing whatever wine you order with a plate of fresh baked bread and the ricotta & anchovies.

A brilliant wine bar and shop under a railway arch in the up and coming Forest Gate neighbourhood. Ordering the potato and creme fraiche pie is a must (if it's still on the menu!)

A cool corner spot with an industrial feel in East London's Hackney neighbourhood. Great for a pre-dinner drink and nibble, or a post-dinner nightcap. The staff absolutely know their stuff so definitely worth having them recommend a wine based on what you're in the mood for. Not to be confused with the nearby Sager + Wilde Restaurant (which I also absolutely love)!

An incredible Italian wine bar in the heart of Shoreditch. There are such cute bistro vibes in the front room and a more romantic, dimly-lit, brick-walled room with a communal table towards the back.

An intimate and relaxed wine bar in the heart of the leafy and residential De Beauvoir Town neighbourhood.

A popular cosy neighbourhood bottleshop by day and wine bar by night in North London's De Beauvoir neighbourhood. The vibes are on point, the wines are delicious and the small plates are delicious, and the vibes will make it hard for you to want to leave. No reservations, but waiting for one is worth it. Swing up to The Hunter S pub to pass the time!

An intimate and relaxed wine bar in the heart of the leafy and residential De Beauvoir Town neighbourhood.

A popular cosy neighbourhood bottleshop by day and wine bar by night in North London's De Beauvoir neighbourhood. The vibes are on point, the wines are delicious and the small plates are delicious, and the vibes will make it hard for you to want to leave. No reservations, but waiting for one is worth it. Swing up to The Hunter S pub to pass the time!

Spanish wine and cocktail bar

A rustic chic French wine bar on an adorable neighbourhood street in Westbourne Grove - walking distance from the lovely Notting Hill

I LOVE coming here in the winter - especially right before Christmas. The lamb roast is amazing!

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My favourite bookshop in London so far, go check out their events, and of course the amazing interiors

looking for a food hall in a unique scenaric view? this place is for you, many options and lots of Italian food stalls also

If you're a tourist coming to London, this is the first place I'd recommend you go. It's famous for a reason. Unlike almost everywhere else in Europe they are also known to have great brewed coffee aside from espresso drinks! If you're American this is huge. The Covent Garden (not Borough Market) location is also a slightly better bet for avoiding crowds.

Everyone loves Jolene. There's nothing bad to say about it. The food, vibes, atmosphere, branding, people... all very worthy of its praise. Thankfully there's a few locations around London, but I've only ever been to the one on Redchurch Street. Note that it's mostly takeaway- the physical place is small and there's barely any seating. But there's lots of space outside and parks/public seating nearby where people usually go.

The second place I'd recommend for coffee snobs (Allpress being the first)! And another supplier of beans to many other coffee shops around the city. Not much more to say.

Across the street from Jolene! But also with a few locations around the city. Allpress as a coffee shop and a roaster sort of sets the standard for espresso in London and also supplies a good amount of coffee to other shops around the city. If you're serious about coffee this is the first place I'd recommend.

I'll start with the major con... it gets crowded. Like really crowded. At any time of the day the bar will be filled to the brim with people on laptops. For that reason, I don't find it particularly relaxing here, and never mastered the perfect time to go to even be guaranteed a spot. But the major pro is that the physical space and quality of food and drinks are really really good. If you're already in Shoreditch or Hackney its definitely worth giving it a try. Maybe on a weekend or earlier in the morning if possible.

The original location of the Attednant is situated in an old underground men's room in Fitzrovia- hence the name. I like that one too for what it is! But I'm talking about the other, more open-air location in Shoreditch. This one is close to and less crowded than Ozone and has a less gourmet/more traditional cafe menu, which also happens to be very good. I've come here plenty of times for different reasons (brunch with friends, to read or draw by myself, to work for a little bit), and have found that this place fits the bill for all of them.

This is where I'd usually find myself stopping in Soho/Covent Garden when I want good drinks AND food. Most places in the area are incredibly trendy/touristy and overpriced. I'm not saying this one isn't, but it's definitely better than others and the atmosphere and quality of the menu offerings make up for it. Note that there is only one long communal table, so only go if you're comfortable with that.

Very solid Australian coffee shop. Not my first choice for vibes because it gets loud and crowded, and I don't think they have wifi. But food and beverage-wise, they deliver. The toasted banana bread and Anzac cookies (biscuits?) are phenomenal, as are all of the espresso offerings.

Established in 1949 and still very popular, although now with a bit of a younger crowd moreso than the original Italian immigrant community. A fun cafe vibe I'd specifically recommend for socializing. It's also open until 5 am!

One of the most beloved local spots in all of London, tucked away in a quieter part of Regents Canal. It's only open during the summer so if you happen to be there then, absolutely go.

The vibes here are the best, probably because it's mostly locals. It's cozy and warm and the coffee is great. I wouldn't recommend trying to work at Drury, but I would recommend meeting friends and enjoying your life here.

I don't think that this place is as known as most of the others I've listed. That's a good thing! All the more reason to go in my opinion. The space in the back and especially the lighting/open ceiling is what makes it. A very enjoyable place to spend a decent amount of time. If you ever find yourself in the Camden area in need of a coffee shop I'd highly highly recommend!

My absolutely favorite local spot when I lived in the area. It's a peaceful little Nordic cafe backing up to one of the Mews in Kensington (dreamy). Early in the morning is the best time to go to avoid crowds, too. I'd see lots of wealthy parents here after dropping their kids off at some fancy school. They also serve great matcha and make all of their food in-house! Try the rye bread if you can.

A very charming place in Notting Hill! When I say charming, I mean it's a place that feels like you're firmly in the UK (versus anywhere with a pulse on internet trends) and also like you could be in any decade (instead of obviously 2018-present given certain decor decisions). It feels hard to find places like that these days! The kind that feel reminiscent of the Notting Hill movie era. The owner is also incredibly sweet. And the food is arguably very good too but even more so because it's obviously made with love. ❤️

This is not a coffee shop, but I included it as an honorable mention because it's one of the best places in the city to do work. It's a room at the top of the Wellcome Collection near the British Museum. London doesn't have the same problem as most other European cities regarding the lack of internet-friendly cafes (because most of them are just as hustle-focused as Americans), but it's still worth noting the options if you'd prefer to be productive elsewhere. I'm not sure if they have wifi, but the space is completely free and can be used for as long as you please!

THE gay club. Had one of the most fun nights of my life here.

Nobody knows about this park!! It's tucked behind Kensington High Street (easy access from the metro stop) and it's serene and gorgeous. There's a Japanese garden in the middle of it and lots of peacocks roaming around.

A much more quaint, less gentrified hipster counterpart to Shoreditch and Hackney, situated in London Fields. Great if you're looking for a similar vibe but with better prices and less tourists.

Institution of a place for grilled cheese (cheese toasties) on sourdough along the edge of Borough Market. Famous for a reason. Super high-quality ingredients and fair prices. Expect a long line but it moves pretty fast!

A great lesser-known food market in the Southwark area, not super far from Borough. I think they're only open on the weekends.

Huge slices, thin crust, and inventive flavor profiles. Love love love it here.

A classic for a reason. I don't think I will ever stop coming here or recommending it. (there are tons of locations around London besides Shoreditch!) Like I said in my notes on the Edinburgh location, make a reservation if you can or come at an off time and be prepared to wait!! And it's best to come with a group and order as many things as you can to share. I'd recommend the black daal, chicken ruby, housemade chai, and vegetable samosas. But you can't go wrong with anything really.

The only cafe outpost of this fancy organic London grocer. But wow their stuff is good. The menu is seasonal and very produce heavy and you can really taste the quality of what they're using.

Phenomenal Thai food. You'll need a reservation here.

Incredible Mediterranean/Middle Eastern

Best acai and smoothies in the city. The green bowl is my favorite

Favorite bookstore in the city, on a side street off of Brick Lane

One of my favorite department stores maybe ever!! There's only one location, on Regents Street in Soho. The building itself is historical and gorgeous, the rooms feel intimate, and the brands they carry are smaller and more trendy than your average department store lineup. I'd personally choose Liberty over Harrods if you had to pick one to visit, but that's just me. The employees are also very kind and let you hang out and play here, lol.

An incredibly good falafel stand. Perhaps some of the best I've had outside the Middle East.

This was one of the first places I went for dinner when I got to London to study abroad. The quality is GREAT for the price. Would absolutely recommend for a casual sit-down lunch or dinner that's still very good.

A newer, trendier version of Bancone, with similar prices, on the outskirts of Borough Market. I don't perceive much of a difference between the two, honestly. But there are in very different parts of the city so I guess go to whichever one you're closer to? Both are great.

Insanely good burger. On the trendier side when it comes to flavor combinations, etc. If that's your thing, GO!!! I've been to the one in Boxcar Shoreditch.

Unassuming establishment for some of the best Jamaican food in London. The locals know this.

Some of the more affordable sushi in London, and conveniently some of the best, especially if you prefer more authentic Japanese.

Probably my favorite ramen in London. Super super authentic and fortunately the prices reflect it.

Fantastic Tel Avivian spot in Clerkenwell. The value for money, especially for a nice sit-down restaurant and especially if you come with a group, is amazing.

Very cute neighborhood joint for vegetable-heavy, homecooked food. No complaints here :)

This cute cafe doubles as an extraordinary neon art exhibit. The best part? Entrance is completely FREE! Take the tube to Walthamstow Central Station and God's Own Junkyard is just a short walk away! This place is the perfect spot to catch up with friends or spice up your Instagram feed. While DSR cameras are not permitted, phones cameras are! Prepare to be amazed 😎

Go for a swim at Hampstead Heath's bathing pond! Swimming sessions are charged at £4.25, or £2.55 for concessions. Cash and card are both accepted!

Visit Columbia Road Flower Gardens on Sunday mornings for fantastic bargains on flowers and other plants! TIP: Get there early as the market opens at 8am to get the best deals!

Covent Garden is filled with music, live performances, restaurants, and shops for a lovely shopping experience. When taking the Tube here, make sure you do NOT walk up the stairs. Take the lift instead. The stairs feel like climbing Mount Everest.

Located at the heart of Covent Garden, experience the live orchestra performances of Apple Market and support local artists!

This market is also located right by Covent Garden! Visit both to scratch off both off your list in one go!

Camden Market is one of my favorite markets. This market is located by a canal and offers amazing art, clothing, and bustling street food from all around the world. TIP: It can get very crowded during weekends and peak times, so go during quieter hours to avoid the crowds.

Visit Portobello Road Market by Notting Hill for the best vintage and antique finds! TIP: Don't visit on Sundays because it will be closed.

Located in Shoreditch, Brick Lane is known for its hipster vibe. Hit up Brick Lane to purchase (or browse) the coolest vintage clothes and thrift finds. There are so many vendors that you will be sure to find something that suits your style!

Visit Spitalfields Market to support local artisans and buy jewelry, clothing, art, and food!

Dine while surveying a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city.

You'll find exhibitions on wellness, biology, medical history, mental health, climate science, and more. It also has the best museum gift shop with a large collection of biology, anatomy, and wellness books, notebooks, and gifts.

For all Harry Potter fans.

Check out fresh art and design talent.

British contemporary gastro pub with terraced outdoor seating.

Check the website for current events. On Sat mornings they hold life drawing classes!

The Thames-side historic pub where The Mayflower ship set sail from for America.

Holds a rich history as a pub and inn going back to the 15th century.

Most of the seating is outdoors, but this is one of the coolest most historic pub experiences in London. It's said that Shakespeare drank here!

Authentic French dining.

Excellent tapas place.

Upscale British gastro pub.

Outside the market you'll find streets full of funky street art, unique boutiques, vintage shops, bars, and more.

Great way to see this lesser visited area of London. Take the Waterbus to or from Camden Market.

Excellent canal-side dining.

Great for a meal or just a cocktail on the terrace.

Quirky modern cafe, excellent brunch spot.

Bookshop near all the Kensington area museums.

Thai food with British beer. Absolute local favorite gem.

Book ahead! Tell Chet I sent you! (the owner is a good friend of mine :) )

Excellent Spanish food in London.

Local British favorite.

Kitschy but fun with great fish.

Book ahead! This place is small and popular!

Grab a table on the rooftop.

Casual weekend afternoon hangout spot.

For vintage fashion lovers.

The place to go if you love vinyl.

Independent bookstore open since the 1970s.

Sausage and mash is my personal favorite!

Great option for Spanish food in London.

Every London visitor needs a photo at the gates!

Take the tour! It's entertaining and informative and so worth it.

As breakfast is cheaper than dinner here, you’ll get an impressive meal that you can linger over while taking in all of London for around the same price or less than paying for a ticket to The Shard’s viewing gallery.

I crave these dumplings on a weekly basis.

This is an upscale, modern take on Indian cuisine. Really great cocktails!

Great steak, affordable, and always a great experience.

A beloved local spot and London’s oldest wine bar. You may choose to dine outdoors, or in the underground wine cellars. (Go for this!!)

You'll see the burial places of so many historical and literary figures. Definitely worth a tour!

Love this spot on the Thames for pints and people watching.

Grab tickets to a show for the best way to experience The Globe.

Gorgeous spot serving hand rolled pasta dishes accompanied by some incredibly flavourful side dishes. This one is hard to get a booking for so book far in advance !

Another hidden gem, this Italian restaurant serves incredible seafood with amazing wines to pair with them. This spot is perfect for dates or to catch up with friends, with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Pix is tucked away in between bars in soho, and serves incredible buffet-style tapas dishes. Each dish ranges from £3-5 making them incredibly well priced, and the variety on offer is amazing. Highly recommend!

This restaurant serves a small menu with seasonal ingredients - they focus on locally sourced and home grown food to provide the freshest dishes possible

Gorgeous tapas place serving small plates - perfect date night spot !!

This quiet wine bar has the perfect atmosphere and setting to enjoy a glass (or 2) with friends, family, and partners. Located in Eccleston Yard, they are surrounded by restaurants to enjoy before/after. They additionally allow you to buy pizza from next door to eat in their restaurant whilst you drink.

This bar is located on the 37th floor and offers incredible 360 degree views of London. Enjoy your drink up in the sky, and if you feel hungry after Bokan doubles up as a restaurant too (however I have never eaten here!)

45 - Book your free ticket for the panoramic terrace

48 - The rooftop of the shopping center is free

50

Circling around St Marks Church, an array of spectacular ingredients. Certified organic grower 'Peterson Farm Produce', 'Bramblebye Fruit Farm - Organic & Biodynamic', and 'Grove Farm' - a collective of growers within a radius of 10km in Essex.

A perfect Sunday market, tempting food from all over the world, rainbow forest salads. Three organic stalls selling fresh produce 'Wild Country Organics' @wild_country_organics_, 'Brambletye Biodynamic & Organic', @brambletyefruitfarm, 'Petersons Farm Produce' @petersons.farm.produce & a brand new discovery 'Artisan Hand Crafted Organic Breads Made With Stoneground Heritage Grain.

No trip to London is complete without a visit to this legendary establishment. With its revolutionary nose to tail approach, it is perhaps the most influential establishment in modern British cuisine.

The neighborhood restaurant you wish you had near you. Rustic yet refined, flavor-packed dishes are the soul of this place, which also has a strong focus on organic & bio-dynamic wines.

Intimate & casual wine bar in Soho with strong focus on natural wine and hearty no-nonsense sharing dishes.

Discover a one-of-a-kind coffee bar situated in a truly surprising location - a Victorian-era men's restroom. Attendant Coffee, which opened its doors in January 2013, has ingeniously repurposed the disused lavatory by transforming the original porcelain urinals into tables and converting the former bathroom attendant's office into a charming and welcoming seating area. Today, this unique establishment draws in a bustling lunchtime crowd eager to savor its exquisite artisan coffee in the cozy confines of this unconventional space.

Café in the Crypt is an enchanting dining establishment nestled within the crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields church, evoking an atmosphere of serene charm hidden beneath the dynamic streets of the west end. Guests can immerse themselves in the unique setting featuring vaulted ceilings and tasteful ancient tombstone decor while indulging in a delectable array of options spanning breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. It is noteworthy that all proceeds generated from patrons' visits directly contribute to the noble cause of supporting St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Nestled in the bustling heart of Central London, Host Café offers a delightful escape for coffee enthusiasts seeking a blend of exquisite coffee and stunning surroundings. Adjacent to a majestic Gothic Church, the café provides a unique setting for an unforgettable coffee experience. In this guide, I'll provide you with everything you need to know about Host Café and how to plan your visit to this charming establishment.

I usually end up coming across Trafalgar Square rather than aiming for it as it is quite near to most of the main attractions. This is a great place for a little break to stop and sit down while the busy city continues with its day.

A quiet and colourful area tucked away down a side street. There are lovely cafes and little shops hidden away in a vibrant corner. If you are passing this is a must see as it is beautiful

A pretty busy side of London busy for a reason. There are many shops down all 4 streets from the main crossroads. I recommend visiting here at Christmas to see the beautiful Christmas lights put up all the way down the streets. However if you are also planning to be shopping around the Christmas period be prepared to be standing in some quite long queues

A boat that has been converted into a bookshop with a parrot as a resident, how cool. This is an excellent hidden gem of London on a beautiful part of the river and perfect if you are a book lover.

You need to book in advance here as it gets busy and for a very good reason. The pasta is the freshest and lightest pasta you will ever eat! The sauces are flavourful and fresh and you get to sit with a beautiful view over St Katharines Docks

10 Downing Street is the official residence and executive office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, located in the heart of London. This iconic black door building has been the residence of the British Prime Minister since 1735 and is a symbol of the British government. The property is situated on Downing Street, a short walk from the Houses of Parliament, and serves as a key venue for political meetings and press conferences. Its distinctive appearance and historical significance make it one of the most recognized addresses in British politics.

The Horse Guards Parade is a ceremonial parade ground in St. James Park. Here you'll see the King's Guard on horseback. Changing of The King's Life Guard occurs daily (Monday to Friday) at 11:00. If you can time your visit for the changing of the guard, I highly recommend it! If not, no worries; the Horse Guards Parade is still worth a walk-through.

Very cool to see inside and the town is interesting to see. We took a tour that combined this and Stonehenge, and I recommend doing something similar.

They have a restaurant here that has little tiny cheese plates served to you on a conveyor belt.

Our reservation is for 10:30 am

An iconic sight! If you'd like an entrance to remember, take the Tube (London's subway) to Westminster Station and you'll exit right across the street from Big Ben. To get another great photo opp, cross Westminster Bridge Road, go down the steps along the River Thames and you'll get a great view of Big Ben and Parliament.

The graphic designers of everything, Harry Potter!

A treasure trove of kitchen delights, grown & made consciously by artisans.

Artisanal organic store cupboard essentials, fresh pastries, coffee and pop ups such as ‘MESSY MARY’ with their famous Souvlaki which locals pile into devour for lunch. It’s very good.

Exquisite Georgian Khinkali, Khachapuri, to feast upon while exploring Georgia through wine & spirit. Stunning biodynamic wine available to sip by the glass. A sweet wine - the Georgian equivalent of Tokaii. Tvishi, available by the bottle.

A quirky shop with unusual ingredients, artisanal, large selection of organic and biodynamic wines, sit for a while and sip something delightful. They also have beautiful tiny canned cocktails and little perfect bottles of Negroni’s to take away.

Artisan bakery using organic flour, try the most stunning Japanese inspired Vanilla Sakuro, sip matcha with organic coconut milk in Kuro Coffee just around the corner. Have a shot of ginger & lemon cold pressed organic juice blend by ‘Rebel Kitchen’.

A beautiful little Greek bakery with unusual pastries and excitingly a small selection of ingredients such as pure organic Kalamata Olives, Organic Olive Oil…

What a find! A late Saturday discovery, vegan sausage roll, natural biodynamic vegan sustainable wines by the glass. A Riesling ‘Nastl’, Nectarine, Flint, Lemon. And lovely people, Susie the owner sat down to chat with me sharing her knowledge of what ‘natural’ means…

Like walking into an organic dream.

Vibey restaurant serving Italian food: Be sure to book your slot in advance

Cute and aesthetic place where to enjoy a drink. It's also a nightclub

Churchill War Rooms is a museum in London that generally takes about 90 minutes to get through. It features the Cabinet War Rooms, which is an area underground that was home to a British command centre during the Second World War.

This insanely skinny house in Kensington is known as the Thin House and, at its narrowest end, is only 6ft wide! Despite looking impossibly narrow from the southwest corner of Thurloe Square, it’s actually triangular, meaning it widens—albeit undramatically—from its skinniest point. It’s definitely one of London’s coolest optical illusions!

Best burgers in LDN according to Josh @jolly and the guys of Top Jaw.

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Will shut in March 2025 due to retirement of the owner George Mascall.

Mon-Fri 8am-4pm.

Old fashioned speakeasy. Delicious drinks!

£6 cocktails on Wednesday

I want to use the urinals here

Lots of Spanish and Italian ppl