Here’s why getting away to the U.K. (without even touching London) is one of my favorite trips to take.

Best Places to Visit in Northern England

Guide and Itinerary

Guilty as charged. I’ve been that American tourist. Over and over. The one who loves Great Britain, yet seems to only make my way toward London each and every time I visit. (With friends there and it being such a dynamic city, it’s hard not to!)

Still, the British friends I met traveling (because I always make British friends abroad, without fail) kept insisting that I was missing out.

“Northerners are way friendlier, not to mention more fun,” they’d say. “You can’t say you love the U.K. if you only go to London. That’s like going to New York and saying you’ve seen America.”

So when a new flight route with Virgin Atlantic launched from San Francisco direct to Manchester, which is considered the gateway to Northern England, I knew this was my chance to branch out of my U.K. comfort zone.

I divided my time between the allure of the English countryside (it’s always calling me,) a dynamic smaller city (in this case, Liverpool,) and the city lights of Manchester, the country’s “second city.”

In the Lake District, the lovely town of Windermere — located on the region’s largest lake, Lake Windermere — served as my home base as it was accessible via rail. From there it’s easy to get a cab into the surrounding towns and areas if you won’t be renting a car.

Days 1-2: Liverpool

Those who know about Liverpool typically know it for either a) its association with The Beatles or b) its maritime history. While I certainly experienced a bit of both of those during my stay, what I found beyond that is what I really believe makes the city worth visiting.

How To Get to Liverpool from Manchester:

After flying into MAN airport, it’s an easy and quick train into Liverpool. My journey took just over and hour and only cost £15.

Day One:

After checking into your hotel or dropping your luggage, choose from a few of the local museums for an introduction to the city.

The Museum of Liverpool is a great way to learn about the heritage of the city (and it’s free.) After years of visiting the Tate Britain and Tate Modern in London, I loved the space and collection at the Tate Liverpool. It’s also a great time to check out Albert Dock, a complex of historic and modern dock and warehouse spaces filled with cute restaurants and shops (and home to the Tate!) If you’re interested in the maritime history of the city, you can catch Merseyside Maritime Museum here as well.

Another fantastic option for the afternoon is the Open Eye Gallery, the only gallery devoted solely to photography in Northwest England. Exhibitions change regularly, but they tend to feature both local and international works.

It’s Time to Hit the Pubs

After a bit of culture, it’s time to get to what I consider the shining star of Liverpool: the pubs, the people!

Hanging out solo in a pub is almost always one of my favorite things to do in the U.K., but never have I had more fun or made more friends than in Liverpool. I had heard that the people in Northern England were on a whole other friendliness level, and for that reason I recommend heading out for an evening of pub food and drink, even if drinking is not really your thing. In fact Liverpool has repeatedly been recognized as one of the friendliest cities in the world. You will leave with new friends, and you’ll likely have a list of local recommendations for your next day.

Day Two

It’s time to dive into Beatles-mania. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the group, their impact on music and pop culture cannot be denied. Start with The Beatles Story, located back near Albert Dock, and continue on to the British Music Experience for a wider look at musical influence and impact from the country. Big fans of The Beatles will also want to check out The Cavern Club (where the group got their break.)

From here you can explore the beautiful Georgian Quarter, stopping for lunch and/or a pint. Pop into the enormous Liverpool Cathedral (Britain’s largest, actually) while you’re at it.

For your final evening, I can’t recommend The Everyman Theater highly enough. Though I only attended one performance (Fiddler on the Roof!) I fell in love with the intimate stage setup and company of actors. Book your tickets in advance if you can, and dine on Hope Street before a show.

Be sure to check for local events before your trip — that’s how I ended up at St. George’s Hall celebrating St Pepper at 50, a series of performances by top Indian musicians and a look at how they influenced the famous album. As a European Capital of Culture, the city always has incredible goings-on that you will want to partake in to round out your visit.

Favorite Liverpool Pubs

• The Grapes: I ran into some of the cast of the theater performance I went to at this legendary local spot. Comfortable and classic.
• The Philharmonic: One of the prettier pub interiors I’ve ever seen, and plenty of local brews on tap for your drinking pleasure.
• Peter Kavanaugh’s: Another spot that gets points for its quirky interior — a lively spot to grab a drink and meet some new friends.
• The Belvedere: an old school pub also in the Georgian Quarter that feels a little bit hidden (in the best way.)

Where To Eat in Liverpool

My favorite spot (Clove and Hitch) has since closed :/ but here are my still-standing favorites!

• 60 Hope Street: lunch, dinner, afternoon tea…pick one – you’ll love it.
• Lunya (and coming soon, Lunyanita!): My very favorite. Catalan cafe and deli!
• Leaf: Fresh cafe bites and coffee/tea
• Mowgli: Fantastic casual Indian street food
• The Art School Restaurant: great prix-fixe menus with an emphasis on local ingredients.
• Baltic Market: Liverpool’s street food market (open Thurs-Sun) that features local, independent food producers.

Where To Stay in Liverpool

Titanic Hotel: located in a recently renovated former warehouse, it’s now one of the nicest spots in Liverpool to stay (whether you’re a fan of the film or not!) A fantastic value with luxury touches and tons of spaciousness (seriously, some of the bigger standard hotel rooms I’ve ever seen,) it’s just over a mile from the main part of town but certainly walkable and definitely worth it.

Days 3-5: The Lake District

From Liverpool or Manchester, you can catch a train to Windermere station to access one of the most beautiful parts of all England. The train to/from Manchester is often direct, so be sure to check the schedule in advance!

Both England’s most popular national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s hard to imagine missing this as a part of your stay in Northern England.

The Lake District is your English countryside dreams come to life. Plan your days around the following:

• Time spent in (the right) Bed and Breakfast.
• Walks and/or boat time on the lake.
• Pub stops along your walks.

For me, Lindeth Fell Country House falls at the top of the list for favorite places I’ve stayed…ever. From the setting — a historic home turned B&B complete with English gardens, a view of the lake, and a Union Jack flowing in the wind. Then add three of the loveliest ladies as your staff, bringing you a delicious full English breakfast every morning along with your choice of paper, elegant individual rooms (some with fireplace,) and a champagne high tea set in the parlour? Did I mention the baked goods are all made fresh in-house?

If you can bring yourself to leave the comforts and delights of your accommodation, there is boundless natural beauty waiting for you outside the front door. I found some of my favorite views just wandering close to the property (Lindeth Fell is set in the countryside a bit outside the town,) there are plenty of paths to keep the nature and possibly even literature lover in you alive.

Best Lake District Walks (Near Windermere)

Since it was light until 10 or 11 pm when I visited, I was able to walk long distances daily.  I recommend setting out as early as suits you and walking until you get tired! Then plan to take the bus back to where you started. My favorite walks were mostly along the route from Ambleside to Grasmere. This is also a great resource for planning your walks.

Get a map from the Visitors Centre or add these stops on your Google Maps.

• Rydal Mount and Rydal Hall: The former being a former home of Wordsworth and the latter being a beautiful castle (be sure to see the waterfall on the grounds!)
• Loughrigg Fell
• Orrest Head
• Grasmere
• Ambleside

Where To Eat in the Lake District

• Sawrey Country House: some of the best fish ‘n’ chips I’ve had in all my life.
• The Angel Inn: a lovely pub with great views of the lake and a pretty interior.
• The Lamplighter: classic spot best known for its Sunday lunch.
• Grasmere Gingerbread: world-famous spicy-sweet gingerbread that’s worth a stop!
• The Wild Boar: a grill and smokehouse with memorable mains.

What to Do in the Lake District

• Hill Top: picturesque English village that includes the home of Beatrix Potter!
• Dove Cottage: William Wordsworth’s former home and current museum in Grasmere
• Windermere Lake Cruises: see the lakes from the water!

Other than the boat service and your feet, there are great local buses running routes to all the towns and popular walk spots. I also recommend stopping at The Badger Bar at The Glen Rothy Hotel along your walk from Ambleside to Grasmere!

Day 6-7: Manchester

Ah, Manchester. I visited the city not long after the terrible attacks that shook the city and the world. There were still flowers on display in city squares to honor the victims.

Still the Mancunians (citizens of Manchester) I had the pleasure of meeting truly impressed me with their strength and optimism. Both street art and conversation seemed to mix remembrance with a sense of ‘carrying on.’

The symbol of Manchester is and always has been the Worker Bee.  Dating back to the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution, it finds relevance and meaning for the hardworking and resilient nature of the people there today.

Learn about the past, immerse yourself in the present, and enjoy the cosmopolitan food, drink, and art to be found.

What to See in Manchester

John Rylands Library // Chetham’s Library

Two beautiful spaces for the book lover and the non-book enthusiast alike.

Street Art + The Northern Quarter 

This area was the highlight of Manchester for me. The Northern Quarter is both trendy and hipster, and regardless of how you feel about that, you’ll love the murals dotting its city walls and the cute cafes and shops throughout.

Chinatown // The Village // Rusholme (Curry Mile)

Have a look at the diversity and international culture represented in these unique neighborhoods, each of which tells part of the city’s story.

Manchester Art Gallery // Whitworth Art Gallery

Fantastic collections worth seeing (and both have free entry!) Whitworth has a focus on modern art, while Manchester Art Gallery features a range of European art periods.

The Shambles

A quaint, historic square including one of the only remaining Tudor buildings in the city.

Manchester Guided Tours

I highly recommend these local walking tours as a way to introduce yourself to the city or dive deeper into it. The public tours taking place daily are a mere £10 to join, and you’ll learn so much more about Manchester than you could on your own.

Manchester Town Hall

A splendid Neo-Gothic structure that is stunning from the outside even if you choose not to visit the interior. Currently under renovation, you may also visit the interior on a city walking tour.

Altrincham 

Loved visiting this neighborhood which is easily accessible via the MetroLink tram (about 2o minutes from the city centre.) The market is the absolute highlight of any visit — it’s open 9 am-10 pm daily (except it closes at 5 pm on Sundays and please note: not open on Monday.)

Where to Eat in Manchester

• Altrincham Market: so. much. goodness. My favorites were Tender Cow and Little Window.
• Evelyn’s Cafe: probably the first place I’d head to if back in Manchester. Get the fried chicken!
• Rudy’s: delicious Neopolitan-style pizzas, multiple locations.
• Northern Soul Grilled Cheese: just what it sounds like!
• Pie & Ale: truly English dining, done right!
• Ancoats General Store: great for a coffee or beer stop! Friendly place.
• This & That: no-frills Indian canteen with cheap, authentic eats.
• The Refuge by Volta: small plates and big interiors.

Manchester Pubs and Bars

• Marble Arch Inn: This classic old pub was my very favorite in the city.
• Albert Schloss: The floral entrance is just the beginning of a beautiful experience. Bavarian bier hall.
• Grand Pacific: Chic Asian fusion spot with craft cocktails.
• The Alchemist: modern, inventive cocktails complete with matching interiors.
• Peveril of the Peak:  an older pub with all the character!

Where to Stay in Manchester

I loved my stay at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester but also heard rave reviews about King Street Townhouse and The Midland.

The RB Edwardian was not only in a great location, it had a pool and steam room (goodbye, jetlag) and views like this with breakfast…

May you love Northern England with all the fervor of a roaring football match. I believe these three spots are some of the best places to visit in England outside of London/

And for the love of all things holy, please eat as many sticky toffee puddings as you can get your hands on whilst in England.

Cheers! xx

Flight to Manchester…now boarding!

Disclosure: my trip to Northern England was made possible by Visit Manchester, Love Great Britain, and Virgin Atlantic. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own!

More Northern England Cities to Check Out:

• Leeds

• York

• Chester

Northern England Map for Planning

The post Beyond London: Places to Visit in Northern England appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

Explore the city’s top spots and find the most vibrant street art of Bristol, England with me now!

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A Guide to Bristol Street Art (And More)

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Of all the interests I’ve developed over the years, one I never expected to find myself enjoying so much is street art.

Most definitions make a distinction between street art and graffiti, though both are created in public spaces and often without permission. Among the differences: street art is constructive whereas graffiti is destructive, street art is about its audience whereas graffiti is about its artist. And while graffiti is often thought of as delinquent and defacing, street art is becoming prized, praised, and in some cases…sold in galleries.

I suppose what fascinates me most about street art is the manner in which it expresses the political and social issues of its environment. I’ve become more and more enthralled with street art living in San Francisco, but it all began with traveling.

So when I had the chance to visit Bristol, an English city known for its thriving street art scene (and one where the world’s most famous street artist got his start,) I set off on the quick train ride from London to see it for myself. I quickly learned that while Bristol isn’t as well-known to travelers, it’s beloved by Brits for its high-quality of life and has a ton of city pride. Aside from its rich local culture (they even have their own dialect and currency!) Bristol has grown to become the European capital of street art.

Start with a Bristol Walking Tour

The best introduction to Bristol’s street art is through Where the Wall Bristol walking tour. It’s a lively, educational, and thoroughly entertaining overview of the city’s past and present street art culture, created by people who actually know *gasp* Banksy and many of the other artists from the city. They also make a fantastic Bristol Street Art map you can purchase if you prefer to seek them out on your own.

When they called street art ‘a direct form of free expression in this world of decreasing artistic vocal platforms,’ I knew we were on the same page.

My tour began, fittingly, with a Banksy piece called “The Well-Hung Lover.” Now before you chuckle too much, have a look at the image, which was overwhelmingly voted by Bristolians to be preserved on its original wall:

Throughout the city you’ll find not only local artistic expression but also the commissioned works of some of the world’s most respected street artists.

Another favorite thing about street art is how public and accessible it makes art. It isn’t something just be viewed in a museum or put on a pedestal — it is a living, breathing form of expression and often a reflection of politics and culture.

My last point as to why street art is amazing (I swear:) it is impermanent. Though some works or spaces are untouched out of respect for the artist, many others consistently rotate and change. I love the idea that the artist creates knowing that his or her art may not last long; that’s not why they continue to create. It is materialized in a public space for the eyes of others, but there has to be detachment to the lasting nature of art painted on a shared surface.

From Harbourside and the trendy Wapping Wharf to the Old City and elegant Clifton Village, there’s so much to explore in Bristol. But if street art is the focus of your day or your visit, here are the areas you’ll find most of it concentrated in:

Where to Find Bristol Street Art

Stokes’ Croft and Gloucester Road

The Bohemian heart of Bristol that is almost like an outdoor gallery.

Nelson Street

Larger scale murals that create a visually fascinating downtown. Be sure to look up!

North Street

The area where Upfest, one of the largest street art festivals, is held — with some remnants of the work from it.

M Shed Museum

This worthwhile (free) museum tells the story of the city and has some preserved pieces (including Banksy’s Tesco Value Petrol Bomb and The Ferryman.) This was one of my favorite experiences in Bristol, and I almost overlooked it.

Banksy Bristol

You now know where to find his two most famous pieces — the Well-Hung Lover and Mild Mild West — above. Another worth seeking out is ‘The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum’ in Hanover Place. There are also other Banksys on outskirts of the city, as well as Bedminster where many new artists are emerging. The city is covered in street art, so you can always walk around and see what you can find yourself once you’ve got your bearings and context.

And I couldn’t leave you without some suggestions for where to eat and stay! Here’s where to fuel up in between all the walking you’ll be doing:

  

Bristol Restaurants I Loved:

• St Nicholas Market (many delicious food options in the heart of Old City)
• *The Canteen (an institution! Come for the food, drink, and live music)
• *Shop 3 Bistro (comfort fine dining; when I asked a local their favorite hidden spot this was the answer!)
• Pieminster (Savory pies)
• Pinkmans (Bakery)
• Thali Cafe (Indian, four locations in Bristol)
• Little Victories (Coffee)
• The Apple (Bristol’s floating bar)
• *Bristol Cider Shop (amazing cider selection and friendly company)
• The Milk Thistle (incredible cocktails at this Speakeasy)
• *The Clifton (my favorite pub!)

*all of these are fantastic, but my personal favorites have the little star next to them!

Best Bristol Accommodation:

(High-end) Hotel du Vin (boutique style + a focus on wine never hurts.)
(Mid-range) Brooks Guesthouse (Stay in an airstream on the roof like I did!)
(Backpacker) Full Moon Backpackers (room decorated by street artists!)

Bristol Sightseeing

• The SS Great Britain (Harbourside)
• Clifton Suspension Bridge (Clifton)
• Colorful houses and cozy cafes of Clifton (a very charming part of town.)
• Take one of the ferries across the harbour (if the weather is nice!)
• See the views from Cabot Tower

For more of the best things to do in Bristol, check out this post from local blog Bridges and Balloons.

No matter what part of the city you choose to explore, there’s no doubt you’ll get a taste of what makes the city so exciting. The culture and creativity feels like energy pulsing in the streets, yet you still get the calm of the surrounding countryside.

That said, what stands out to me most about Bristol is how much the people who live there seem to love it. Just as New York City is not what most of America is like, I really believe it’s important to venture outside of London to see more of the U.K. (Guilty as charged!)

You won’t see as many tourists here, but you will see the famous Bristol street art…and experience a bit more of British daily life and all that makes this country one of my very favorites. <3

Disclosure: My trip to Bristol was made possible by a partnership with Visit Britain and British Airways. All thoughts and opinions shared here are truly and strictly my own.

<< read more UK travel guides >>

The post Hey Street Art Fans, Here’s the One City You Need to See. appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

So many choices!

It can be overwhelming to choose a spot to stay in a city as massive and diverse as London. As in any great city, there are many sides to it. Luckily, the multiple personalities of London can be experienced through its many neighborhoods. One great way to discover the city on a deeper level is to explore a single area in more depth. Choose a certain part of the city to base yourself in during your trip, and with a little wandering plus healthy curiosity…voila!

In truth I have spent most of my time in the British capital staying with friends. Still, these are the best places I have stayed at across many of my visits, (and what I can vouch for that’s not a couch!) Coincidentally, they are all located in favorite parts of the city.

Here are my recommended places for where to stay in London, organized by neighborhood and described at different price points:

Chelsea: Cheval Residences Phoenix House at Sloane Square

A comfortable, luxurious spot in one of my absolute favorite parts of London. It feels like part-hotel, part-flat complete with a full kitchen but with hotel level service and personal touches. Best suited to the business traveler who wants a touch of home.

Shoreditch: The Hoxton

This hotel is trendy East London at its best. At the heart of the artsy action, it’s got a bustling lobby and individually designed rooms (don’t you just love it when every room at a hotel is not the same!)

Mayfair: The Athenaeum

If you’re after a more luxury hotel experience, it’s tough to beat the Mayfair location of this gem. I felt both spoiled and comfortable at the same time here, which is hard to accomplish as a hotel. Many of the rooms also have views of adjacent Green Park.

Notting Hill: The Distillery

If you like your stay with a side of gin, you can’t beat the experience at this newly opened hotspot at an ideal Notting Hill location. There are only three rooms, so you’ll want to book well in advance. But if you snag one of them, you’ll be mere steps away from one of the most exciting parts of London (including their gin bar.)

Covent Garden: The Strand Palace

At the recommendation of a friend, I stayed at this large hotel which turned out to be one of the better budget options in central London. If you’re looking for a hotel and not a hostel in the heart of London, it’s hard to beat this place. I was only there one night, but it was around many of the places I needed to be and saved me a lot of time (without costing a ton of money to be in such a great location.)

Notes:

• My favorite hostel in the world is in London. It’s Palmer’s Lodge (Swiss Cottage) and though my true backpacking days are mostly through, I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
• Cheval Residences has locations all across the city.
• In full disclosure, I had booked several nights with a flat rental company called FG Properties and left after one night. I had a negative experience and would not recommend them.
• I’ve got my eye on the Zetter Townhouse or the Stafford London (recently renovated) for my next stay in central London.
• Another side note: I was invited to dine at The Athenaeum and The Hoxton’s restaurants and really, really enjoyed both meals. I’m not one to enjoy hotel food, but both were exceptional!

More London Guides:

What To See in London // Where To Eat in London

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You heard it here first…despite any preconceived notions about British food, London is one of the world’s best cities for food. Part of this is a revival of traditions and local flavors, and part is its embrace of authentic global cuisine.

On my most recent visit, I planned the larger part of my day around where I’d be eating. I sought out exemplary gastropubs, expanded my curry repertoire, and even sat down for my first formal English afternoon tea. What follows are my recommendations for where to eat whilst in London, tried, tasted, and true and sourced everywhere from food blogs and chefs to local Londoners.

As a general rule, you’ll want to make reservations (sometimes as little as a day in advance.) The formality of the reservations system is a bit more alive and well in the U.K. than elsewhere. It can’t hurt!

So without futher adieu…

Classic British Fare

Your first priority (in my opinion,) should be the places that are creating exceptional modern British cuisine rooted in local traditions. Whether an established favorite or a newly opened hot spot, there are plenty of options to taste the best of Britain today.

• Fish and chips at Rock and Sole Plaice (my favorite)
  47 Endell St. (Covent Garden)
• Fine British dining at The Game Bird (best I’ve had in London)
  The Stafford Hotel, 16-18 St James’s Place (Green Park)
• The tasting menu at The Clove Club (with wine pairings!)
  Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St (Shoreditch)
• Go old school at Rules (one of London’s oldest restaurants)
  35 Maiden Ln (Covent Garden)
• Or go new and trendy at Pollen Street Social (more affordable at lunch)
  8-10 Pollen St. (Mayfair)

Pictured: Haddock and chips with mushy peas and a side of curry sauce // The signature dish at The Game Bird at the Stafford Hotel

Pub Food

• Kitty Fisher’s
  10 Shepherd Market (Mayfair)
  
• The Anchor & Hope
  36 The Cut (Southwark)
  
• Harwood Arms
  Walham Grove (Fulham)
  
• The Princess of Shoreditch
  76 Paul St (Shoreditch)
  
• The Sands End
  35-137 Stephendale Rd. (Fulham)
  

High Tea

• Flemings Mayfair
  7-12 Half Moon St. (Mayfair)
• Sketch London
  9 Conduit St (Mayfair)
• The Ritz
  150 Piccadilly (Green Park)
  

Afternoon Tea at Flemings Mayfair

A Proper Curry

(Best Indian food I’ve eaten outside of India.)

• Meraz Cafe
  56 Hanbury St. (Spitalfields – just moved) 
• Dishoom
  Locations in Shoreditch, Covent Garden and King’s Cross (Shoreditch is my favorite.)
  7 Boundary St (Shoreditch)
• Gymkana
  42 Albemarle St. (Mayfair)
• Hoppers (Sri Lankan)
  49 Frith St (Soho)
• Muhib (Brick Lane)
  73 Brick Lane

Dishoom Shoreditch is styled as a Bombay cafe.

Dinner with a View

• Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden
  20 Fenchurch St. (The City)
• Babylon at Kensington Roof Gardens
  99 Kensington High St. (Kensington)
• Duck and Waffle
  Heron Tower at 110 Bishopsgate (The City)
  

English meats for sampling at Borough Market

Other Favorites!

• Coffee @ Monmouth
  Locations all over the city, my favorite is…
  27 Monmouth St (Covent Garden)
• Drinks underground @ Freud
  198 Shaftesbury Ave (Covent Garden) 
• Snacks @ The Kati Roll Company
  24 Poland St. (Soho)
  
• Drinks and the venison puffs (trust me) @ Yautacha
  15-17 Broadwick St. (Soho)
• Wine and scene @ Gordon’s Wine Bar
  47 Villiers St (Covent Garden)

I’ll leave you with the two rules of eating in London:
1) Don’t skip the markets – at a minimum, stuff your face at Borough.
2) Never, ever skip the sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

For favorite pubs, refer to this post!

For where to stay, including a gin hotel you can roll upstairs to, refer here!

Happy London dining!!

xx

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Ah, London. The global city with its uniquely British charm. There’s no place quite like it, and with each visit I come to know and love it all the more.

So when the call came to explore the city on a scavenger hunt-type challenge, I jumped at the chance. Flights to the UK from the US are at an all-time low (I once said I’d fly there in a heartbeat if I could fly under $600, and my friend flew out to join me from SF for only $400 roundtrip.) That combined with a (finally) favorable exchange rate for the dollar made for a visit in which London became more accessible than ever.

What follows is a collection of my favorite spots in the British capital — those I recently discovered on this unique latest visit, as well as tried-and-true favorites that I never skip. With so many options, you can choose-your-own-adventure based on your style and interests.

Why one week? I’ve often said that one week is ideal for exploring London. Whether a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler ready with Oyster card in hand and favorite pub in mind, there is always so much to do and see. A week allows you to discover different sides of the multi-faceted city at a somewhat relaxed pace.

It used to be that London seemed so expensive (especially for Americans,) that each minute had to be maximized to justify the high cost. Yet it wasn’t until I slowed down a bit, relaxed my agenda, and experienced the city as friends who live there do…that I really came to understand it. With a lower exchange rate than ever before, it’s become less of a luxury to see London in this way.

No matter your approach, here’s the general idea I live by when I’ve got one week in London:

Recipe For a Lovely London Day

Tea + POI (place of interest) + long meal or more tea + next POI or lounging in the park + aimless wandering + pub = London happiness.

The part-time traveler’s balance is deciding what requires planning and structure, and what can be left open and flexible. For this reason, I’ve listed below some highlights of what you may want to see or experience in this great global city. Instead of listing out day-by-day and hour-by-hour (you can find many of these online,) I’m sharing a gentler, more self-driven approach to discovering all that makes London one of the finest cities on the planet.

My experience as a first-time visitor (or, in guiding them) proves to be quite different from what I do now that I visit regularly, so I’ve divided this guide into two parts. I’ve included answers to your most frequently emailed questions, and while I’m no local, I have perhaps more experience visiting London than any other city!

First up, first-timers!

First Time Visitors to London

Generally first-time visitors to London want to organize their days around what they’ll see, as opposed to where to eat (guilty) or which neighborhood to explore. There are many good apps these days that can help you plan your trip, but what I find most helpful is to drop pins or save starred places on your map app of choice. This way you can view everything that is close together and spend less time transitting between.

Must See

• Big Ben and Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace (wave hello to the queen!)
• All the museums! The National Gallery, British Museum, and Tate Modern are tops.
• The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Notes:
Consider the London Pass if it makes sense for the attractions you plan to go to.
A double decker bus ride is a great way to see lots in a short amount of time (did this on my first ever visit.)

Nice to See

• Theatre on the West End (I saw Half a Sixpence on my last visit – recommended!)
• Borough Market (a must for foodies.)
• Other museums: Victoria and Albert, Natural History Museum, Tate Britain, Churchill War Rooms…to name a few!
• Explore East London, including the street art and vintage shops of Shoreditch.
• More parks! Green Park, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park are all favorites.
• See The City from the Thames – take a boat ride on the river.
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

With any extra time be sure to tailor to your own interests. Part of the beauty of London is the diversity of what it offers. If you love the Tube as much as I do, you might check out the London Transport Museum. Book fiends would do well to peruse the British Library or the city’s many bookstores. Beatles fan? There’s Abbey Road. You might wish to sample as many curries in East London as possible, or chase the city’s most beautiful staircases (yes, I did this, and yes, it was awesome.)

Or, simply take the time to do what I have done in all visits minus the first: scratch sightseeing in favor of lounging in pubs and walking around aimlessly.

Repeat Visitors/Wannabe Londoners:

(Good news: there are no must-sees!)

With time on your side, to me repeat visits to London should consist mostly of a few things you didn’t get to on your last visit plus a lot of time spent at the pub or walking around with eyes wide open.  The idea to design your day around a point-of-interest or two, and allow the rest of your day to unfold naturally around you.

Discovering a neighborhood is my favorite thing to do in London (and in Paris or San Francisco, for that matter.)  Base yourself in one and become a local for a week, and I guarantee you you’ll see London in a completely different light.

Classics to Revisit
I love a good return visit to the Tower of London (I just dig it,) and never miss the chance to stare up at Big Ben from as many iconic viewpoints as possible. Borough Market is another old friend I never pass up, though I would make it a point to explore at least one other market during your stay. We all tend to have our favorite streets and pubs, and while certainly not required, part of what I think makes revisiting a city again and again so great is returning to those on each visit.

Here are a few to consider on your next trip.

Neighborhoods to Explore

• Notting Hill
• Kensington
• Shoreditch
• Mayfair
• Primrose Hill
• Hampstead Heath

Pubs to Sit In

• The Churchill Arms
• Mr Fogg’s Tavern
• The Prospect of Whitby
• The Blackfriar
• Ye Old Cheshire Cheese

Markets to Peruse:

• Borough Market (because, always.)
• Broadway Market (Hackney)
• Maltby Market (Bermondsey)
• Columbia Road Flower Market (Tower Hamlets)
• Portobello Road Market (Notting Hill)
• Camden Market

Views to Chase

• Primrose Hill
• Sky Garden
• Tate Modern terrace

Notes:
Though I’m personally pretty into classic/historic pubs, most of the time the best pub in London is the one closest to you (your ‘local.’)

My personal favorite markets (not counting Borough) are Broadway and Maltby Street.

Some people love the view from The London Eye or The Shard. I personally don’t find them worth the expense.

Bring your camera along! One of my absolute favorite things to do in London is stroll with my camera, mostly because I notice all the beautiful details when I do. 

My preferred way of getting to know a city more intimately is to rent a flat for the week and really get to know that neighborhood. The Underground connects all the various parts of London with relative ease, so you could in theory take this approach for part of your day and then stay more local to your area for the other part. What ideally we’re trying to avoid is running amok across London, checking off bucket list items (unless, of course, you participate in a scavenger hunt challenge!)

Another option for return visits is to divide and conquer by neighborhood. Here are the seven I would explore in a week, in order of priority:

Day One // Westminster

Sights: Westminster Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace

Day Two // The City + Southwark

Sights: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, The Globe Theater, Tate Modern

Day Three // Covent Garden/Soho

Sights: Shopping, street performers, Neal’s Yard, people watching, great restaurants.

Day Four // East London/Shoreditch

Sights: Street art, Shoreditch High Street, Brick Lane (grab a curry!,) vintage shopping

Day Five // Notting Hill

Sights: Portobello Market, mews, antique shops, lovely streets.

Day Six // Chelsea and Kensington

Sights: Kensington Palace and Gardens, V+A Museum, beautiful flats.

Day Seven // Camden and Primrose Hill, or Hampstead Heath

Sights: Parks, city views, more beautiful homes and pubs.

If all else fails, ignore all above advice and just remember the basics: Bring an umbrella. Prepare your pinky for lots of teacup lifting (and perhaps a pint or two.) Leave room (in your schedule, and in your luggage!) for London to surprise and delight you. Alternate between the seeing of sights and the leisurely-spent afternoons pretending to be British. Carry on.

What parts of London do you love the most? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
My visit to London was in partnership with Visit Britain and British Airways. I also spent an extra week there independent of my press visit. All opinions are of course…my own.

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