Jul.

5

London City Guide

Every since I posted a photo tour of LONDON last year, you’ve been asking for a more in-depth city guide. If you are traveling with kids, there’s plenty in London they will enjoy especially a Harry Potter tour. If you’re a fashionista, spend an afternoon strolling Bond Street and Mount Street and after a visit to Harrod’s and Harvey Nichols take a (long) leisurely stroll down Sloane Street towards Sloane Square. If you’re a foodie, then a visit to Borough Market is a must and be sure to try the coffee at Monmouth. If you’re a design enthusiast, don’t miss Portobello Road or OKA in Chelsea. For a bluesy evening out, check out Ronnie Scott’s or Night Jar Jazz.

MUSEUMS + MONUMENTS

Buckingham Palace
www.royalcollection.org.uk

Plan one day of royal sightseeing starting with the official residence for Her Majesty The Queen. In the summer, tours of the state rooms are open to the public and if you arrive around 11:30am you can see the changing of the guard. Also, visit the Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery.

Blue Plaques
Throughout London

While walking around look for Blue plaques on buildings where famous people lived.

British Museum
www.britishmuseum.org

A couple of hours here to see artifacts from ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome is a must-do.

Hyde Park
www.royalparks.org.uk

Row a boat on The Serpentine, visit the Princess Diana Memorial fountain, or stroll Kensington Gardens like the Duchess.

London Aquarium
www.londonaquarium.co.uk

One of the largest in Europe with over 350 different species.

Saatchi Gallery
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk

Great for a rainy day with works by Damien Hirst to Cy Twombly.

Tate Modern
www.tate.org.uk

See 20th century artists like Mondrian, Rothko and Warhol. Then take the Tate to Tate boat down the Thames for a bit of sightseeing.

V & A Museum
www.vam.ac.uk

With over 145 galleries, don’t miss the costume and jewelry.

Fish & Chips at Tom’s Kitchen

RESTAURANTS

Tom’s Kitchen
www.tomskitchen.co.uk

Tom Aiken’s “brasserie” is my favorite when I am in the mood for fish and chips.

Brindisa
www.brindisa.com

For a quick bite and delicious Spanish tapas.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
www.dinnerbyheston.com

There’s a two month wait for a table. Blumenthal is known for molecular gastronomy.

Hélène Darroze
www.the-connaught.co.uk

Top female chef Hélène Darroze’s cooking is creative and top notch.

The Ivy
www.the-ivy.co.uk

Quintessential London and if you can score a table, take it.

Le Gavroche
www.le-gavroche.co.uk

Michel Roux. Need I say more?

La Petite Maison
www.lpm.london.co.uk

Try the whole roasted black leg chicken with foie gras with a side of macaroni pasta with truffles.

Made In Italy
www.madeinitalygroup.co.uk

Neopolitan pizzas with unique combinations.

Marcus Weiring
www.the-berkeley.co.uk

For a special occasion, try this Michelin-two star, modern French restaurant.

Running Horse
www.therunninghorselondon.co.uk

Discovered while wandering Mayfair. Try the Pea Risotto or Club sandwich with veggie crisps.

Scott’s
www.scotts-restaurant.com

Usually if it’s about the “scene”, the food suffers. The verdict? We really enjoyed our evening and the seafood was prepared beautifully. Service was excellent and yes, it was THE place to see and be seen because everyone was there.

Wild Honey
www.wildhoneyrestaurant.co.uk

Recommended by a London friend for its reasonably-priced, market-fresh menu.

Zuma
www.zumarestaurant.com

Zuma has some of the best Japanese food in London.

DvF Suite at Claridge’s

HOTELS:
For every grand dame hotel in London, there is a hip and trendy one which makes finding a hotel that suits your personality no problem.

Claridge’s
www.claridges.co.uk

This legendary hotel is all about impeccable service.

The Berkeley
www.the-berkeley.co.uk

Known for their Pret-a-Portea, it’s also a wonderful hotel.

Charlotte Street Hotel
www.firmdale.com

If you want privacy in a well-appointed setting, then this Soho townhouse hotel is for you.

The Connaught
www.the-connaught.co.uk

There’s just something about The Connaught. Elegant rooms, service and a stellar location.

Mandarin Oriental
www.mandarinoriental.com/london

This hotel has two of the most talked about restaurants in London–Bar Boulud and Dinner by Heston.

One Aldwych
www.onealdwych.co.uk

“The One” is known for its incredible design and commitment to service.

To read my Postcard from London, click here.

City Guides, Travel Comments Off on London City Guide


Comments are closed.