London Baby!

Have you been to London yet? I have just returned from a week-long trip to the grandiose English capital, and I've come back with awesome travel tips for you! London makes for a brilliant city break or a long weekend getaway. This post includes useful travel tips, landmarks & attractions you can't miss out on, PLUS places to eat, drink, and have a good old time you’ll be glad you've heard about.

Are you traveling to London for the very first time? This mini travel guide is for you! The travel tips and hacks mentioned in this post cover all the bases so you will be well prepared for your London trip.

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Practical Travel Information For London

The Best Times To Visit London

The warm season in London starts from mid-April through to October. Having said that, the English weather is unpredictable and not as stable as you might experience in your own country, especially in April, May and September. You can expect showers and lower temps even in the middle of summer so be prepared.

How Many Days Should I Spend In London?

London is a large city with many attractions spread throughout the city, there is just so much to see here! I would recommend spending at least four days. Ideally, I would recommend a six-day stay so you have enough time to explore and enjoy everything London has to offer without time stress.

Is London Expensive?

YES, it is. London is a very expensive city! In addition to high prices, the local currency which is the Pound is very strong. I'm sorry, but this has to be said so you don't go into shock during your visit.
Having said that, there are always things you can do to ease the pain in your wallet...

How To Bring Your Costs Down When Visiting London?

• Plan and book your activities in advance. When you purchase tickets online beforehand, you are guaranteed the best prices. And the best thing? You avoid wasting time waiting in line.

• Choose to stay just outside of the ‘City of London’ central area. Hotels are extremely expensive in London so the closer you’ll be to the main attractions the higher the price will be. London has the highest prices I've come across compared with other major cities in Europe. London is a big city so there is more than just one central point to it so to speak.

  If you stay at the very heart of the city where the famous monuments are, it will cost you a pretty penny. Staying outside of it, you can find beautiful hotels in gorgeous neighborhoods with much better value for money. The commute can be short or you'll be within walking distance of certain attractions.

  Examples of central London are Westminster, Soho, Mayfair, and South Bank.

• If you can, avoid traveling during the high season, Christian holidays, Bank holidays, and School Breaks. This is when it is most crowded and expensive, especially accommodations.

• One of the best things about visiting London is that many of its world-class museums and galleries are free to visit. Select the museums and galleries you want to visit, check beforehand if and when they are free to visit and get your free access tickets online. Even when the entry to the museum is free, you still need a valid entry card which you can get online.
  The National Gallery, The Tate Modern, the Museum of London, and The Science Museum have free admission, to name a few. Check the list of free museums and galleries HERE

• If you are traveling from outside the EU/UK, it is wise to look into purchasing a local sim card for your phone or adjusting your existing plan with your internet provider.

• Check out the London Pass. This city pass includes free entry to many attractions and experiences.
  Also, check out fast-track tickets.

• When choosing to pay by credit card or using the ATM, make sure you opt for the option to pay in local currency thus the English Pound. This will help cut down your exchange rate fees.

• When it comes to food and drink, avoid tourist traps, go where the locals go, and don't sit in the main squares.

Get tickets for your chosen museums and activities beforehand, so you are guaranteed the best price without waiting in line!

Getting Around London

You can explore London on foot, and you can bike but everyone needs to use the underground at some point, there is no way around it due to the sheer size of London. Make sure that you get an Oyster Card to use on public transportation.

A one-way ticket on the underground will cost you 6.30 Pounds, when using an Oyster Card, the price drops down to 2.50 Pounds. The card itself will cost a one-time fee of 5 Pounds, you then put as much money as you need on it.
NOTE-PRO TIP: If you have a credit card, you can use that directly to enter and leave the station, the price will be the same as if you have had an Oyster Card.

Don't forget to bring a UK electricity adapter! Without one, you will not be able to recharge/use your phone, laptop, electrical toothbrush, or any other equipment you have with you.

A tip that will literally save your life ~ In the UK they drive on the other side of the road meaning you must look RIGHT before crossing! To assist us visitors, you will see painted on the road in front of pedestrian crossroads the words Left or Right, depending on what direction you need to look before crossing so you don't get run over. Use these signs!

In most restaurants, you will be charged between a 10-13% service fee. Some would state that it is voluntary some will not.

Where To Stay In London?

London is HUGE and the attractions are spread throughout. Each neighborhood is unique in what it offers. There is not just one neighborhood considered the best. Choosing the area right for you depends on your personality, what you like and dislike, and what you are looking for during your stay.
These are my favorite neighborhoods in London ~
Chelsea is the area we chose to stay in. Chelsea; it is hip and fashionable, pretty and colorful with a great selection of trendy places to shop, eat, and drink.
Notting Hill is iconic. Colorful streets and beautiful architecture, fabulous boutiques, and of course Portobello Road Market is a great bonus point.
Victoria ~ This bustling area is close to major monuments and attractions in London such as Westminster and Buckingham Palace. From Victoria station, you have easy access to trains if you have time to explore surrounding cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Windsor.
Covent Garden ~ Chic and happening close by to theaters, shopping, and nightlife.

Hotel Recommendations In London

Hotel Indigo London

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa

The Laslett

The Portobello Hotel

The Z Hotel Covent Garden

The Windermere Hotel

Book your favorite hotel right HERE

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What Should You See And Do In London?

Enjoy the London Classics - Big Ben, including spectacular river views and the London Eye. Westminster, Westminster Abby, and Whitehall Street. If you plan to go inside Westminster Abby, make sure you have purchased your tickets beforehand as the lines can be extremely long. Whitehall Street is made of government buildings and memorial statues like the Cenotaph war memorial.

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace - This impressive ceremony marks the Queen's Guard handing over their responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace to the new Guard. Changing shifts so to speak. This event takes place from April to August at 11 o'clock. Make sure to check online what days specifically the ceremony takes place because it is subject to changes. Make sure to arrive early to claim a good spot close by the gates so you are actually able to witness it all.

Visit Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, and nearby Hyde Park - Princess Diana has lived at Kensington Palace until her death; it is a picture of style and sophistication, as she was. In the beautifully manicured gardens surrounding the palace, you will find the touching statue recently unveiled that her boys Princes William and Harry had commissioned in her memory. From here you can stroll through Hyde Park and enjoy the lake at the heart of it.

The Tower of London - This is a historic castle on the North bank of the River Thames. The Tower of London fortress is a 900-year-old most famous for housing the crown jewels, and for holding many famous and infamous prisoners over the centuries.

St. Paul's Cathedral - This is one of the most impressive cathedrals I've seen! It is an Anglican cathedral that serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London. It is located on the highest point of London making it visible from afar. Prominent iconic events have taken place here such as the funeral of Churchill and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Di.

Soho in the West End is my favorite neighborhood in London to explore. Soho is so vibrant buzzing with energy day and night. Musicals, theater shows, dining, and nightlife await you. Dean street, Old Compton Street, and Shaftesbury Avenue are probably the most famous here. Shopping is great here too! Oxford street has a selection of beautiful department stores and local brands. There are legendary vintage stores here while New Bond, Regent & Spring Street are home to high-end boutiques such as Chanel and Dior.

Are you a football fan? London has a selection of iconic football clubs all rich with history, achievements, and amazingly loyal fans. Did you know there are 13 clubs that play in the English Premier League? Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United, to name a few.

Taking a stadium tour or better yet, going to watch a live game is an incredible experience! The atmosphere is electric. We chose to visit Arsenal's stadium. Learning about the club's rich history, development, and achievements over the decades was mind-blowing! Arsenal has definitely earned my respect.

Most of the football clubs in London offer their version of a basic tour and VIP tour. Arsenal offers, in addition, a Matchday Tour and Legend Tour. Prices range from 27 pounds to 325 pounds for the top-of-range tour - The VIP Legend Experience.

Taking a cruise on the River Thames while seeing London from the water is always a good idea. There are many different types of cruises leaving from the South Bank for one; you can choose an afternoon tea cruise, an evening diner cruise, a lunch cruise, or an afternoon cruise serving bubbles...What's your pleasure?

Walk down the South Bank of the River Thames AKA Bankside - It is a beautiful area to spend time in. Bankside offers amazing views of the city across the water and is full of activities for you to enjoy. You can reach it by crossing either the Jubilee Bridge or the London Bridge. From here you can also take that river cruise you have your eye on.

Activities you can do here:

• Visit the Globe Theatre: The unique building is associated with William Shakespeare as it was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company.

• Get on the HMS Belfast warship.

• Visit the Tate Museum.

• Have a drink & a bite in Borough Market.

• From here, you can walk to the Millennium Bridge to cross back to the city.

Chinatown - This neighborhood is a piece of Asia at the heart of the City of London, marked by four artistic gates. In Chinatown, you will the colors and flavors of China; a selection of authentic street dishes, souvenirs, red paper lanterns, small shops, and traditional restaurants.

Covent Garden - This is a chic and stylish hub in London's West End. This fashionable car-free square is home to fashion stores, London's Transport Museum, arts and craft stalls, and the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden is also famous for its high-end restaurants and chi-chi cocktail bars.

Greenwich Market - This popular market dates back to the 17th century, originally this was the place to buy the best fresh fruit, vegetables, and livestock. These days you can find many more items on sale here such as antiques, fashion and art.

Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market - This is my favorite market in London! It is a popular market open on Saturdays from 9 AM to 17 PM, at the heart of the Notting Hill neighborhood. It is like going on a kind of treasure hunt! From art and vintage clothes to small antiques, books, and music memorabilia. There are stands selling street food too.

Notting Hill is so colorful and beautiful to wander through. This vibrant and trendy area features rainbow-colors painted houses, cafes, and high-end restaurants. These are the best streets I recommend you have a walkthrough in Notting Hill: St Lukes Mews, Lancaster Road, Colville Terrace, Pink Flat Iron, and Stanley Gardens.

Walk across Abbey Road or better yet, recreate the iconic image taken here of the Beatles. The band members were photographed crossing the road outside EMI studios, it became the cover of their successful Abbey Road album.

Leake Street graffiti tunnel - This is a tunnel near Waterloo underground station, also known as the Banksy Tunnel. Here local graffiti artists can come to tag and show their work without needing a permit. It is 300 meters long painted with unique and colorful graffiti which is ever-changing. Back In 2008, Banksy hosted a secret event here for the first time, to celebrate the graffiti community, it has remained a focal point of the community since.

Picadilly Circus - This is the English version of Times Square in NYC. Famous for its neon lights and huge advertising boards, it is buzzing with energy. There are always street performers about, musicians and general great vibes. It is definitely a colorful area in more ways than one.
From here, you can walk over and catch a show or musical in one of the iconic theaters in this neighborhood.

Picadilly Circus is so central that if you start your day here, you can then continue and visit Chinatown, Soho, or shop on Oxford Street. Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square are close by. Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben are all within walking distance as well.

PRO TIP! Don't sit in one of the restaurants directly on the square. Get off the beaten track for better restaurants that offer better value for money.

Trafalgar Square - This iconic square dates back to the late 19th century. The statues in the square were designed to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar when the British defeated both the French and the Spanish.

A word about the London Eye…It is undoubtedly one of the biggest tourist attractions in London. Having said that, personally, I think it's more of a tourist trap than anything else. From my experience, I find it overrated. I would recommend choosing another way to enjoy the skyline of London. The tickets to go up on the London Eye are quite pricy too; 33 Pounds per person.

My recommendation is to go up to the Sky Garden building This is an absolutely beautiful skyscraper. A spectacular 360-degree view of the city awaits you. There is a top-floor restaurant for dinner, and a lounge and bar area for drinks and snacks to enjoy while you take in the glorious views.
So go up to the 34th floor and prepare to be dazzled by what you see.

You will be surrounded by greenery giving it a bit of the jungle vibes. It is a unique combination in a city such as London. You are up in one of the tallest buildings in London watching the city go by, while also being surrounded by beautiful greenery as if you are outdoors.
I recommend booking your free access ticket to guarantee your desired entry time.

Camden Town - Camden Market is in my view still riding on its reputation and attraction from years ago. Unfortunately, there's not much left over from the authentic and interesting hub it once was. When you get out of the underground station, the road leading to Camden Market is now a long stretch of cheap stores selling high-end designer knock-offs. Once you enter the market, you have food stalls that lead to the store area, catering mostly to tourists.
The quirky unique stores Camden were famous for are no longer there. It isn't as colorful as it used to be. It feels artificial so if you don't have time to visit, don't be too sad about it.

Harrods - Harrods in Knightsbridge is a must-visit! This is one of the most amazing luxury department stores worldwide, it's also the largest department store in Europe. Granted, it is extremely expensive, selling only upscale top-of-the-range designer goods. Having said that, it is so beautifully done and in such good taste that window shopping here is a guaranteed experience as well.

Restaurant & Bar Tips For London

Restaurants

Ottolenghi - World-renowned chef Yotan Ottolenghi has a chain of restaurants and delis throughout London. Beautiful dishes and unique flavor combinations guarantee a party for your taste buds.
We stopped by his shop in Notting Hill; we picked up a selection of delicious cakes and quiches, for a picnic in a nearby park. It was soo good!

Gordon Ramsey Street Burger restaurant - Simply delicious! And awesome value for money.

Mercato Mayfair - This is the most unique indoor food market you'll ever see. Located in the stunning St. Mark's church in the beautiful upscale neighborhood of Mayfair. This is the first sustainable community market in London. This hip market has authentic food stands from around the world, a cocktail bar, a wine cellar, and a rooftop terrace. All the dishes are created using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced.

Mama Shelter

Shakespeare London

Outside the box concept eateries on James Street - On James Street, you will find delicious and colorful restaurants to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cozy ambiance, hip, and absolutely yummy!
To name a few...
Harry's - Classic Italian food served in a Mediterranean-style space with a patio.
Crome - This unique concept restaurant serves sweet & savory French toast dishes, plus shakes in cool decor.
DYCE - Where tacos and pancakes come together!

Brasserie of Light - This stylish restaurant is located on the first floor of the Selfridges department store. They serve British and international menus in an art deco dining room.
While here, don't miss trying a KITH treat! The founder of this edgy brand took his obsession with cereal to the next level - This is a treat made of ice cream and a cereal bar! You can make your own combination.

The Milk Train - This is a funky spot with an inventive selection of fresh ice creams, candyfloss, and over-the-top desserts.

Peggy's - This is a pink stylish instagramable bakery featuring creative and fancy cupcakes, cakes, and other sweet treats, plus tea and bubbles.

Spend an evening in Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard. This area near King's Cross is home to restaurants and bars that offer a relaxing and sophisticated ambiance, delicious food, and pretty views.
The Coal Office restaurant run by world-renowned chef Asaf Granit will take you on a culinary journey through the Middle East. I highly recommend having dinner here.

Bars - Because it doesn’t get better than these unique and fun nights out!

Bob Bob Ricard - This is an upscale restaurant serving a Russian-inspired modern British menu and cocktails, in gorgeous art deco surrounds. And get this; each table is equipped with a “Press for Champagne” button!

Cahoots Bar - This is a 1940s-themed bar serving cocktails in a disused underground station.

Alcotraz Penitentiary Bar - Ever wondered what it's like to be in prison? This concept bar is set up as a prison so you can enjoy your cocktails on a cell block. The experience includes playful accessories such as prison jumpsuits, guards, and even a warden!

The Gibson Bar - For Martinis and live performances.

Ballie Ballerson - This is a colorful fun ball pit cocktail bar!

Do you want to travel like a PRO? Plan your trip in advance to ensure smooth sailing!

My Travel Planner includes 26 beautifully designed pages by yours truly, covering all the basics so you don’t forget or overlook anything relating to your trip. And the best part? It is for ONLY 5 euros!

This all comes as a PDF file via email that you can print easily.

Before you go, more city guides for you to claim!

TEL AVIV

PARIS

AMSTERDAM

MADRID

SCOTLAND

Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social for the latest travel updates, guides, and tips ~ @mytrendytrail

Yours,

Diti