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Ultimate London Guide: Best Places to Eat, Stay, and Explore

Everything you need to know for visiting London

Welcome to London – a city so famous you’re sure to know its top attractions before you’ve even visited. But beyond Big Ben, The Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, London’s local life and authentic neighbourhoods are as worth exploring as it’s landmarks. And it only gets better the more time you spend exploring.

From modern art to vintage markets, and boasting a food scene that’s hard to beat anywhere in the world — London is one of those cities you can visit again and again and always find something new to love. Take it from a former Londoner – I spent a decade living here, and I still find new discoveries every time I’m back in the city.

With so much to discover, here’s a local’s guide to everything you need to know to plan your trip to London.

  1. Planning your visit to London
  2. When to visit London
  3. Getting around
  4. What to see and do in London
  5. Where to eat in London
  6. Where to drink in London
  7. Where to stay in London

Planning your visit to London

Essentials to know

  • Currency: Pound Sterling (£). Cards widely accepted.
  • Language: English.
  • Plugs: Type G (three rectangular pins).
  • Weather: Pack an umbrella and layers — sun, rain, and wind can all happen in the same day.
  • Etiquette: Stand on the right, walk on the left on escalators. Tipping is usually 10–12.5% if not already included.
  • Local Events/Festivals: Notting Hill Carnival (August), Wimbledon (June/July), Christmas markets (Nov–Dec).

When to visit London

London is a year-round destination, but each season has its own charms. Whether you want blooming parks, lively festivals, cozy pubs, or festive sparkle, there’s no bad time to come — just different experiences (and different weather conditions) to be had.

  • Spring (March–May): Parks in bloom, longer days.
  • Summer (June–August): Festivals, outdoor events, peak temperatures and peak tourist crowds.
  • Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, cozy pubs. My favourite season in the city.
  • Winter (December–February): Christmas lights, ice rinks, and a festive atmosphere, though short days.

Getting around

London is enormous, but its transport system is world-class. Between the Tube, buses, bikes, and your own two feet, getting from A to B is easy. Though the city overall is immense, it is made up of lots of smaller neighbourhoods. For getting across the city, you’ll need to take public transport, but walking around smaller areas is a great way to explore and see the sights you miss on the tube. Here’s how the locals get around:

  • Tube: Fastest way across the city. Get an Oyster card or use contactless. Visit: tfl.gov.uk
  • Bus: Cheaper, scenic, and iconic with double-deckers.
  • Walking: Central London is surprisingly walkable.
  • Bikes/Scooters: Santander Cycles (aka ‘Boris Bikes’) and e-scooters available.Visit: santandercycles.tfl.gov.uk
  • Ride-shares & Taxis: Uber, Bolt, and classic black cabs.

What to see and do in London

From royal palaces to buzzing markets, London has a mix of history, culture, and local life to be explored.

Here are some of my top picks:

  • Tower of London
  • Buckingham Palace
    • Catch a glimpse of the royal residence, or watch the Changing of the Guard. Worth seeing once to tick off the bucket list.
    • Visit: rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace
  • British Museum
    • One of the world’s best museums, with a massive collection of antiquities and regular exhibitions. Free entry.
    • Visit: britishmuseum.org
  • Tate Modern
    • Contemporary art housed in a former power station. Free entry, with paid ticketed exhibitions.
    • Visit: tate.org.uk
  • Camden Market
  • Covent Garden
    • Shopping, street performers, and a surrounding network of streets filled with cafes and boutiques.
    • Visit: coventgarden.london
  • Kew Gardens
    • Vast green oasis with lush plant life, beautiful walks and victorian glass houses.
    • Visit: kew.org
  • St Paul’s Cathedral
    • One of London’s iconic architectural landmarks, climb up to the dome for incredible views.
    • Visit: stpauls.co.uk

Where to eat in London

Living in London pretty much ruins you for moving anywhere else in the world. The quality and diversity of food here is hard to beat, and whatever your tastes you’re bound to be spoiled for choice. Having absolutely thrown myself in to London’s food scene, I’ve gathered my top spots to get a taste of the city in a series of guides.

Some top picks include:

AM

  • Dishoom
    • Bombay-style breakfast in a vibey setting (the bacon naan roll is a must).
    • Visit: dishoom.com/london
  • Milk
    • Local staple for indulgent pancakes and bacon laden breakfast muffins.
    • Visit: milk.london
  • Pavillion Bakery
    • Perfect for pastries on the go at Broadway Market, or leisurely breakfast in Victoria Park.
    • Visit: pavilionbread.com
  • Duck & Waffle
    • Sky-high breakfast with unbeatable views across the city. Great for special occasions.
    • Visit: duckandwaffle.com

PM

  • Padella
    • Fresh, hand-made pasta that’s worth the queue, no matter how long it is.
    • Visit: padella.co
  • St John
    • A London institution, and home of nose-to-tail dining. St John Bread and Wine (it’s Sptialfields sister) is IMO even better.
    • Visit: stjohnrestaurant.com
  • Borough Market
    • Iconic food market with endless options from indulgent street food to artisanal produce.
    • Visit: boroughmarket.org.uk
  • 40 Maltby Street
    • Creative plates and low intervention wines. Incredible quality with a laid-back feeling. No reservations, so get there as early as you can to grab a spot.
    • Visit: 40maltbystreet.com
  • Bao
    • Taiwanese bao buns and tasty small plates. Vibey, playful and utterly delicious.
    • Visit: baolondon.com

Where to drink in London

Whether it’s your morning flat white, an afternoon pint, or a late-night cocktail, London takes drinking seriously. The city’s cafés, pubs, and bars are part of its culture.

For coffee:

  • Monmouth Coffee
    • A pioneer in the city’s coffee scene. Serious coffee drinkers will adore.
    • Visit: monmouthcoffee.co.uk
  • Kaffeine
    • Australian-style café with excellent espresso.
    • Visit: kaffeine.co.uk
  • Ozone Coffee

For drinks:

Where to stay in London

London has accommodation to fit every mood and budget. Whether you want trendy design, classic luxury, or a simple base to crash, you’ll find it here.

Hotels:

  • The Hoxton
    • Aesthetically on-point hotels, with locations in South, East and West to suit your vibe.
    • Visit: thehoxton.com
  • The Ned
    • A glamorous City of London stay with rooftop pool and multiple restaurants. For blowout trips.
    • Visit: thened.com
  • Citizen M
    • Compact, minimal, high tech, yet ultra comfy. Four locations across the city.
    • Visit: citizenm.com
  • Locke
    • Thoughtfully designed apart-hotels, ideal for longer stays.
    • Visit: lockeliving.com

Apartments: