London. This city is one of our favorite places. Sure, there is no ocean immediately surrounding it, but there are so many other gems that will keep you occupied. For this special edition of our Travel Guide, we are offering up a two part London series. Each part will offer a different perspective on the city. You can stay true to keeping the parts separate or you may decide to intertwine. However you choose, we are certain you will have a wonderful time.
A Weekend in London, Part I, takes us to the West side…
Day One
We recommend starting your day with a walk or bike (you can hire a city bike at various docking stations around the park) around Hyde Park. Depending on the time of year, there are concerts held here, along with festivals and many other festivities. While you are here, you may want to visit Kensington Palace.
Then, it’s off to Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor Café. Order a juice, a salad and some chips or go all English with an English breakfast or another English option. Save room for dessert, it does not disappoint. Or, simply go for Afternoon Tea.
From here, you could dedicate the rest of the afternoon to shopping. After Harvey Nichols, you must pop over to Harrods, especially while you are in the Knightsbridge area.
After you have completed this portion of your day, we recommend heading back to your hotel, as you have an Italian dinner at Orsini Ristorante, which is across from the V&A Museum, and then a concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
Or
You could head over to Kensington High Street, check out some shops and/or head to the Whole Foods and head back to Hyde Park for a relaxing afternoon in the park. Remember, you can bring a bottle of wine!
Day Two
Today is a museum day. Begin your day at the Natural History Museum or the V&A Museum. Both museums are in the Knightsbridge area and are right across the street from each other. When it’s time for lunch, grab something from the cafe. We have personally at at V&A’s cafe a number of times.
From here, we are off to Trafalgar Square. If you are up for it, you could walk, although, we recommend a bus so you can see the sites. You have the opportunity to see Buckingham Palace and Green Park.
Once at Trafalgar Square, we are heading to The National Gallery. We have some favorite paintings here, and we are certain you’ll discover some of your own favorites.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to Soho. There are many restaurants there, including BAO Soho, a Taiwanese restaurant. Prepare yourself, there will most likely be a queue.
And, if you are still in the mood for something special, you can either check out a show – you can often find some underground ones that are of good value and offer a memorable experience.
Day Three
Wrap up your weekend in London with a trip to Regent’s Park (and be sure to enjoy a moment or two atop Primrose Hill) and have some pizza at Icco.
Or, if you had your fill of parks, head to Soho where you can check out the home of Rapha and grab a morning brew. You can then head over to Mayfair to explore Heywood Hill Book Shop and/or Daunt Books in Marylebone.
There’s also Selfridges that has something for everyone, including Harry Gordon’s Bar that will certainly quench a thirst.
From here, we suggest you leave the rest of your day open. There is so much to do in London with so many areas nearby, and you do not ever know which side street will lead you into something new and exciting.
Travel Guide Highlights – London, Part I
Dining
BAO Soho
53 Lexington St, Carnaby
Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Café
Harvey Nichols
109-125 Knightsbridge
Icco Pizzeria
46 Goodge St, Fitzrovia
Orsini Ristorante
8A Thurloe Pl, Kensington
Whole Foods Market
63-97 Kensington High St, Kensington
Shopping
Harvey Nichols
109-125 Knightsbridge
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge
Heywood Hill Book Store
10 Curzon Street, Mayfair
Rapha
85 Brewer St, Soho
Grab a coffee while here too!
Selfridges
400 Oxford Street
Don’t forget Harry Gordon’s Bar.
To Do
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge
V&A Museum
Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge
