The Ultimate Travel Guide to London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom and one of the most visited cities in the world. This destination has a unique blend of historic sights, big city lust, students, and rich culture. It’s one of the most lively cities I’ve ever visited, mimicking the hustle and bustle of New York!

Whether you’re wanting to dive into the royal family’s history, shop till you drop, or pub hop you’ve got it all in London. It’s a vibrant city with something new on every corner so no matter the length of your stay, you’re sure to have a packed itinerary.

Sharing the Ultimate London travel guide so you can plan the best trip. As always sharing restaurant recommendations, favorite things to do, where we stayed, and more!

Things To Know Beforehand 

Just a few things to note before your trip to London.

Language

English is the official language of London which makes the culture shock a little less significant!

Currency 

Euro (€)

* Although everywhere accepts cards, some taxi drivers will only accept cash so I suggest having some Euros on hand just in case. There are ATMs on every corner so you shouldn’t have a problem finding somewhere to take cash out. 

Transportation 

London is one of the largest, most spread out cities I’ve ever visited. You could walk for hours and still not dent the hundreds of views this city offers.

Although it is very walkable (safe, clean, and pedestrian-friendly) I suggest utilizing public transportation to maximize your time. The Tube is their underground railroad system, similar to the Subway in NYC.

It’s not the cleanest in the world but it’s used by millions of people weekly so it makes sense. I suggest utilizing the “Transit” feature via Maps on your phone to navigate the stops better + stay up to date with any delays. Stay alert as this is one of the most popular spots for pickpockets.

Additionally, you can also taxi, Uber, or take the bus here.

*Keep in mind they drive on the opposite side of the road in London so it’s very important to look both ways (twice!) before crossing here. 

Climate 

London experiences a rain shower almost daily so you’ll definitely want to pack an umbrella, regardless of time of year. Temperatures are mild, rarely dipping below freezing or climbing above uncomfortable heat.

Where To Stay 

I am a loyal Best Western fan so it seemed like a no-brainer to stay at their Mornington Hyde Park location during our stay in London. And while the location of this hotel was truly ideal— tucked away in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to local pubs and the tube, the staff were very unaccommodating.

This is the first time I’ve experienced this with Best Western so I am letting it slide but just keep in mind, if you do run into any issues with your room during your stay here, they aren’t the most helpful in resolving the situation.

Nonetheless, we stayed in one of their King Family rooms which had a king bed and a pullout couch. By the time the couch is pulled out and your luggage is spilled out there is little-no room to move about, but that’s typical for London hotel rooms. If you’re sleeping three in a room I suggest booking a Suite so you can have the extra space.

Here’s a look into the bathroom. It was tiny but functional with a large mirror and countertop space for getting ready.

*Keep in mind that London’s outlets are different from other European destinations so you will want to buy an international adaptor before visiting. The hotel provided one in each room but we ended up needing to buy more from a local convenience store to plug our phones and hot tools in!

If you’re interested in booking the Best Western Mornington Hyde Park hotel, click here for current availability and best rates.

Restaurant Recommendations 

Whether you’re craving traditional fish and chips, a cold beer, or some afternoon tea, London’s food scene has it all. This destination is truly a foodie’s pot of gold— with cuisine from all different ethnicities there’s something to satisfy every set of tastebuds.

Here are a few London restaurant recommendations I wouldn’t pass up!

The Summer House

✈ Menu || Directions

This restaurant felt right out of a New England storybook. Nestled right along the water this adorable spot was full of nautical decor and the freshest seafood. 

Amazing atmosphere for an afternoon cocktail and shrimp popper appetizer. I tried their fish and chips and it was huge! Definitely a meal you could split for two. 

The Little Yellow Door

✈ Menu || Directions

This million-dollar home was turned into a lovely lounge/speakeasy over a decade ago and is a popular spot amongst twenty-somethings and study-abroad students. Each room has its own unique vibe, making for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Famously known for their affordable cocktail menu with dozens of options this spot did not disappoint. They also have light bites to eat – the fried chicken being my personal favorite. 

Mr Foggs 

✈ Menu || Directions

Mr Foggs is a lively speakeasy with dozens of locations scattered throughout London. With a true England feel, this is an awesome spot for happy hour. They have a huge cocktail menu, each drink served with a unique touch. 

I got one that came with an icing frosted rim that was the yummiest sweet treat. They only have a few light snack options available here so plan for just a happy hour or nightcap. 

Spey Bar 

✈ Menu || Directions

If you’re looking to sip and lounge with more of an upscale atmosphere, Spey Bar is the place to be. This courthouse-turned-restaurant had classic cocktails and light English bites to choose from. You definitely can’t skip out on their grilled cheese — it was phenomenal. 

Burlington Arms Pub 

✈ Menu || Directions

I’ve never been a fan of fish sticks… well until I came here. This was hands down the most authentic spot we ate at, recommended to us by a barista down the road. 

Packed full of flavor and so cheap I’ve been dreaming about these since finishing them. 

The Mitre

✈ Menu || Directions

Quiet on the outside yet packed full of locals having a good time on the inside, this pub located just steps from our hotel instantly caught our eye. Perfect spot to come with a group of friends to play a board game and drink a few beers. 

We had cheeseburgers and french fries, neither were incredibly noteworthy but the atmosphere here is too good to pass up. 

Things To Do In London

London is more than just a thriving metropolitan city; it’s also packed with history and royalty. While you could spend weeks exploring local neighborhoods, shopping, and eating your way through the city, there are also plenty of touristy things to hit.

I recommend doing a little bit of both so that you can experience the true culture of London that keeps so many travelers coming back.

Afternoon Tea

One of the most popular things to do in England is go for afternoon tea. We went to Peggy Porschen, the most Instagrammable spot in London. This spot is adorable, decked out in pink decor and all kinds of florals, you’ll be taken right back to your youth, playing tea party with your dolls!

We got their seasonal afternoon tea spread which featured tiny finger sandwiches, tasty pastries, and flaky scones. Of course, we each got to try our own tea; I had the caramel. You’ll leave here feeling like royalty!

Big Bus City Tour 

You can’t go to London without riding on a tour bus. With over twenty-five spots at historical landmarks, this is one of the easiest ways to see the city. If you’re wanting to stop and explore or take a few extra photos, don’t worry. With a day pass you’re able to hop on and off as many times as you’d like.

We hit all the sights— London Eye, Big Ben, Kensington Palace & more.

* I always book these through Go City! Go City is an all-inclusive sightseeing pass that allows you to visit various bucket-list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover plenty of hidden gems.

Rather than paying an entry fee for each activity you pay one set price for a Go City pass. No need to buy a ticket, just scan the QR code you’re given and enjoy your excursion. They have different options varying by # of days and/or # of activities. 

These save so much time and money. I’ve used it in several cities— Paris, Barcelona, Hawaii & more. They are a game changer. Browse pass options here.

Ride The London Eye 

The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions. This large observation wheel is located right on the Thames River. For $45 you can hop on and get a 360 view of London—it’s not your average Ferris wheel, you’re standing for the duration of the 30-minute ride.

River Cruise 

The Thames River is an integral part of London. Many boats pass through here each hour, giving tourists an exclusive cruise past some of the most iconic sights. We booked this tour with our Go City passes and it was the perfect way to escape the rain for a bit— the boat is covered with heat, outlets, and bathrooms on board.

You cruise past Tower Bridge and ride all the way over to Greenwich Village. Such an easy, relaxing way to see the sights plus there is a guide telling you fun facts about each spot you’re passing along the way.

Kensington Palace 

There are several palaces throughout the city center and we chose to visit Kensington Palace, the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.

Not only are you able to walk through the original rooms but each year they have a special exhibit. This year’s was dozens of Met Gala looks over the years as a way to symbolize the importance of the red carpet, which originated right there in Kensington Palace.

Give yourself extra time to explore the greens. They are beautiful, especially over by the pond.

Stop By a Phone Booth

You can’t picture London without the iconic red phone booths. Although cell phones are the norm, it’s still fun to pop in and pay a special someone a phone call. Or at the very least, snap a few Pinterest-worthy pictures.

Shop Along King Street In Chelsea

The shopping in London is unreal. While some people claim that SOHO has the best shopping district, I was personally a fan of Chelsea.

This area had popular favorites like Brandy Melville, Anthropology, and Urban Outfitters as well as local British brands. Tons of fun hidden gems tucked along these streets and overall, this area has a quainter, less city-like feel to it.

What To Wear + Packing List 

London street style is a runway show of its own. Girls everywhere look polished and professional in their floor-length trench coats, chunky New Balance sneakers, and cat-eye sunglasses. You’ll see just about every runway trend in real life. Now is the time to bring your “European Outfit Inspiration” Pinterest board to life.

I’m sharing everything I wore in London this fall in this blog post along with links to shop and directions to each photo location.

Here are a few must-pack items for your trip to London.

Packing List

• Lots of Layers: London can get quite brisk, especially with all the rain. Make sure to pack a few layers— long sleeves, chunky sweaters, and a coat.
• A Long Coat: everyone here is wearing a knee-length coat. Not only will this keep you warm, but it’ll elevate your look in no time. The now I’m wearing is from Hollister!
• A Scarf: I bring a scarf with me to every European destination as they’re the perfect layering piece. You never know when you’ll need the extra layer + they tie an outfit together in no time!
• Tights and Trousers: Skip the denim and pack your favorite trousers instead. Tights are so European so if you’re feeling feminine perhaps throw some on with a mini skirt and knee-high boots instead!
• Comfy Sneakers: Lots of walking to be done in London and almost everyone you see is doing so in sneakers. 
• An Umbrella: It rains on and off almost every day in London. You’ll definitely want to pack an umbrella or plan on buying one as soon as you get here.
• International Adaptor: Keep in mind the outlets are different in the United Kingdom compared to many other European countries. Opt for an international adaptor like this one so you can interchange no matter where you’re traveling!

Watch My Week 

Want to watch the trip on camera? Be sure to check out my latest travel vlog to see all the views + behind the scenes footage of my trip to London.

 Click the subscribe button for new vlogs and detailed try-on hauls every week. 

I’m not usually a big city girl but to my surprise, I really loved London. Although touristy, many parts of London felt very residential full of beautiful homes and quaint pubs full of locals. It was clean, easy to navigate, and the people were far friendlier here than in Paris, at least in my opinion!

And there were enough similarities to New York City that certain aspects felt very familiar. Although I would have preferred to see it all decorated and lit up for Christmas, I’m so happy I was finally able to experience the city of London. A great destination if you’re looking to leave the United States for the first time!

I’m sure I’ll be back. Until then check out dozens of other travel guides by European destination here.

Latest Post: 

Related Post: 

Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest