London Travel Guide

Oh, London! I guess I could call you NYC and Europe’s child. You are fast-paced, but not too fast-paced. You contain many neighborhoods, but you’re not overbearing. You bring all cultures, all races and all cuisines together. You hold qualities from both of your parents, but you are completely unique at the same time. You are special, London.

When did I go? I went in mid-September to the beginning of October. The weather was beautiful and sunny the first week. Nothing like they say London is. I didn’t see one drop of rain. My second week was filled with sun, rain and rainbows. It would rain for 30 minutes, stop, become sunny for an hour, rain again and repeat. I didn’t mind it too much. When it rained, it gave my boyfriend and I an excuse to check out an indoor market or try a new restaurant.

Where did you stay? This trip was a little unique. My boyfriend is currently living in London, playing soccer and working. I stayed at his apartment. If you are visiting, check out Airbnb. I use it all the time when I travel and I find there are so many cheap, amazing options in Europe.

How did you get around? We walked most places. We did buses or an Uber if it was later in the evening or if we traveled to a neighborhood more than a two hour walk away. The buses I am referring to are those cute red ones you see EVERYWHERE! It only costs £1.50 for a ride, no matter where you go! We walked 8-9 miles per day. Seeing a city on foot is the best way to experience a new place. At least, this is what I believe. 🙂

The Food:

Find a list of all restaurants below. I have written my top 1-2 items to order at each. My favorite restaurant is marked with a star. If you only have the chance to try one of these places, make it Kricket.

Pear Tree Cafe - Grilled Halloumi Salad & Vegan Pumpkin & Onion Bhaji Burger

Dishoom - Chicken Ruby & Masala Prawns

Sticks’n’Sushi - Hotate Kataifi & Tuna, salmon and hiramasa tataki topped with green leaves, lotus chips & parmesan cheese

Ole & Steen - Cinnamon Social Slice & Choc Chip Cookie

BYCHLOE - Though this is in NYC, I am a huge fan and couldn’t pass up going or adding it to this list. My favorite items there are the Quinoa Taco Salad & Banana Walnut Bread.

Rail House Cafe - Octopus, ‘nduja, lime yoghurt & Kedgeree

Crosstown Doughnuts - Lime & Coconut & Peanut Butter & Blackcurrant Compote (Both of these doughnuts are vegan and INCREDIBLE)

The Roasting - Almond milk iced latte (Best latte I’ve ever had)

Vibes Cafe - Eggs Your Way & Eggs Benedict (Think fresh crispy sourdough and fresh bright orange eggs)

Butter Believe It - Sesame Sweet Cookie

Union Street Cafe - (Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant - Need I say more?) Italian eggs, radicchio, pork & gorgonzola & Sea bass, dry grasspea puree, kale & walnuts

*Kricket - Butternut squash, makhani sauce, fresh paneer, hazelnuts, puffed wild rice & "Coronation" smoked mackerel, gooseberry chutney, nimki

Farm girl - Jungle Breakfast & Charcoal Latte

Señor Ceviche - Maras Soltero & Señor Ceviche (Hence the name)

Rosa’s Thai Cafe - Pad Thai with Prawns & Chicken Satay

Boqueria - Pulpo a la gallega & Selección de quesos

Areas & Attractions:

Shoreditch - Artsy area similar to the Lower East Side. There are a lot of vintage shops and great places to eat!

Old Spitalfields Market - A large market filled with all things food, fashion and art.

The Bricklane Market - Let’s just say foodie heaven! An endless amount of vendors, samples and cuisines. Don’t forget to check out the Crazy For Pasta stand for the best homemade truffle pasta of your life.

Borough Market - Another foodie heaven! They have everything and anything you could want. Try the fresh oysters!

Notting Hill - A very cute area filled with colorful buildings, cafes and shops. Walk along Portobello Road for some fun nick-nack shopping.

Soho - Great area to walk around and lots of restaurants. Chinatown is also close by.

Oxford Street - Awesome shopping area!

Carnaby Street - The food options here are just endless.

Piccadilly Circus - I’ve heard this area is supposed to resemble Times Square. There are a few billboards and some street entertainment. It is definitely worth checking out.

Royal Borough of Kensington - I loved walking around in this area. All the black and white stone homes are mesmerizing.

Chelsea - Residential area with adorable homes, shops and cafes.

London Eye - An observation wheel where you can overlook London.

Big Ben - I was very disappointed when I realized Big Ben was under construction. Just so you know, it is wrapped in scaffolding.

London Tower Bridge - One of London’s most iconic sties. You have to walk over the bridge, but it will definitely be packed!

Buckingham Palace - This famous palace is of course beautiful, but I was not wildly impressed. You can go inside if you would like. We took some photos outside.

St. James Park - A beautiful park to walk through filled with flowers and birds.