Written By Caitlin Cohen

Your Guide to LONDON

INTRO

London is a huge and beautiful city that I cannot recommend enough. Whether in Spitalfields, Soho, or a bit outside in Chiswick, there is always something new and exciting to do. While I am not a fan of fish and chips, London has some of the best food in the world (if you know where to go). As someone who loves London and spends so much of my time exploring it, here are my tips, guides and advice to make the most of your trip!


DAY ACTIVITIES

Borough Market

  • Where: London SE1 9AL, UK

    • 10-5 pm, Tuesday- Sunday

  • Closest Station: London Bridge Station

  • What to get: humble crumble, black pig sandwich, and bread ahead doughnuts

Borough Market has lots of different vendors and can get very busy during the summer. Come with cash, ready to eat and, to loose a lot of money. In addition, unless you love milk chocolate, do not buy the overpriced (and overhyped) chocolate strawberries.

Explore Westminster

  • Where: Area next to Chelsea, Mayfair, and Covent Garden

  • Closest Tube Station: Depends (Westminster Station, Green Park, St.James Park, etc)

  • What to do: Big Ben, London Eye, St.James Park, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abby

This a beautiful area and a must-go for first-time visitors. While it can get a bit busy and filled with tourists, the iconic Big Ben and the beauty of the area must be seen at least once. In addition, it is in a very convenient spot allowing you to go to Soho, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Chelsea fast and easy.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Activities and Offers

Everyman on the Canal

  • Set up on Kings Cross June 22nd- August 6th (avg. 3 movies a day)

Box-Park

  • locations around the city; rooftop area with numerous bars and food options that offer rewards each time you visit them

Pop-Up Shops/ Experiences

  • London Marathon (April 21)

  • Love Pub and Grub (April-August, Saturdays)

  • The Great Escape Music Festival (May 15-18)

  • Chelsea Flower Show (May 21-25)

  • Taste of London (June)

  • London City Beach (June 25- July 23)

  • Wimbledon (July 1-14)

  • Pride (July)

  • Notting Hill Carnival (August 25-26)

Go outside the City

Where: Chiswick and Richmond

How: Take the Tube to a rail station, like waterloo, that will bring you to Chiswick or Richmond

I love Chiswick as it has a adorable town to go shopping and delicious food. Chiswick and Richmond are a little oasis away from the busy city. When visiting, go shopping, eat at the Ivy if you want something nice or Beirut for something a bit more casual, visit the Ted Lasso pub and walk along the river side.

 

Other day Activities (not pictured)

  • British Museum

    • free admission, open 10-5 everyday

  • Spitalfields Market

    • Similar to borough market but more clothing items sold and has a more indoor shopping vibe

  • Kew Gardens

    • Beautiful garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Spend time in Soho and Regent Street

    • Best shopping guaranteed

  • Jack the Ripper Tour

    • Offered in white Chapel; it’s super interesting to learn and be where he operated

  • Take a day trip

    • I LOVE Cambridge and it is only a 1.5-hour train ride away! Along with that Oxford, Bath, North Hampton, etc are all super close!

FOOD RECCOMENDATIONS

CAPHE HOUSE ($)

  • Vietnamese Cuisine

  • Casual

  • 1 location

  • My Order: papaya salad and bbq pork bun

BEIRUT STREET KITCHEN ($)

  • Lebanese Cuisine

  • Casual

  • 3 locations

  • My Order: chicken bowl with halloumi, hummus and lemon tahini

I think about this place 24/7

DISHOOM ($$)

  • Indian Cuisine

  • Nice Casual

  • 7+ locations

  • My Order: Ruby Red and Garlic Naan

TAMARIND ($$$)

  • Indian Cuisine

  • Nice

  • 3 locations

  • My Order: Rajasthani Churi Chaat & Awadhi Chicken Biryani

FLATIRON ($$)

  • Steak House

  • Nicer Casual

  • 3 locations

  • My Order: Steak with peppercorn sauce and their Moscow Mule

Free popcorn at the start and ice cream at the end

Ole & Steen Bakery ($)

  • Bakery

  • Casual

  • 6 locations

  • My Order: Cinnamon social

They also have a vegan/ gf option I love

TIPS & ADVICE

The Tube

  • The tube is the best and most convenient way to get around. Not every line connects to every station however, you can always make your way to any station by just changing lines.

    When entering and exiting the station, tap your card or touchless payment. There is NO NEED TO BUY AN OYSTER CARD. If you are confused about tube connections and times, there are signs everywhere and Google Maps displays accurate information on connections and times.

Exchange Rate

  • 1 GBP = 1 USD

    Keep this in mind when purchasing goods because USD is not as strong as the British Pound so anything you buy is more expensive than you think.

Nightlife

  • Most clubs only let you in if you’re on a list by a promoter for the club. Promoters can be found on instagram or through friends and will most likely use Whatsapp to contact you. Bring cash for a cover charge (more for guys) and DRESS WELL. You will not be admitted or charged more if you are not dressed well. No sneakers, nice dresses or skirts and not too revealing or slutty.

Clothing & Weather

  • Even in the summer London can get a bit cold and rainy so bring clothes for any type of weather. Also, while one is welcome to wear what they want, in London the attire is generally nicer and a bit more conservative.

SIM Cards & Messaging

  • While in the airport you can purchase a SIM card or a E-Sim card. If you’re staying a while, you should 100% get one as it allows you to have cellular cheaper within the UK. When changing your SIM, everything is the same in your phone other than your number; this also means you wont receive texts to your old number while you have the new one so be sure to let your friends now. When you get your old SIM back, all your texts and data from your UK and orginally SIM will merge.

Caitlin Cohen