Travel Guide: London

ENGLAND

London has a rhythm all its own, and I fell for it the moment I first arrived. There’s magic in the city’s contrasts - fog curling over the Thames while the chatter of markets bubbles nearby, red buses lumbering past centuries-old doors, and secret gardens tucked behind unassuming streets. Every neighborhood has its own personality: Soho hums with nightlife and street art, Notting Hill bursts with color and charm, and Shoreditch buzzes with creativity at every turn. Exploring the city feels like stepping into a patchwork of stories, each one distinctly, wonderfully London.

As a culinary explorer, I came expecting classic British dishes but discovered a food scene that’s far more exciting than its unfair reputation suggests. British cuisine is often dismissed as “bland,” yet its markets, gastropubs, and Michelin-starred kitchens collide with street food stalls and hidden cafés, creating a city that’s endlessly fun to taste and wander through. In London, a morning can start with a perfectly brewed coffee in a sunlit garden square and end with a tasting menu that reinvents what you thought you knew about British flavors. It is a city that surprises, delights, and always keeps you curious.

Can’t Miss

• Slow mornings at Layla Bakery over sourdough pastries

• Borough Market’s famed chocolate-covered strawberries

• Afternoon Tea at sketch with live string performances

• The house black daal and a chai from Dishoom

• A cold pint at The Walmer Castle, a quintessential pub

• Expertly crafted cocktail at the swanky Connaught Bar

• Strolling Queen Mary’s Gardens inside Regent Park

• Shopping the unique vendors at the Portobello Road Market

72-Hour London Itinerary

Like a perfect three-course meal — each day is a journey of flavor, culture and adventure.

DAY 1 – CENTRAL LONDON

Morning

• Brunch at WatchHouse in Marylebone (stop into Daunt Books after)

• Embrace your inner tourist at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, & Big Ben

Afternoon

• Tea sandwiches, sugary confections, and high tea at sketch in Soho

• Enjoy the roses at Queen Mary’s Garden inside Regent Park

Evening

• Pre-theater dinner at Nopi (catch a show in The West End after)

• Craft cocktails at The Connaught Bar or Artesian Bar, located inside 5-star hotels

DAY 2 – EAST LONDON

Morning

• Full English breakfast at The Breakfast Club Hoxton

• Local shopping in Spitalfields Market (& Colombia Road Flower Market, open on Sundays)

Afternoon

• Lunch at Borough Market (don’t miss the sandwiches from The Black Pig)

• Explore the modern art collection at The Tate Modern

Evening

• Bombay-inspired Indian cuisine at Dishoom in Shoreditch

• A cold pint at The Pride of Spitalfields or The Duke of Wellington

DAY 3 – WEST LONDON

Morning

• A rotating menu of coffee & pastries at Layla Bakery

• Stroll around Kensington Gardens & visit the palace

Afternoon

• Dive into fish & chips plus live music at The Walmer Castle

• A Saturday spent wandering through Portobello Road Market

Evening

• Elevated pub fare at The Pelican (they do a great Sunday Roast!)

• Late-night drinks in a beautifully designed space at Gold

The Travel Edit

• Eats & Sweets

  • Dishoom- A tribute to Bombay’s old Irani cafés, Dishoom blends smoky grills, rich curries, and nostalgic spice with a warm, atmospheric buzz perfect for lingering over chai and black daal.

  • Gymkhana - Inspired by elite Indian clubs of the Raj, Gymkhana serves refined, deeply spiced dishes and elegant tandoor cooking in a setting that feels both luxurious and timeless.

  • The Walmer Castle - This stylish Notting Hill pub balances comfort and sophistication, offering elevated seasonal plates alongside a beautifully curated drinks list.

  • The Pelican - A modern British tavern with a culinary backbone, The Pelican champions wood-fired cooking, superb produce, and a laid-back yet polished neighborhood feel.

  • Gold - Rooted in open-fire cooking, Gold delivers vibrant Mediterranean-leaning dishes in a lush, light-filled space that feels like an urban oasis.

  • The River Cafe - A London institution, The River Café celebrates simple, flawless Italian cooking, where impeccable ingredients and elegant restraint define every dish.

  • Nopi - With bold Middle Eastern flavors and Ottolenghi’s signature brightness, Nopi offers refined, vegetable-forward plates in a sleek, modern dining room.

  • Ottolenghi - Known for its abundant displays of colorful salads, inventive mezze, and indulgent pastries, Ottolenghi brings vibrant, produce-led cooking to the casual all-day format.

  • Borough Market - One of London’s oldest food markets, offering a sharp mix of local produce, specialty ingredients, and ready-to-eat dishes from trusted traders.

  • Layla Bakery - A neighborhood bakery beloved for its naturally leavened breads, inventive pastries, and a slow-ferment philosophy that celebrates craftsmanship.

  • WatchHouse - A modern, design-forward coffee house offering precision-brewed specialty coffee and thoughtful seasonal bites in beautifully minimal spaces.

  • Cicchetti - Known for its Venetian-style plates and efficient service, Cicchetti offers a well-executed mix of pasta, seafood, and antipasti in a sleek setting.

• Drinks & Bars

  • ​​The Connaught Bar - An elegant, Michelin-starred hotel bar famed for its meticulously crafted cocktails and timeless Art Deco setting.

  • Artesian Bar - A world-renowned cocktail destination inside The Langham Hotel, offering inventive drinks with theatrical presentation in a chic, modern space.

  • The Walmer Castle - A stylish neighborhood pub with a strong drinks menu, blending approachable cocktails, craft beers, and classic British charm.

  • The Elgin - A lively, locally loved pub serving well-executed cocktails alongside a vibrant community atmosphere.

  • Ronnie Scott’s - London’s legendary jazz club in Soho, where world-class live music meets a sophisticated, intimate bar atmosphere, making it as much a cultural experience as a drinking destination.

  • The Duke of Wellington - A classic London pub known for its solid drinks selection, historic character, and welcoming, unpretentious vibe.

  • The Pride at Spitalfields - A historic pub with a focus on craft beers and seasonal cocktails, pairing a relaxed atmosphere with thoughtful drinks.

• Activities

  • Buckingham Palace - The iconic residence of the British monarch, offering a glimpse into royal tradition and, during summer, the chance to explore the State Rooms.

  • Westminster Abbey - A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and history, home to royal coronations, weddings, and centuries of remarkable memorials.

  • Kensington Gardens - Expansive, elegant gardens ideal for a leisurely stroll, featuring the Serpentine Gallery, the Albert Memorial, and the peaceful Italian Gardens.

  • Queen Mary’s Gardens at Regent Park - A floral haven within Regent’s Park, showcasing hundreds of rose varieties in meticulously curated, seasonal displays.

  • Colombia Road Flower Market - A bustling Sunday market where vibrant blooms, plants, and horticultural charm create a sensory London experience.

  • Spitalfields Market - A dynamic mix of fashion, antiques, and street food set within a historic market hall, perfect for browsing or casual tasting.

  • The Tate Modern - London’s premier modern art museum, housed in a striking former power station, featuring international contemporary masters and rotating exhibitions.

  • Portobello Road Market - A legendary Notting Hill market combining antiques, fresh produce, and eclectic street stalls in a colorful, lively atmosphere.

  • sketch - An immersive, design-forward venue in Mayfair blending Michelin-starred dining, artful interiors, and a playful, multi-sensory afternoon tea and bar experience.

• Shopping

  • Daunt Books- An elegant Edwardian bookshop in Marylebone with long oak galleries, specializing in travel literature and rare finds for curious readers.

  • Books for Cooks - A culinary haven where every book is also a recipe to try, accompanied by a shop kitchen serving seasonal, inspiring dishes.

  • The Notting Hill Bookshop - A charming, independent bookshop beloved for its literary character and extensive selection of fiction, guides, and rare titles.

  • The Spice Shop - A specialist purveyor of spices, herbs, and blends from around the world, perfect for chefs and home cooks seeking high-quality ingredients.

  • Daylesford Organic - A refined organic emporium offering fresh produce, pantry staples, and wellness products, all rooted in sustainable farming principles.

  • Graham & Green - A design-forward home and lifestyle store, showcasing eclectic furniture, decor, and quirky statement pieces with timeless style.

  • Niwaki - Expertly curated Japanese gardening tools and accessories, blending functionality with refined craftsmanship for the home and garden.

  • VV Rouleaux - A destination for exquisite trims, ribbons, and haberdashery, beloved by designers and makers for its quality and variety.

  • Liberty London - Iconic department store with Tudor-style charm, offering luxury fashion, beauty, fabrics, and homeware with a distinctive, curated aesthetic.

  • Retromania - A vintage treasure trove for home furnishings, collectibles, and unique retro pieces spanning the 20th century.

“Exploring the city feels like stepping into a patchwork of stories, each one distinctly, wonderfully London.”