London by a Local - 3 Days
Day 1 - Southbank and Embankment
My favorite thing to do in London is to walk along Southbank. Start your day grabbing food and coffee at vibrant Borough Market. I recommend a cheese toastie at Kappacasein and coffee at Monmouth, but there are plenty of options for every taste!
As you stroll along Southbank you’ll pass Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. If you have the interest and time it’s worth a tour, or you can buy tickets and come back for an evening performance - which is an even better way to see it.
You’ll also pass by Millenium Bridge, with a great view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Grab a photo here!
Next up is the Tate Modern. Here I believe the most interesting exhibits happen in the basement, or The Tanks! Pop down and see what’s going on.
And now you’re ready for a pint! Grab a spot on the river at nearby Founder’s Arms. I’d also recommend ordering a scotch egg here.
Continue on until you reach The London Eye. Take photos, but pass on the ride! You’ll get a better London skyline view tomorrow!
Instead, make your way across Westminster Bridge. On the other side of the river you’ll find Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
Westminster Abbey is definitely worth a tour. It houses the burial places of so many historical and literary figures, and is a breathtaking building.
After the tour you’ll be feeling peckish. Make your way down the river to Gordon’s Wine Bar. This is London’s oldest wine bar, and you can choose to dine outdoors, or in the underground wine cellars! (Go for this!) Pick out your own cheese and charcuterie board, and select a unique bottle of wine to enjoy!
If you’ve saved room for more, amazing dinners can be found in both nearby Covent Garden, or London’s Chinatown. Here are a few of my top choices, depending on what you fancy!
For steak:
For curry:
For dumplings:
Day 2 - History, Parks, and a View
Start your morning with the best views and great food at Aqua Shard. As breakfast is leaps and bounds 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! Pro tip - use the restroom here! The views continue even in there! Be sure to make a booking early for this one.
Full and inspired, you’re ready to take in some history. The Tower of London is not to be missed. Take it from me, I’ve been at least a half a dozen times. Everyone heads straight to the Crown Jewels, which are lovely, but the White Tower and the chapel are my favorite bits. Take the tour with the yeoman, it’s worth it.
From here, I would recommend a bus to the British Museum. Climb up to the second level, and try to grab windows in the front! What a way to see the city!
If you’re feeling hungry again, you’ll not want to miss afternoon tea at the British Museum. It’s served under the gorgeous roof of the Great Court. Take your time exploring after tea, and take note of any lectures or talks that may be going on! These can be fun and informative to sit in on.
After getting your fill of tea, cakes, and historical artifacts, get back on the bus or take the tube west. Get off around Victoria, and stroll over to Buckingham Palace and Fountain. Big photo ops here!
You’re going to want to see Hyde Park. Walk on over, and into the park. Walk along the Serpentine. If you’re in London near the holidays, you’ll find a gigantic Christmas market called Winter Wonderland! In the summer there may be concerts or festivals going on.
Now that you’re in West London, an affordable dinner will be a little harder to find. Here are some of my recommendations depending on your taste.
For Indian (needs to be booked early!):
For tapas:
For pub grub:
Day 3 - Greenwich and East London
Most likely you’ve been using an Oyster card to get around the city by bus and tube. Did you know that Oyster card will also take you on a boat?!
The Thames Clipper will pick you up at many stops along the river, including Westminster, London Eye, London Bridge City and Tower. Take this west, to Greenwich.
The hill up Greenwich Park may look daunting, but the views from the top are well worth it! When you reach the summit, it’s also worth checking out the Royal Observatory where the prime meridian line passes through!
When you make your way back down the hill, reward yourself with a pint and some pub grub at The Old Brewery.
If taking the boat back, get off at the Tower Millenium Pier. If tubing, head to Shoreditch High Street station.
You’re aiming for Brick Lane.
Book lover? I’m one to include a bookstore or library into every trip itinerary. If you’re a bookworm like me Brick Lane Bookshop is not to be missed!
If music is more your thing, check out Rough Trade East. You’ll be the envy of your vinyl loving friends.
Vintage fashion your cup of tea? Head to Brick Lane Vintage Market.
If you’re feeling the need to refuel during all this shopping, grab a salt beef bagel at Beigel Bake.
If you’re here on the weekend, you could also check out the Truman Brewery Markets!
If you’re now ready for something more substantial, here are my nearby dinner suggestions.
For views - grab a table at the rooftop bar and grill:
For pizza:
For upscale British:
For curry - worth the trek, order the lamb chops:
For kitschy but yummy fish and chips:
If it’s your last night in London, grab a cocktail after dinner at Nightjar. A perfect little speakeasy with impressive and delicious drinks. Definitely book ahead!
Where to Stay
Other wonderful and assesible areas are Kings Cross - that tube station will get you anywhere, Soho if you like the night life, Shoreditch if you’re trendy, and maybe a contentious choice, but one of my absolute favorite spots - Bermondsey. Here are some hotel options in each:
Islington
Kings Cross
Soho
Keep in mind Mimi’s has very small guest rooms!
Shoreditch
Bermondsey
The Shard is a huge splurge!! But if you can push the boat out, enjoy!
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