London baby! I just love London, ever since I lived in Russell Square once I promised myself I should go back every year. Sadly this is not always possible but you can’t blame a girl for making plans!
When visiting London there are always some spots I just have to visit and of course a few new ones I would like to discover.
This is my top 10 of must visit places and all time favorites in the London I love:
- Harrods Food Hall: some tend to avoid this gaudy palace of luxury as it is mostly visited by tourists and very wealthy princes showing of their gold Ferraris. But the Food Hall is surely worth a visit. This place is the original foodmarket: full of fresh produce such as exotic vegetables, seafood, Beef Wellington, champagne, truffles and chocolate. If you need to rest your weary feet, why not have a seat at one of the bars, order some champagne and have a taste!
- Fortnum & Mason: This truly is food heaven, not only do they have unlimited amounts of tea, fudge and preserves, Fortnum’s now even has it’s own cookbook offering a sneak peek into their own recipes.
- Corinthia Hotel London: Corinthia is an oasis of calm and luxury just in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Westminster. I love the atmosphere and the intricate flower arrangements they display in the lobby. This hotel has great views of the London skyline and the Thames and is often the home of royalty and superstars. Roomprices are way to high for my taste but a peek inside is free…
- Covent Garden: Of course everybody knows Covent Garden but mostly in a tourist kind of way. Covent Garden is like a small version of London filled with cuisine from all over the world such as: France, Asia, Italy, Greece, South-America and many more. You can choose to eat anything: pulpo, sushi, eggs Benedict, steak, burgers, fromage or a simple British pie. In between courses you can visit the shops, check out the antiq market or go to one of the theatres or nearby musea.
- The Ivy Chelsea Garden: On my wish list for the next trip! I’ve seen enviable photos of the flower arrangements on the outside, a great interior and an extensive menu.
- Hyde Park: People go here to run, to have a picknick, feed the squirrels or just walk in the green surroundings towards Kensington Palace.
- Burlington Arcade: This is one of the oldest and most beautiful shopping arcades in London, filled with old tea shops and little shops wull of soap and stuff.
- Liberty: This Tudor style building houses a luxury department store known for its floral fabrics, home products and a great flower shop.
- City Social: Also on my must visit list for next time! City Social is situated within iconic skyscraper Tower 42 in the City. This place is the home of a bar and restaurant with a great view. Michelin star chef Jason Atherton is the chef and restaurateur here and offers beautiful cuisine while gazing at the Gherkin and the iconic view of London.
- British Museum: I used to live just around the corner and this was my go to place to experience the grandeur of an historic building with a seamingly endless amount of art, mummies and history….for free!
Bonus number 11. China town: be sure not to eat on the ground flour but in the basement of most Chinese restaurants. The decor is not much – fluorescent lighting and wooden benches – but the food is superb and exactly what you would be served in X’ian or Beijing.
Of course a top 10 is not enough to enjoy the greatness of this city, so I will be updating my list whenever I get the chance!
My next trip to London has been planned so I hope to come back with new great places to visit!
