Planning a trip to London? Experts share their best advice

Buckingham Palace, the Charles Dickens Museum, Hyde Park, Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Wimbledon – these are just a few of the must-see spots in London.

A city with over 2,000 years of history, London is a dazzling fusion of cultures and experiences. But much like a Dickens novel, the true essence of London often lies beyond its famous tourist attractions.

Let’s dive right into this insider’s guide to the capital:

Accommodation

The Savoy

Ideally located near Covent Garden’s shopping and the cinemas of Leicester Square, The Savoy was the preferred hotel of iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe.

Reserve one of the hotel’s 267 exquisite rooms or suites and choose between timeless Edwardian style or sleek Art Deco flair.

The renowned Savoy Grill, led by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay (though don’t expect his language to match the blue steaks) offers a pricey but justified dining experience.

The Savoy, 2 Savoy Court, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, UK; +44 20 7836 4343

Charlotte Street Hotel

Nestled in London’s media district just north of Soho, this former dental hospital now boasts 52 uniquely designed rooms, including loft and penthouse suites. The spacious, luxurious beds and signature polished granite and oak bathrooms add to the indulgence, with some rooms featuring soaring ceilings.

If your budget allows, opt for one of the split-level loft suites, which come with a TV in the bathroom, among other lavish amenities.

Charlotte Street Hotel, 15-17 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1RJ, UK; +44 20 7806 2000

The Arosfa

This affordable townhouse hotel was once the home of artist John Everett Millais in Bloomsbury. Located near Euston Station, the British Museum, and Oxford Street’s shopping, it offers Wi-Fi access and includes a full English breakfast.

With just 15 rooms, The Arosfa is a small but charming choice, so be sure to book early.

The Arosfa, 83 Gower St, Fitzrovia, London WC1E 6HJ, UK; +44 20 7636 2115

The Rookery

Nestled in a peaceful corner just a short walk from the Barbican, St. Paul’s, Holborn, and the City, The Rookery boasts open fires, classic Georgian features, uneven floors, and overflowing bookshelves. It offers a self-serve honesty bar, a small garden terrace for summer, 33 double rooms, and two single rooms.

Each room is as unique as the building itself. The rooms are named after notable residents who once lived in these Dickensian-era structures, including a disgraced preacher and a prostitute executed for murder.

Though there’s no restaurant on-site, take a short walk to the renowned St. John for hearty, traditional English dishes.

The Rookery, 12 Peter’s Lane, Farringdon, London EC1M 6DS, UK; +44 20 7336 0931.

The Hoxton

Perfectly situated for the nightlife enthusiasts, The Hoxton is right in the heart of London’s most vibrant party district. Since its debut in 2006, it’s been a huge success, with three locations now open in the city – including spots in Holborn and Southwark.

The hotel’s 210 rooms feature parquet flooring, large mirrors, and industrial-style design touches.

The Hoxton, Shoreditch, 81 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HU England (and two other locations in London); +44 20 7550 1000

Dining

The Wolseley

Located just down the road from the Ritz, The Wolseley exudes elegance and history. Set in a former car showroom that later became a Barclays bank branch, the space features soaring vaulted ceilings, polished marble, art deco decor, and the occasional celebrity.

The menu boasts lobsters, crabs, oysters, and two varieties of caviar, with some hearty meat options if seafood isn’t your thing. Don’t miss the traditional English breakfast – and make sure to reserve ahead.

The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB England; +44 20 7499 6996

Wild Honey

If you’re dining in London’s upscale Mayfair, you might expect a bill that could send you into financial distress. But at Wild Honey, that’s not the case.

The focus here is on great value, with dishes like smoked eel, roasted rabbit saddle, and grilled Cornish gurnard (a fish from the Eastern Atlantic) taking center stage in the cozy wood-paneled dining room. Don’t forget to try the excellent cheeseboard.

Wild Honey, 8 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5NG, UK; +44 20 7389 7820

Busaba Eathai

Located in the heart of Soho, this spot offers a communal Thai dining experience in a stylish, laid-back setting.

With a no-reservations policy, expect to wait in line on busy Friday and Saturday evenings, making it an excellent spot for people-watching (and Soho definitely offers some entertaining characters). For solo diners or couples, the wait rarely exceeds 15 minutes.

A tantalizing selection from the menu: Bang-Kick Prawns, Yam Pak Crispy Duck Salad, and Wok-fried Black Pepper Beef. Not in Soho? Busaba Eathai has multiple locations across London.

Busaba Eathai, 106-110 Wardour Street, London W1F OTR England; +44 20 7255 8686

Lucknow 49

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Lucknow 49 offers a taste of Awadhi cuisine, bringing the flavors of the Mughal Empire and the city of Lucknow to London.

The irresistible menu features lentil-filled flatbreads, galawat kawab (tender lamb patties infused with over 50 spices), murgh qorma (slow-cooked chicken thighs in a rich brown onion and cashew sauce), and a sweet ending with rasmalai (milk cakes served with mango).

The cozy atmosphere makes it feel like you're dining in a private home. It's an ideal choice if you want to explore the nearby Hyde Park.

Lucknow 49, 49 Maddox St, Mayfair, London W1S 2PQ, UK; +44 20 7491 9191

Nightlife

Experimental Cocktail Club

To guarantee a spot at this hidden Chinatown speakeasy, be sure to email by 5 p.m. ([email protected]); phone bookings aren’t accepted. However, half of the club’s capacity is reserved for walk-in guests.

The cocktails here may not push boundaries, but they are top-notch. The Havana is a signature drink.

Expect mirrored ceilings, old-world Parisian charm, cozy couches, complete privacy, and a £5 cover charge after 11 p.m.

The entrance is a humble, unmarked door, with doormen who have strong opinions about almost everything. Best of luck.

Experimental Cocktail Club, 13A Gerrard St, London N1 8AY England; +44 20 7434 3559

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

A true London experience isn’t complete without a pint in one of its historic pubs, and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese stands as one of the oldest and most storied of them all.

Patrons like Mark Twain, Voltaire, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Oscar Wilde have graced its rooms. Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire, it’s been serving drinks since then. Charles Dickens, a regular visitor, even mentioned it in his novel 'A Tale of Two Cities.'

Be prepared to duck through low doorways, navigate narrow staircases, and shuffle across sawdust-covered floors as you explore its maze-like rooms. The real charm? A pint of Sam Smith’s beer, priced much lower than at most London pubs.

Plus, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is just a short 20-minute walk from here, located on the south side of the Thames.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, 145 Fleet St, London England; +44 20 7353 6170

Booking Office

As the name suggests, the Booking Office is located on the site of the old booking hall at St. Pancras station, inside the lobby of the stunningly refurbished St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

It’s an excellent spot to sip a cocktail while soaking in the view of one of London’s architectural gems – a grand red-brick Gothic masterpiece that once served as the Midland Grand Hotel.

The cocktail menu here is a true reflection of its surroundings, honoring the rich history and abundance of British drinking traditions with an array of sours, fizzes, and cobblers.

The Booking Office, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel Euston Road, London NW1 2AR England; +44 (0)20 7841 3566

Ronnie Scott’s

It’s dimly lit, a bit gritty, and the staff will hush you if you talk too loudly during the performance. And that’s exactly how we like it.

Ella, Miles, and Curtis are just a few of the legends who have performed at Ronnie’s over the years. This iconic jazz club, tucked away on Soho’s Frith Street, is a must-see even for those who aren’t jazz enthusiasts. But if you are, expect an unforgettable experience.

The tables are arranged in neat, tiered rows around a sunken stage, illuminated by striking red lamps that provide a soft glow in the dimly lit space. Seats vary in price depending on the view and the performance. Cocktails are a highlight here, though sadly, The Ellington, once a favorite of the Duke, is no longer served. Still, there’s a broad selection. Dining is not the focus, and it's best to skip it – it’s not the star of the show and tends to disappoint.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT England; +44 20 7439 0747

Shopping

Selfridges

Often hailed as the world’s finest department store by experts, Selfridges commands the west end of Oxford Street with six expansive floors, four hectares of retail space, and two exhibition halls. While it may be smaller than Harrods and a little less celebrity-driven, it’s more innovative, less tourist-focused, and attracts a more sophisticated crowd. It’s upscale, energetic, and a must-visit.

You could spend an entire day here, leave without purchasing a single item, and still feel like Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman.' With numerous restaurants to fuel you and personal shoppers on hand to handle the details, it’s an experience in itself.

Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB England; +44 800 123 400

Borough Market

Dating back to the 13th century, London’s oldest market continues to bustle today. Situated along the Thames just south of London Bridge, you’ll find an array of fresh organic produce, cheeses, cakes, breads, olive oils, seafood, meats, beers, wines, and chocolates. Go early, come hungry, sample all the delights, and be sure to bring cash in case your vendor doesn’t accept cards.

Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL England; +44 20 7407 1002

Columbia Road Flower Market

Packed with thousands of vibrant blooms, London’s Columbia Road Flower Market is a lively throwback to the East End’s Victorian charm. Now flanked by trendy boutiques, it offers a slice of old-school London amidst the hustle and bustle.

Open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to around 3 p.m., this market offers some of the finest (and most affordable) flowers and plants you’ll find. Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best picks.

Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Road, London E2 7RG, UK

Attractions

Views from Waterloo Bridge

Londoners can be a bit relentless about the views from Waterloo Bridge, but they’re not wrong. Despite being a contender for the title of London’s ugliest bridge, the panoramic vistas are undeniably impressive.

On one side, you’ll see landmarks like the Royal Festival Hall, Elizabeth Tower (better known as Big Ben), the Houses of Parliament, and the BT Tower.

Turning to the other side, you’ll be treated to views of St. Paul’s, Canary Wharf, the Gherkin (the oddly shaped skyscraper officially known as 30 St. Mary Axe), the Oxo Tower, and the Shard.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

A creation of Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s has stood proudly in the heart of the City of London for over 300 years. It survived the Blitz and has become a symbol of London’s resilience.

Beneath the cathedral, in the crypt, you can visit the resting places of some of Britain’s most celebrated figures, such as Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. You can also experience the unique acoustics of the Whispering Gallery, or continue the ascent to the Golden Gallery for sweeping views of the city. Paid tours are available from Monday to Saturday, with the cathedral reverting to its sacred function on Sunday, offering free access for worshippers.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD England; +44 20 7246 8350

Victoria and Albert Museum

History lovers will be in heaven here, as will art and design enthusiasts. And if you’re into both, prepare to be captivated. Queen Victoria herself laid the foundation stone in 1899, setting the stage for this incredible collection.

Explore a diverse array of styles, from Medieval and Rococo to Art Deco and Modernism, across various art forms including architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, and painting.

Wear comfortable shoes – the museum boasts 145 galleries to explore.

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, UK; +44 20 7942 2000