Planning a London Trip? Look no further, I’ve jotted down all the must Do’s.. Enjoy!
London can be a cliched favorite city, yet London you are my favorite city in the world! I’ve been to London a few times.. I lived in the UK for a year and visited the capital city at least four times while I was there. Why did I keep going back? I guess I clearly loved it and every time I went back I loved the city a bit more. It indeed is so vibrant, beautiful and really is where dreams come true!
I studied in Manchester six years ago, moving onto now- work got chaotic and I was planning a getaway. I set a few goals for myself this year, and one of them was to take my Amma on a holiday for all that she’s done for me while I was growing up. Then I thought why not London? It is indeed my favorite city and I would love for her to experience this part of the world. I booked our tickets, visa check and we were off!
I would suggest spending a minimum of 4 days in London. I decided to spend 7 days this time around. Why? My grand mom is 83 years old and I did everything slow paced, got her to experience London the Londoner way. When I was a student I explored the bar and club scene in London but this blog won’t be touching upon London’s night life. I will walk you guys through a day to day itinerary in London with things to do, cafes to eat at, museums to see, colorful neighborhoods to visit, a few lesser known places, iconic landmarks, parks and places to see.
Picture taken in 2012 when the clock at the Big Ben chimed currently restoration works are on till 2021.
at the markets outside South Bank Centre…
I would suggest if its your first time in London to take in the city either by a cruise or a bus.
MY DAY 1: WESTMINSTER ABBEY, THE PIER & EMBANKMENT
(You could chose to follow the same route or mix it up or even pick out what interests you)
We headed out here early, walked across the Westminster Bridge to the South Bank of Thames to get a good view of the now scaffolded Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. Once your on the other side, we didn’t but you could chose to ride the London Eye for a bird’s eye view of the city. Tip: Book in advance for the London Eye and enter the fast track lane or the queues can really build up quick.
After this we didn’t have much time and had to make our way back to Embankment to take a culinary bus around London called Bustronome. My grandmother is old, obviously :p so I tried to fit in more sit down experiences. This turned out to be great, we were served a four course meal and driven around Central London for about 2 hours.
If you chose not to do the culinary bus tour, then you could continue walking down Queen’s walk from the London Eye and find yourself at Tate Modern. I have seen the museum before, the admission is free of charge and I would highly recommend visiting this industrial-type building that houses amazing modern art from around the world. Then cross the Millennium Bridge for a good view of the dome thats St.Paul’s Cathedral and continue back and explore more of South Bank including the South Bank Centre & the areas around Waterloo. You could grab some lunch at Honest burgers (it’s delicious I tried them in Soho) or the popular Asian chain around London called Wagamama.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
After lunch, we headed towards Kensington and visited the Natural History Museum. You could also visit the Science Museum and the V&A Museum according to what interests you. The gardens and the Kensington Palace is here too (entry for the Palace is charged).
See the world famous museum’s dinosaurs. Entry is free so it can get a little crowded, go on to their website and see what’s on display while you visit. When we visited the enchanting Museum of the Moon was on display at the NHM.
Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. It’s on display here till 5th January, 2020.
-Grab a Venchi Gelato
-have a cuppa at Caffe Nero
Stroll around Chelsea & Notting Hill. If your a blogger, maybe you would want to snap a shot in the high street colorful houses of these affluent areas.
-after we grabbed dinner at Chelsea Creperie and headed home.
MY DAY 2: EXPERIENCE A THAMES RIVER CRUISE
See the city of London from the water. (Book tickets in advance) We did the cruise from Canary Wharf to Greenwich. We were staying at the Novotel on Marsh Wall in Canary Wharf. Stroll around Greenwich Market and explore many independent boutiques and shops. Visit the painted halls at the Old Royal Naval College and the tulip stairs at the Queen’s House. A walk back to North Greenwich station took us back to Canary Wharf. A few other attractions here are Greenwich Park, Greenwich Foot Tunnel, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Eltham Palace and the Royal Observatory.
The twisted spiral staircase known as the Tulip Stair’s at the Queen’s House.
CANARY WHARF
Staying in Canary Wharf was an absolute pleasure. The Jubilee Line I find it more convenient and quick as compared to say the District or Circle Lines. The O2 arena is here, I have been to an event at the O2 before and I would highly suggest looking up an event before you plan your trip. The O2 also offers some spectacular views of the city too.
The setting from across Big Easy’s bar at Canary Wharf! I would recommend this place for drinks and a good BBQ meal!
It’s lovely to be among the tallest buildings in London that also has a collection of shopping malls- Jubilee Place being one of them that houses many shops and restaurants. Head to West India Quay that houses a row of restaurants, burger and lobster is one of them.
Some mornings we would take a short walk down to One Canada Square where you can find breakfast joints like The Breakfast Club or The Parlor Bar & Restaurant.
The men in suits in Canary Wharf are definitely a treat ;) haha sorry hubby.
A lot of our evenings were also spent at the Bōkan Restaurant, Bar & Roof Terrace on the 38th floor of our hotel. My grandmom loves her whiskey and I love my wines!
Now you could also take the thames clipper from the Westminster Pier to Greenwich and then take the tube from North Greenwich on the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf. If you follow this itinerary your day would be done, our day 2 was done for sure.
MY DAY 3: BUCKINGHAM PALACE, ST JAMES’S PARK
Start your day at the iconic palace. The changing of the guards happens every morning at 11.30 am, the fountain opposite the gates is the best spot to get a good view. You have to be early though if this is a ceremony you'd like to see! The State Rooms are so magnificent and is open to public from July-September. Book here!
After take a casual walk down the royal gardens of St. James’s Park.
LONDON BRIDGE & THE MARKETS
We took a tube to London Bridge and made our way to Borough Market for lunch. It’s one of the oldest food markets in London! All vendors at the Borough Market believe in being kind to our planet, all packaging is biodegradable and nothing really goes to waste. We had the risotto at one of the stalls- my grand mother is vegetarian so she ordered the mushroom one and I the one with seafood. The produce being so fresh, I savored every bite!
We couldn’t resist and ended up taking away some amazing toffee pies and other sweet treats along with some freshly baked bread and cheese :D
We then made our way to Monument, sat down for a coffee at Black Sheep (most cafes here only except card payments- I don’t understand why) & then explored Leadenhall Market around 4pm, this place can get very crowded after work hours- (also you just entered Diagon Alley).. The architecture of this victorian market is the attraction here. I would say look up.. admire the arches and the ornate roof details on the ceilings. Don’t miss tasting cheese at the cheese and wine shop in the market and grab a few drinks at the pubs. The last time I was here I had a fun time at Old Tom’s Bar, this bar is full of energy and amped up on British charm. This time I made my way across to the Lamb’s Tavern for a hearty british pub meal and some good old ale. You could also try Chamberlains for some good cocktails!
If you find yourself here during lunch time and want to grab a quick bite try Pizza Express. Don’t go expecting this place to be a large market filled with stalls, it actually is a small market with cute cafes/shops/restaurants. The designer in me admires good architecture and this place even though is small always takes me back in time. The market is surrounded by modern buildings like the futuristic Lloyds building and the Gherkin. You could go to Sky Garden (book in advance) to eat/drink with great views of the city. TIP: Come here only on the weekdays, the weekends are pretty sad here as most places are shut.
We ended our day early, around 7 pm since London was an absolute wash out this day (so incase its raining the indoor markets are a good option to cover), so we retreated back to our hotel for drinks at the bar.
I sadly couldn’t explore Portobello Market this time but here I am sourcing a few antiques for my mother back in University.
Note:: I’m also mentioning a few other markets that I couldn’t cover this trip but maybe you guys would like to- Broadway Market (recommended through a friend a coffee is a pleasure at Climpson’ & Sons), Old Spitalfield Market, Bricklane Market, Columbia Road Flower Market (open only on Sundays), Portobello Market- next to Notting Hill & head to Biscuiteers for scrumptious desserts, I made my way here when they opened their doors.
MY DAY 4: OXFORD STREET & SOHO
Shop till you drop here! During christmas each store is vibrantly lit up. Nearby streets like Bond Street, Regent Street and Knightsbridge are more exclusive. Be sure to check out Liberty London, Harrods, Selfridges and the nearby colorful Carnaby Street. Nearby Carnaby Street is Kingly Court, a small square with levels of cafes and restaurants- try Cahoots for good underground cocktails and Crumbs and Doilies for sweet treats!
Leave behind the crowds that is on Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus, take a close walk into Carnaby street . There’s always something going on here from bustling bars in the side alleyways to independent shops and boutiques.
Places to eat:
-Duck & rice (Soho)
-Yauatcha (Soho)
-Darjeeling Express (Soho)- I headed here after watching the Chef’s Table on Netflix
-Kiln (Soho)- for the yummiest thai BBQ
-Barrafina (Soho)- tapas galore!
-SAID (Soho)- amazing choco-dripped mocha’s, take home their chocolate bars and hot choco powders
-Busaba (Oxford Circus)
-Riding House Cafe (Fitzrovia)
-ELAN cafe (Knightsbridge)- for the gram otherwise you can chose from a few around the city
-St. Christopher’s Place (to eat and drink)
-Ben’s Cookies (off Oxford Street, a few more outlets)
CHINATOWN, PICCADILLY CIRCUS & TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Explore the lively atmosphere that is in China Town! Don’t just stick to the main street but go into the side streets where you’ll find more authentic places to eat. Try a custard bun at Bake!
We also had a filling satisfying lunch at Gerrad’s Corner… and then made our way down Piccadilly Circus to Trafalgar Square. While walking we decided to walk into the Majesty Theater and book tickets to watch the Phantom of the Opera on the 22nd (on the day it’s normally sold old). I suggest booking tickets in advance online, Hamilton and Les Miserables are on my next play watch list.
-Duck & Waffle is another place you shouldn’t miss eating at! I sure hope you do eat duck if you make your way here!
MY DAY 5: MAYFAIR & LITTLE VENICE
Mayfair screams luxury, the Ritz London is here and serves one of the best afternoon teas in London. You can also chose to have afternoon tea at Sketch or Fortnum & Mason. We ended up heading to 45 Jermyn St., the coffee was great not just good and the clotted cream pineapple buckwheat pancakes were so delicious. I would highly recommend this place for breakfast. The interiors of this place definitely takes you back in time to an old-glamour setting! Take back few goodies from Fortnum & Mason, it is pricey but your in Mayfair! :)
Hidden courtyards of Mayfair- the Mews of Mayfair, we walked past it early during the day it indeed gets livelier later on! You can also find wonderful covered arcades here like the Burlington Arcade & the Piccadilly Arcade.
Then we made our way to Little Venice in North London. Walk around here and discover hidden lane ways and canals and find a gondola ride & jump onto one if you want too! We chose to sit in one of the cute cafes that overlook the canal- find Water side Cafe.
CAMDEN TOWN MARKET
Camden Town is like a punk fun side to London, also in North London you can get here on the Northern line, a stop away from Euston. Keep walking and you will pass the canal and then will slowly make your way into the markets. Do make your way down to the stable market this is where the horses were kept back in the day. There are a lot of places to sit here, grab a bite at the one of street food stalls- savory and sweet.
Places to eat/drink-
-Chin Chin Labs (one of the best nitrogen ice creams on serve)
-Cereal Killer Cafe
-Baba G’s (recommended by my friend Charita- check out her page for a few other London reccomendations)
-Ciambotta Italian Buns down the italian alleyway
MY DAY 6: COVENT GARDEN, THE THEATRE & SHOREDITCH
Covent Garden is just a great place to be at! The Covent Garden Piazza is traffic-free filled with plenty of activity going on from market stalls to street performers. You could take a short walk to the Royal Opera House or go in the other direction towards Holborn and visit the famous British Museum. While the Royal Opera House is opulent the British Museum is filled with culture and history and the entry for this museum if free so do time it accordingly as it can get crowded. You could also chose to watch a West End Show, book here!
How whimsical is Covent Garden?
Eat & drink at some amazing places here. I’ve listed a few places below…
-Clos Maggiore (the conservatory needs to be booked in advance, also is kinda $$)
-Sushisamba
-Barbary (recommended by a friend who lives in London, I was blown away by the food on offer- located in Seven Dials in Covent Garden)
-Neal’s Yard (eat at HomeSlice Pizza and try the donuts at St. John’s Donut) - a hidden gem of convent garden, there’s also a wine bar situated here if you fancy a daytime drink!
-Santa Nata for the most delish pastel de natas!!
-Lola’s Cupcakes
-Shake Shack
-Radio Rooftop (a great rooftop bar)
-Blame Gloria (amazing cocktails, do check for happy hours)
-The Ship Tavern (In Holborn, close to Covent Garden) you can’t not have traditional british ale in a ale house and some fish & chips to go with it.
Do follow or check out their official page on Instagram, they were having an ice cream festival when I was there so I headed back to eat at Avo Bar (also amazing for brunch) and try the Laduree ice cream macaroon.
We made our way to watch the play after and spent time in Central London for dinner. Buttt Shoreditch is somewhere I couldn’t get to this trip but if you love a very chill vibe this place has it all, from underground bars to vintage antique shopping. If you do make your way here and spend sometime reading my blog drop your Shoreditch recommendations in the comment box below, I could recommend finding happiness forgets for great cocktails!
MY DAY 7: HYDE PARK & KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent Park… the list goes on.. Have a picnic lunch at a park and grab some Pimm’s or beer from the local supermarket for a more relaxed vibe :p You could also chose to cycle around the parks or have a cup of coffee/tea and watch the swans from a cafe near the lakes!
The last day I decided to shop, I didn’t want to lug around much during the trip. So I made my way back to Oxford Street and Harrod’s and decided to splurge a wee-bit.
LONDON BRIDGE & THE TOWER OF LONDON
Just the perfect way to end our trip isn’t it? Learn all about the history of London’s castle. We stayed at the CitizenM Hotel in Tower Hill for the last 3 days in London and our room overlooked the castle and bridge.
I would also recommend going for a London walk tour, I did the Jack the Ripper walk & it was super thrilling.
GETTING AROUND LONDON
If you are staying a while in London, the Oyster card is great and you can pay as you go. If your trip to London is shorter than 3 days, a travel card should suffice. I stayed in London 7 days in total, from the 13th-17th of August caught a Virgin train to the country till the 21st and then our last 3 days of the trip back in London. What I did- loaded a 7 day travel card onto our Oyster cards for the first 5 days (since this works out cheaper), and the last 3 days I opted to pay as you go. With the pay as you go option you are charged per journey, but there is a price cap for the day so once reached you can still travel without being charged. I opted to stay in Central London so I took the pass for only zone 1 and 2. To access zones outside you can add credit and easily do so or if you are staying outside London you can get a travel card for 7 days up-to zone 6. Ask for assistance in the station if your a bit confused, they are very helpful.
Do remember they take a 5 pound deposit only if you opt for an oyster card. When you return your card at the end of your trip you will be refunded. If you do plan on returning in the near future, you can keep your card.
Uber commutes in London- not very budget conscious although it doesn’t break the bank. Avoid taking the black London cabs. Say a Uber trip from Central London to the airport will cost you 70 quid, cabs will cost you about a 100. Note: Uber accepts only card payments as of now!
It’s a long read I know! But I hope this blog helps you plan your London getaway. Do drop a comment below if you got any more recommendations or if this helped you in anyway…
xx Nain