The London Guide
General Tips
General Travel Tips
London is a magical city made up of lots of smaller neighborhoods, each with their own charm. It is impossible to see it all in one trip and while public transport makes it easy to get around, you can spend a lot of time in transit if you’re not careful. I’d recommend planning your time around the neighborhoods!
If you’ve never been to London before, the history of the city is incredible and everybody should spend a little time at the “tourist” sites (think Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, etc.) Once you’ve checked them off your list though, there’s so much else to see!
Staying in London
I’ve always stayed fairly central in London (Soho, Mayfair, Convent Garden, etc.) as I find it makes it easiest to jet off to the various neighborhoods I’d like to see.
I love the Soho House family of hotels and particularly love Kettner’s in Soho and Dean Street Townhouse (also nearby). They have the most lovely atmosphere and while they’re a little more than I’d usually pay for a hotel, they make the whole stay luxurious.
Eating in London
Restaurants
Bocca di Lupo (Convent Garden)
There is such a cool energy in this place. It’s great for bar dining or a table in the back and the food is impeccably made Italian. The whole place feels really refined and all the staff really know what they’re talking about. I loved sitting at the bar and watching as the team churned out the incredibly delicious food. It’s close to the theater if you need a spot for before or after, but a really great spot on any evening.
Gymkhana (Mayfair)
Potentially the best Indian food I’ve ever had. This place feels like old school London and the menu is sophisticated, delicious Indian food - exactly what I hoped to get when in London. You will want to try everything so definitely recommend coming with a handful of people so that you can order a lot and share! Also, the cocktails were delicious!
The Palomar (Chinatown, near Picadilly Circus)
This small Israeli restaurant is a hot ticket (so definitely get a reservation). The vibe inside feels almost like a refurbished diner that has only been reopened for those who know the secret and the food is unbelievable. Really fun experience. The pita is incredible. Need I say more?
The Wolseley (Mayfair)
You will walk into this restaurant, look up and your draw will drop to the floor. The architecture of this space is unbelievable, it feels like you time travelled into a earlier, far more glamorous era. Brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, evening drinks or dinner are all fabulous here - although the vibes will naturally vary based on when you’re there. Even if you can’t swing a meal here, highly recommend just taking a quick look in if you’re nearby!
Darjeeling Express (Mayfair)
Featured in an episode of Chef’s Table, Darjeeling Express has an all female cooking staff and supposedly incredible food (I have been dying to go but haven’t made it myself). It's a cozy but energetic atmosphere and perfect for a date or with a group. Do make a reservation though!
Berner’s Tavern (Bloomsbury)
This space is incredible. Feels like you’re eating inside the Met or the Louvre and the bar is gorgeous. It helps that in addition to all that, the food is delicious! I ate here for lunch but I’m sure it would be even more magical for dinner. Definitely a fancier vibe but I’m sure bar dining would also be fun and a slightly more low key experience. Highly recommend!
Chiltern Firehouse (Marylebone)
This is another one of those “on every list” spots. Built into an old firehouse, this restaurant has had many lives and is still thriving today. It’s hard to get a reservation here, so plan ahead (and if you can, sneak your way into their secret bar!). This is a great spot for late afternoon drinks as well, if you can’t swing the reservation!
Ottolenghi Notting Hill (Notting Hill)
Ottolenghi has a handful of restaurants throughout London and all of them have great reputations. The Notting Hill location will not be as difficult to get into as some of the others and specializes in Southern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine.
Granger + Co (Notting Hill)
Another spot with multiple locations. Granger + Co is an Australian style coffee/brunch spot. I’ve been told that you 100% must order the banana hotcakes. My recommendation with Notting Hill is to get up one morning and roam around this neighborhood and this would be a perfect spot for a little sit down while you’re in the neighborhood!
Churchill Arms (Kensington)
With a facade decked in flowers and an interior serving pub drinks and thai food, Churchill Arms is a really fun combination. It makes sense why it appears on most London lists you’ll ever sea. For something that could quickly be overdone tourist destination, this is still a really fun spot!
Rochelle Canteen (Shoreditch)
One day, venture out to Shoreditch (which is known for it’s artsy vibe, galleries and shops) and when you do, eat lunch at Rochelle Canteen. It’s good for any meal but they’ve got a lovely outdoor garden and the menu is perfect for eating looking out at the english flowers.
Gunpowder (Spitalfields)
London is known for Indian food. Gunpowder is known for innovative Indian food. The Infatuation recommends the okra fries and Rasam Ke Bomb. This has more of an evening vibe and there are lots of great bars near by that you can roam to after!
Bars
Mr Fogg’s Residence (Mayfair)
This is one of a couple bars by the same group (across a few neighborhoods). They are all quirky with a fun old school, collected vibe. I’ve had so many people tell me to try one of them but of all their locations, this is the most recommended. Go later in the evening, I’d say after dinner drinks (but make a reservation).
Dalloway Terrace & The Coral Room (Bloomsbury)
Both of these restaurants/bars are located inside the Bloomsbury Hotel. Dalloway Terrace is a beautiful flowery outdoor terrace (open year round, they have heated lamps) while Coral Room is a moody, vibey cocktail bar indoors. Both are a great spot to stop in for a drink and a few nibbles while you’re walking around the neighborhood! (And goes without saying, but here I am saying it anyway, the flowers at Dalloway Terrace make it a great spot for you Instagram lovers!)
Bar Americain (Soho)
Tucked inside Brasserie Zedel (which I’ve also heard good things about, but am not quite ready to add to this list yet), Bar Americain is another dark wood, good vibes bar in the Soho/Mayfair area. It’s described by many as a “good grown up bar,” but keep in mind with the drinking age in Europe, this is a perfect spot for mid-twenty somethings.
Cahoots London (Soho)
This spot is kitschy. It’s built inside of an abandoned tube station and designed as prohibition era. I’d assume it’s a bit of a tourist spot but looks so cool that it’s absolutely worth a trip in my book! Make a reservation here as well (it’s a small space).
Sightseeing in London
As I said, there are some spots in London that feel like everybody should see. Based on what you like most in history lessons, you may be able to cherry pick from this list. But I’d recommend that everybody sees:
Tower of London
Westminister Abbey
London Eye
Buckingham Palace
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
There are some other more pop-culture stops that if you are in the right neighborhood are fun to stop by!
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Abbey Road (for you Beatles fans!)
The Parent Trap house
The Notting Hill door
In addition to the many historical sights (or more pop history sights), the exploring and shopping in London is also absolutely next level. It’s actually my favorite way to do London: spend each morning and afternoon in a different neighborhood. Goes without saying, wear comfy shoes!
Some of my favorites:
Liberty London
Selfridge’s
Joseph
Designer’s Guild
Frequently Asked Questions
What neighborhood should I stay in when visiting London for the first time?
For a first trip, staying central makes a meaningful difference. Neighborhoods like Soho, Mayfair, and Covent Garden are well-connected, walkable, and close to many of London’s most iconic sights, restaurants, and theaters. Being central minimizes transit time and allows you to explore more spontaneously - popping back to your hotel to regroup or change plans without wasting tons of time on the tube. If this is your first visit, convenience often outweighs novelty when choosing where to stay.
How many days do you need to see London?
London is not a city you “finish.” That said, 4–6 days is a great window for a first trip. This allows enough time to see major landmarks, explore several neighborhoods, and still leave room for unplanned wandering. Trying to cram too much into fewer days often leads to more time underground than above it. A slightly slower pace, anchored around neighborhoods rather than a checklist, will give you a far better feel for the city.
Is it better to plan London by attractions or by neighborhoods?
Neighborhood-based planning is almost always the better approach. London is essentially a collection of villages stitched together by public transport. While attractions are spread throughout the city, neighborhoods have distinct personalities, food scenes, and rhythms. Planning by neighborhood reduces backtracking, cuts down transit time, and allows you to experience London more organically - walking, browsing shops, stopping for coffee, and discovering places you didn’t plan for.
Do you need reservations for restaurants in London?
For many of London’s most popular restaurants, yes - reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. This is particularly true for well-known spots, smaller dining rooms, and restaurants that regularly appear on “best of” lists. That said, London also has an excellent bar-dining culture, and many restaurants offer walk-in seating if you’re flexible with timing. When in doubt, book ahead and give yourself options.
What are the best areas in London for food and bars?
Some neighborhoods consistently stand out. Soho and Mayfair are dense with excellent restaurants and cocktail bars, with more upscale energy. Notting Hill shines for brunch, cafes, and relaxed wandering. Shoreditch and Spitalfields lean more creative and trend-forward, with innovative food and a strong bar scene. Each area offers a different experience, which is another reason neighborhood-based exploration works so well.
Are tourist attractions in London worth it?
I think many of these things you want to see on your first visit but I wouldn’t mkae it an all tourist attraction, no exploring trip. Balancing the vibes let’s you still do the relax and explore part of the trip. Landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace are genuinely impressive and provide context for the city’s history. The key is balance. Once you’ve seen a few major sights, shift your focus to neighborhoods, food, parks, and shopping. London rewards curiosity beyond the obvious, but the classics are classics for a reason.
What’s the best way to get around London?
London’s public transportation system is extensive and easy to use, particularly the Underground (“the tube”). Tapping in with a contactless card or phone makes getting around seamless. That said, one of the most underrated ways to experience London is on foot, especially within neighborhoods. Walking is the best way to notice little architectural details, stumble down hidden streets, and notice the local energy. (Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.)
What should I book in advance for a London trip?
At a minimum, book your flights, hotel and any must-visit restaurants ahead of time. Popular bars, afternoon tea spots, and special dining experiences can also fill up quickly. Attractions are more flexible, but timed-entry tickets can save time during peak seasons. Having a few key reservations locked in gives structure to your trip while still leaving room for spontaneity.
