Three Perfect Days: A trip to London

Getting around London

The smartest way to get around in the city is by the London Underground, more commonly known as “The Tube.” You can take this train from Heathrow Airport into any part of the city with a single-ride ticket or a reusable Oyster card. Even if you aren’t staying for long, we recommend using one. It’s the cheapest overall option and can also be used on buses, cable cars and other forms of public transportation. But keep in mind, you can’t buy a card while in London. You must order it online before your trip.

Westminster

Westminster is a borough with ‘city’ status, located in the center of London’s fashionable West End. Here, you’ll find some excellent shopping, art and London’s most famous landmarks. For a luxury experience, you can spend your stay in The Savoy Hotel in the Strand, where the river views are stunning. Or try the Georgian House Hotel for an equally relaxing experience on a budget.

In our opinion, the London skyline is most appreciated from the water. So, if you’re looking to take unforgettable pictures, you can’t go wrong on the Westminster Bridge. It’s one of many bridges that connects the North and South banks of the River Thames—and gives an amazing view of landmarks like:

• The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, which used to be the home of British monarchs.
• “Big Ben”, with its four clock faces recently restored to their original Victorian style.
• Westminster Abbey, whose dual towers are a beautiful piece of Gothic architecture.
• The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel which can be seen on the South Bank across the Thames.

Another iconic bridge would be Millennium Bridge, where you can see St. Paul’s Cathedral, the most famous cathedral in London.

Southwark

Across the Millennium Bridge is Southwark borough, the oldest part of South London, and the former power station that’s now the Tate Modern. This gallery focuses on modern art from the 20th century to the present. See art from well-known artists like Picasso, Warhol and Mark Rothko while enjoying a cup of coffee from the onsite café. Best of all, admission is completely free.

Nearby the Tate Modern are other attractions, like:

• The historical Borough Market, if you’re in the mood to shop (or eat delicious street food).
• The Shard, a 72-story skyscraper designed to look like a shard of glass.

A highlight of Southwark is its location, central to several other boroughs and only a mile from Westminster. So, if you’re still in the mood for art, you can walk to Bankside Pier and take a riverboat the short distance back to Millbank Millennium Pier.

There, you’ll find the Tate Modern’s older cousin: the Tate Britain. The Tate Britain has a large collection of British art from the 1500s to the present day. It’s a great place to explore the evolution of British art across centuries—with artists like J.M.W Turner and John Constable.

Restaurants

If you’re hungry, head over to Belgravia neighborhood for lunch at The Star Tavern. This place has been serving delicious fish and chips since Victorian times. Ask about their sticky toffee pudding, too. For dinner, Dishoom in nearby Covent Garden serves some of the top Indian food in the city.

London is known for its excellent shopping. The city is full of groundbreaking designers of color, cozy bookstores and open-air markets that have been around for centuries. Whether you like bargains and vintage goods or high-end fashion, there’s something for everyone who likes to shop (and eat).

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a “shopping district.” In the past, it was a flower and vegetable market. Now, its shops hold world-class fashion designers like Ralph Lauren, Mulberry and Tiffany & Co. You can enjoy the beautiful old buildings, cobbled lanes and street performances as you explore.

There are also some great restaurant options to choose from while shopping, like:

• E Pellicci, London’s oldest family-owned café, serving Italian meals and English breakfast.
• Bill’s for a classic European meal and great if you’re vegan or gluten free.
• Bad Boy Pizza Society, which specializes in New York-style pizza.
• Bali Bali for authentic Indonesian food and a relaxing atmosphere.

When you’re tired, go back and relax in your room at the NoMad London—a boutique hotel with a beautiful view of the Royal Opera.

Spitalfields Market

This 17th-century market is on the East End of London, set in a restored Victorian building. It’s also a great place to find a bargain. You can shop for antiques, handmade clothes and crafts, artisanal goods and furniture. Spitalfields is also famous for its street food from around the world, but don’t miss out on some of the East London culture in local restaurants like:

• The Pride of Spitalfields London, an old-school London pub known for its salted beef sandwich and great staff.
• Beigel Bake, also known as “The White One” because of its rivalry with another beigel spot two doors down (“The Yellow One”). Order a salt-beef bagel from both and decide for yourself which is better.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Plant and flower lovers need to go to the Columbia Road Flower Market. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the community vibes as they shop for chrysanthemums, daffodils, succulents and more. We don’t recommend you buy too many if you’re planning to keep exploring the city—maybe just a stem or two. But be prepared to hear vendors yelling offers and trying to outsell each other.

After you’ve had enough of flowers, try out some of the cafes and top restaurants in the area, too:

• Pavilion Bakery is a great place to stop for a coffee and croissant break.
• For brunch, the Grind on Clerkenwell has excellent juices and scrambled eggs. There are several other Grind cafes and trucks around London as well.
• For lunch, Campania is a traditional Italian spot that serves delicious handmade pasta.

Daunt Books in Marylebone

In 1990, this independent bookstore was founded by James Daunt with a focus on travel books. Now, there is a larger selection of unique books to choose from. The shop itself has Edwardian architecture, with a skylight above a two-story entrance. You can browse, read or just enjoy the charming atmosphere.

If you’re craving a coffee after browsing the books, head over to Hagen Expresso Bar coffee shop, specializing in the Danish coffee brand Hagen. For lunch or dinner, you can stop for a quick bite at the Goat Tavern. Or walk to Carnaby Street and try something adventurous at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen.

Coal Drops Yard

Next to King’s Cross station, Coal Drops Yard was once a Victorian-era coal depot. Now, it’s an upscale outdoor shopping center with a live music venue. There are over 50 different independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, representing a variety of cultures. You can spend an entire day exploring the area. When you’re hungry, we recommend:

• The popular Middle Eastern spot Coal Office. Enjoy grilled octopus, Yemeni pancakes and hazelnut ice cream—just to name a few of our favorites.
• Beer + Burger Store, which is the perfect spot for those who want a classic burger for dinner.
• Hiden, for authentic Japanese curry and fried chicken.
• For a boost of energy or a chance to wind down, Notes Coffee serves coffee and wine.

London has a wealth of history to share. A guided tour or time spent at an exhibit can really help you to immerse yourself in the culture and have a good time doing it. Luckily for you, London has tons to choose from.

Guided tours

In a city as old as this one, you can find interesting tours just about anywhere. Here are our top choices:

• The original City of London tour is a must for history buffs. It’s a short walking tour where you’ll learn the history around iconic spots like Guildhall, the Tower of London and some of London’s oldest churches.
• Take a boat tour on a refurbished barge with Regent’s Canal. You’ll learn all about London’s canals and how they were saved by a group of volunteers. Plus, get a glimpse of modern life on Britain’s waterways.
• The Royal Opera House tour offers behind-the-scenes access to interested patrons. It teaches you about the history of the venue and takes you backstage to areas not usually open to the public, like the costume department.

Museums and art galleries

Who says you can’t have fun and learn at the same time? For the traveler who wants to expand their mind, these are our recommendations:

• The Natural History Museum is one of London’s biggest attractions. With a family-friendly atmosphere and free admission, it isn’t hard to see why. There are always new exhibits to explore about a variety of topics, like space, dinosaurs and the environment.
• Each exhibit and installation at The Barbican: Art & design is unique. One by Mumbai-based artist Shilpa Gupta featured recordings of verses by 100 poets incarcerated for their beliefs. Another focused on the brutal architecture of the Barbican itself.
• Founded in 1901, the Whitechapel Gallery has deep roots in the East London community. It hosted the British debut of Picasso’s "Guernica" and presented Jackson Pollock’s first major show in the country. Plus, admission is free.

Musical theatre, plays and concert halls

You don’t have to be a theater buff to enjoy a good show. Catch an unforgettable performance at one these iconic venues in the West End (and beyond):

• The Gillian Lynne Theatre is the perfect venue for big, groundbreaking performances. It has a long history of hosting major shows like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Cinderella", which gives the story a modern twist. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or a casual visitor, you won’t regret it.
• Along with its impressive art, the Barbican has an exceptional concert hall and theatre space. It’s home to some of London’s most impressive music and theater productions, including the London Symphony. But what makes shows at the Barbican so remarkable is the diversity. Expect classical concerts with stringed instruments, contemporary dance based on jazz, Korean operas based on Shakespeare and more.
• Anyone who loves Shakespeare must go to Shakespeare’s Globe in central London. It’s a true recreation of the Globe Theatre—the original theatre where his plays were performed. The performances are meant to imitate the originals, so lower production on the sets and costumes makes it feel authentic.