Where We Stayed

Conrad London St. James

The Conrad London St. James was the perfect accommodation for my first visit to the city. Located just steps from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. James’s Park, and the Tube, the hotel made it incredibly easy to explore central London on foot or by public transportation.

Housed in the former Queen Anne’s Chambers, the building blends historic charm with modern luxury. Inside, the Conrad feels polished, with elegant design details and a warm, professional staff. The rooms were spacious, quiet, and thoughtfully appointed—ideal for resting after a full day of sightseeing. One of my favorite parts of the hotel was the gorgeous bar and lounge area, which offered a relaxing spot to enjoy a cocktail or light bite before heading out for dinner!

The Pelham

The Pelham was a convenient hotel for my second visit to London, which fell the same weekend as the London Marathon. I chose The Pelham because it was the best option and price point for my last minute booking needs. Sometimes hotel choices are more situational than ideal, but I’d still recommend The Pelham to future visitors. This boutique hotel in South Kensington blends classic British charm with modern touches. The rooms are absolutely gorgeous and quintessential London. 

The Pelham offers a quieter stay, with easy access to museums like the V&A and the Natural History Museum. Set across from the South Kensington Tube station, it also allows for easy access to exploring the city. We spent a lot of time in the Soho area, really diving into the dining and shopping. It was easy to get there but if you spill coffee all over your shirt like I did, it’s going to be easier to purchase a new shirt rather than pop back over to the hotel to change before dinner. 

Soho

Though not a specific hotel, I like to set my clients up in the Soho area when planning trips for London. It’s centrally located, many of the best restaurants and cocktail bars can be found here, and it still offers easy access to historical sites. Soho is a great home base and very much allows you to maximize your time. Download our Google Maps list for some of my favorite hotels in the area!

Trip Highlights

London offers a blend of royal landmarks, historic streets, and vibrant cultural experiences. Here are some highlights that capture the city’s charm and character:

Borough Market

One of the oldest and most renowned food markets in London, Borough Market is a haven for foodies. Located near London Bridge, it features gourmet street food, artisan producers, and a wide range of international cuisines. The market is open most days, with the full experience best enjoyed Wednesday through Saturday.

This may seem like the most obvious tip, but go hungry! Also, share food when you can so you maximize the number of food stalls you can try. Trust me, you will not regret that game plan. Some of my favorite eats were the chocolate covered strawberries you see all over social (they lived up to the hype), lavender haze lemonade, mushroom truffle risotto, paella, Monmouth Coffee, and Bread Ahead donuts.

Carnaby Street

Located in Soho, Carnaby Street is known for its colorful facades, independent boutiques, and rich cultural history. Once the heart of London’s Swinging Sixties, it’s now a lively pedestrian shopping area with trendy shops, pubs, and casual eateries. Make a plan to just get lost here one afternoon. Pop around to different pubs, do a little shopping in between–you won't regret it, the area is a VIBE. 

Westminster Abbey

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey is one of the most important religious buildings in the UK. It’s the traditional site of royal coronations and weddings, and also serves as the final resting place for numerous monarchs, poets, and statesmen. When I say final resting place, I mean there are over 3,000 people buried within the church. Yes, you are walking over them, around them, underneath them (maybe?). Outside of being a burial site, the church is really gorgeous inside with such intricate architectural detail – I very much enjoyed this visit. 

Windsor Castle

Just a short train ride from London, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. As an official residence of the King and a royal home for over 900 years, it offers a fascinating look into British history. Visitors can tour the lavish State Apartments, explore St. George’s Chapel (where Queen Elizabeth II is buried!), and take in beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Buckingham Palace is only open to visitors during select times of the year, and tickets sell out quickly when available. On both of my trips to London, the palace was closed—so Windsor Castle became the perfect alternative. The town of Windsor itself is charming, with cozy pubs, cute shops, and a slower pace that makes for the perfect day-trip from the city.

Food & Beverage

London’s dining scene is both dynamic and diverse—home to globally-inspired menus, Michelin-starred chefs, cozy neighborhood gems, and iconic afternoon tea traditions. Whether you're indulging in refined Indian cuisine or sipping cocktails in Soho, there's something for everyone. Not sure if you like Indian food? Start at Dishoom–it’s one of my favorite cuisines and London has some of the best Indian restaurants! 

Trishna
Can’t get into Gymkhana? Go to Trishna! They are owned and managed by the same family. 

Trishna is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Marylebone (Soho) offering modern coastal Indian cuisine in an upscale yet relaxed setting. The restaurant is intimate and gorgeous. They offer both an a la carte menu and a tasting menu – making it an approachable dining experience for everyone. 

Bibi

If you’re interested in an Indian tasting menu experience, BiBi is where it’s at! We sat at the bar, which was so fun because we were privy to the kitchen action throughout our meal. BiBi is led by Chef Chet Sharma–expect bold flavors, innovative ingredients, and a stylish dining room that blends contemporary design with cultural touches. It’s a fresh and exciting take on Indian fine dining. 

Circolo Popolare

From the Big Mamma group (you can’t go wrong with any of their restaurants), Circolo Popolare brings Sicilian flair and over-the-top charm to Fitzrovia. The space is wildly photogenic—walls lined with bottles, twinkling lights, and plush booths—and the menu is indulgent, with pizzas, pastas, and massive desserts made for sharing. This visit was on my list for a couple years before experiencing myself and it did not disappoint! Get the tiramisu! 

Swift Soho

Swift is a sophisticated cocktail bar split into two distinct spaces—light and airy upstairs, moody and intimate downstairs. The location pairs perfectly with so many restaurants in the area, making it a great stop for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night cocktail. My cocktail was perfect and downstairs was a vibe! 

The Goring for Afternoon Tea

This was my second afternoon tea experience in London–the first one is not worth mentioning but if you want an anti-rec feel free to reach out! My second experience at The Goring, was everything and more! The service, ambiance, food quality and quantity, and tea options left me with no notes. It’s really the perfect place for quintessential afternoon tea in London. 

Helpful Tips:

• Book popular restaurants well in advance, especially for prime dinner slots or afternoon tea.

• Many upscale restaurants offer set lunch menus—an excellent way to enjoy a Michelin-quality meal at a lower price point.

• Ask for the bill. It is rude for waitstaff to bring your bill unless requested.

Transportation

The Tube
The London Underground—affectionately known as the Tube—is typically the quickest and most efficient way to get around the city. With an extensive network and stations located near almost every major attraction, it’s easy to navigate even for first-time visitors (cue Google Maps for help!). 

Use contactless payment (credit/debit card or mobile wallet) to tap in and out at the gates—fares are automatically capped daily, making it cost-effective, too. If you're traveling with children or others who don’t have access to contactless payment, consider purchasing an Oyster card. Keep in mind that you can’t use the same card multiple times to enter or exit for a group—each traveler needs their own form of payment.

Uber
Uber is widely available in London and offers a reliable and more affordable alternative to traditional black cabs. While it’s convenient for airport transfers or late-night rides, traffic can be heavy—especially in central areas—so plan accordingly.

Uber Boat

Uber boat is such a fun, flexible, and affordable way to see the city–I highly recommend it! This river boat service operates along the Thames, connecting 24 piers from Putney in the west to Barking Riverside in the east. It's a relaxing alternative to the Tube, offering picturesque views of landmarks like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich. Tickets can be purchased via the Uber app, online, or at the pier, and contactless payment methods are also accepted.

Walkability
London is an incredibly walkable city, especially in neighborhoods like Westminster, Soho, Covent Garden, and Notting Hill. Many major sites are within a short stroll of each other, and walking gives you the chance to discover hidden corners, charming side streets, and unexpected views along the way.

Helpful Tips:

• Google Maps is excellent for helping to navigate public transport, walking directions, and planning the fastest routes in real time.

• If you're taking the Tube, stand on the right when using escalators—locals will thank you!

Final Thoughts

London is one of those cities you can visit again and again—and still discover something new each time. From iconic landmarks to world-class food and charming neighborhoods, it truly has something for everyone. For more London inspo, check out our 3-day itinerary, Google Maps list, or request a complimentary consultation call today!