Clayton and I just returned from an unforgettable five-day trip to London. It was Clayton’s first visit, and although I had been when I was younger, experiencing the city now felt completely new—full of excellent food, lively neighborhoods, and iconic sights.
London is vast, and while we packed a lot into five days, there’s always more to see. Many of the spots below come from your recommendations and our favorites, all of which are saved by location on my Google Maps for easy planning.
If you’re planning a London trip, this guide covers where to eat and drink, what to do, where to shop, and practical tips for getting around. It’s focused on experiences that left a strong impression on us and should help you build an enjoyable, well-rounded itinerary.
Where to Eat and Drink
The food scene pleasantly surprised us—there wasn’t a single disappointing meal. Service was consistently good, flavors were memorable, and locals were welcoming. Below are pubs, bars, and restaurants we enjoyed or were highly recommended.
Pubs and Bars:
- The Audley Public House – A lively, traditional pub worth visiting for atmosphere and classic British fare.
- Gordon’s Wine Bar – A unique, cave-like wine bar by the river, perfect for a cozy evening of wine and cheese.
- The Connaught Bar – Famous for table-side martini service and a sophisticated, energetic vibe.
- Duke’s – A classic spot known for its superb martinis and intimate setting.
- The Guinea – A quintessential London neighborhood pub.
- The Donovan Bar – Stylish cocktails in an elegant setting.
- The Cocktail Club (Old Street) – Creative, eclectic drinks in a fun environment.
- Nightjar (Shoreditch) – A speakeasy-style bar with inventive cocktails and live music.
- The Harwood Arms – The only Michelin-starred pub in London; excellent if you’re looking for elevated pub cuisine.
- The Mason’s Arms – A great local spot for fish and chips and a relaxed drink.
- Harry’s Bar – Traditional and cozy with a classic neighborhood feel.
Lunch and Dinner:
- Berenjak (Soho) – Our favorite on this trip for authentic Persian dishes and bold flavors.
- Gymkhana – Exceptional Indian cuisine with refined flavors and a lively atmosphere.
- Noble Rot – Known for excellent wine and European comfort dishes; the roast chicken comes highly recommended.
- Borough Market – An iconic food market with a huge variety; be sure to try specialties like the Black Pig Sandwich and the paella stalls.
- Manteca (Shoreditch) – Creative, ingredient-driven Italian plates in a casual setting.
- Chiltern Firehouse – Versatile for drinks, lunch, or dinner; standout dishes include mushroom pizza and roasted chicken.
- Scott’s – Upscale seafood and a refined dining experience.
- Kitty Fisher’s (Mayfair) – Traditional British menu in a charming Mayfair location.
- KILN – Casual Thai grill ideal for late-night or post-match meals with bold, smoky flavors.
Other Highly Recommended Spots
- Dishoom – Widely praised Indian spot we didn’t make it to this trip but would love to try next time.
- Manthan – Refined Indian dining.
- Jamavar – Modern Indian cuisine.
- Park Chinois – Stylish Chinese restaurant with a glamorous atmosphere.
- La Brasseria Milanese – Italian plates inspired by Milanese classics.
- Chutney Mary – Contemporary Indian with polished service.
- The MAINE Mayfair – Seafood-focused dining in a stylish setting.
- Dorian – Warm ambiance and modern dishes.
- Fezmangal (Mayfair) – Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors.
- Bubala Soho – Plant-forward Middle Eastern cuisine that’s great for vegetarians.
- Wicked Fish – Gluten-free fish and chips and seafood options.
- Barrafina Adelaide Street – Excellent Spanish tapas and small plates.
- The Ivy – A well-known classic for British dishes and a polished dining experience.
- Fallow – Modern European cooking with thoughtful ingredients.
- Sketch – A quirky, highly visual dining experience that’s memorable for its interiors as well as food.
- The Palomar – Modern Mediterranean and Near Eastern flavors in a lively setting.
Things to Do in London
- Churchill War Rooms – We took a private tour with an expert guide; the general tour also offers fascinating insights into Britain’s wartime command center.
- Tower of London – Explore the fortress, learn its history, and view the Crown Jewels.
- Gallery hopping in Mayfair – This area is packed with excellent contemporary and classic art galleries.
- Attend a football match – We saw Chelsea vs. Arsenal and loved the energy; nearby pubs are great for pre- or post-game drinks.
- Westminster Abbey – One of Britain’s most historic churches with deep cultural significance.
- Kensington Palace & Gardens – Ideal for a scenic stroll and a quieter moment amid the city.
- Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace – A classic London ceremony worth planning around if it fits your schedule.
- Shoreditch and street art – A vibrant neighborhood full of murals, indie shops, and creative energy.
- Parliament Square and Big Ben – Essential London landmarks to see and photograph.
- Private Thames river boat ride – A relaxing way to see riverside landmarks from a different perspective.
Where to Shop
- Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge – For high-end shopping visit Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges, Bond Street, and nearby luxury boutiques.
- Portobello Market – Famous for antiques, collectibles, and a vibrant weekend market atmosphere.
- Vintage shopping – Seek out stores like Rellik, Found and Vision, One of a Kind Archive, Annie’s Vintage, and Vintage Modes for curated vintage pieces.
How to Get Around
We covered most of the city on foot, which is often the best way to discover neighborhoods and hidden gems. For longer distances, the London Underground (Tube) is fast and efficient, and rideshare services like Uber are widely available. If you prefer planning support, our travel advisor coordinated flights, restaurant reservations, guided tours, and shopping recommendations—she thought of every detail and made the trip effortless. We highly recommend using an experienced planner if you want a seamless trip; we found the service from Malta & Beyond particularly helpful.
That wraps up this London travel guide for now. There are countless more restaurants, bars, and neighborhoods to explore, so please share your favorites if you have recommendations. And if you’d like to use my saved locations, check the Google Maps list linked above to make planning simple.