This was my second time in London, and I fell even more in love with it. On Monday’s post I highlighted all the reasons why I loved London Fashion Week. But this post will be focused on why I love London — what to do, where to stay, what to eat, etc.
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What to Do:
On my first trip to London, I hit up all the famous tourist spots: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, The London Eye, Dickens Inn, tea at Fortnum and Mason, and obviously Harrods.
My latest trip was a lot more relaxed and I enjoyed spending some time exploring new areas. My parents had never been so we all took a boat tour down the Thames, walked along Hyde Park on the way to Harrod’s, the Wellington Arch, and saw a show at Lyric Theater. I tried to walk to all the shows, which is the best way to see a city, in my opinion. The photos were taken at Oxo Tower, on the South End of the River. I walked across the Waterloo Bridge for the first time, which is such a gorgeous view of the London Eye!
The one place I never made it to but is still on my bucket list: Notting Hill.
Where to Stay:
Both times I have been in London, I stayed at the Marriott Grosvenor Sq. The location can’t be beat. It’s within walking distance of almost everything — and is just a few blocks from the nearest tube station (New Bond St.). The hotel also boasts an amazing restaurant, Maze, and my favorite bar in town, Luggage Room.
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, there are so many things to do within walking distance of the hotel. If you’re staying in Mayfair, be sure to check out: The Handel House Museum, The Faraday Museum, and Hyde Park!
Where to Eat:
I can’t lie to you: the food in London is subpar. But this time around was better than my first — so I am learning as I go. We did have a few decent meals (not including the two times we went to Shake Shack).
- Nobu: Not very British, but we knew we’d be getting a good meal.
- Ralph’s: Again, not very British (are you sensing a trend here?) but super cute, and was a safe haven to go and celebrate our last show. I came here with Kat and her mom — thanks for the rose, Lucy!!!
- 45 Jermyn St: To be fair, we didn’t make it here — I am not the sharpest tool in the shed and booked dinner for AM because I simply can not get used to that damn military time. But it came highly recommended from some new friends we made in London.
- St. James Market: Or as I refer to it, the one that got away. Discovered this place on our last night in town. Will definitely be back!!
- Casa di Stefano: The most instagrammable place of the whole trip. The food was incredible — and it got me so pumped for our Italy trip this summer!
- Tea: We went to Palm Court at the Langham because we couldn’t get into Sketch. But I much preferred Fortnum & Mason. I also heard the Dorchester is amazing!
Where to Shop:
- Bond Street: I could walk up and down this street 100 times a day — the window displays are like a museum, and it’s nothing but designer stores for blocks — seriously not even a restaurant in the mix.
- Regent Street: One of my favorite streets in London — it’s gorgeous, plus, it has some of the best shops.
- Oxford Street: This is the most practical place to shop, and where I purchased the most items. It has: Selfridge’s, Topshop and Zara.
- Knightsbridge: Harrods and Harvey Nichols — need I say more?
