WHY VISIT LONDON?  

London is one of the world’s great cities and home to the best restaurants, speakeasies, music spots, art venues, and historic sites. Cross the pond to see Big Ben, London Eye and Buckingham Palace, to enjoy afternoon tea at a grand hotel or a pint of beer at the local pub, to snack on fish and chips with mushy peas, to catch a rugby or football (soccer) match and to picnic in a proper English garden. Just bring a proper pair of wellies and a large umbrella.

Check out the Travel Honey LONDON PHOTO GALLERY.

WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON?

Map-London-England
Map of London and England

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the Travel Honey Pricing Guide.

Claridge’s ($$$$) Traditional, cozy and classic London hotel with five stars and incredible afternoon tea.

Blake’s Hotel ($$$) Perfect for a quiet retreat away from the hype of the city center. Each room is plush, decorated in deep hues. The surrounding area, South Kensington, is filled with French expats, bakeries and cafes.

Chiltern Firehouse ($$$) Legendary bar and best spot for celeb sightings. Hotel restaurant is phenomenal and so is the secret bar in the back with the fireplace.

Ham Yard Hotel ($$$) Colorful patterns abound inside this fun hotel located in the heart of London, Piccadilly Circus. Don’t miss the rooftop bar.

Shoreditch House ($$$) Hip and has a fabulous rooftop pool and restaurant. Rooms are on the smaller side but who cares when bathroom stocked with lush Cowshed bath an body products and London’s best nightlife is just down the hall.

Mondrian ($$$) Modern hotel with sweet outside terrance, looking onto the Thames River and award-winning bar.

Ace Hotel ($$) New York vibes in London’s stylish Shoreditch area. Understated decor with the best lobby scene in the city (check website for events: music gigs, magazine launches, art talks).

Guards-Pub-London
Guards, Pub in St. Katherine’s Docks

WHERE TO EAT IN LONDON?

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the Travel Honey Pricing Guide.

Kitchen Table ($$$$) Michelin stars in the back of a hot dog shop.

Bistrotheque ($$$) Industrial cool with the best puddings (desserts).

Nopi ($$$) Yotam Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern food in beautifully designed space. Veggies steal the limelight.

Gymkhana ($$$) Raj era decor and flawlessly executed Indian food.

Typing Room ($$$) Fabulous eats located in East London Town Hall. Choose from a three or five course tasting menu. Duck and cod are not to be missed.

Lyle’s ($$) Best British food in chic space. Try the ribs, bone marrow and Neal’s Yard cheeses.

Palomar ($$) Food of modern day Jerusalem in London’s Soho area. Seared scallops with bacon and Persian pappardelle are delicious.

Primeur ($$) It’s a trek from the city center but the reward is worth it. Located in converted garage, Primeur posts the daily menu on Instagram. Go for the beef cheeks or artichokes.

WHERE TO GO AT NIGHT IN LONDON?

Calloh Callay ($$) Crafty cocktails and chill vibes. Explore the hidden room in the back and bar upstairs. Order the Wise Guy (lingonberry, peach, vodka) or Oma Forest (gin, pine, green sorrel).

Happiness Forgets ($$) Amazing mixed drinks in an unassuming basement location. Sister bar, Original Sin, was just voted one of London’s best new bars.

Night Jar ($$) Speakeasy with great vintage spirits, popcorn snacks and live music.

Satan’s Whiskers ($$) Old school hip hop and taxidermied animals. What could possibly go wrong?

Dalston Rooftop ($) Rooftop venue with fun events, dancing, music, food and drink.

Big-Ben-Shard-London
Big Ben, London Shard

BEST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS FOR LONDON?

London’s best food @londonfoodbabes

London’s best coffee @londoncoffeeshops

Fashion Week @londonfashionweek

Californian in London @aladyinlondon

HOW TO GET TO LONDON?

Arrive in London by flying into one of the city’s two main international airports: Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport. There are also three other, smaller airports which include City, Luton and Stansted. These airports have mostly local, inter-Europe flights.  

From Heathrow,  jump on the Heathrow Express train for £25 one way and be transported to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. There are a few trains each hour. You can also catch a taxi or Uber into the city which pending on where you’re going. This will take 30-50 minutes and cost around £35 (black cabs are another possibility but usually twice as expensive). 

From Gatwick jump on the Gatwick Express which costs around £20 one way to Victoria Station and takes 30 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes. You can also catch a taxi or Uber into the city which will take at least an hour and cost around £55.

Buckingham Palace and Gates

HOW TO GET AROUND LONDON?

London’s bus and underground tube systems are flawless, well, unless there is a strike, which happens a few times a year and makes getting around the city ugly. However, on most days, public transport is easy and convenient. Bus and tube routes and schedules can be found here. In addition, London has a bike share program. Download the app, find a cycle station, swipe your credit card and grab a bike for the day.