Some of the best things in life are English: Tea, Shakespeare, Burberry, the Spice Girls, Kate Middleton’s blow out.
I always recommend London as a first destination for someone who has never been to Europe. The UK speaks English and their traditions aren’t so wonky that you’ll experience a disruptive culture shock. You don’t need more than 3 or 4 days in London before hopping a cheap RyanAir from Luton to another destination in Europe, or a surprisingly fast 2 hour EuroStar train to Paris. And with expanded routes and budget airlines serving The Old Smoke, it’s never been more accessible.
Here are some of my recommendations to make the most out of a quick jaunt to Londontown.
SHOPPING
Selfridges – This department store is decidedly modern. It’s the fun younger sister to the uptight Harrods. Brands range from TopShop to Tod’s.
Harrods – It’s an institution and worth a stop for those green totes. Bottom floor is touristy, but as you go up, it thins.
Kensington High Street – You may spot a Princess! This area is close to the royal quarters and Kate has been spotted grabbing a bag or two. The British use the term “High Street” to describe stores equivalent to a US shopping mall. While the British may consider the brands here pedestrian, the style and quality for the price is wonderful. Find stores like Jigsaw, Zara, & New Look.
Covent Garden – Adorable outdoor mall. Stop into Kikki.k for the best notebooks and agendas!
WORK IT OUT
Psycle – Consider it London’s SoulCycle. There 2 locations in Oxford Circus (fashion crowd) & Canary Wharf (finance crowd)
BOOM Cycle – Another fun spin option.
Barrecore – London’s toughest barre class!
ClassPass – Yes it works, even in London! Make sure you switch your metro area to browse classes near you!
BRUNCH
Tombo Poké & Matcha – 2 locations in Kensington and Soho. Your Instragram followers will be drooling over your Pantone Greenery posts.
Clerkenwell Kitchen – Organic, free-range food in an adorable, rustic setting.
DRINKS
Sushi Samba – You know I’m obsessed! My Miami favorite has an outpost on the 38th floor of 110 Bishopsgate. The outdoor terrace and electric orange tree can’t be missed.
Buddha Bar – A Knightsbridge icon.
Experimental Cocktail Club – Worth a trip to Chinatown.
Dandelyan – If you’re on the South Bank.
DINNER
Chiltern Firehouse – This place is what Nobu is to Malibu. Expect to dine with the tabloids.
Sketch – Just go. There’s also a great afternoon tea.
Sexy Fish – But I liked the lamps.
NIGHTLIFE
EGG London – untz untz untz
Fabric – legendary untz untz untz
Ministry of Sound – the King of untz untz untz (including soft floor to save your knees!)
The Lucky Pig – Young professional and expat crowd, 1920s style vibe.
Pubs. Everywhere.
LATE NIGHT BITE
Duck & Waffle -This restaurant sits on top of Sushi Samba and — Fun fact! — is open 24 hours! 4am fried chicken and the best views in the city are definitely a sign you had a great night!
GETTING THERE
If you land at Heathrow, take the Heathrow Express. The trip can take over an hour and a half in a taxi or Uber and cost you a week’s salary.
GETTING AROUND
Oyster Card – It’s a MetroCard, but British. Buy them in Tube stations or in Convenience stores. Good for the bus and the subway.
Uber – Uber everywhere
WHERE TO STAY
Andaz Liverpool Street– Solid hotel, not too stiff. Great dining options.
Citizen M Shoreditch – The perfect hotel for solo or couple 20-something travelers. Surprisingly high-tech, yet the lobby is warm stylish.
Ace Hotel London Shoreditch – trendy with great pop-up parties. If you’ll be working remotely, the lobby here is full of other young professionals doing the same.
London Edition – Central location, great appointments
NEIGHBORHOODS TO EXPLORE
Notting Hill – so cute!
Shoreditch – hip stores, the best coffee (Ministry of Coffee), street art everywhere
Mayfair – posh spice
As always, these are just my opinions. Please let me know what you love in London!
Do This There 