London is one of those cities that feels impossibly big at first—and then somehow starts to feel like a neighborhood the longer you stay. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice, spending about a month there in total, which gave me time to go beyond the major landmarks and really get a feel for the city. It’s a place where history is everywhere, but it never feels stuck in the past—there’s always something new, creative, and worth discovering around the corner.
If you’re planning a trip to London, save this. Whether you’re here for the food, the history, the markets, or just an elite Sunday roast, this is everything I personally recommend—the mix of iconic, cool, and actually-worth-your-time spots.
Where to Stay
🏢 Canopy by Hilton London City
This is my go-to recommendation. It has everything you need—modern rooms, great service, and an unbeatable location. You’re close to the Tube, Tower Bridge, and within easy reach of so many key spots, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to pack a lot into your trip.
Where to Eat in London
London’s food scene is ridiculously good. You could plan your entire trip around eating and still not hit everything.
🥪 The Black Pig (Borough Market)
If you get one thing here, make it the roast pork sandwich—honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. While you’re at Borough Market, grab chocolate-covered strawberries too.
🍩 Fortitude Bakehouse
Known for their beignets, and yes—they live up to the hype.
🍖 Blacklock
For a proper Sunday roast, this is the spot. Cozy, classic, and exactly what you want from a London meal.
🥙 Delamina or Amber
Both are great for Middle Eastern cuisine—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
🥐 Chocolate Dino Bakery & Coffeehouse
The croissant flat here is unreal—flaky, rich, and worth going out of your way for.
🍋 Breidbakers
Any filled bun is a win, but the lemon one was a standout.
🍦 Chin Chin Ice Cream
Some of the most creative desserts in the city—banana bread and sticky toffee pudding flavors were my favorites.
☕ Rosslyn Coffee & Attendant Coffee Roasters
Rosslyn is my go-to for coffee (or hot chocolate if it’s freezing). Attendant is also worth visiting for the setting alone—built inside a converted Victorian toilet.
🍛 Dishoom
Get anything. Seriously. But make a reservation unless you’re okay waiting—it’s always busy for a reason.
🌶 Som Saa
Incredible Thai food with bold flavors.
🍽 Portland
Modern European done really well—great for a nicer dinner.
🥩 Hawksmoor
If you want a proper steak dinner, this is one of the best places to do it.
🍰 Humble Crumble (Spitalfields Market)
Warm crumble with custard = elite dessert stop while exploring Old Spitalfields Market.
🍹 Thirsty? I recommend Simmons Bar, The Alchemist, Purgatory Bar, Cahoots London, or Avora London for a drink.
For cocktails or mocktails—ranging from casual to immersive, over-the-top experiences (Avora).
Best Things to Do in London
🏛️ See the Icons
London is packed with landmarks, and they’re all worth seeing at least once:
Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
It sounds like a lot, but many of these are walkable in the same day.
🗺️ Explore the Museums
London has some of the best museums in the world—and many are free.
I especially liked the Churchill War Rooms and the Natural History Museum.
🫖 Afternoon Tea (A Must-Do)
For a full experience, book afternoon tea at The Lanesborough or Sketch. It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s one of the most memorable things you can do in London.
🎭 See a Show in the West End
I’ve seen The Book of Mormon and Wicked here—both were incredible. Even if you’re not a huge theater person, it’s worth it.
🍪 Explore London’s Markets
Eat your way through Borough Market, Leadenhall Market, and Old Spitalfields Market. Each has a totally different vibe.
🎬 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
If you’re even slightly a Harry Potter fan, this is very cool and worth the trip out of the city.
🏙️ Free Skyline Views
Skip the expensive observation decks and go to Horizon 22 or The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. Both are free—just book tickets in advance.
Easy Day Trip from London
🛶 Cambridge
One of the best day trips you can take. Walk through King’s College, see the famous Mathematical Bridge and (legendary) Newton’s apple tree, and watch people punting on the River Cam.
Food stops:
🥪 Fitzbillies (get a Chelsea bun)
☕ Bould Brothers Coffee
It’s relaxed, beautiful, and feels completely different from London.
Final London Travel Tips
- Use the Tube—it’s the fastest way to get around. It’s clean, efficient, and rather easy to navigate.
- Book popular restaurants (especially Dishoom) in advance.
- Make reservations for afternoon tea early—they fill up quickly.
- Walk as much as you can—London is big, but many neighborhoods are best explored on foot. Use the tube to get around faster and then walk around your destination.
- Plan a mix of busy days and slower ones (markets + wandering = perfect reset).
London is one of those cities where you can hit all the major sights and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. The best parts aren’t just the landmarks. They’re the meals, the neighborhoods, and the random moments in between.
My travel faves
As someone who travels a ton, I’ve developed a list of can’t-leave-home-without-them products. These are my tried and true favorite items that you can guarantee are on any and every trip with me.
- BAGSMART packing cubes
These packing cubes are fabulous and at a great price. They help organize and consolidate clothing etc. for easy packing. - Away larger carry on
The best carry on that’s super spacious but still airline-approved as a carry on. Lifetime warranty is great as well! - Calpak Terra duffel backpack
My absolute favorite backpack for travel – it’s sturdy and comfortable to carry, plus it holds as much as a carry on but counts as a personal item on most flights. - BAGSMART toiletry bag
This bag is a lifesaver because it fits all of my makeup, toiletries, and then some, but folds up to save space. - Travel makeup brush holder
This super simple silicone brush holder is an easy way to pack makeup brushes when you travel, keeping them clean and separate from the rest of your makeup. - Travel pill case
This pill case folds up like a little book but holds so much – I fit a month worth of vitamins, supplements, as well as emergency meds in it. - BAGSMART travel jewelry organizer
The perfect way to transport necklaces, rings, and more without ending up with a tangled mess. - Contoured sleep mask
This is my absolute favorite sleep mask – it’s so comfortable, with a face contour that accommodates your lashes and doesn’t squish your face at all. - Portable charger
As someone who is always snapping photos and mapping my way around town when I travel, a portable charger is a must. This one is fast, small, and lightweight. - Away large suitcase
This has been my go-to suitcase for longer trips years, and the quality is great. Even better, they have such a great lifetime warranty that they’ll fix or replace your bag should anything happen – so it’s the last bag you ever need to buy. - Travel luggage scale
An absolute must for anyone traveling with checked bags – no more bag overage fees! - Leakproof travel bottles
These are great little leakproof bottles that make bringing toiletries when you travel easy. - Burst travel electric toothbrush
If you use an electric toothbrush at home, then you know that going back to a manual one when you travel doesn’t cut it. This one is affordable and works great, and code LCLYJF will get you a discount! - Super bagel travel adapter
A perfect compact adapter that works no matter where you go! - Women’s packable rain coat
I take this on every trip, because you never know when it’s going to rain (especially in a city like London)! This jacket folds up super small and has a really flattering A-line shape that looks cute, but also fits in a small bag.
If you’re going to London soon, I’d love to know what you’re most excited to see, eat, and do.
