London

When one thinks of London, they think Royalty, Royal Weddings, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, fish n chips, British accents. But London has so much to offer year around from history to food, old and new. Ever wonder why it’s so often a stop to many European cities. London is one of those cities that I am always traveling to because of my family who resides in England. London should be on everyone’s list, I mean how can you possibly get tired of London?

Here is a quick London itinerary for first timers:

• Tower Bridge and Tower of London
• Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
• London Eye
• Buckingham Palace
• St. James Park
• Windsor Castle
• Piccadilly Circus
• Explore some of London’s neighborhoods (Notting Hill, Camden Town) Notting Hill is one of the most Instagrammable Neighborhood with it’s colorful houses.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Covent Garden
• Trafalgar Square
• Oxford Street
• Liberty
• Wembley Stadium

Buckingham Palace

 

The Changing of the Guards in front of Buckingham Palace

Have you ever wanted to see the changing of the guards in London? Well, yes it’s definitely a must during your trip. I woke up super early and waited in front of the gates at Buckingham Palace at 6AM to catch this shot. The changing of the guards during the summer occurs every thirty minutes and every hour during the winter. They are signs and schedules around Buckingham Palace of when they changing of the guards will happen, so just pay close attention to the signs. Or if you’re like me, you can research ahead of time.

St. Katherine’s Dock near Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge

Coppa Club

Coppa Club is a beautiful lounge style restaurant near the Tower Bridge with a beautiful view of the Shard. It’s a nice place for lunch to just and admire the view.

The view from the Shard

It may rain a lot in London, but at least it makes a great photo

The Hidden Bar at Ralph Lauren Polo

Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street

Oxford, Regent and Bond Streets will make you shop till you drop. It’s a world of its own. If you plan on going shopping, plan at least half a day or so to enjoy the atmosphere of the shopping in London. My cousin took me into Ralph Lauren Polo and my first overall reaction was like, “Why am I in this shop, I don’t even wear Ralph Lauren Polo…”I continued to follow him around the shop, thinking that he may want to check out the Men’s attire. Little did I know, there was a hidden bar. And the bar was quite charming actually. Definitely a hidden gem.

Sky Pod Bar

Peggy Porschen Cakes

The London Eye

The London Eye is one of my favorite attractions to see in all of Central London. As much as I love the views, the panoramic view from the eye is breathtaking. It’s a little scary going up to the top but its worth it. When you’re in the Eye, it barely feels like you are moving, but you’ll know how high you are when you look out and see the view. The second picture below was taken from the London Eye facing Westminster bridge and Big Ben.

Big Ben and Westminster

My TOP CAFE PICKS IN LONDON:

London is huge on cafes. There’s such a intensive selection on cafes and restaurants that you wouldn’t be able to experience these all in one trip. Mind you, I have some of my favorite Instagrammable cafes listed here, but some of them can pass as a dine in restaurants as well. For instance, The Ivy.

• Peggy Porschen Cakes
• The Ivy Chelsea Gardens
• Minnow
• Biscuiteers
• Paper & Cup
• Saint Aymes
• Elan Cafe
• Sketch

Where to eat in London:

There is no shortage of cafes, restaurants and markets in London. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite from Borough Market to a nice dine-in posh dinner-London has it. Here are a few of my recommendations:

• Honey & Co – Come here for soulful Israeli food filled with freshness, color. Prices are on the higher end but the cooking is very appealing and measures up. The shakshuka will leave you coming back for more at this tiny Israeli cafe.
• Dishoom – Indian food to Londoners is what amazing tacos are to Californians. There are a few of these around town (one in Soho and another in Shore ditch), but whichever one you go to is bound to have mouthwatering flavors on your palette.
• Borough Market – There are a ton of food markets in London. However, Borough Market is super famous! There are tons of food stalls scattered around. I recommend scoping out all the vendors before making your decision. There’s too many options.
• 14 Hills – This is the definition of Instagram. The low-lit jungle affair dons a lush, evergreen canopy ceiling. In summary, it’s a well-polished kind of vibe with a beautiful view of the Tower Bridge and the sky scrapers of London. Well, to eat- it’s a brasserie-style occasion with garlicky chicken kievs, and  juicy king scallops gracing the menu. More like, a super cute date night spot!
• Aqua Shard – Perfect for brunch with a view. Start your day off with an amazing top of the line brunch and enjoy it with the view overlooking the Tower Bridge and some of scrapers in the background. If you can’t make it for brunch darling, you’re not to worry. Aqua Shard is perfect for Afternoon Tea or dinner. Restaurant Reservations are open three months in advance.

Getting around in London

London is a big city and with all big cities, there comes traffic. But there are so many ways to get around London.

The Tube: The best way to get around London is the Underground, or “the Tube.”It is easy to navigate and you’ll get to all the sights you’ll want to see.

Bus: The city bus is a great way to see the sights while going from one place to another.

Taxis: There is always, London’s “black cabs” are all over and run off a meter. Yes, they tend to be expensive but you have this as an option for transportation. And most even accept credit cards.

Afternoon tea

What would a trip to London be like without afternoon tea? Afternoon tea is a must in London, especially if you’re wanting to feel posh. It’s a once in a lifetime experience worth every penny.

Here’s where you can find the best afternoon tea in London!

• Royal Horseguards Hotel – It serves as one of my favorite afternoon tea experiences in London. Located on the banks of Thames River, The Royal Horseguards Hotel is home to one of the best afternoon teas in London. It’s perfect for a traditional experience.
• Mr. Foggs – Mr. Fogg’s afternoon tea is a favorite among travelers. What makes it unique is that there is no hot tea. Instead, you can sip on bottomless tea cocktails made of gin, champagne, and cold-brewed tea
• Dorchester Hotel -A 5 star luxury hotel in London. Expect nothing but the finest quality as you enjoy your afternoon tea in its lavish surroundings. You can also choose from different tea experiences.
• Sketch –Sketch serves their afternoon tea in a pink gallery room that’s complete with pink velvet chairs, pink decor, and pink treats. My type of place. It’s all PINK, chic and Instagram famous. If you’re in London on a Wednesday and a Mean Girls fan – this is the place to go!
• The Ritz London – It’s the only hotel in the country to have a certified tea sommelier who travels around the world to source the creme de la creme of teas. You can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries while you sip on one of 18 different types of loose-leaf teas and glasses of champagne.

 

I hope you enjoyed this quick little first timers guide to London. I can’t wait to share more on London with you guys and I can’t wait to see your London stories. I look forward in hearing all about them.