My Guide to London, England

London isn’t just another city to me — it’s basically home.

I was born and raised just south of London, so technically, I didn’t grow up in the city, but for many years it was my closest city — and some of my favourite memories begin with jumping on a train and, just 30 minutes later, finding myself in another world.

Whether it was visiting the famous, glittering Christmas lights with my family, spending fun days shopping with friends, or heading into the city for evenings of dancing the night away, I honestly have very little bad to say about good old London.

So, where to begin?

What I love most about London is its history and architecture. Wherever you go, you’re completely surrounded by history, from grand landmarks and beautiful old buildings to the little details you might otherwise walk straight past. There’s something about wandering through London that makes even an ordinary day feel a little more special.

Then, of course, there’s the shopping. London’s department stores are second to none — just think Liberty, Selfridges and Harrods. Whether you're searching for something special, browsing designer collections or simply soaking up the atmosphere, London's department stores are destinations in their own right.

And we can’t forget the food scene. London is as multicultural as it gets, and I love that you can experience something completely different around every corner. Of course, there’s the classic fish and chips, but have you tried Indian-inspired breakfast food? From cute neighbourhood cafés to incredible restaurants, the city’s food scene is constantly evolving.

Last but certainly not least, there’s the pub culture and social scene. Lunchtime drinks? Absolutely. After-work drinks? Goes without saying. Late-night cocktails, beautiful restaurants and places that feel like an experience in themselves? Most definitely.

You also can’t limit yourself to just the “usual” areas. Of course, it’s fun to explore the famous tourist spots if you’ve never seen them before, but London has so much more to offer beyond the obvious. Ever wandered through the vibrant markets of Camden, discovered the beautiful restaurants of Chelsea, or spent an afternoon exploring the pretty streets and riverside of Richmond?

I’d definitely encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to London. Some of the best experiences can be found when you venture beyond the places everyone tells you to visit — and that’s where you can really start to discover the London I love.

For me, that’s the magic of London. It’s familiar, but it never feels boring. There’s always another street to wander down, another restaurant to discover, another shop to pop into or another reason to jump on the train and spend all day (and night!) in the city.

London will always feel like home.

So, if you're planning a visit, where would I recommend starting? From restaurants I keep returning to and shopping destinations I never tire of, to the little discoveries that make a day in London special, these are some of my favourite places to eat, shop and explore.

Food & Drink

From relaxed lunches to memorable dinners and a few favourite spots for delicious drinks, London has no shortage of places worth making time for.
  • Dishoom
    Described as a love letter to Bombay, Dishoom captures that spirit beautifully. You can eat here for breakfast (think Breakfast Naan), lunch and dinner (think Gunpowder Potatoes and, of course, curries). It has a fun atmosphere at any time of day.
  • Amazonico
    Where else in London can dinner feel like an escape to the jungle? Amazonico brings an exotic flair to your evening with Latin American, Asian and Mediterranean fusion dishes. An extensive cocktail and wine list means you will always find something delicious to pair with your meal. The music alone is a vibe, especially when they have live music and DJs playing. Don't forget to ask about (or reserve) OCTO, a subterranean cocktail speakeasy hidden within Amazonico!

  • The Mayfair Chippy
    Fancy fish and chips with a little something extra? Then The Mayfair Chippy is for you. A quintessentially British restaurant with a few elevated twists on the classics, including the Shrimp Toast, Lobster and Crayfish Roll and, my favourite, the Fish Finger Butty.

    Be sure to try the Scraps (you'll thank me for it!), and another favourite of mine is the Caviar with Mini Sourdough Crumpets — cute and delicious!

  • Claridge's
    Whether you're stopping by for afternoon tea, a beautiful celebratory meal or simply a glass of wine and a few nibbles, Claridge's has something for every occasion. My personal favourite is the Claridge's Bar, which strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and elegant. The food is delicious, too — the Iberico Ham Croquettes and Crispy Potato with Black Truffle are a must.

    If you're visiting around Christmas, be sure to stop by Claridge's to see its always-stunning Christmas tree. Each year, the hotel invites a different designer or fashion house to create a unique festive display. In 2025, it was designed by Daniel Lee for Burberry, following Sir Paul Smith's wonderfully whimsical creation in 2024. I can't wait to see what 2026 brings!

Shopping

As I may have mentioned before, shopping and fashion are a big part of my life, so naturally, a visit to London wouldn't be complete without a little retail therapy. I always make time for a department store or two — not only do they offer everything under one roof, but each has its own unique atmosphere and experience.

  • Selfridges & Co

    Selfridges has something for just about everyone, from luxury designer clothing and accessories to an extensive beauty and fragrance department that's always buzzing. It's also well worth visiting the Food Hall, where you'll find everything from deli favourites and freshly baked goods to luxury chocolates.

    Beyond the shopping, the building itself is an experience. Selfridges often features eye-catching art installations in its central atrium. Founded in 1909, the department store also has plenty of subtle nods to its heritage throughout the building. Whether you're visiting for the fashion, the food or the history, it's always worth a stop.

  • Liberty London
    Founded in 1875, Liberty is one of London's most iconic department stores. Originally renowned for its distinctive floral prints and fabrics, it now offers a carefully curated mix of designer fashion, homeware and beauty. The history is woven throughout the experience, beginning before you even step inside — the mock-Tudor exterior is quite something.

Designer Shopping
Aside from the department stores, New Bond Street is one of my favourite places to shop in London. Home to an impressive mix of designer boutiques and luxury brands, it's well worth a wander, whether you're browsing for something special or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

Vintage & Pre-Loved Finds
If vintage and pre-loved fashion is more your style (which, of course, I love too!), London has some fantastic places to explore. Here are two I'd particularly recommend:

  • Pandora Dress Agency, Knightsbridge — Home to a beautiful selection of designer finds, from shoes and accessories to dresses and suits.

  • Check It Vintage, Covent Garden — If Burberry is your thing, or you're looking for something classically British to take home, this is one to check out.

Things to Do

Combining my love of history, architecture and, of course, London, my first recommendation would be to visit St Paul's Cathedral up close. It's without doubt my favourite building in the city, and whenever I'm in London, I always make time to see it. One of my favourite ways to take in the view is from a nearby rooftop bar — Madison is a fantastic choice. With an uninterrupted view of the cathedral and a refreshing cocktail in hand, what more could you ask for?

Beyond the history and architecture, there's so much more to discover in London.

  • Camden Town is a vibrant, eclectic part of London that's well worth exploring. If vintage clothing, global street food and traditional pubs are your kind of thing, I'd definitely recommend a visit. Camden Lock is a great place to wander, browse the stalls, grab a bite to eat and soak up the area's alternative atmosphere.

  • Richmond upon Thames is where I head when I'm in the mood for a quieter side of London. Just around 20 minutes by train from Waterloo, Richmond sits alongside the River Thames and offers a wonderful mix of history, independent boutiques and cosy pubs. There's a slower pace of life here, without feeling too far removed from the city. In the summer, Richmond Green comes alive with friends gathering for picnics and enjoying the best of the British sunshine. For lunch or dinner by the river, Scott's Richmond is a lovely choice, with a beautiful waterside setting. I'd also recommend stopping by the bar for a cocktail.

  • Knightsbridge is worth exploring beyond its famous department stores. The grand architecture, luxury boutiques and beautiful surrounding streets make it a lovely area to wander, even if shopping isn't on your agenda. It's one of those parts of London where I think it's worth taking your time and looking beyond the obvious. You'll also find vintage stores and charming cafés perfect for a little people-watching — it's quite the place to see and be seen!

As with most major cities, walking and exploring is usually my favourite thing to do. It's always the best way to see the sights, especially in such a historic place!

More London discoveries to come...
I visit London several times a year, so this guide will continue to evolve as I discover new places, revisit old favourites and find even more reasons to fall in love with the city.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore somewhere new, I hope this guide inspires you to experience a little of the London I know and love.


  • The Mayfair Chippy

    Be sure to try the caviar with mini sourdough crumpets!

  • St Paul's Cathedral

    My favourite historic landmark to visit - be sure to check out the amazing rooftop bars nearby for the best views!

  • New Bond Street

    The number of stores here is one of the reasons I love this area for luxury shopping!