The ultimate London city guide

What to do in the king (or queen) of all capitals

You’d be forgiven for wondering where to start when it comes to a break in London. The city’s size, scale and layers of history mean the options can seem overwhelming. But combine a few famous sights with a sprinkle of lesser known gems and you’ll soon see why London is the city that everyone falls in love with. And why millions of people from around the world have made it their home.

A short round-up of London’s must-see sights…

St Paul’s Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren’s domed masterpiece, offering the best views over the city from the Golden Gallery, a gasp-inducing 528 steps up.

Tate Modern: The best international modern art showcased in a former power station on the Thames, with an awe-inspiring turbine hall.

National Gallery: Masterpiece follows masterpiece, set in Trafalgar Square and watched over by Nelson’s column – and several thousand pigeons.

Buckingham Palace: Look out for the flag – if it’s at full mast, the Queen’s at home.

Tower of London: The crown jewels, 1000 years of history and ravens all in one place.

Westminster Abbey: Visit the place where royalty are crowned, married and buried. Poet’s Corner is the final resting place of legendary writers from Chaucer to Dickens.

What — and where — to eat in London

For dinner with a view…

When you’re on the 31st floor of London’s tallest building, you’re guaranteed a vista. Aqua at the Shard doesn’t disappoint.

For afternoon tea…

The city is your oyster for this most quintessential of English traditions – but for a quirky, one-of-a-kind experience try sketch.

For a roast…

Britons take Sunday lunch very seriously. Head to a gastropub like The Harwood Arms for the best offerings.

For fish and chips…

This is where your local chippy outshines most of the top offerings. Douse your chips in vinegar and lashings of ketchup.

For international flavours…

Brixton Market is a must-visit for a true taste of the melting pot that is London. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants there are gaining serious reputations.

For celebrity spotters…

The Chiltern Firehouse is a safe bet if you’ve got your eyes peeled for A-listers.

Previous

Worth the trek: 4 incredible off-the-beaten-track hiking destinations

Next

Q&A with Barbara Levedag, SLH’s Vice President of Development

Latest stories

The ultimate Vilnius city guide

With a complicated political past (and present), Lithuania might not typically be top of mind when brainstorming a European getaway. But Vilnius, the country’s vibrant capital, is a burgeoning hub for culture with a vibrant international food scene. And the utterly walkable metropolis — just a short flight away from

Surfer stays and tropical hideaways: top boutique hotels for October

October is the ideal month to mix autumn cosiness with a dose of winter sun. Think an Australian surfer-chic stay on a working farm with crackling wood-burning fires, or a striking architectural gem on Mexico’s surf-kissed Mazunte coast. If it’s sun you’re chasing, island boltholes in the Caribbean await, while

Caribbean island-hopping in the Lesser Antilles: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda

There’s no rule that says your Caribbean escape has to be a one-island affair. Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda are close enough to link in a single trip — and different enough to keep every day feeling new. This Lesser Antilles itinerary links three Leeward Islands; Anguilla’s laid-back, barefoot glamour with

Susafa: the eco-friendly farmhouse to book in rural Sicily

Trade the crowds of Palermo for something quieter, slower, and more soulful in Sicily’s rugged interior. Susafa, a centuries-old farm turned sustainable hotel, offers a different kind of Sicilian escape. This isn’t the place you come to check off sights. Instead, your days unfold gently, lingering by the pool, strolling