Ultimate London Travel Guide

Hi everyone! So as you probably know, I studied and interned abroad in London for the spring semester of my freshman year. It was an amazing four month long adventure that ignited my love for travel (the travel bug is real people!) and placed London at the top of my list of favorite places in the world. Since many of my friends are going to be abroad in London in the fall, and I've gotten a few requests for recommendations in the past, I decided to put down all of my favorite places to go/see/eat etc. all in one place! If you find yourself hopping across the pond anytime soon, I hope this list will make your trip planning a little easier.

When you are planning a trip to London, there are definitely a few must-see locations to check off your bucket list. Here are my top favorites:

• Big Ben - There's nothing quite like stepping out of Westminster Station to see this iconic British landmark. Head to the corner of Parliament Street and Great George Street for the perfect tourist picture - stand in a red photo booth with Big Ben in the background!
• Westminster Abbey - Often frequented by the royal family and also the site of Will and Kate's wedding! Sit in the choir stalls during a Sunday service or take a tour of this breathtaking church during visiting hours. 
• Buckingham Palace - The administrative HQ of the monarchy (essentially the Brits' version of the White house). Be sure to pay a visit during the changing of the guards!
• Tower Bridge - Most known in recent events as the location where the Olympic rings were hung when London hosted in 2012. Take the elevator up, walk across traffic, and see boats passing through from the glass floor above.  
• Hyde Park - One of the largest of London's Royal Parks and home to several famous landmarks. Check out Speaker's Corner to watch (or participate in!) a lively public debate, or take a leisurely stroll around the Princess Diana Memorial. Bikes and paddle-boats are also available for rental.
• Harrod's - Huge luxury department store selling everything from Legos to designer ball gowns. The food hall is absolutely amazing (try the cronuts!) and the toy department is a must-see. 
• Piccadilly/Oxford Circus - Essentially the equivalent of Times Square in the UK. Giant light-up billboards, street performers, shopping, and more. 

One of my favorite parts about London is that most of the museums are free! So basically it doesn't make you feel as bad if you leave after 30 minutes :) Whether you are an art aficionado or a history buff I can guarantee that you'll be able to find a museum that's perfect for you. But if museums aren't your cup of tea there are plenty of cool activities and attractions throughout the city to explore. 

• Victoria & Albert Museum - One of the largest museums in London with over 4.5 million objects in its collection. You will see everything from ceramics, furniture, fashion, photography, and sculpture and will most likely get lost in the process!
• National Portrait Gallery - The first portrait gallery in the world, home to an extensive collection of portraits of notable British people, both old and new. When I was there, they were hosting the Vogue 100 Years exhibit, which is still one of my favorite museum exhibits to date. 
• Churchill War Rooms - Visit the secret underground bunker used by Winston Churchill during World War II. Learn about Churchill's life and legacy as well as the stories of the staff who spent thousands of hours working here. 
• Imperial War Museum - Explore interactive exhibitions on wars of the past and present. I found it especially interesting to learn about the World Wars from a British perspective. 
• Tower of London - Built almost 1,000 years ago and chock full of history - its the site of Anne Boleyn's beheading and home to the Crown Jewels. Be sure to take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warder's - they're actual tower guards who live on the property today!
• Houses of Parliament - My top favorite guided tour I took while I was in London! Learn about the British political process and see the House of Lords, House of Commons, The Queen's Robing Room, throne, and more. Plus, if you want to see it in action, most parliamentary debates are open to the public on weekdays.
• London Eye - Giant ferris wheel on the bank of the River Thames. Get amazing views of the city - especially if you go around sunset when everything is starting to light up. 

I'm admittedly not the best person to ask for recommendations on where to get food in London seeing as I tried to cook for myself as much as possible while I was there - #BrokeStudentProbs. However, here are a few places I loved if you want to give them a try! 

For a Quick Bite (mostly chain restaurants, but good for busy days of sightseeing):

• Pizza Express - Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta, salads, etc. - try the Fiorentina pizza!
• Pret-A-Manger - I shed a tear any time I see one of these here in the U.S. because this is where I went to lunch basically every day during my internship. Panera-esque fresh, ready-made soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries, etc. Seriously SO good. 
• Nando's - An trademark British fast-casual establishment known for their Peri-Peri chicken.
• Hummingbird Bakery - Adorable bakery with delicious homemade cakes and cupcakes - try the rainbow cake!
• Ben's Cookies - Fresh, gooey cookies made with chocolate chunks - not chips (yes, this makes a huge difference). Yummy, cheap, and perfect for a mid-day pick me up. 

For Breakfast:

• Cereal Killer Cafe - Quirky and nostalgic cafe serving custom mixes of modern and old school cereals from around the world (called "cereal cocktails") as well as over-the-top hot chocolates and other breakfast treats. Reminisce on your childhood while eating lucky charms and watching classic Saturday morning cartoons. 
• The Breakfast Club - Perfect brunch spot serving up the classics - from pancakes and eggs to a full English. Be sure to make a reservation or arrive early as the line is usually out the door on weekends. 

For Afternoon Tea

• Kensington Palace - Kind of touristy but who could pass up the opportunity for tea on the grounds of Will and Kate's home?!
• Sketch - Infamous pink tea room that turns into a cocktail lounge by night. The perfect mix of sophisticated and insta-worthy fun. 
• Goring Hotel - If you're feeling especially posh, pay a visit to where the royals have often gone for tea. The Goring has been serving up the quintessential tea experience for over 100 years, so you know it's got to be good. 

For Lunch and Dinner

• Bluebird Chelsea - Cute, modern, European restaurant with a market, casual café for brunch and lunch, and an outdoor terrace. Great ambiance and has lots of vegan and vegetarian options alongside other yummy fares!
• Byron - Casual restaurant that puts a British spin on the American hamburger joint - only classier. Get a delicious burger and shake to fend off homesickness while abroad. 
• My Old Dutch - Another place I frequented while I lived in London. MOD serves sweet and savory crepes and on Monday nights they're only £5! The nutella crepe with ice cream is my personal fave.
• Café in the Crypt - Head underground (below St. Martin in the Fields Church) to this affordable café that serves fresh food and is located right in the heart of the city. 
• The Natural Kitchen - Another place I frequented for lunch during my internship. This restaurant serves different, healthy foods each day. They usually have a few different types of meats or fish and a huge selection of pasta, sides, salads, and more, plus fresh-squeezed juices and baked goods.

If you really want to get a feel for London's culture, say goodbye to Big Ben and head somewhere slightly less touristy for the day. These aren't necessarily hidden or unknown, just a little more unique. 

• Shoreditch - Eclectic, artsy, urban and my favorite place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Check out Spitalfields Market or Brick Lane Market for delicious food from around the world as well as unique homemade clothes, jewelry, gifts and more. There are tons of vintage clothing markets (with a surprising amount of American college gear) and lots of cool hipstery coffee shops and independent restaurants. 
• Camden - Similar to Shoreditch, Camden has a more urban, authentic city vibe and is definitely the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Head to Camden Lock Market and wander through the hundreds of stalls selling food, clothes, souveneirs, and more. The hot chocolate at Chin Chin is to die for!
• One New Change - For beautiful views of St. Paul's Cathedral and the London skyline head up to this free rooftop terrace.
• Notting Hill - The place to go if you want to see the colorful, charming row homes London is famous for. There's also lots of cute shops and restaurants as well as a street market on weekends. 
• Liberty London - Gorgeous, upscale department store in a sprawling, but homey building on Regent Street. Fun for an afternoon of window shopping. 
• Fortnum and Mason - Luxury grocery store with delicious food and cute gifts. Their picnic baskets are #goals. 
• Daunt Books - Quaint bookstore with original oak bookshelves, sunny skylights, and cozy armchairs. They specialize in travel books but have regular bookstore sections as well.  

From pubs to bars to clubs, London has plenty to offer once the sun goes down. And now with the Night Tube running 24-hours on Friday and Saturday you can stay out until the sun comes up again ;)  Here are a few of my favorite places to spend a night out with friends. 

• Koko - Eclectic multi-level club and music venue housed in an old theater. Plays a mix of  live music from up-and-coming indie bands to top 40s hits. If you get the chance, be sure to check out their Guilty Pleasures night (it only happens a few times a year!).
• Queen of Hoxton - Mix of a bar and club with multiple levels that play different types of music (live and DJs). Has a rooftop terrace and a photo booth. 
• Piccadilly Institute - Classic tourist club in the center of Piccadilly Circus. Six-levels with different themes and mostly top 40s music. Discounts on Thursday nights if you bring your student ID. 
• Roxxy - More of a casual bar with a dance floor. Happy hour and themed nights with student discounts. 
• Tiger Tiger - Club and restaurant. If you're missing the American college life, check out their Monday night Frat Party! 
• London Cocktail Club (Shoreditch) - Probably one of the wildest bars in London. Has a dive bar vibe but is actually on the more expensive side. Definitely worth it if you want a unique night out.
• Roadhouse - Bar/club/restaurant with live music and DJs. Karaoke on weeknights.
• O'Neill's - Irish pub that apparently all Villanova/American students go to while in London. We never made it there but from what I've heard it's a fun time!

If you'll be in London for a little while, there are lots of cool places throughout the U.K. that are worth a visit. With a little bit of planning in advance, you can find round-trip train or bus tickets for relatively cheap - or book an Airbnb and turn your day trip into a weekend excursion! 

• Stonehenge - I didn't actually know that this was in England until I went! Super cool to see such an iconic landmark in person and to hear all of the theories on how it might have come to be (aliens, anyone??).
• Bath - City in the English countryside known for its beautiful Abbey and, most notably, the Roman baths. Amazing architecture and quaint town with shops and restaurants. Go to Stonehenge in the morning and head here for the afternoon to see two World Heritage Sites in one day!
• Windsor Castle - Home to none other than HRH Queen Elizabeth (pro tip: if the flag is up that means she's there!). See a smaller version of the changing of the guards as well as cool exhibits on growing up in the royal family. 
• Brighton - Seaside town with a fun boardwalk and amusement pier. Great food (I had my first fish and chips here!), lots of cute shops, and has a cool music and arts scene. 
• Cambridge/Oxford - Take your pick of one of the iconic rival universities in England - or see both! Take a campus tour to hear more about the history and quirky traditions of these prestigious schools. 

Of course there are many more exciting and unique things to see and do in London, but I hope this gave you a little taste of what the city has to offer! If you have any recommendations be sure to leave them in the comments below.