Hello from London!
This is one of those cities that has something for everyone. Whether you want to fill your days with culture, history, good food, shopping, or nature, London is a fantastic vacation destination. Here are some of the highlights from my recent trip.
Having been to London before, I’ve checked off some of the major tourist-y things like visiting the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, Big Ben, & Westminster Abbey. However, if you’re a first-time visitor to London, they are worth seeing. Beware though: depending on time of year and time of day, these attractions may have long lines and crowds, so plan ahead.
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Art on Every Walk
Interestingly, London has a big street-art scene that has evolved from graffiti to full-on artwork through the streets. If you want to do a more unique, out-of-the-box tour, look into a street-art tour in the Shoreditch area. Our guide took us through the evolution of graffiti, tagging, and street art, highlighted some of the main artists today, how they create their art, legal issues of creating the art, the politics within the scene, and more. It gave me a new appreciation for street art which many of us may just walk by without a second thought.
My Ideal Tour
If you need inspiration for how to spend your day in London, here is my walking tour of London: Start in Hyde Park walking south through the Rose Garden. That will take you to Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley where you will find the best pastries you will ever eat. The chocolate chip cookie is unforgettable, although it is not always in stock. No matter what you pick up, you won’t be disappointed.
Next, stop at Harrods & Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge; even if you don’t have the shopping bug, these department stores are wonders all their own and worth strolling through. You can also get delicious food and dessert at Harrods. Pro tip: pick up some chocolates from their candy section to give out as gifts. From Knightsbridge, walk through the picturesque neighborhood into Chelsea. Stop at Raw Press for a juice, matcha, smoothie, or healthy treat. Then, walk over to Pavilion Road and grab lunch at either Granger & Co or Ottolenghi. There are some fun shops up and down this short road that you can stop at if you’re waiting for a table. After lunch, make your way to Duke of York Square and onto King’s Road for more shopping. Finally, end at Saatchi Gallery and see their latest exhibit.
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For dinner, you’ll stay in Chelsea and eat at Wild Tavern, a delicious Italian restaurant with great cocktails and wine. After that, head to Wild Corner wine bar for a night cap. The surrounding blocks are also quaint and have a neighborhood feel so it makes for a nice post-dinner walk.
