If you’re planning a trip to London in 2019 — or maybe you’re already here in town — it’s time to start thinking about what to buy and what sorts of London souvenirs you’re going to bring home for friends and family. (And, um, maybe something for yourself too?) Steer clear of the tacky tourist shops on Oxford Street and around Piccadilly Circus. There are MUCH better and more personal and thoughtful London souvenirs to be had!!

As someone who has lived in London for over 10 years and always has to buy people little gifts, here — in my opinion — are my must-buys and some of the best souvenirs from London. (With a special note about which ones should be available in Duty Free at Heathrow if you need to leave your purchases til the last minute!)

London Underground Souvenirs

London Underground Map

Did you fall in love with the tube during your London visit? Then there’s no better London souvenir than a map of the Underground! Makes for a great conversation piece.  Buy one from Amazon here.

London Transport Museum Posters

The London Transport museum in Covent Garden has some great vintage-look London Underground posters that I love to give as gifts to any Anglophile. They make an especially good gift for yourself! Honestly, I love these posters and think that they make the perfect London souvenir. I had two hanging in my old apartment in Chicago and guests would always comment on them and say how much they liked them. There are a few on Amazon here and here. Honestly, the London Transport Museum is worth a visit for the gift shop alone — a ton of London Underground souvenirs are available.

London Underground Labyrinth Art by Mark Wallinger

If you look closely, every tube station has a maze poster that looks like this. They are by artist Mark Wallinger and were commissioned for the 150th anniversary of the tube. Every station has its own unique  maze. So a great London souvenir is to buy the poster for your favorite tube station. (Or stations.) Once you have them up on the wall, these make great conversation pieces. You can buy a book of all the posters, or you can buy individual posters. The posters  go in and out of stock so check back frequently, or check with the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. This series of products makes for very modern London Underground souvenirs.

Accessorizing with London Souvenirs

Liberty London Scarf

Liberty is a department store off of Oxford Circus known for its iconic fabrics and prints. (Also, the building itself is very beautiful.) It is honestly one of my favorite places to go shopping in London. When I finally started making the millions that I deserved (hah), I took myself to Liberty and bought myself a beautiful gray silk scarf in a Liberty pattern. These make fantastic London souvenirs so if you’re in the Oxford Street area, stop by the Liberty “scarf room” on the ground floor and check out the Liberty patterns. Alternatively, buy a scarf online.  If you’re not into scarves, there are many other “must buy” items in iconic Liberty prints.

Football Scarf

I recognize that not everyone will want a Liberty scarf. Some will want an Arsenal scarf instead! So for the football fan in your life, pick up a few football scarves. You should be able to find these at many of the souvenir shops on New Oxford Street or Piccadilly Circus. If we’re definitely talking about Arsenal fans, you could also head up to Arsenal Stadium and buy a scarf there at the gift shop. Take a tour of the stadium while you are at it!

Umbrella from James Smith & Sons

This is one of the most iconic and beautiful shops in London…all umbrellas! (And sword canes!) If you are in the vicinity of the British Museum or Tottenham Court Road tube, you should definitely drop by New Oxford Street just to see the shop! And if you’re looking for that perfect London souvenir, definitely pick up an umbrella here. There is no shortage of choices…every make and model you can ever imagine. This is a great field trip if you’d like to buy souvenirs IN London.

Anything from Smythson

Smythson is a British manufacturer of small leather goods and stationery. Basically, everything they make, I want. Nothing is cheap at Smythson, but everything is simple and beautiful. Consider a small notebook or passport cover as a gift, or go all out and buy one of their beautiful leather bags. These are the the types of London souvenirs that your recipient will have forever. If you can’t make it to the Smythsons in Central London, there is a Smythson in T2, T3 and T5 at Heathrow or buy online.

Anything Burberry

Anything Burberry or anything with the distinctive Burberry check/plaid makes for a wonderful London souvenir. Burberry usually has something at every price point…scarves, perfumes, bags, wallets, and of course, the classic trench coat. 

Alexander McQueen Scarf

To be fair, there’s a lot you could get from Alexander McQueen, but there’s one scarf in particular that you should consider as a London souvenir for yourself or for someone special in your life. It’s McQueen’s iconic skull pint and it’s available on scarves both for men and for women. In winter, you’ll find thicker scarves with this iconic print, and in summer, you’ll find much lighter skull-print scarves. If you’re lucky, Liberty will have them, but you can also drop into Alexander McQueen directly…there are locations on Saville Row and Bond Street. Buy on Amazon. Buy on Amazon. 

Links of London Charms

Links of London is know for their cuff links and their charm bracelets. A charm bracelet with a few London charms makes for a great London souvenir. There’s Big Ben, the London Eye, a British phone booth,  and a double-decker bus making these some of the best souvenirs in London. What I like to do is buy one charm at a time…that is, my first gift to someone might be the bracelet and one charm, and then for subsequent life events, I give additional charms. You don’t have to buy a charm bracelet — you can buy necklaces or other bracelets as well.

Pandora Charms

Pandora has a lovely selection of London souvenirs in the form of many, many charms. In the UK, you can find charms with a London theme. There’s a Union Jack, a London bus, and Big Ben along with a few other options.  I have not been able to find these charms outside the UK so definitely look for a Pandora shop while you are in London. Currently, there are Pandora shops in Covent Garden, Oxford Circus, and Marble Arch. 

Aspinal of London Keychains

Aspinal of London has a number of fun London key rings…there’s a London bus, a London telephone booth, a black cab, and a red post box. These are also an excellent value at £35 each. These make super classy London souvenirs for the Anglophile (Londonophile?) in your life. There are a number of Aspinal shops in London — Regent Street, Bank, and St. Pancras to name a few. 

Anything Barbour

Hah I remember my first trip to London when I was 19 years old…all the girls I was traveling with bought Barbour jackets while we were in town. These are very classic coats that are well-respected around the world. I’ve included a men’s coat here but they have nice ladies’ coats as well. This is probably one of the most classic must buy London souvenirs…you’ll have it forever! There are a number of Barbour shops in London, including one in Covent Garden and one in Regent Street. 

Anything Cath Kidston

You may not know Cath Kidston’s name but you will probably recognize her fun pretty prints. There are a few Cath Kidston shops in London for all your London souvenir shopping — one shop in St. Pancras International and another in Covent Garden — but you can also buy her books and lots of other fun stuff on Amazon. 

London Celebrity Chef Cookbooks

While you’re in London, hopefully you’ll have a chance to visit a Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal, or Yotam Ottolenghi or restaurant. Even if you don’t do, one of their cookbooks can make an amazing momento of your trip to London. Nigella Lawsom doesn’t have a restaurant but I’ve included one of her cookbooks here too because personally, I think her stuff is amazing and generally easy to prepare. I highly recommend you drop into Books for Cooks in Notting Hill to peruse their entire selection of amazing cookbooks, but if you can’t, there’s always Amazon. 

Traditional London Experiences

Sometimes they say that it’s experiences, not gifts, that people remember most. With that in mind, you don’t have to buy all physical London souvenirs! You can buy purchase experiential London souvenirs in the form of London tours and attraction tickets as well. Check out a few of these amazing London experiences to create memories of your London visit that will last a lifetime. Take lots of pics and frame them as mementos too! (Or hire a professional photographer to take the photos for you!)

• Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
• Coca-Cola London Eye
• Harry Potter: Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Transfers
• Tower of London Ticket with Crown Jewels Exhibition
• The View from the Shard Entrance Ticket & Optional Champagne
• Stonehenge, Bath & West Country: Day Trip from London

Union Jack Souvenirs

Union Jack Umbrella

If you plan on “doing it for the ‘gram” all over London, you might want to consider getting a Union Jack umbrella to make all your London photos pop! This makes a great London souvenir before, during, and after your trip! (This is more of a decorative umbrella than anything that will protect you from heavy rain and winds. For that, I recommend a wind-resistant Lifetek!)

Union Jack Decorative Pillow

This Union Jack decorative pillow adds a little British flair to your living room or bedroom and makes for a great London souvenir. Buy this pillow on Amazon.

Union Jack Wine Bottle Stopper

This Union Jack wine bottle stopper makes a great conversation starter and London souvenir. OK, London is not known for its wine but we are known for being fond of good plonk so I think this makes a really nice souvenir from London. Buy this wine stopper from Amazon.

Union Jack Bunting

Throwing a party to mark your return from London? Union Jack bunting is a great idea. Serve some tea and biscuits too and create new memories with your friends and family. Buy Union Jack bunting from Amazon.

Union Jack/London Dress

I LOVE this super-cute dress for young girls and think it makes a very festive London souvenir. Buy this dress from Amazon.

Christmas Ornament London Souvenirs

These beautiful London Christmas ornaments can serve as a great memory of your trip to London or a great gift for any Anglophile in your life. And you can just get it shipped to your house via Amazon instead of trying to carry it back in your suitcase! All the heavy hitters are here…The London bus, Big Ben, the London phonebox, and the London Underground. These are really beautiful and I will probably buy them all for myself for some of my own London souvenirs!!

Beauty Souvenirs from London

Jo Malone Candles and Scents

Jo Malone is a British perfume and scented candle brand that also has bath products and room scents. You will find Jo Malone shops all across London, and most department stores will also carry Jo Malone products. I honestly love the candles and overall clean aesthetic of the brand. Anything from Jo Malone makes for a fantastic London souvenir and/or gift. There are Jo Malone shops in Heathrow T3 and T4 after security or buy online.

Anything Boots No 7

Boots No 7 is a drugstore brand that most British women in the know are obsessed with. Affordable products that do anything and everything you can imagine. I particularly like their makeup remover. So if you’re a woman or if you are shopping for London souvenirs for the woman in your life, stop by Boots and BUY ALL THE THINGS. Do a big drug store haul!

Pehaligons Perfumes & Colognes

Penhaligons is a British perfume house…the founder of the brand was once barber and perfumer to Queen Victoria. Personally, I wear Blenheim Bouquet, the company’s longest surviving bespoke fragrance, which was created for the Duke of Marlborough and named for Blenheim Palace. I think this makes it one of the best souvenirs in London. There are small Penhaligon boutiques in multiple locations across town. They are worth a visit for their atmosphere alone. If you can’t swing a visit, you can also buy online.

Molton Brown Hand Wash & Moisturizer

For many years, Molton Brown handwash and moisturizer sets have been my go-to Christmas present for relatives. I joke that this way they can think about me whenever they wash their hands. And it works! My friends and relatives always tell me how much they love Molton Brown now and how they never would have bought it for themselves. It’s not cheap but still makes a really nice London souvenir. There are Molton Brown boutiques all over London and also in T1, T3, and T5 in Heathrow. You can also buy online.

London Souvenirs for The Cocktail Aficionado

London Gin

There are soooo many London gins these days. Obviously, Hendrick’s and Tanqueray are the two big names, but there’s also Star of Bombay, Portobello Road, and Sipsmith to name a few. You’ll find the big names at duty free in Heathrow of course, but for the smaller more local gins, pop into an off-license or grocery store in London and see what you can find.  (Consider buying some of these bottle protectors before you travel to keep your purchases safe.) In short, local London gins make fantastic London souvenirs.

Pimm’s No 1 Cup

If you’re visiting London during the spring or summer, it’s likely that you’ll see Pimm’s on cocktail menus. A Pimm’s Cup is essentially Sprite, fruit (usually strawberries) cucumber, mint, and gin. (And Champagne!) But there’s something I have to tell you….I don’t like Pimm’s!! I mean, I like the idea of Pimm’s and drinking it on a warm summer day on a green lawn somewhere. And I like strawberries in my drinks. But I just don’t dig the taste of Pimm’s. More for you then! Don’t let me stop you. Buy some Pimm’s and whip up some summery London cocktails for your friends and family when you get home.

London Souvenirs For Kids

LEGO London Kits

I mean, I totally want one of these! LEGO and London together! The London skyline, a double decker bus, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace! All available in Lego!! SO MUCH FUN!! These are great gifts to bring back from London. (The main London Lego store is convenient to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.) If you feel like you are a Lego expert, you can even buy an expert version of the bus!

Anything Paddington Bear

If you have small children in your life, drop by the Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station which has stuffed toys as well as key rings, mugs, T-shirts, videos and the famous Paddington books. I believe they might also have some…marmalade! If you are traveling with small children (or even if you’re not!), you can also have your photo taken at the Paddington Bear statue at Platform 1.

Anything Harry Potter

Don’t hate me, but I’ve never read the Harry Potter books!!! I know. One day, I promise. If you have kids, you should definitely consider bringing them back some Harry Potter themed gifts. If they’ve never read the books, maybe that’s your gift. If your kids are more advanced fans, head to Kings Cross to Platform 9 and 3/4 for the Harry Potter shop and pick up some merchandise there! You should also consider one of the many Harry Potter tours available from London.

Anything Roald Dahl

Maybe you don’t know Roald Dahl’s name if you’re an adult, but you’ve definitely encountered his works! He wrote James & The Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and Fantastic Mr Fox, among others! These make great London souvenirs for kids so pick up a few of his books in Heathrow, at one of London’s lovely bookstores, or buy online.

London Souvenirs for The Pantry

Tea from Fortum & Mason

No trip to London is complete without a visit to Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly and tea in general is one of the best souvenirs in London. There’s tons of amazing stuff you can buy at Fornum & Mason but don’t leave without some tea for your friends back  home. Double-down with the English Breakfast Tea. If you have the time and the $$$, also consider enjoying high-tea AT Fortnum & Mason. (Reservations recommended.) You’ll find a Fortnum & Mason shop in T5 at Heathrow or you can buy online.

Whittard Teas

So here’s the thing…I’ve never had Whittard Tea, but my American friends who are visiting now are totally obsessed with it and have been to the shop multiple times during their visit. They were more excited about Whittard than Fortnum & Mason, which says something! There are Whittard shops in Covent Garden, Oxford Street, and Regent Street. You can also find Whittard on Amazon.

Walkers Shortbread

Who doesn’t love edible London souvenirs? I love this stuff and can eat tons of it. Walkers Shortbread is just great to have around whenever you have guests over. Serve some of your tea from London with some of this shortbread and you will be considered the best of hosts. Walkers is very easy to find in Duty Free and a t pretty much any corner shop. Be careful not to eat it all before you have a chance to share it with your friends. This was my go-to corporate gift from London when I was traveling a lot. 

Cadbury Chocolate

Brits love their Cadbury. Especially at Easter, when the entire nation becomes obsessed with Cadbury Creme Eggs. Don’t bring up the acquisition by Kraft though…no one here is happy about that. Cadbury chocolate is a great value London souvenir for everyone. Just pick up a few bars (or eggs depending on the time of year) at the airport on your way back home.

McVitie’s Digestive Biscuits

I don’t know what it is about McVitie’s Digestives but I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. They have some sort of malt in them and I know I’ve always loved malted barley so maybe that’s it. But these biscuits are covered in chocolate, making them my kryptonite. You don’t find McVitie’s so much in the US so definitely stock up on them while you are in town!

Maldon Sea Salt Flakes

Maldon Sea Salt Flakes is an excellent English salt and a staple on the table in many restaurants. This is not a cooking salt…it’s a finishing salt that you sprinkle in when you are all done. (There’s a difference!) This is a great London souvenir for the gourmand in your life. And it’s the type of gift that just keeps giving!! Buy enough salt and you’ll have it for quite some time. You can find Maldon Salt on Amazon.

Strangely Flavored Crisps

Beef crisps. Chicken crisps. Prawn crisps. If you don’t want to spend too much money, just head into Sainsburys or Tesco and buy a bunch of oddly flavored Walkers crisps (potato chips) for your friends and family and then eat them all together. (Well, not like all the same flavors at the same time. I mean that you should try them all with your friends and compare notes.) Your friends will never forget these amazing London souvenirs, I promise you.

Coleman’s Mustard

There is something that’s just so…bracing…about Coleman’s Mustard. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how British people use Coleman’s — I just put a fire-y dab on ham sandwiches myself — but I LOVE it. There are some recipes on the Coleman’s website  if you need them.  If you’re American, have a little British American party by using Coleman’s (in small amounts) on your hot dogs at your next barbecue.

HP Brown Sauce

Ah, mysterious brown sauce. When I first move to the UK and would order a breakfast sandwich, they would always say “Ketchup and brown sauce?” And I would say no to the brown sauce…because I was DUMB. HP Brown sauce is delicious and it’s great on bacon and breakfast sandwiches. It’s vinegar-y and darkly tomato-y and well, you need it in your life. (HP stands for Houses of Parliament by the way.)

Jaffa Cakes

Is it a cake? Or is it a biscuit? This is the eternal Jaffa Cakes debate — there was even a court case about it!  Personally, I am not into the orange and chocolate combination but British people love these things so you should try some and then buy some for your friends so they can try them too and debate their legal existence. You can find Jaffa Cakes pretty much everywhere.

London Souvenirs for Your Bookshelves

The Diary of Samuel Pepys

Samuel kept a diary from 1660 until 1669 and shared his first-hand experiences with things like the Great Plague of London and the Great Fire of London. It’s one of the most comprehensive firsthand accounts of London during this time. He wrote over one million words in ten years, chronicling everything from what he ate that day to the weather to his cat. Don’t worry, you don’t have to read all one million words in his diary…buy this abridged version instead.

Anything by Jane Austen

I came to Jane Austen late in life and honestly wondered why I hadn’t read anything by her sooner. (For some reason, I never had to read any Austen in high school or college.) These are delightful novels that I honestly think men and women would enjoy equally, along with any age group that appreciates a nicely turned sentence.

Anything by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

SHERLOCK HOLMES makes for a fantastic London souvenir!! If you have time while you are in London, you should visit the Sherlock Holmes museum.  If you don’t have time to visit the museum, you should definitely pick up a few books as a great London souvenir for yourself or for others. Look for The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of The Baskervilles,  or A Study in Scarlet.

My London Souvenirs Summary

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of suggested London souvenirs and now know what to buy in London! I tried to cover gifts for everyone…from food and drink to literature to the more expensive stuff. Whenever I think of something new, like I did today with Booths No 7, I add to the list. Have I left anything out? What are your favorite London souvenirs and things to buy in London?

You Might Enjoy My Other Posts

• My Amazingly Comprehensive London Packing List
• 12 of the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London
• The Best London Food Tours
• What I Learned as a Tourist in London
• How to Save Money on Restaurants in London
• Restaurant Recommendations for London Tourists
• My Perfect 3 Day London Itinerary
• My Favorite Restaurants in London
• My Favorite Chicago Souvenirs

Pin The Best London Souvenirs for Later!

The post 45 of The Best Souvenirs from London first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

And I’m not alone either. According to a recent Guardian article, OpenTable recently reported that reservations for one have increased across the UK by 160% since 2014.

Now after 10+ years in London and many trips in between during my four years in exile in Chicago, I’ve racked up quite a few solo dinners. Here are my favorite restaurants for solo dining in London. They are grouped by cuisine but no more than that. Read the entire list as these are all places that I equally love, depending on my mood, my budget, and how willing I am to travel.

(If you work for the PR firm for one or more of these restaurants, I’d love some images of the bar seating. Please feel free to email me at kristainlondon at gmail dot com.)

Spanish

Barrafina Coal Drops Yard

Barrafina (All Branches)

Barrafina is an amazing tapas chain with a small number of locations spread out across Central London. They are all extremely friendly AND delicious to boot. They do not take reservations so showing up  with a large group at peak times is not advised. Get in early and ask your server for his/her recommendations. You’ll want to be strategic about your order because some dishes are more meant for sharing. Your server will never steer you wrong at Barrafina! Excellent changing specials menu and great wines too!

Iberica (All Branches)

Iberica is a very reliable Spanish tapas chain with beautiful decor. I sorta want whoever designed Iberica Farringdon to come over and design my house. I’ve spent many an evening at the bar at the Iberica Farringdon, slowly working my way through the menu and enjoying their very good value wines by the glass. Make sure you ask to see the bar menu in addition to the regular menu…the bar menu has all the small snacks which are perfect when you are not super hungry.

Seafood

The Bar at J Sheekey

J. Sheekey

If you’re looking for a clubby old-world feel, J. Sheekey is it. If you’re also the type of person who can down a dozen oysters in one seating, this is definitely the place for you! J. Sheekey is very seafood focused. The bar area is compact but the perfect place to down some Champagne while you’re enjoying some of London’s best crustaceans. Somehow the bar manages to always feel lively and fun for me, even at the quietest of times. I usually drop in here after a heavy afternoon of shopping in Covent Garden.

Bentley’s

If you can’t get into J. Sheekey for oysters and champagne, head on over to Bentley’s  for more of the same.  They’ll shuck the oysters right in front of you — they claim to open more oysters per day than any other London restaurant. This is one of London’s older establishments as well…Bentley’s has been around for over 100 years. I like the overall feel of Bentley’s and the location, right off Piccadilly Circus, really can’t be beat.

Wright Brothers Spitalfields

Wright Brothers

Wright Brothers Spitalfields was my go-to place on the weekends in London — never too crowded and great, friendly service. Wright Brothers has a number of locations around London but while I really love the long bar at the Spitalfields branch of Wright Brothers, Kelly from A Pair of Passports recently recommended the downstairs bar at the South Kensington location to me. She says, “With delicious seafood and a romantic setting, Wright Brothers is easily our favorite spot for a date night in London. Their newest location, at Battersea Power Station, offers the option to dine at the marble counter, perfect for anyone who enjoys watching the chefs work. At first glance, this riverside location seems more casual than the other Wright Brothers locations, but it doesn’t take long to recognize that it has the same wonderful, romantic ambiance as all the others.

Wright Brothers offers a relatively small permanent menu; however, there are also creative daily specials to consider. The chain specialize in seafood but they usually have a few non-fish options on the menu as well — thus worth a visit no matter what your meal preferences are. Our personal favorite thing to order? Oysters. All of them are wonderful, but we recommend trying at least one of the dressed oysters. On our most recent visit, the Tempura dressed oysters completely blew us away!”

Italian

Padella London

Padella

Padella is a fun little Italian place right by Borough market. There’s a bar right in the middle where you can enjoy wine on tap (!!!) and any of Padella’s fab pastas. Service is very efficient…I always feel like when I go to Padella, I’m in and out in less than 30 minutes! Padella is definitely not fast food, but rather, their pastas are extremely fresh  and made on site daily. Historically there have also been huge queues at popular times so definitely plan ahead for this one.

Bocca di Lupo

If you’re in Central London and fancy a quick meal pre- or post-theatre bowl of pasta, Bocca di Lupo is a great option. The seasonal menu changes daily. The dining room here is always buzzing — you might actually want to make a reservation before heading over. This is a great option if you want to hang out in Soho before or after or have theatre tickets close by.

Lina Stores Restaurant

Lina Stores Restaurant

For years, Lina Stores has offered delicious pasta and deli products to the hungriest of Londoners through their shop in London’s Soho. Now they have their own restaurant — Lina Stores Restaurant —  with counter seating for those of us who don’t want to bring the pasta home and cook it ourselves! Note the shop is on Brewer Street and the restaurant is on Greek Street. Prices are particularly nice for Central London. This is a great option for a casual but central night out.

Bancone

Bancone is like all bar dining all the time so it’s great for a solo bowl of pasta. Service is friendly and efficient. You might want to make a reservation though because last time I dropped in for a late Saturday lunch the place was packed and there was a wait for counter space. This is a fun, lively place and if you’re lucky, they’ll be making pasta fresh in the window while you’re there.

American

Spuntino

It’s hard to decide exactly where to put Spuntino but they call themselves Italian-American comfort food but I think they’re more American than anything else. I LOVE Spuntino — it’s a great place for a quick snack if you’re around Soho and Piccadilly Circus. It can sometimes feel more like a bar than a restaurant but the menu has plenty of great options.  Get the truffled egg toast!

Japanese

The bar at Roka Charlotte Street

Roka

I like Roka especially because for a change, we’re in super comfortable regular chairs as solo diners — no bar stools! Roka has great Japanese barbecue — I love the set up at Roka Charlotte Street because you get to watch all the barbecue action while it happens. Great cocktails and overall vibe too. This is a great place to go on your own if you’re looking for something a bit buzzy. Best to make a reservation.

Bone Daddies Soho

Bone Daddies

Do you like ramen? Do you like rock and roll? Then Bone Daddies is the place for you! Multiple locations with communal and bar seating but I am fond of the original Soho location. Cool staff, cool food, cool tunes. Don’t be afraid to wear the bib.  You won’t be alone. You’ll have a fun time here at a reasonable price. Bone Daddies is a super casual, come as you are kind of place.

Koya Bar Soho

Koya Bar is a great little place for udon and small dishes of fantastic Japanese food. It’s a super small place — maybe the smallest restaurant out of those on my list. They don’t take reservations so don’t show up with eight of your closest friends. Koya is best enjoyed with one friend or maybe two or of course — as a solo diner. Note they have multiple locations but I’m not sure if all have bar seating. Soho definitely does!

Thai

Kiln

Kiln makes me hungry just thinking about it. It’s a great spot for northern Thai food and what I love is that you can watch them cooking nearly everything from your seat at the bar. The counter seating is walk-in only and there is often a wait so go early or go late! I’m not sure how I can do justice to the food in writing — it’s spectacular.

Israeli

The bar at The Palomar. Photo by Helen Cathcart, @helencathcart

The Palomar

The Palomar is just plain FUN. It’s like they are all doing their best to make sure you have a great time, even if you’re alone at the bar. They used to do this pot of Yemeni bread which was amazing. I don’t see it on the menu now but instead, you can have the Handmade Pittas Josperized with love?? You know what…just get anything they tell you to get. They know what they are doing and you will have fun and eat delicious food and maybe get a little happy drunk in the process.

Hot Dogs (I’m Serious.)

Bubbledogs

Do you like hot dogs? Do you like champagne? If yes to both questions, then Bubbledogs is the place for you!! This place is entertainingly random and the communal seating makes it great for a solo diner. Because if you are going to drink alone, drink Champagne! And uh, have some hot dogs too.

Modern British

The Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs

OK, so no hot dogs here at the Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs but what you will find is an excellent tasting menu and great counter seating. If you are looking to splurge a bit — the tasting menu is £150 — this is a great option for a solo diner. Two Michelin Stars to boot! And my favorite thing…that open kitchen. The seating here is particularly comfy.

The Ivy

The Ivy in Covent Garden has a wonderful central dining bar that does not require reservations. If you want to hang out with the beautiful people and enjoy some great modern British cuisine (think Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips), this is a great option. Although they don’t take reservations, The Ivy is very popular at nearly all times of the week so I recommend that you get there early or late to secure a spot.

Summary of The Best Solo Dining in London

Those are some of my favorite restaurants for solo dining in London. What are yours? Tell me in the comments! (And as I note above, if you are the PR for one ore more of these restaurants, I’d love to add photos of the bar seating so please send any photos to kristainlondon at gmail dot com.)

You Might Also Enjoy These Posts

• My Favorite London Restaurants
• How to Save Money on Restaurants in London
• The Best London Souvenirs
• The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

The post The Best Solo Dining in London first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

I’m Leaving London, Again

Goodbye. Again. I know, I can’t believe it either. In 2010, I left London for Chicago for a job opportunity and promotion.

(BACKSTORY: For those of you who have arrived via the interwebs…born in NY, transferred to the UK, love love love London, transferred back to the US and now keep reading to catch up…)

Moving back to the US made sense at the time, and it was nice to catch up with my Chicago friends — I lived in Chicago from 1996 to 2004 — but it wasn’t London. Everything in the US had become so much more expensive ($60 at Jewel Osco and I had no food!), and I don’t particularly like sports. (Except for soccer and basketball occasionally.) Hah…one Sunday after I moved back in 2010, I asked a bunch of guys at a bar in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood why they were all wearing the same shirt and they all looked at me like I was crazy. (Da Bears.) Plus THE SNOW and the cold! I hate the snow and the cold. Within just a few months being back in Chicago, I knew that I needed to get back to London. (Plus, I’m not originally from Chicago so the only thing that kept me there was my job.)

It took me four years to get out of Chicago but I did it and returned to London in 2014. So if I’ve learned anything, you can do anything you put your mind to. Really you can!

But nothing is ever easy. When I made the decision to move back, friends would ask me “Are you sure you’re going to be able to get a job?” They were well-intentioned but another learning: when making a big life change, tell only a very very small number of people of your plans, if I learned anything at all in 2010 it’s that there are no secrets and because most people can’t imagine what you are about to do — change countries! change jobs! — not everyone is as supportive as you would hope. (This is why I am a big believer in doing things that make YOU happy; forget seeking advice and approval from others. Also, when you need career advice, focus on the people who have made similar jumps before.)

In the end, I had not one but FOUR excellent job offers to choose from. All were more money than I had made before and all were excellent firms with great reputations. So have confidence in yourself and your own abilities.

Through this all, I’ve learned that you have to put yourself out there. You’ll never know what you are capable of otherwise.

Oddly, the people who were most supportive of my return to London were my parents. “You have to get out of Chicago,” they both told me, separately. (NOTE: THEY ARE DIVORCED AND DON’T TALK TO EACH OTHER.) Also, taxi and Uber drivers (all Arsenal fans, strangely) totally seemed to get it too. (I took a lot of taxis and Ubers at the end, when I was getting rid of everything. Culminating in my last night in Chicago when my taxi driver was arrested WHILE I WAS IN THE BACK SEAT and I was threatened with jail myself for talking firmly and politely to the cop. Way to leave the country, Krista.)

The job that I originally took in 2014 lasted about a year. The amazing business leader who hired me — the reason why I chose this one offer of the four — left soon after I joined the firm, and I found that I had no control over my personal time. (Towards the end of my tenure, they asked me to cancel my dinner plans ON MY BIRTHDAY. No.) This time around, as I contemplated my next move, I told no one of my plans except my parents and a very small number of specific friends. I left the one job on a Friday and started the new job on the Monday.

So remember you always have options. We forget that sometimes. (Employers forget it too. Especially in this job market right now, where we are pretty much at full employment. If there was ever a time to look for a new job, it’s NOW.)

(Aside: If you are considering a job change and need some resume/CV help, email me!! I LOVE helping people with their CVs. I am awesome at it (seriously) and I love it. And honestly, I am pretty sure I made it to the interview rounds with so many companies because I wrote KICK ASS cover letters that were personal and interesting and WELL RESEARCHED so let me help you. We can figure out payment later.)

I digress as always. Now, four years after my return, I am restless. I still love London — I will always love London because it is the best and the most beautiful — but I love the rest of the world too. I have a job that allows me to work from anywhere with an Internet connection and I am going to take advantage of that. I want to spend more time in Thailand and China and Vietnam, and then there’s so much of the Caribbean and Africa and South America still to be explored. (I’d like to visit 100 countries before I turn 50, which isn’t that far away sadly!! I am no longer the 30-year-old I was when I started this blog.)

I’ve also started to think of home as a fluid concept. Why do I have to live any ONE place? Can’t I live in multiple places? With sites like Booking.com and Airbnb, I can find a home practically anywhere I want, at any time I want. So I imagine myself spending a few months in London each year, and a few months in Florida each year (where my parents are), but the rest of the time will be elsewhere. Until I’m ready to stop moving for a while.

And as my friend Eugene said to me over a particularly philosophical and helpful lunch in Hong Kong a few years ago,

“London will always be there for you.” 

Also, I’m leaving London because I really want to get on the property ladder here and I CAN’T. Options in my price range are fairly limited and being self-employed doesn’t really help. Whereas I can get a great place close to the beach in West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale, Florida for less than $300,000. (And I’m also learning that as a 40-something-year-old woman, 30-year mortgages are only going to get harder to get. Need to buy something soon. And hey, you know what? F*ck the patriarchy.)

Related to getting onto the property ladder, I also want to save more. Retirement looms. I’d like to have more money set aside for this and I can’t easily do that in London right now.

Lastly, my parents are nearly 80. My dad has already lost one kidney to cancer and my mom has Parkinson’s Disease. They are more or less fine mentally (thank god) but they need some adult supervision (not kidding). In short, I need to see them more often. And living the life of a digital nomad will let me do that but not keep me trapped in the Sunshine State, where everyone is old, owns guns, and votes Republican. (Jeezus.)

Leaving London: Things I’ll Miss

When I left London last time, I wrote up a big list of things I would miss.  That list sorta still stands during my 2nd go at leaving London, but I will also add the following:

• Maltby Street Market
• My 200 Mbps home Internet connection. 200 Mbps!! Words cannot describe how much I will miss my Internet connection.
• My small but perfect flat in Clerkenwell. Seriously, I love this flat even though it is half the size of (but the same price as) the two flats I lived in previously. If I could buy it, I would! But I believe the going rate is £800,000. I make a decent living, but a £160,000 deposit is impossible. (And here’s the thing, if I had the zillions I deserve, I wouldn’t buy this flat. I’d buy something bigger. So I think London is in a really weird position where really small places are just way too expensive for the people who would normally consider living in them.)
• JustEat and getting pork dumplings from Kung Food on Clerkenwell Road delivered.
• Kin on Leather Lane. Excellent, excellent Thai food.
• My surly Russian porter, who takes all my Amazon packages for me. EVEN THOUGH HE VOTED TO LEAVE because he thinks it’s better for immigrants to go back to their home countries and contribute to their home economies. (But honestly, I don’t think I can ever live in a building without a porter again.)
• Ocado
• Heathrow Express. Seriously…so many cities have no public transport from the airport and we have so many options. And I like how they’ve made it so much cheaper if you book in advance.
• Modern Nails on Whitecross Street and Lily Nails on Clerkenwell Road. (You can take the girl out of Long Island but…)
• The bar at St John
• The maze art in all the tube stations
• The lovely people at La Forchetta on Cowcross Street just north of Smithfield. This is an old school Italian(ish) deli and I just love it. Their breakfast sandwiches are ace and they are SO SO NICE.
• Ask for Janice on Long Lane, just south of Smithfield. Again, a place that I think hires on niceness. They are so friendly!! I love them. I’ve spent a lot of time here, either drinking coffee and working or meeting up with friends for drinks and snacks. (I’m not into gin but the gin list is very comprehensive.)
• My glam squad: Hannah at Easton Regal in Clerkenwell for cuts, Emma at Harrington’s in Soho for color. Maintaining my hair is, luckily, the only thing I am stressed about in making this life change.
• BBC iPlayer (OMG this new show, The Bodyguard??!!)

Now I am going to totally dork out for a second. In leaving London, I am sad to miss the opening of Crossrail (or at least Crossrail Farringdon) in um December 2018 August 2019. I think this is going to totally change the City of London and I can’t wait to see what it looks like. (Although they say it will make Farringdon the busiest station in London so maybe it’s good that I’m leaving London now because maybe I don’t want to live in the middle of this.)

That’s one thing I used to love about coming back to London during my time in Chicago…London was always changing. We are too. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Leaving London: Things I Won’t Miss

• I’m not going to miss the shitshow that will be Brexit. (I mean, physically I will miss it because I will not be here but I will not feel bad about missing it because BREXIT IS STUPID and I will never understand why people vote against themselves just because they are scared of immigrants.) How will the government pay for Brexit?? All the new civil servants that will be necessary. Labor is always the biggest cost. And hey let me tell you — every American company who has had an office in London over the last 20 years has ALWAYS complained about 1. the cost of London real estate and 2. the cost of London labor. So buh-bye jobs with and tax revenue from American companies because Brexit and immigration changes just provided the best possible reason for every finance team at a Fortune 500 company to do what they have always dreamed of doing and move resources out of the UK. To Germany where it’s cheap and the beer is tasty. (Remember these are 40-year old finance dudes making these decisions.) Deep breath. Sigh.
• No air conditioning. This summer has been terrible. I was hot all the time. And no A/C!! And I always seemed to have those Uber drivers who think that AC is bad for you. WHICH CAUSED MY UBER RATING TO GO DOWN BECAUSE I COMPLAINED. I am looking forward to spending time in hot countries that understand A/C.
• Hard water. I can’t wait for my hair to feel all soft and nice again.
• London rents. I’m pretty good at managing my money but seriously…the rent is too goddamn high.

What’s Next

I’m trying to keep my plans pretty open and flexible but visas require some advance planning so I’ve booked some flights and um, some dinner reservations. (So far, I’ve booked here and here.) Here’s my tentative plan so far but flights are only booked through my arrival in Vietnam and then the rest is mostly TBD…

Month 1: Thailand to relax and recharge my bank account.

Month 2: CHINA. I am so excited for this. I am going to take a Chinese class in Shanghai for two weeks (hit me up with your restaurant tips) and then I’m going to take a Yangtze River Cruise and see the Three Gorges Damn and I CAN’T WAIT because I um love massive engineering projects and water and boats. There will also be pandas and spicy food (afterwards).

Month 3: Vietnam. Mainly the beaches. And Halong Bay. And recharging my bank account some more.

Month 4: TBD but possible suspects include Taipei, Macau, and back to Bali to LEARN HOW TO SURF.

Month 5: Egypt? Cruise down the Nile? (I just want to go there so I can say “Denial is not a river in Egypt.”) Also, I have this thing…I want to go to Austria and go skiing. I went skiing in Kitzbuhel when I was 20 and had an amazing time and I want to do it again.

Leaving London: I Hate Goodbyes

So…the flat is packed and my stuff is in a warehouse in North London somewhere until I decide what to do with it. I’ve got a one way plane ticket to Thailand and um about 75 lbs in luggage. (I am really trying to reduce this but because I have to pack for hot and cold, it’s hard.) I need to defrost the fridge and get one of those end-of-tenancy deep cleans, and then I’m out of here — I’m leaving London.

When I left Chicago, I did a bit of an Irish goodbye and got a lot of flak for it but I hate goodbyes. And I’ll be back!! So in leaving London, it’s not like “Goodbye.” It’s like “see you soon” which for those of you in London means like in December or January!. If you want to follow my adventures, stay tuned on Instagram.  I’ve decided not to change my handle because it’s been my handle for so long — wherever I am, I will always be kristainlondon.

xoxo

You Might Also Be Interested In…

• Becoming a Digital Nomad, My Tips & Advice
• Becoming a Digital Nomad: Tips & Advice from Others

The post Why I’m Leaving London (Again) first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

Checking out the view from Sky Garden is one of our top non-touristy things to do in London.

Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

Looking to live like a local during your next visit to London? Do you want to get off the beaten track and meet real Londoners? It’s not hard once you know where to go! Here are some of what we think are the best non-touristy things to do in London to help you get off the beaten track and explore London like a local. (Speaking of locals…we’re always prepared for rain! So don’t forget to bring an umbrella! I like this windproof one from Repel.)

Visit the Sky Garden

Sky Garden is one of our favorite bird’s eye views in London, it’s FREE and it’s got amazing views of the city. What more could you ask for? Though it is gratis admission, you still have to get tickets online which aren’t released until a week in advance. This is why there are so many locals who still visit because the tickets are so difficult to score.

The 3-storey tall observation deck with a botanical garden is located on the top of 20 Fenchurch Street which is also known affectionately as the “Walkie-Talkie.” The building is 525ft (~160m) tall and you can get an amazing view of London from the top. The observation deck even has decals on the windows telling you which buildings are within view for easy finding. Because of its location, Sky Garden is popular with local office workers because it’s one of the best non-touristy things to do in London. Also, it’s just one of the best ways to get sky-high views at no-cost! (If you’re looking for a more traditional “view from the top” experience, definitely buy tickets to View from the Shard! That’s the tall triangular building you can see in the photo above.) By Constance, The Adventures of Panda Bear.

Frank’s Cafe, Peckham. Photo from Frank’s Facebook page.

Check out Frank’s Cafe in Peckham

Frank’s Cafe is off the beaten track for London tourists, but it’s a summertime favourite for locals. This rooftop bar is slightly rough around the edges, and is based on the top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham. You have to climb a lot of stairs up through the car park to get there, but on the bright side the stairwell is painted bright pink and is something of an Instagram icon.

The views of London’s skyline are pretty spectacular, especially at sunset. The area isn’t somewhere travelers usually venture, because it’s a little outside of central London, but it’s actually a great place to visit to get a taste of local London life. Frank’s does great brunch food and bar snacks, with mains like brown sugar hot wings or roasted cauliflower with zhug. But they’re better known for sundowner beers and cocktails, especially Italian cocktails like negronis and Aperol spritzes. Apparently it used to be called Frank’s Campari Bar.

Frank’s closes during the winter (you wouldn’t want to hang out on a rooftop in London in January anyway) so check before you go. By Maire, Temples and Treehouses.

Visit the World’s Largest Collection of Neon Signs

I’m not joking. God’s Own Junkyard proudly proclaims itself to be the world’s largest collection of neon signs. It’s great for photo opportunities and there’s even a little cafe in the back with cakes and coffees. There’s also the Wild Card brewery bar if you fancy something stronger on the weekends. It’s a bit of a walk from Walthamstow Central tube but definitely worth a visit if you are looking for non-touristy things to do in London.  Please check the store hours though as they seem to change a bit.

The View from Primrose Hill

Hang Out on Primrose Hill

Head to Primrose Hill for some of the best views of London and a fun London neighbourhood to explore. It’s also one of the loveliest non-touristy things to do in London on a beautiful sunny day. One of six protected viewpoints in London, from the peak of Primrose Hill there are sweeping views of the  city to the south. On a clear day you can see the London Eye, The Shard, and BT Tower in the distance.Take a picnic there on a sunny day and join Londoners enjoying one of their favourite neighbourhoods, famous for its colourful houses and resident celebrities. You’ll definitely feel like a local as you experience one of the most non-touristy things to do in London.

When you have finished admiring the views, wander down the hill until you reach the Regent’s Canal. From there, it is a short stroll to the markets and bars of Camden Town. The nearest tube stations to Primrose Hill are Chalk Farm and Swiss Cottage. If you’d like to explore Primrose Hill (and nearby Camden) with a local, you might be interested in this private walking tour of Primrose Hill and Camden with a local. By Katy, Untold Morsels.

BYOB Vietnamese Food on the “Pho Mile”

Kingsland Road, north of where Shoreditch High Street and Old Street meet, has a bunch of great Vietnamese restaurants that are popular with the after work city crowd. On the weekends, it’s the “before the clubs” crowd. Because Kingsland Road isn’t really convenient to most London visitors, it’s one of the more non-touristy things to do in London, You are more likely to see a lot of locals and city workers enjoying a night out. (That being said, one excellent nearby museum is The Geffrye if you want to squeeze in something touristy!) Many of the restaurants (but not all) are BYOB. Most don’t even charge corkage. I’ve tried a bunch and like Tay Do and Mien Tay a lot but follow the crowds and you will find a great place. (Song Que is probably my favorite and one of the busiest but it’s not BYOB.) There are a few small supermarkets on the street where you can pick up some wine or beer to go with your meal. Kingsland Road is also a great stop after visiting Columbia Road flower market on Sundays.

Highgate Cemetery. Photo from Highgate Cemetery Website.

Visit Highgate Cemetery

If you’re into Gothic architecture and beautiful creepy stuff, take a trip up to Highgate Cemetery where you can visit the grave of Karl Marx. Highgate Cemetery’s philosophy is one of managed neglect, which gives it quite a spooky air. There are quite a few famous people besides Marx buried here…Douglas Adams, for instance, the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy. Check out the cemetery’s website for more on who is buried here. There are two sides to the cemetery: west and east. It is easier to get a tour of the west side but there are also limited tours of the east side.  This is one of the more interesting and educational non-touristy things to do in London. You will not feel like you are in the city at all! Yes, it’s a tour but most tourists don’t know about it!

Take a London Walk

London is one of the best cities for walking in the entire world. The sidewalks are plentiful and there’s lots of green space and hidden pubs and shops everywhere you turn. Also, most corners have pedestrian signals or zebra crossings to help you get across the street. So in my mind, one of the best non-touristy things to do in London is to act like a local and TAKE A WALK. There are plenty of guidebooks to help you map out a great walk or just set off on your own with Google maps. You will find something wonderful, I promise.

Whitecross Street is home to great street food and street art.

Head to Whitecross Street Market for Lunch during the Week

Monday through Friday, Whitecross Street is bursting with all sorts of food stalls, catering to every food whim of the city worker. Whitecross Street is very convenient to Old Street tube station which is also known as the Silicon Roundabout given all the startups and internet companies in the ‘hood. The market gets going around 12 noon and is pretty much wrapped up by 2:30 or 3 pm so make sure you get there in time. Hoxton Beach serves up some great falafel wraps (usually on the west side of Whitecross Street) and Luardos with its distinct turquoise van turns out a mean burrito. Whitecross Street is one of those perfect non-touristy things to do in London because you’ll experience how real Londoners spend their lunch break. The area is also home to some great street art so keep a lookout as you walk around. Note if you’re thirsty, The Two Brewers pub will let you bring in food from the market as long as you buy beer but the pub gets pretty busy during peak hours so either get there early or late to reserve a table. There’s a small park on the same road as The Two Brewers, Fortune Street, if you want to make a picnic of things. Note the market is closed on weekends!

Take a Street Art Tour of Shoreditch or Camden

Speaking of street art, every week, new street art pops up around London. A street art tour is a great way to explore neighborhoods of London that you wouldn’t otherwise and learn about the artists working in the area. You’ll end up being able to identify street artists all over town — Shoreditch and Camden are hot spots for street art — which is why we have it on our list of the best non-touristy things to do in London. There are a few different options to choose from…

Bike around Richmond Park

Bike around Richmond Park

When I lived in London, one of my favourite things to do was take my bike and ride around Richmond Park. It’s one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers 2,500 acres of grassland and woodland. I think it’s the best place in London for feeling like you’re in the countryside: the wide open spaces and deer herds are a big part of that.

Throughout the week, but particularly at weekends, Richmond Park’s 6.7 mile (10.8 km) perimeter road is a mecca for road cyclists. It includes a couple of climbs, including one steep one. The speed limit is 20mph and traffic is generally low, so it’s a great place to ride. If you want to get a taste of how athletic Londoners spend their leisure time, this is the way to do it!  By Clare Dewy, Epic Road Rides. Note if you are interested in bike tours of London, there are quite a few to choose from!

One of the Most Super Non-Touristy Things to Do in London: Visit Victoria Park

Explore Victoria Park and Enjoy Sunday Lunch

Victoria Park in Hackney is a magnificent award-winning park in London’s east end that was opened in 1845. It’s a very local part of town, and one of my favorite non-touristy things to do in London. There’s a lake, gardens, playgrounds and plenty of walks, you can even play cricket there in the summer. I remember going on family picnics there as a child, though these days I’m more inclined to seek out a great pub for a wicked Sunday lunch.

The Royal Inn on the park is an imposing Victorian-era building. Sunday lunch is great there, though booking is advised. There are lots of other good pubs in the area of the park but I like this pub in particular as it overlooks the park. So it’s just a short stroll to the park to walk off your Sunday roast! By Melanie Hayes from Passport Amigo. 

Lively Clapham Common

Get to Know Clapham Common

Back in 2013 I lived in London for 4 months in what apparently was the most beautiful summer in 7 years. I put my time to excellent use and thoroughly explored London. But my favorite area wasn’t the busy city center, it was the lovely neighborhood I lived in: Clapham Common.

Located in Southwest London just 15 minutes from Waterloo, Clapham Common is a popular place to live. What I loved most about Clapham is how lively it is. There are lots of restaurants and bars, an independent art house cinema, the best ice-cream parlor of London, cute boutique stores and a large triangular park that’s always busy when the sun is out. During summer there are several festivals in Clapham — the biggest one is SW4 where international DJs know how to please the crowds during a 2-day party. In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Clapham! Just hop on the Northern Line and disembark at Clapham Common station. Enjoy! By Lotte Eschbach, Phenomenal Globe.

Mayfield Lavender Fields

Do It for the ‘Gram at Mayfield Farm Lavender Fields

The lavender fields at Mayfield look just like Provence, but are located just 15 miles from central London. Entry to the farm costs £1, and you can wander through the lavender fields and shop for lavender products at the farm shop. They sell lavender essential oils, soaps and syrup made from the organic lavender grown here. The attached cafe sells tea, cakes and more, and many of the products are infused with lavender. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. By Caitlin Galer-Unti, The Vegan Word.

Photo Credit: Maltby Street Market.

Hang Out at Maltby Street Market

Everyone knows Borough Market, but it’s mostly Londoners that know about Maltby Street Market. This is a narrow pedestrian area chock full of restaurants and bars underneath the railway arches midway between London Bridge and Bermondsey tube stations. During the week, the railway arches store antique floorboards and similar material for building works. But on the weekends, pop-up restaurants and bars move in to these same spaces! Don’t get me wrong — while this is definitely one of the more non-touristy things to do in London, it will definitely be pretty crowded! Maltby Street is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.  By Krista, Passportdelicious.com.

See live music in Camden at Koko or The Roundhouse. Photo Credit: Koko’s Facebook Page

Experience Live Music in Camden

London has always been at the forefront of all types of music from rock, to punk, to techno and grime and one of the best places to see live music in London is in Camden Town. 

Camden is weird, whimsical and wonderful, the perfect concoction for a great music scene to thrive. For years it has been the local hangout for up and coming bands like the Rolling Stones, the Sex Pistols, Oasis and Amy Winehouse. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to catch some of your favourite acts at places like Koko’s or the Roundhouse. Otherwise take a walk down Parkway and pick a pub, chances are they’ll have some live music and you’ll have a great time. By Julian from Travatravel.com. Trava is a travel planning app.

Beautiful Battersea Park

Explore Battersea Park

Battersea Park is an unexpected oasis right on the banks of the Thames. When we travelled to London with our toddler, we had to balance visiting attractions with time to chill out and let him run around. Finding Battersea Park, just a few blocks from our Airbnb, was a huge relief.

There are cafes, a mini zoo, a boating lake, playgrounds and great wide open spaces for enjoying sunny London days. The park is huge, 200 acres to be exact. It’s so big that hiring a bike is the best way to see it all. If you do, make sure you visit the Peace Pagoda which sits on the walkway along the Thames. Constructed in 1985 by the nuns and monks of the Japanese Buddhist movement, Nipponzan Myohoji, the Peace Pagoda is maintained by a single monk who lives in a temple that was once a storeroom, inside the park.  Battersea Park is one of the most lovely non-touristy things to do in London. By Emma Healy, Money Can Buy Me Happiness.

Sipsmith Distillery: Photo from Sipsmith’s Facebook Page

Visit London Gin Distillery Sipsmith

Head out to Chiswick for a tour of London gin distillery, Sipsmith. A very local gin, making it one of those very local non-touristy things to do in London. Tutored tastings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6.30pm – 8.00pm or selected Fridays from 4.30pm – 6.00pm. You’ll be greeted with a ginny tipple, and be taken through the chequered history of gin and learn how Sipsmith came into existence. (You’ll get to try a few different gins as well!) On Tuesday nights, they also host gin supper clubs at a local restaurant. You can read more on the Sipsmith website and sign up! By Krista

Brew by Numbers, a Stop on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Photo Credit: BBO’s Facebook page.

Drink Beer on The Bermondsey Beer Mile

The Bermondsey Beer Mile, a cluster of breweries just east of London Bridge where you can easily walk from one brewery to the next — 10 breweries in total at last count — making it one of the most , um, alcoholic non-touristy things to do in London! Saturday is the best day of the week to do this because that’s when most of the breweries are open. I personally recommend starting early around 11 am to avoid the crowds. And start as far east as possible, at Four Pure in Bermondsey (opens at 11 am on Saturdays), before walking back towards London Bridge Station and ending at Southwark Brewing Company. One idea is to combine this with Maltby Street Market so you can have some food too! Note if you are into beer and looking for non-touristy things to do in London, there are a couple of really great small group beer tours in London that you should check out.

Regent’s Park

Go for a Run in Regent’s Park

After all that beer drinking in Bermondsey, you’ll need to run it off. To me, there’s no more beautiful place to go running and feel like a local than Regent’s Park. Sure, Hyde Park is nice too by Regent’s Park feels prettier and more intimate. There are more flowers and birds and all different separate sections. So if you’re into running and looking for non-touristy things to do in London, strap on your running shoes and head to Baker Street tube (or Regent’s Park tube). Head north from the tube exits and get running! Afterwards, you can head to Marylebone for lunch with the posh crowd.

For a very non-touristy thing to do in London, take a walk along one of the many canals.

Take a Walk along London’s Canals

And finally, a great everyday, non-touristy thing to do in London is to walk or cycle the canals and waterways. Whether en route to work, school or activities, they are great connecting walkways which take you off the busy roads. The canals weave through the ever-changing landscape of London, from almost industrial to scenic peaceful patches. One of my favourite sections is the East London section of Regent’s Canal between Hackney to Mile End. You can join the canal near Hoxton, go past Broadway Market and walk towards leafy Victoria Park. Then either branch off on to the Hertford Union Canal which takes you towards the Olympic Park and arty Hackney Wick or stay on Regent’s Canal through Mile End Park. Along the way, you can see working locks, houseboats with curious names, and graffiti art. If you are lucky, you might also catch boats hosting book sales or coffee shops on weekends! By Angela from Reading Inspiration

Summary of Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

We hope this list of non-touristy things to do in London has really helped you plan your visit! Enjoy your time in this amazing city than many of us call home. If you have other suggestions for non-touristy things to do in London, please comment below!

Touristy Things to Do in London

Other Posts You Might Enjoy

• The Best London Souvenirs
• My Amazingly Comprehensive London Packing List
• The Best London Food Tours
• The Perfect 3 Day London Itinerary
• My Favorite Restaurants in London
• What I Learned as a Tourist in London
• How to Save Money on Restaurants in London

Pin the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London for Later!

The post 20 of the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

The Millennium Bridge

If a first-time visitor to London asked you for a London restaurant recommendation, where would you send them? You know I have my favorite places. But what are yours? And just because someplace is your favorite, do you think others will like it too? (After sending my old boss — a conservative New Englander — to the famed St. John many years ago, I learned the hard way that not everyone loves St. John like I do.)

I posed this question recently to some of my Internet friends — what are your “must visit” restaurants for tourists in London; I love asking this question because everyone always has a different answer. You probably will too. I was pretty surprised by some of the answers — I expected to get London stalwarts like The Wolseley or Fortnum & Mason. Some of these places were even new to me, which says something, doesn’t it?

Manze’s Pie & Mash

M. Manze Eel and Pie Shop. Photo from Manze Web Site.

Sarah Carter from ASocialNomad suggested Manze’s Pie & Mash in Bermondsey. Here’s what she had to say.

Manze’s pie shop is London’s oldest original pie shop.  It was established in 1902 by the current owner’s grandfather, Michele Manze. The first shop to bear his name was to be found at 87 Tower Bridge Road, Bermondsey, where you will still find it today.

Pie, mash and liquor traces its roots back to the 18^th century in the East End of London, where eel pie and mash houses were places to get a cheap and filling meal.  Eels, which were cheap and plentiful from the River Thames, have given way to minced beef in today’s pie menus. The “liquor” in the dish is a green parsley sauce.

At Manze’s, order your food at the counter, where it will be served to you immediately. All the pies are baked fresh on the day and are made from prime cuts of beef, minced on site with a small amount of gravy added to each pie before the lid is put on. Vegetarian pies are also available. Mashed potato is also made fresh as needed and Manze’s liquor is world famous, containing a special, secret ingredient; it too is made fresh on site the day it is sold.

Traditionally, cover your pie with liquor, then douse it liberally with salt and vinegar.  If you want to try eels, then pick up some stewed or jellied eels, which are also cooked fresh on the premises.

Sushi Samba

Elaine and Dave from Show Them the Globe recommended Sushi Samba on Bishopsgate…

Located on the 38th floor of the Heron Tower, one of London’s tallest buildings, Sushi Samba serves an interesting combination of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian foods.

The bar area, with its amazing views of the Gherkin and the city, is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink and the restaurant is stunning with high ceilings, full length windows and sweeping views across London.

The menu is a mix of large and small plates and we enjoyed our beautifully presented dishes. The highlights were the sushi plates and the Japanese grilled dishes. Sushi Samba has a great cocktail list and the cocktails complemented our dinner perfectly.

The outdoor terrace is perfect for summer dining or a cocktail on chillier days. The distinct Sushi Samba orange tree and accompanying bar are the focal points of al fresco evenings and the sweeping views of the city steal the show during the day.

Visiting Sushi Samba is a great experience and a fantastic mix of stunning décor, interesting food, great cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere. Make sure to book ahead as it’s a popular spot!

Mirror Room at Rosewood London

Mirror Room at Rosewood London

Kay from Paws & Pines recommended afternoon tea at the Rosewood Hotel. In her own words…

One of my favorite places for afternoon tea is the Mirror Room at the Rosewood London. Sitting in a room of mirrors in the beautiful Rosewood London hotel, you’re served freshly brewed pots of tea to accompany your finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The pastries themselves are inspired by different works of art and change every so often. The last time I visited, they were inspired by Banksy, Pollock, and Kadinsky – amongst others. Currently, their desserts are inspired by Rodin (including a sweet version of The Thinker)  and the art of ancient Greece.

At £55, you won’t want to visit every day, but it’s definitely something to experience at least once! Note that you can request multiple rounds of the tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries so note your favorites when you taste all of them! Food preferences can be accommodated for and reservations are recommended.

Fischer’s

The dining room at Fischer’s London. Photo via Fischer’s Facebook page.

James from Where You’re Between has Fisher’s at the top of his list of “must visit” restaurants for tourists in London.

Marylebone often goes unnoticed due to her more illustrious near neighbours, such as Mayfair and Soho to the south. Marylebone High Street is one of London’s hidden gems, and Fischer’s is one of its many treasures.

Fischer’s is a modern take on a classic 1920s Viennese café. The stunning Austrian art deco interior captures a beautiful old world style, reminiscent of the swankiest First Class carriage on board the Orient Express. The resplendent grandeur is paired with a remarkably relaxed and informal atmosphere. You’re made to feel welcome if you’re just popping in for tea and a slice of cake or wanting a full-on Austrian feast.

Fischer’s opens early enough for breakfast and is open until last orders. Available from the extensive and authentic Austrian menu is everything from Sachertorte and Viennese coffee to Wienerschnitzel and wild boar wurst. Dessert consists of typically sinful Austrian delights, such as strudels, cakes and ice creams. The impressive wine list also demands attention. If you ever need an excuse to visit Marylebone, then this is it.

Roxie Steak

Emily from London City Calling suggested Roxie Steak. Here’s what she had to say…

Any meat-lovers will absolutely adore Roxie Steak, a small chain of South African steak restaurants located in Putney, Fulham, Earlsfield, Clapham Junction and Wimbledon. I’m going to be so bold as to say that this little neighbourhood gem serves up the most delicious cuts of steaks that you will find anywhere in London, along with tasty sides, a great wine selection and some of the friendliest staff in town. 

Plus their amazing deals mean that indulging in a steak dinner once a week is totally doable. The Roxie Butcher’s Feast, which includes steak, fries, beef dipping jus, a homemade sauce of your choice, and a glass of wine or prosecco is just £20. On Tuesdays you absolutely have to try the Rack Attack, a large rack of mouth-wateringly tasty barbecue ribs and a portion of fries for just £10!’

Megan’s

Megan’s Cafe

Maureen from Life on The Mediterranean recommended Megan’s Café, another place that is new to me.

I typically go to Megan’s for brunch on the weekends and take something with me to read. From the outside, it looks quite small, but once you enter, you see there’s a stairway that leads down to a hidden, bijoux garden. This space is such a haven of cool, Chelsea-Fulham chic. Megan’s has now expanded into two more rooms that front the street, giving the restaurant a lot more space.

Their eggs are fantastic whether poached, scrambled, or Benedict, and the homemade baked goods are divine — I recommend the carrot cake w with cream cheese frosting. They have small and large plates and gluten free and vegan options, all with a Mediterranean flare. Enjoy organic coffees, juices and Pimms, if you’d like. But if you really want brunch, don’t worry. It is served all day long, and is considered the best brunch in Fulham.

You’ll find a second Megan’s in Parson’s Green – 57-69 Parson’s Green Lane, and a new location is opening soon in Balham.

La Bodega Negra

La Bodega Negra Entrance

Melissa from Suitcase & Heels had a super-interesting suggestion in La Bodega Negra in Soho…

There’s a storefront in Soho that appears to be a seedy adult shop, but if you dare to go in you’ll soon find yourself in a dimly lit, hacienda-style subterranean den serving up the best margaritas and tacos. A handsome server will show you to your seat next to battered concrete walls and an upended deconstructed grand piano.

Like any restaurant worth its salt, the menu changes from time to time. On my visit I had an impeccably fresh and balanced green salad with avocados and a goddess dressing paired with a dish of stuffed poblano peppers topped with a delicious Mexican crema. This ain’t no Taco Bell.

Getting here isn’t for the meek and uninitiated. You’ll find a cafe called La Bodega Negra on Moor Street in Soho, but that’s not what you’re after. Keep going around the corner to Old Compton St and look for the gaudy sex shop. That’s your target. Go in and tell the person manning the counter in front of the nudie magazines that you have a reservation. They’ll show you the way.

The reward for your brazenness is some of the best Mexican food in London…and getting to be in on a secret. Who doesn’t love a secret?

Conclusion

When I asked people this question, I expected to get things like Rules or even maybe a little Clink Prison. I was totally surprised by the variety of establishments and cuisines I got in response. Just showing you that everyone’s definition of “must visit” London restaurants is different and London has an amazing variety of restaurants to choose from.

While You’re Here

Check out my favorite London restaurants as well as my list of the best food tours in London.

Book a London Tour

The post Restaurant Recommendations for London Tourists first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

What to pack for London: My top tips for your London packing list

What to Pack for London: My Amazingly Comprehensive London Packing List

My friends and relatives in the US always seem perplexed by what to pack for London, which I find so funny! You’re visiting a big city. Pack the same things for London that you’d pack for any other big city! But still the questions for a London packing list roll in. Do I need an umbrella? (Yes.) Do I need nice shoes? (Probably.) How safe is it and will I get pick-pocketed? (Very safe. And I’ve never been pick-pocketed in London but I know a very small number of people who have had their purses stolen while out at a bar or pub and or had their credit card details swiped after paying in a restaurant so always be careful.) Should I bring my hairdryer? (No, unless you are staying at a hostel.)

My Suggestions for What to Pack for London

After over a decade of questions like these, I’ve put together my ultimate London packing list. Especially because it’s almost June as I write this and for some reason, people always ask me in May what to pack for London in June. Please let me know if I’ve forgotten anything!

The #1 Item on Your London Packing List

Good quality collapsible umbrella: If you ask most people what to pack for London, this is the first thing they will say. Yes, London has this reputation for rain and while it certainly doesn’t rain every day, you should pack a good quality collapsible umbrella for your trip to London. Note that many 4 star and 5 star hotels will provide an umbrella, but it’s the big kind (almost like a golf umbrella) that’s really a pain to walk around with. So I recommend that you bring your own collapsible umbrella, but just make sure it’s a good quality one. Those tiny Totes umbrellas won’t cut it if it’s a bit windy. I have this umbrella from LifeTek and I really love it. Seriously, a good umbrella is one of those “must haves” for your London packing list.  Buy this umbrella.

The #2 Item on Your London Packing List

Make sure you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees!! Otherwise, every time you use your credit card in the UK, you will get hit with fees.

Related but separate, you are probably wedded to your bank so it’s hard to change this but make sure you understand your bank’s ATM fees overseas as well. I’m still not good at this myself to be honest. One of these days, I will get an account with Charles Schwab that does not charge ATM fees on international withdrawals. To reduce fees, consider taking out larger sums of money. (i.e., rather than making four £100 withdrawals, take one £400 withdrawal.) Alternatively, pay for everything you can with a no foreign transaction fee credit card. One more idea: set up Apple Pay/Android Pay/Google Pay before you go, using our no foreign transaction fee credit card. It MAY work on London buses and trains if you have a connection.

Related to this, a contactless non-UK credit card can also be used directly to pay for tube and bus fares but you may need to try a few cards before one works. AND as per the above, make sure it’s a card with no foreign transaction fees! (Personally, I don’t like getting my credit card out all the time because I am pretty sure I will lose it but it really is up to you!)

Electronics & Gadgets to Pack for London

An unlocked cell phone: Your phone phone carrier might provide coverage in London but if it’s not free, consider adding an unlocked phone to your London packing list and purchasing a Pay-as-You-Go SIM card upon arrival. This way, you’ll have easy access to all the internet you need and won’t be relying on potentially expensive international roaming charges. It is VERY easy to get an international SIM card. After you exit customs, they sell them in Heathrow. If you have friends in London, you can also ask them to order them online. (I recommend Three as it’s the cheapest and best PAYG SIM. If you don’t believe me, just Google it!)

Amazon Kindle: You may find yourself on the tube a lot. And if you do the American thing and stay in South Kensington which for some reason is where all American tourists tend to say, you will definitely be on the tube a lot because you will be very far west. So you should bring a Kindle so you can read during long tube rides! Books take up space in your luggage. Buy a Kindle.

Plug adapters: Plugs in the UK are HUGE — as in large. I honestly can’t believe how huge they are. You’ll need a few good quality US to UK plug adapters — do not rely on your hotel to have any for you, and depending on where you are staying, they can be hard to find in stores! I carry around a bunch of multi-region adapters wherever I go and they work really well. (These are particularly a good idea if you are hitting the UK and mainland Europe during your trip or have other European or Asian trips planned.) But you can probably get away with the straight US to UK adapters if you are just visiting the UK. Note that these are just plug adapters and not voltage adapters — do not use plug adapters with your hairdryer or curling iron or you may blow a fuse! Adapters need to go at the top of your London packing list. Buy US to UK plug adapters and/or multi-region adapters.

Portable charging block: There’s so much to see and do in London, it’s entirely possible that you might find yourself away from your hotel for 8 to 12 hours a day! Nothing is worse than a dead phone battery as you’re using Google Maps to navigate and doing it for the ‘gram as you are photographing every meal and landmark. I highly recommend adding a portable charging block to your London packing list so you and your traveling companions can always have access to power. Buy a power bank.

Long phone charging cables: In most older UK hotels, there are no outlets next to the bed. So I recommend that you pack a couple of 10 foot phone chargers, either for Apple or Android products. These can be lifesavers!! (Of course, if the outlet is across the room, they don’t really help, but as long is the outlet is relatively close to the bed, these are great.)

• Buy a 10 ft long iPhone cable.
• Buy a 10ft long Android cable.

Selfie stick: I know, I know. Maybe you don’t want to be that person. But with so many Instagram-able places in London, you should really invest in a selfie-stick to take photos of yourself and your friends while you are out and about! Buy a selfie stick. (Alternatively, consider hiring a professional photographer for a few hours one day!)

Small tripod: Alternatively (or in addition to), pack a small tripod which can help you take pics when you are exploring London. I like the Joby Gorilla. Buy a travel tripod.

FitBit: I highly highly recommend adding a FitBit to your London packing list. Wear it for a few weeks before you travel to London and then wear your FitBit in London too and compare the data! You will definitely do more stairs for sure. More walking most likely as well!

Guidebooks for Your London Packing List

Before you leave for London, definitely add a few recent guidebooks to your London packing list. London changes very rapidly so make sure the guidebooks were published in 2017, 2018, or 2019. No older than that! Here are some top recommendations:

London A to Z: OK, not technically a guidebook but if you are planning on navigating your way around London without Google Maps, buy a London A to Z. In the old days, before mobile phones, we all use to carry these. There’s a handy street index in the back that helps you look up exactly where each location is.  (Note this is pronounced “A to zed.”)

Rick Steves London 2019: I LOVE RICK STEVES! His guidebooks are so well-researched and he is very focused on finding good value for readers. I definitely recommend adding his guidebook to your London packing list.

National Geographic Walking London: One of the best ways to see London is to walk it…it’s an amazingly walkable city. I love this guide of key walks you can do around town.

Personal Care Items for Your London Packing List

Travel insurance: Always good to be prepared in the face of emergency, so please make sure you purchase travel insurance. I’ve used World Nomads in the past. The NHS is great but you may not be able to access it and/or you may want to access the private health care service, which is where high quality travel insurance comes into play. Buy travel insurance.

Collapsible water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated when you will be doing so much walking! Bring a collapsible water bottle with you to London and stop in at Costa, Pret a Manger and Starbucks to fill it up. These chains have partnered with the City of London to offer free tap water to anyone who brings in a reusable bottle. This helps reduce plastic waste as well. And yes, it’s safe to drink the tap water in London. Buy a collapsible water bottle.

Dual voltage hair dryer: If you are super vain about your hair and if you are staying in hotels that are not likely to provide hairdryers, consider adding a dual-voltage travel hairdryer that will work in the US and UK to your packing list. Honestly though, most hotels have hair dryers so you probably don’t need this. This is probably only necessary if you are mainly staying in hostels or Airbnbs that don’t have hair dryers. Buy a dual voltage hair dryer.

Facecloths: Totally weird to us Yanks but British people don’t use facecloths/wash cloths. Most American hotels in London will have them (think Marriott, Starwood, IHG)  because they are used to American guests, but if you’re staying at a smaller, more independent hotel, it’s not unusual to find no facecloths. (You can try asking for a “flannel,” as they are called here, but good luck.) So add some cheap facecloths to your London packing list and then throw them out as you go rather than trying to pack wet ones after each hotel stay. Buy facecloths. Alternatively, bring some face wipes.

Hand sanitizer: You will likely be on and off the tube in London all day, taking buses, and just being out and about, so definitely add some travel-size hand sanitizer to your London packing list! Buy hand sanitizer.

Good American deodorant: It is my opinion that British deodorant is not as good as American deodorant! And after walking 20,000 steps a day, you really want your deodorant to keep up. So American deodorant is one thing you must pack for London, and Secret is my favorite. Buy Secret deodorant.

Hair conditioner: London water is hard so bring your favorite hair conditioner or be ready to buy some here.

Fashion & Accessories to Pack for London

Tote bags: Retail outlets in the UK have to charge for plastic bags so it’s really helpful if you pack your own shopping bag(s) in case you want to pick up anything at the grocery store or drugstore. These can be incredibly helpful things to pack for London if you are staying in an Airbnb and plan on eating a lot of meals at home. Buy one (or more) that is foldable, reusable and washable. (This will also come in handy for your magazines and snacks during your flight.) Buy tote bags.

Pashmina or scarf: The temperature can vary considerably during the day in London — winter spring, summer, or fall — so a good quality pashmina or scarf can be a great addition to your traveler wardrobe and London packing list and can even help you dress up jeans or a more casual ensemble. Either drape around your shoulders or knot like any stylish European would. Buy a pashmina.

Packing cubes: British hotel rooms can be much smaller than US hotel rooms so you may not have much space to store and unpack your luggage. Packing cubes make it so much easier to find your stuff! Pack your underwear in one cube, your socks in another, your workout gear in another, etc. I love my eBags packing cubes!! They really keep my suitcase so much more organized. Buy packing cubes.

Hanging toiletry bag: London hotel bathrooms can be a lot smaller than US hotel bathrooms (are you sensing a theme here) so you may want to pack a hanging toiletry bag to keep all your personal care items organized. Tip: Buy this in a bright color so you don’t accidentally forget it on the back of the hotel room door. Buy a hanging toiletry bag.

Sturdy wallet for pound coins — with RFID blocking: The one thing everyone says to me once they’ve been here for a few days is “Man, British change is heavy!!” Invest in a wallet with a strong coin purse for all those pound coins you’re about to collect! I also highly recommend that you get a wallet with RFID blocking technology to prevent having your card details stolen. Buy a wallet with change purse and RFID blocking.

Crossbody handbag with an outside pocket: This one is specifically for the ladies. If you will be taking the tube in London a lot, I recommend that you make sure you pack a handbag with an easily accessible outside pocket for your Oyster card. This way, you’re not constantly opening your handbag and trying to find your Oyster card in crowded tube stations. You may also want to invest in a slash-proof bag. Personally, I prefer cross-body bags. I have a full write up on some of my favorite anti-theft bags here.

Comfortable shoes: Unless you are used to always walking more than 10,000 steps a day, it’s likely that you will walk more in London than you do at home. Plus, there are a ton of stairs in London and you will constantly be going up and down. So definitely make sure you put at least two pairs of comfortable shoes on your London packing list. (I say two pairs because I know from personal experience that if you wear the same shoes for a long day of walking, it really helps to change to a different pair the next day.) I swear by my Doc Martens when it’s colder out but pick the shoes that are right for you. Note that Londoners tend to dress up a bit so definitely make sure at least one pair that you pack for London is a bit more formal. Londoners tend to like more stylish sneakers (trainers) as well.

Shower sandals: If you will be staying in a number of different hotels in the UK and elsewhere, I highly recommend that you put some shower sandals on your London packing list. Havaianas are my favorite.

In winter, your London packing list just needs a few more things.

Packing List for London in Winter

Planning a December trip to London for the holidays? London doesn’t tend to get a lot of snow (2018 was an outlier) so you can usually leave your snow boots and huge down coats at home. Honestly, I think the above list covers most everything you need. Just throw in a decent coat, a hat, gloves, and scarf and you will be fine. If you forget any of these things, I recommend popping into M&S or Uniqlo to pick up inexpensive ones.  I tend to live in black tights in the winter but that’s just me.

Don’t Forget Your Phone! Pack The Best London Apps!

It occurred to me recently that these days, packing our phones is almost as important as packing our suitcases. Depending on how long you are in town for, here are my top app recommendations for your London packing list. Make sure you download and install them before your visit!

• Uber: Of course.
• Gett: This is the app for London black cabs. Make sure you register and set it up before you visit. Saves time later.
• Citymapper: Use this to navigate the trains and buses. The bus can often be the most direct way from A to B but tourists don’t often realize this!
• Santander Cycles: This will tell you where the nearest Boris bikes are. (Boris bikes because our old mayor was Boris Johnson and he was in charge when these were launched.)
• OpenTable: For booking restaurants.
• Tube Map app: Very very handy. Citymapper is great but this actually shows you the tube map all in one place.
• Apple Pay or Google Pay or Android Pay: Before you leave for London, set up your credit cards with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Android Pay and you MIGHT be able to use them to pay for tube or bus journeys. I say might because results still seem to be mixed so you may need to try out a few options. These payment methods are also increasingly accepted at London restaurants and bars now too.

The Most Important Item on Your London Packing List

The most important thing to pack for London is an open mind! Customer service will not be as prompt and ever-present as it is in America. Showers will seem different and strange. (And as noted above, the water is hard.) Bath tubs are huge and normally higher than American ones. There will be more people and traffic than you might be used to. Just take it all in stride! Do not expect it to be the same as wherever it is that you are from.

Advice on What to Pack for London from Others

I read more than 25 other packing lists for London and picked out the ones that I thought were the most helpful and specific and were more helpful than “Don’t forget to pack socks and underwear and a trench coat.” (Who wears a trench coat these days anyhow?) Here are some other posts with tips for your London packing list:

• What Should I Bring on My London Trip, Asher & Lyric
• What to Pack for London and Paris in the Winter for Real People, My Wanderlusty Life
• Bare Minimum Packing, Here’s Your Packing List, Solo Traveler World (Not specific to London but still very helpful.)

London Packing List Summary

OK, those are my top recs for what to pack for London! I hope you find my London packing list helpful! What are your recommendations?  Let me know!

While you’re organizing your London packing list, you might find these other articles helpful:

• The Best London Souvenirs
• The Best London Food Tours
• Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London
• The Perfect 3-Day London Itinerary
• How to Save Money on London Restaurants
• My Top 10 Favorite London Restaurants
• My Favorite Travel Products

Pin It for Later!

Don’t Forget to Add Some Tours to Your London Packing List!

The post My Amazingly Comprehensive London Packing List first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

The dining room at Hovarda on the edge of London’s Chinatown

I know I know…what about restaurant reviews, Krista? Maybe you could give us some of them? Maybe? Yes yes, I can…sort of. Because you know, I’m old now and the memory is going and why spend three hours writing one blog post when I can just Instagram everything in SECONDS?? (Hah! You know those people who say blogging is dying? It’s because THEY’RE LAZY and don’t have the stamina for it. 14 years in JUNE, people. 14 YEARS.) So yes, here are some of the new-to-me places I’ve eaten at lately.

The Highlights

Hovarda, Chinatown: Now this was a lovely, lovely surprise. My old friend Feathers and I had some fantastically painfully good foot massages in the very basic but MAN DOES IT FEEL AMAZING Step In Reflexology and then repaired around the corner for lunch at Hovarda. (Right next to Palomar.) The food is somewhere in between Greece and Turkey and Instagram and I say this with kindness because guys, I really liked it here. It’s a gorgeous space — even the loos are pretty. Our half Venezuelan half Portuguese server was so kind and attentive and best of all, the food was bright and different and interesting. Faye didn’t like it here in November but man, I really liked it here in January. (We had the baby chicken and fought over its remains. RIP baby chicken.) Also, that Greek salad was perfect. Honestly, loved everything here. The Verdict: I dig it. A lot.

The Coach, Clerkenwell: I visited here on Day 2 so maybe it doesn’t count but I had a really delightful lunch for one — ham, egg, white beans, toast. I felt French. I felt beautiful. I felt clean.

I like the new light and bright “Coach & Horses.” (How did I never realize there was a back garden? “Well, it was a bit dank,” was the response when I asked.) Whoever decorated The Coach is welcome to swing by my flat and make some suggestions.

Service was very young and inexperienced and my espresso never materialized. Because sometimes I like to play these games and meandclocksarelikethis, I actually timed how long it took them to bring me my espresso. (I had a feeling.) After 15 minutes, I went up to the bar and got my espresso and paid. Was sorta hoping they’d give it to me for free after all that time but it was a soft launch and that’s not how things work. And well, “You forgot my espresso” just sounds so #firstworldproblemy — almost as bad as how my manicurist forgot to moisturize and massage my right hand yesterday and I had to remind her. Mr. Harris himself was hard at work on the day and I cannot welcome him to EC1 more enthusiastically. The Verdict: Oui, oui, oui.

Tohbang, Clerkenwell: I was here ages ago when it was a different Korean restaurant but man do I like this place. I’m not sure if it’s family run but it feels that way. I put my American friend who speaks Korean — now that threw the staff off — in charge and she ordered us a meat extravaganza and I might have drank too much soju. The chicken in some sort of chili sauce was my favorite. Everything is a bit hazy with all that soju but I never promised you I was a professional food writer and I remember liking everything, plus solving all the world’s problems. The Verdict: I like it here. It feels like the real deal…people just trying to make a good living.

The OK

The loo wallpaper at Henrietta

Henrietta, Covent Garden: Dropped in here for brunch on a Sunday with my friends Natasa and Olly and man it’s dark in here. Also, the table arrangements felt off and the sofa-y seating is weird because someone has forgotten to click the pieces together so if you make one wrong move, you fall through the cracks. (Or maybe there are no clicky bits. Just watch out. These things slide.) The food was fine. I had the sirloin and we ordered some anchovies for the table. Remember I do not like Western breakfast foods overmuch except for the occasional salt bagel or pancakes so brunch menus are hard for me. (Asian breakfasts FTW, she writes, as she finishes her late breakfast of ramen noodles.) I’ve just checked the Sunday menu online and it appears to be completely different from what we had. More brunch-y. Maybe you guys like that. Also, this is not the restaurant’s fault but I had to watch two lovers canoodle for an awkward 30 minutes and guys, I’m just trying to have lunch here. You know what I did like? BOTTOMLESS PROSECCO AT £20. Also, the loo wallpaper. The Verdict: Good if you are nearby.

The Meh

I borrowed this photo from Eater who borrowed it from Nuala. Look how low those seat backs are!

Nuala, Shoreditch: Proving yet again that I really should design chairs for a living. WHAT IS UP with the seating, NUALA? Even the staff seemed to dislike it. Many years ago, I bought a sofa at Habitat on Tottenham Court Road after sitting on it briefly in the showroom. NEVER AGAIN SATAN. Do you know what you don’t want in a sofa or restaurant seating? LOW BACKS. Also, in Nuala’s case, tables that are bolted to the floor.

I ordered a plank smoked salmon salad and wasn’t quite sure what to do with what I received. I really like smoked salmon. But this seemed like undercooked salmon? Puzzled if it was them or if it was me, I ate around it and moved on. (I know there’s cold smoked and hot smoked so perhaps this was cold smoked? Not for me if so. Also, I just read too much about smoked salmon on the internet and don’t do that because CANCER.) Service was friendly most of the time until the end when we tried to provide some feedback about the seating and the server just walked away in the middle of the conversation. She returned a few minutes later, apologizing, saying she had to sneeze. It was weird. The Verdict: Meh.

Blanchette, Shoreditch: I had a bit of a weird day that left me on Brick Lane way past lunchtime so I dropped in here and no one was glad to see me. I apparently arrived at that time of day where the staff enjoys the lull. I should have turned around and walked out but HANGER. I had the baked Moroccan eggs with flat bread and they were fine. I should have ordered more bread. It’s a pretty space and the RISQUE loo wallpaper is ace so there’s that. The Verdict: Pretty little place for lunch but maybe go during normal hours.

HOW MANY KNIVES???

Londrino, Bermondsey: Guys, I was so excited for this place. And I like the look of it — very spacious and cool decorative airplane engine that no one could explain. But man, this was a comedy of errors. Firstly, can we talk about how much silverware is on the table? A LOT. And then I had an entire conversation with my server about what starter I wanted and — surprise — the one I decided to NOT HAVE arrived. I explained to the gentleman that delivered the dish that I had had a long conversation with the server about “To vegetable or not to vegetable” and while we certainly talked about the prawns, ultimately, I very clearly selected the cabbage and my server even repeated my entire order back to me. The gentleman who delivered the dish had no issue replacing the prawns with the cabbage but then my original server had to come back and explain how she really thought I had ordered the prawns and what else can you say but “I’m very sorry but I didn’t. We talked about it but I didn’t.”

OK, now let’s talk about the wines by the glass. What is wrong with this picture?

Forgetting yet again that NO ONE LIKES IT WHEN KRISTA IS HELPFUL, I tried to (helpfully) explain to my server and then the main guy in charge that they had made a mistake with the pricing of their Kumpf Et Meyer. “No we haven’t,” was the answer. To which I just tried to (helpfully) explain that their general multiple between glass and carafe was about 4 but for the Kumpf Et Meyer, it was 3 and that seemed weird. Why would 4 glasses cost me £32 but 500 ml cost me £23? Just bring the 500 ml and let’s pour it into four glasses then. Perhaps someone had reversed the numbers? Perhaps? “That’s the way it’s supposed to be,” the guy in charge explained. “It’s based on 1 liter pricing.”

I totally didn’t get that but OK then. It’s your bottom line.

About ten minutes later, the guy in charge came back and admitted they had made a mistake. So respect for that.

And then I ordered the spinach esperregado and I really shouldn’t have. I expected something buttery but really it was just Vitamixed Spinach.  I am not a vegan. Also, the presentation of the Galician bavette (white kale, almonds) is somewhat comical, no? WTF dudes.

Oh!! And the table next to me! There was a woman in her late 40s or early 50s who got really wasted and just kept F-bombing left and right at increasing volume and it was highly unenjoyable. Not the restaurant’s fault but I was sitting there with my pile of pureed spinach thinking, “I just wanted a nice lunch.” (Um…so I went to Jose afterwards.)

Everyone seems to like it here so I should give it another try but for the love of God…it better be good.

The Verdict: So many questions.

OK now that’s your fill of me talking about restaurants for a while. I could have tortured you and drawn this out into multiple posts but I didn’t. I’m okay with that. Hope you are too. Have you been to any of these places? What did you think? And where should I go next?

The post Where I’ve Been Eating in London Lately, Winter 2018 Edition first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

My Tips for your 3 Day London Itinerary

The Perfect London Itinerary in 3 Days

I first moved to London from the US in 2004. There’s a short-story and a long-story, but suffice it to say that in my off-and-on 14+ years of living in this city, I have entertained my fair share of tourists. I’ve gotten a good sense of what people want to see and what sticks in people’s minds. Even if I don’t accompany friends and relatives on their visit to London, I still get asked for itinerary suggestions quite often. Thus, this post is both a way for me to be helpful to my friends and family, and to also help strangers on the internet as well. I’ve tried to put together something very realistic here so I really hope you find my suggestions helpful!

Important Notes about My London Itinerary in 3 Days

1. I’ve tried to rely on a start time for activities of around 9 am.
2. I’ve tried to group things together in logical ways so you’re not dashing back and forth across the city all the time.
3. Please always check the opening times of all attractions! Weekend and holiday opening times can differ.
4. Please bring an umbrella. London weather can be unpredictable. I recommend this wind-proof umbrella from Repel.
5. Bring snacks. If I’ve learned anything about taking tourists around London is that we cannot control when we get hungry, and you’ll probably be walking more than you do at home. So make sure you bring some snacks to tide you over until you can find a good lunch spot or dinner spot. (Pret a Manger is always good for a snack if you need one and they are all over town.)
6. I’ve tried to schedule in an afternoon break from 4 pm to 7 pm every day. I don’t know about you guys, but after going-going-going all day long, I need a little break in the late afternoon before dinner. If you don’t want to take a break, I’ve provided pub suggestions because while you’re in London, you need to visit a few pubs!
7. Because prices change, I have not listed prices here but have instead indicated where there are charges.
8. The London Eye can book up during peak tourist season so it’s best to buy fast track tickets in advance. My suggestion is to buy a “Flexi Fast Track” mobile ticket so you can arrive at any time. It’s a little more expensive than the regular fast track ticket but in my opinion, it’s worth it in summer in particular. This way, you can just show up and ride the London Eye whenever you want and not have to deal with the queues.
9. Because the Changing of The Guard schedule varies, you should check when that occurs and readjust this schedule accordingly. See official schedule here. That is, if Changing of the Guard occurs on your first full day in town, do Day 2 first and then Day 1.
10. I am a HUGE foodie and love dining out in London. As such, I’ve also made suggestions for where to have a pub break and where to have dinner each day during your trip. For dinners, I’ve tried to keep my recommendations focused on “must visit” London restaurants. This means you need to book tables in advance! You can’t just show up.

Top Tip for 3 Days in London: LondonPass

Consider buying the LondonPass before you arrive in London. It includes so much and will save you money if you plan on hitting some of the main tourist attractions that require admission like The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Kensington Palace. It’s especially a good value if you want to do the hop-on hop-off bus. Buy the LondonPass.

Day 1 of Your 3 Day London Itinerary

It’s up-and-at-em early for your first full day in London! Have an early breakfast and put on your comfortable shoes because today is all about the Thames and there’s a lot to see and do! We are going to start the day at the Tower of London and you want to make sure you get there at least 20 minutes before it opens because the queues can be legendary!

Tower of London, Your 1st Stop on My 3 Day London Itinerary

Tower of London

After you get your tickets, join a Yeoman’s tower of the famed Tower of London and learn all about the Tower’s history. It’s been around since 1066, in the days of William the Conqueror! You’ll have a chance to see the crown jewels and learn about some of the darker periods in British history. The Yeoman’s tour should last about an hour after which you are free to wander the grounds.

Estimated time spent here from arrival to departure: Approximately 2.5 hours. The Yeoman’s tours depart every 30 minutes and while you don’t have to do the tour, it is HIGHLY entertaining and informative and much better than wandering around by yourself. Also, it’s included in your tour price!

Charge for admission: Yes.

Thames River Cruise

After you finish up at the Tower of London, grab a coffee at the Pret a Manger that’s there (maybe a snack too just in case because we won’t stop for lunch until AFTER the London Eye) and then head down to the dock for a boat cruise west on the Thames. (Direction London Eye and Westminster Abbey.) Enjoy the river captain’s commentary as you float by London attractions like the Millennium Bridge, St. Paul’s, and Tate Modern. Personally for me, there’s no better way to see London than a Thames River cruise.

Estimated time spent here: The river cruise west to Westminster should take about 40 minutes. The boat should stop both at Westminster Pier and London Eye pier. My suggestion, after all the history  in the morning, is that you head directly to London Eye pier for a ride on the London Eye.

Charge for admission: Yes.

The London Eye from Embankment, the 3rd Stop on Your 3 Day London Itinerary

London Eye

You’ve seen London from the water, now it’s time to see London from above. Hopefully, you have followed my instructions above and purchased the Flexi Fast Pass for the London Eye. Assuming so, join the Fast Pass queue and get ready for your 30 minute ride. This is a great way to get a sense for London’s sprawl!

Estimated time spent here: Assuming you have purchased the Flexi Fast Pass, you need about 45 minutes here. 30 minutes for the flight and 15 minutes for any waiting.

Charge for admission: Yes.

Lunch Break

After the London Eye, I recommend a quick lunch break. This one will be a good value because we’re saving your money for dinner later tonight! I want you to walk east (in the direction you came from on the boat) until you get to Royal Festival Hall. You are looking for the Southbank Centre Food Market. There are a ton of food stalls here so there should be something for everyone and it’s a really nice and casual environment.

Stroll the South Bank

OK, at this point, assuming you started at 9 am, it should be around 2 pm. Time for a leisurely stroll down the South Bank. Keep walking east in the direction of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge. Stop for photos along the way! Our destination is the Millennium Bridge but you could also squeeze in a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern if you’d like. The Tate Modern is free, which is nice.

The Millennium Bridge

Cross the Millennium Bridge and admire the strength of the Thames currents! Our next destination is St. Paul’s Cathedral where Princess Diana got married. There are some great photo opportunities from the bridge, especially looking east to Tower Bridge.

Estimated time spent here: Quick! Maybe 15 minutes with photo stops.

Charge for Admission: No.

Last stop (before the pub) on your 3 day London itinerary: St. Paul’s and a view of the Millennium Bridge

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Head into St. Paul’s Cathedral and check out this iconic building and its crypt. For the price of your ticket, you’ll get access to the multimedia guide, or if you’re lucky, you’ll get a live guide. After the tour, you have the option of climbing the dome!

Estimated time spent here: An hour or so.

Charge for admission: Yes.

Pub o’Clock!

By this time, it should be around 4 pm. Now it’s time for a break! Head back to your hotel for a nap or shower or both, or if it’s beer o’clock, head down Ludgate Hill towards Fleet Street, a short walk from St. Paul’s, and try out some of London’s iconic pubs. Here’s a few you should check out:

• Ye Olde London: Closest to St. Paul’s
• Punch Tavern: Victorian pub
• The Old Bell Tavern: Designed by Sir Christopher Wren himself!

Day 1 Dinner Options

For your first night in London, I think you should do something iconic. A place where you can say “While we were in London, we ate at X” and knowledgeable people will nod their heads and say, “Wow! Impressive!” So my top options for you tonight are:

• Rules, Covent Garden: This is London’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1789. It also boasts some awesome decoration. It’s not cheap but it’s definitely a London institution. The added bonus here is that you can do a circle of Covent Garden after dinner.
• St. John, Clerkenwell: Fergus Henderson is the grandfather of nose-to-tail eating and one of the biggest names in British cuisine. His restaurant is very pared down and simple and in many ways, so is the food. Note there are organs on the menu, which some might struggle with. But if you are adventurous, go for it. This is a lively part of London during the workweek.
• Berner’s Tavern, I’ve picked this as more of a mainstream British choice. It’s not as expensive or British as Rules, and it’s not as perhaps adventurous as St. John. Plus the dining room is beautiful. This is where I take my out of town guests when I’m not sure what type of eaters they are and I want to impress. Good for a business dinner too.

Day 2 of Your 3 Day London Itinerary

We covered a lot of ground along London’s riverfront yesterday so today is the day to head inland. My recommendation for this morning is that you book a tour so you know what you are looking at and what’s going on and that you get to where you need to be in time. This is essential for the Changing of the Guards because you want to be in a good place to see the cavalries and you don’t want to be running around like crazy trying to figure it all out. I also think you should do a smaller tour so you are not in a group with like 50 people like some tours. As noted in my top tips, the Changing of The Guard doesn’t happen every day of the week, so you may need to rearrange days in the itinerary to fit it in. Here are two tours that cover both Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guards:

• London Walking Tour including Fast Track Westminster Abbey Visit and Changing of The Guard
• Westminster Abbey and The Changing of The Guard Tour

Westminster Abbey: 1st stop on Day 2 of your 3 day London itinerary

Westminster Abbey

So assuming you’ve booked one of the tours I’ve suggested, start your morning at Westminster Abbey, where Britain’s monarchs have been crowned since 1066, and see highlights such as Elizabeth I’s tomb, the Coronation Chair and Poets’ Corner. This is where Prince William married Kate Middleton, just FYI! Normally, I would suggest getting here early so you can take some photos of yourself with Big Ben, but unfortunately, Big Ben is under construction for the next few years.

Estimated time spent here: About an hour.

Charge for admission: Yes. Included in price of tour.

Changing of The Guard: 2nd stop on Day 2 of your 3 day London itinerary

Changing of the Guard

After Westminster Abbey, head to the Changing of the Guard ceremony which will run up the mall and Horse Guards Parade. Then, watch it all go down in front of Buckingham Palace! If you’re lucky, the bands will plan some snappy tunes. Be careful of following the crowds hear. If you haven’t booked a tour, try to trail one so you get a good sense of where to stand.

Estimated time spent here: About an hour.

Charge for admission: Not really but a good tour guide is invaluable here so you are standing in the right spots at the right time and make sure you don’t miss anything.

Lunch Break at Harrods

At this point, it should be around 12 noon so now’s a great time to grab some lunch. I think what you should do is walk through Hyde Park in the direction of Hyde Park Corner and then keep going until you get to Knightsbridge. My suggestion is that you grab a sandwich at Harrods and then spend some time observing how the other half lives as you wander different Harrods boutiques! (Always check how many Bentleys are parked outside Harrods.) Note that I am not saying that you have a sit down lunch (although you can if you want but be careful — Harrods for a sit down lunch could end up being £45 per person) but rather I suggest that you peruse the lunch counters until you find nice looking sandwiches that you can take to go. I say “to go” lightly because basically you’re going to eat these on the hoof. In fact, you may have to step outside and eat your sandwiches in the street before you can continue your Harrods tour.

Estimated time spent here: About ninety minutes including lunch.

Charge for admission: No.

Victoria & Albert Museum

After you’ve had your fill of Harrods, walk west down the Brompton Road towards the Victoria & Albert Museum.  the world’s leading museum of art and design.  This is a beautiful museum, and the cafe is also gorgeous so definitely stop in for a coffee and pick me up.

Estimated time spent here: Really depends on what type of person you are but I’d say at least an hour, possibly more.

Charge for admission: No!

Pub o’Clock!

It should be around 3:30 or 4 pm at this point, so it’s time for a break. Head back to your hotel or if it’s pub o’clock, here are three pubs by the V&A worth checking out:

• The Bunch of Grapes
• The Admiral Codrington
• The Hourglass

Day 2 Dinner Options

OK, last night we did British classics so tonight I’d like to suggest some newer British restaurants for you to check out.

• Lyle’s: A modern British restaurant in hip Shoreditch. Has frequently appeared on World’s 50 Best lists.
• Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: Lovely setting in the Mandarin Oriental and amazing old-but-new again food.
• Bob Bob Ricard: One of my all-time favorite London restaurants. Like riding on the Orient Express. An interesting Anglo-Russian menu. Very Instagrammable, especially the famous Press for Champagne button.

Day 3 of Your 3 Day London Itinerary

I can’t believe it’s Day 3 already! Just enough time to squeeze in some of the essential London museums and some, um, shopping!! Here’s how I suggest you spend Day 3 of your London itinerary:

The British Museum: 1st stop on Day 3 of your 3 day London itinerary

The British Museum

Start your morning at the British Museum. View the controversial Elgin marbles (you’ll note the museum does not call them this) and the Rosetta stone. This is an absolutely gorgeous building worth a visit for a view of the inner courtyard alone.  Note you can book 90 minute tours for a small fee in advance. Totally worth it to make sure you know what you are looking at.

Estimated time spent here: Really depends on what type of person you are but I’d say at least an hour or two. (Note some people can spend like 5 hours here but I am not that person.)

Charge for admission: No!

Covent Garden

After you finish up at the British Museum, spend some time wandering through Covent Garden. (My recommendation is to enter Covent Garden from Greet Queen Street off of Kingsway. You’ll hit a few coffee shops that way in case you need a jolt.) There are so many great shops and restaurants in Covent Garden, and if you’re lucky, there will be a street performer or two. Make sure you discover Neal’s Yard, which is tucked away north of New Covent Garden Market. Most people think Covent Garden is just the big piazza area but the streets north of the tube station are a delight to explore as well.

Estimated time spent here: Really depends on what type of person you are but I’d say at least an hour or two.

Charge for admission: No!

Lunch Break

There are a ton of places around Covent Garden to grab a quick bite so I’m not going to go into a ton of detail here. There is seriously something for every budget but I am saving your budget for dinner! If you just want a quick snack or sandwich, grab something at M&S by the Covent Garden tube.

London Transport Museum

Now I’m going to send you to the London Transport Museum because it’s right there in Covent Garden and I really like it here. I am sort of obsessed with London transportation and it’s so interesting to understand the origins of the tube in Victorian London. The gift shop is excellent and I highly recommend you check out the old school London Underground posters they have for sale. They make a great gift or souvenir. Also a great souvenir? A picture of you driving the double-decker bus…

Estimated time spent here: This is a pretty compact museum so I think you can do it in an hour.

Charge for admission: Yes.

The National Gallery and/or The National Portrait Gallery

Once you’ve finished up at The London Transport Museum, keep walking west in the direction of Trafalgar Square. Your destination is either The National Gallery OR the National Portrait. (Or both!) I kinda like the Portrait Gallery because you know you’ve made it as a British person if your face is hanging on the wall. Both museums are free so spend as much or as little time here as you’d like.

Pub o’Clock!

At this point, it should be around 3 or 4 pm so especially on the last day of your 3 days in London, it’s time for a break! Maybe a pub break? Here are some iconic pubs in Chinatown and Soho that are worth checking out and have the added advantage of sending you on a little walk as well. (I really love wandering through Soho and Chinatown.) I’ve tried to pick pubs that have a claim to fame…

• Lamb & Flag: Charles Dickens used to hang out here. Enough said!
• Bear & Staff: Named after former customer Charlie Chaplin.
• The Dog & Duck: Once frequented by George Orwell.

Day 3 Dinner Options

Wow…your last night in London is already here so this will be the last stop on your 3 day London itinerary. Crazy how quickly the time flies. My suggestion for your last night in London is that you dine somewhere with a great view over the city. Here are a few options:

• Galvin at Wiindows: Located on the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane, this is a very well-respected restaurant with French leanings.
• Aqua Shard: Panoramic views of the Thames from the 31st floor of The Shard. (Why pay to go to the observation deck in The Shard when you can just have dinner here instead?)
• Duck & Waffle: This time, we’re on the 40th floor! Modern British-European menu and open 24 hours!

Summary of My London Itinerary in 3 Days

I hope you’ve found my London itinerary in 3 days super helpful for planning your trip. If you have any questions or need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Other Posts of Mine to Help with Your 3 Day London Itinerary

• The BEST London Souvenirs
• What I Learned as a Tourist in London
• My London Restaurant Recommendations
• How to Save Money on Restaurants in London
• Save Money on Hotels in London with Hotwire
• Best London Food Tours
• The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

Pin It for Later!

Package Tours for Your 3 Day London Itinerary

The post The Perfect London Itinerary in 3 Days – With Pub Stops and Dinner Recs! first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

Many London food tours visit Borough Market

The BEST London Food Tours

When I first moved to London in 2004, London food and British food in general had a bad rap (especially from Americans) and there was certainly no such thing as a London food tour. But over my 10+ years of living in London, I’ve really come to love dining out in this fair city. Eating out in London is the reason why I started this blog all those years ago! I’ll let you in on a little secret: in London, you can find pretty much any cuisine on the face of the planet — Malaysian, Ethiopian, Szechuan, Jamaican, Venezuelan to name a few — and we’re a nation that takes locally sourced, farm-to-table dining very seriously. So the next time someone makes a joke about how bad British food is, ask them when’s the last time they’ve visited!

If you’re not convinced — or hopefully if you are convinced — when you are in town, you should definitely take one of the many London food tours that have sprung up in recent years. Food tours are a great way to experience London neighborhoods — they’re essentially London walking tours WITH FOOD — and really understand this amazing city that I now call home. I’ve put together what I hope is a comprehensive list of the best London food tours by theme including Borough Market food tours and East London food tours. Enjoy and all the best for your visit to London!

Note that this list of London food tours was accurate when I compiled the post but please check with the vendors for the official food tour details including pricing!

Pick up some goose fat during your London food tour of Borough Market!

London Food Tours of Borough Market

Borough Market is the most popular and centrally located London food market — it’s one of the top gourmet and foodie things to do in London and great for just walking around and hanging out. Please note that the market is busiest on Fridays and Saturdays. If you visit on other days of the week, you may be a little disappointed. Likewise, you might enjoy the market early in the morning or later in the day. If you arrive right around lunchtime, you might find Borough Market to be a bit too crowded. The market is a short walk from London Bridge Station and is located under the railway arches: follow the signs for the Borough High Street exit from the tube. You can buy fresh fruit and veg here, as well as prepared foods like burgers, (British) pies, and hot sandwiches. Ah, and of course there’s plenty of beer and wine available as well. It’s a great place to visit on the weekend and a good London food tour guide will get you “backstage access” to tastings with market purveyors. I can easily spend hours here, walking around and dipping into places like Monmouth Coffee and Bedales Wine Shop. Here are some great options for Borough Market food tours.* After your tour, I highly recommend heading up to the cocktail bar at Aqua Shard in The Shard to relax and enjoy the view.

Food Tour Name	Tour Description	Length	Tube	Price*
London Gourmet Food Tour	This tour explores the modern tastes of Britain, taking you around Borough Market, Mayfair, and Soho for a series of tastings.	4 hours	London Bridge	£86
A Modern Taste of Britain	Celebrate London’s vibrant culinary scene on this tour of modern British eateries. See how responsible restaurants serve local and sustainable food harvested from British farms.	4 hours	London Bridge	£84
The Ultimate London Food Experience: The Full English	Join a local to discover London’s incredible food culture and taste classic British dishes and produce.	4 hours	Pick-up	£95
Traditional English Food Tasting	Experience the best of the capital’s gourmet offerings on this walking tour of the City and Southwark Borough. Visit more than 12 eateries to sample English classics.	3.5 hours	London Bridge	£64

I love London food tours, especially in Soho!

London Food Tours of Soho

Soho is seriously my favorite part of London. I just love walking around Soho — there’s always something going on and you will never be bored. It’s so international, it’s a little bit gritty and there are so many great places to eat and drink — at all price points. So many secret little corners too! (I love St. Anne’s Court!) Soho is changing rapidly — rents are pushing out a lot of the independent purveyors — but I hope it never loses its soul. Here are some of the best London food tours of Soho for you to check out.* After your London food tour, I highly recommend sticking around in Soho because it really comes alive in the evening and there’s something for everyone at every price point! Check out the basement bar of Hix Soho for example, or head over to Randall & Aubin or the bar at Kettner’s for some champagne.

Food Tour Name	Tour Description	Length	Tube	Price*
Twilight Soho Food and Cocktail Tour	Soho's international influences are so diverse that you’ll try everything from Spanish Jamón to Chinese dumplings while sipping on frozen margaritas, gin & tonics, and much more.	4 hours	Piccadilly Circus	£99
International Foods of Soho (Sundays)	Discover the huge variety of cuisines available in London’s historic Soho, from traditional foods to some of the newest fusion in the city.	4 hours	Piccadilly Circus	£85
International Foods of Soho	Discover the huge variety of cuisines available in London’s historic Soho, from traditional foods to some of the newest fusion in the city.	4 hours	Piccadilly Circus	£82
Soho Food and Walking Tour	On your exploration of Soho, you will taste a number of different international foods, and even stop in Chinatown.	3.5 hours	Piccadilly Circus	£82
The Internationalist Food Experience	Join a local to discover London’s incredible food culture and taste dishes from all over the world. Explore the streets of Soho and Covent Garden and soak up the inspiring international culinary culture	4 hours	Pick-up	£95

The Beigal Bake is a great stop during a London food tour of Brick Lane.

East London Food Tours (Brick Lane, Shoreditch)

After Soho, Shoreditch in East London is my favorite part of London. I love walking around all the streets off of Shoreditch High Street on the weekends to check out the street art and the eclectic mix of old and new. You have true East End London stalwarts like the Beigel Bake surrounded by more modern restaurants and bars. Plus, I just love Brick Lane — the home of many restaurants from the Indian subcontinent and tons of curry houses. (In fact, the Brick Lane Food Tour or the Indian Food Tour would be my personal pick of  the best London food tours to do.) Brick Lane and all of Shoreditch is really just so fun and lively — it’s a great part of London for a walking tour, admiring how diverse London is and how there is food at every price point. Here are some of the best Shoreditch, East London, and Brick Lane food tours.

Food Tour Name	Tour Description	Length	Tube	Price*
Brick Lane Food Tour	East London has an incredibly rich immigration history reflected in its eclectic buildings, street art and delicious food. Discover the stories behind some of the capital’s most varied food.	3 hours	Liverpool Street	£148.50
East End Food Tour	This tour offers eight authentic tastings at a diversity of East London places including markets, shops, bakeries, pubs and restaurants.	4 hours	Liverpool Street	£80
Vegan Food Tour	London's first and only vegan food tour. The 3 hour walking tour takes you through the streets of Shoreditch, while stopping at 4 of the area's best plant-based restaurants.	3.5 hours	Old Street	£63.99
Secret Indian Food Tour	This food tour is packed full of exciting food from the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), all available on the streets of London.	3 hours	Aldgate East	£63.72
Sunday Shoreditch Food Tour	Your guide will take you on a culinary and historical journey uncovering the many layers that make up Shoreditch, helping you to discover its hidden gems.	3 hours	Shoreditch High Street	£63.72

London Food Tours that Specialize in British Food

If you are looking to focus on British food in particular — think meat pies, fish & chips, sausage rolls and British cheeses — here are a few London food tours that focus specifically on the best of British food. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll experience some English wines (including sparking wines) and craft beers (London’s beer scene is amazing), along with English cheeses during one of these very British and very London food tours. (If you don’t get a chance to sample British beer on your tour, definitely check out The Rake in Borough Market. It’s super tiny but a great place to explore tons of different beers. Also, check out the Bermondsey Beer Mile, where many of London’s microbreweries are located.)

Food Tour Name	Tour Description	Length	Tube	Price*
A Modern Taste of Britain Food Tour in London	Celebrate London’s vibrant culinary scene on a half-day food tour of modern British eateries. You’ll see how responsible restaurants serve local and sustainable food harvested from British farms.	4 hours	London Bridge	£84
The Ultimate London Food Experience: The Full English	This experience provides a taste of British specialties, including locally sourced products that have been created, perfected and continue to be made here in the UK.	4 hours	Pick-up	£95
Small-Group Food Tasting Tour of Royal London	Take a walking tour of the Royal Parks, Piccadilly Circus, and St James Palace; watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace; and enjoy cheese tasting, afternoon tea, and other British favorites.	3.5 hours	Green Park	£69
Traditional English Food Tasting Walking Tour	Walking tour of the City and Southwark Borough. You’ll visit more than 12 eateries to sample English classics.	3.5 hours	London Bridge	£64
3-Hour Secret British Food Tour	Food tour of the Borough Market area. See some of the city's most well-known sights and try many famous British foods.	3 hours	London Bridge	£67.85

London Food Tours that Focus on Chocolate & Dessert

Do you have a bit of a sweet tooth? Check out one of these dessert and chocolate walking tours in London visiting some of the most famous patisseries and chocolatiers! You really cannot go wrong with one of these London food tours…just make sure you are hungry!! And if you don’t get a chance to take one of these tours, one of my favorite chocolate places in London is Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates. He makes amazing truffles and in the winter, his hot chocolate is just what you need to warm yourself up. He has three shops: one in Islington, one at Bank, and one in Soho.

Food Tour Name	Tour Description	Length	Tube	Price*
Sweet Tooth Dessert and Pastry Tour	Discover London's best independent bakeries, gelaterias, cheesemongers, chocolate shops and more on our tour of Belgravia.	2.5 hours	Knightsbridge	£67
Mayfair Chocolate Ecstasy Tour	Indulge your sweet tooth on London’s original chocolate tour, and visit the famous chocolatiers, patisseries and candy stores of Mayfair, Piccadilly and Soho	3 hours	Oxford Circus	£45.50
3 Hour VIP Chocolate Tour	Enjoy a luxury VIP Chocolate tasting tour in London's Mayfair district sampling Truffles and Ganashes from the finest quality chocolatiers.	3 hours	Piccadilly Circus	£25

London Food Tours All About Cheese

There’s only one London cheese tour and you should go on it!! I mean, what could be better than a CHEESE CRAWL. The UK has some pretty amazing cheeses so a walking tour of cheese is a great way to experience the city. I don’t think the UK gets enough credit for its cheeses. So try some on a London food tour all about cheese and spread the word! If you don’t get a chance to do a London cheese tour, make sure to visit Neal’s Yard Dairy, which has two main locations: one in Covent Garden and the other in Borough Market. Another great cheese shop is Paxton & Whitfield on Jermyn Street. (Sadly this one tour below has some so-so reviews which I hope they address as I love the idea of this tour.)

Food Tour Name	Tour Description	Length	Tube	Price*
London Cheese Tour	Come along and join the cheese crawl which is oozing in so many delicious English cheeses, for you to sample and thoroughly enjoy.	2 hours	Green Park	£25

Vegan London Food Tours

Veganism is becoming more and more popular and now there is even a vegan London food tour. I am not a vegan but I do try to eat fairly healthy so this is definitely one of the more intriguing London food tours for me — always good to get a new and fresh perspective on food.

Food Tour Name	Tour Description	Length	Tube	Price*
Vegan Food Tour Experience	Discover London's first and only vegan food tour. The tour takes you through the iconic streets of Shoreditch, while stopping for a bite to eat in 4 of the area's best plant-based restaurants.	3.5 hours	Old Street	£63.09

Tips for London Food Tours

I’ve taken many food tours around the world so here are some things to consider when taking any of the above London food tours:

1. Bring an umbrella! London weather is notoriously unpredictable. I recommend this windproof Lifetek umbrella.
2. Arrive hungry!! Do not load up on breakfast or lunch before your tour. You want to be able to enjoy all the stops on the tour so it’s best if you are hungry.
3. Notify the tour in advance of any allergies and restrictions. This helps the tour guide plan different options for you. Some of the unhappiest tour customers I’ve experienced have been people who didn’t let the tour company know in advance that they were allergic to X or weren’t able to eat Y. It’s not fair to your tour guide to assume that they will figure out something for you on the fly. London is much better at dealing with allergies and dietary needs these days but it’s still not as good as the US and in general, it’s just not fair to your tour guide to only let them know at the last minute that you have some constraints.
4. Comfortable shoes. Even though it’s a food tour, it’s still a walking tour and you will likely be walking up and down stairs quite a bit. And remember…this is London! In general, people walk more in London. Expect to walk a few miles. (Some London food tours provide guidance on exactly how far you’ll be walking. If they don’t, email them to ask!)
5. Bring water. Some food walking tours provide water, some don’t. Best to bring your own.
6. Bring napkins and wet wipes. Maybe some hand sanitizer. Again, some London food tours provide these things, some don’t. Best to be prepared.
7. Bring an open mind. During some London food tours, you may be confronted with things you’ve never experienced before — like maybe jellied eels!! A tiny bit won’t hurt you.
8. Go to the bathroom before your tour. Bathroom stops might be limited during your London food tour, especially if you are visiting markets. I spent one tour in Bangkok waiting for a family of six to find restrooms multiple times during our food tour and it took forever and inconvenienced the rest of the group.
9. Bring a bag or backpack of some sort. You may have the opportunity to buy products on your London food tour and it’s best to have something sturdy to carry them in. Also, you want to keep your hands free so you can enjoy all the rest of the treats on your tour so a backpack is a great option. (Just make sure you can lock your backpack securely.)

London Food Tour Summary

OK, I think that’s it! Enjoy your time in London and I hope you have enjoyed this list of the best London food tours and can go home and tell all your friends how great British food is! You might find my list of favorite London restaurants helpful too.

Other Posts You Might Enjoy

• The BEST London Souvenirs
• The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London
• My Amazingly Comprehensive London Packing List
• The Perfect 3 Day London Itinerary
• My Favorite Restaurants in London
• What I Learned as a Tourist in London
• How to Save Money on Restaurants in London

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*Prices were correct when this list of London food tours was originally compiled but please check with the vendors. Prices and other tour details may have changed.

The post 23 of The Best London Food Tours first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

My original plan was tacos. Tacos at the new Breddos on Kingly Street because really, who doesn’t love tacos? So I headed in that direction but then I thought “Wait! Rambla! Fay gave it five stars! Maybe they’re open.” So I wandered down Dean Street until I found it — hard to miss, it’s cerulean blue — just south of Dean Street Townhouse — and it was like 11:50 am (Sorry, I will always like to eat at 12) and all the blinds were closed BUT I could tell there were people inside.

Was Rambla open? What should I do? Tacos? Or Rambla? Rambla or tacos? I checked the Rambla website and — and my memory now is hazy — it either didn’t list the hours at all OR said they didn’t open til dinner. So I checked OpenTable. OpenTable was taking bookings but not til 5:15 pm. And then I checked Google. Google said Rambla was closed. So I checked Facebook. Facebook said that Rambla would open at 12. I chose to believe Facebook.

But really, maybe I should start a business where I manage restaurant websites and information.

Around 12:05 pm, the blinds came up and the door opened. I stepped inside. “Are you open?” I asked, in a hopeful manner. “Of course we are!” the team responded. I explained the different answers I saw on different websites. The team looked a little panicked. “But we’ve been getting OpenTable reservations for today!” I whipped out my phone. I tried to make a booking. I showed them the screen. “According to this, you’re not open til dinner.”

I don’t think we realize the impact OpenTable has on the restaurant industry. If you’re a restaurant that’s not on OpenTable, you will miss out. No one has the scale that they do. (Even though they totally suck in other ways — really, if you want to support the restaurant industry, book direct.) So for a new restaurant like Rambla, failing to update their hours on OpenTable must have cost them a few lunch bookings on their first Sunday lunch. Awks.

I was shown to a table at the window — luckily, most of Rambla’s tables are window tables and in fact, I might argue that Rambla has some of the best windows on Soho of any restaurant in the area. The windows wrap half the north-facing wall as well as the east Dean Street side. On a sunny afternoon, it’s really delightful. Big and bright.

The decor is also delightful. Hipster beach! I love it. There’s something calming about the colors (blue, orange) and textures  (wood, metal). Although personally, I think they could have done a better job with the floors. (Some gaps. Be careful if you’re in heels.)

The food, however, was just…good. Granted I am just one person and granted I only tried three dishes and granted one of those dishes was free (the croquetas). BUT! I wanted salt. Everything needed just a tiny smidge of salt.

Let’s start with the highlight — the supremely autumnal sea bass with Jerusalem artichoke soubise and port poached salsify. The sea bass was excellently prepared with a nice crispy bit of skin and the artichoke soubise made it like fall (i.e. autumn) on a plate. BUT…I just wanted a tiny bit of salt.

The lowlight? The escalivada, which normally I love. No smoke, very little garlic, no salt. Finally, I asked for some salt and they brought me enough salt for a dinner party of eight. I almost considered dumping the remaining salt into my purse because it was very nice salt but I didn’t.

The somewhere in between? The spinach croquetas. Which were free because I had asked how many croquetas were in an order and my server said four and I made a sad face and he said not to worry, they would make me two. The two were delivered, breast-like, with compliments. BUT. Cold in the middle. Pretty darn good but cold in the middle. And again — just like the other day — existential crisis. Do I complain? Do I complain about something that is free? (Or uh, do I wait to write about it on my website?  Only six people read my website these days –Hi dad look I didn’t mention champagne! — so that’s fine.)

So not five stars in my book. Maybe four, rounded up? 3.75 more for atmosphere than the rest.

The Verdict: Go because it is CHEAP and THE WINDOWS on a sunny afternoon. I haven’t talked about the prices and they are so cheap that I’m kinda like WTF. Why is this so cheap. (Isn’t Soho rent like a bajillion dollars these days?) Also, the staff is very nice and I like the disco loo mirror and the disco sink mirror but they need a hook on the back of the loo door.

The post Rambla, Soho first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

Macellaio, AKA That Italian place I can’t pronounce.

Guys, I really like this place. Apart from the loos, which could use a refresh. One side of the space is a restaurant, the other a small bar. The menu is a relatively good value. Beef carpaccio for £5! The staff is pretty nice if a little disorganized, and well, I just like it here. But there’s never anyone here when I visit which is a little weird, although I’ve only been at lunch. (Compare their emptiness with the hopping yet supremely average Santore down the strip.)

Macellaio bills themselves as an Italian butcher and maybe that’s the thing — Italian and butchery don’t fit together in my American head. That’s fine though — you can get used to anything right? (There are a very small number of pasta dishes on the menu — 3? 4?) Apparently, this is a chain — I had no idea.

Each time I’ve been, I’ve had the same thing — the £5 beef carpaccio and the maccheroni with meat sauce. They really specialize in steaks so I know I should try one but I just haven’t gotten around to that yet. Sometimes (most of the times?), I just want some CARBS for lunch. (Never been much of a steak person.)

Note with their wine list — half the wines come from their own winery, which I think is kinda cool.

Don’t bring your vegetarian friends here though because there are VERY LARGE hunks of meat on display. Like very large.

The Verdict: I like it here. Maybe you will too. Marina did.

The post Macellaio, Exmouth Market first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.

There must be something wrong with me. I read all these restaurant reviews online and no one ever seems to have the experiences I do. Where the service is off, or where staff members say weird things to me or spray noxious cleaning fluids in my direction. (!!!) What is it??? Do I talk to the staff to the much? Do I eat at the bar too much? Or are the rest of you just too kind? (Which I am guilty of as well, as you’ll see.) I don’t understand it really.

I like the original Smoking Goat on Denmark Street quite a lot so was excited to hear about the new one on the corner of Shoreditch High Street and Redchurch Street.

You know, where the titty (tittie?) bar used to be.

It’s almost unrecognizable now. (Not that I had been before!) I kinda knew going it that lunch for one was going to be tough here (SHARING PLATES) but I was up for the challenge. I had skipped breakfast specifically so I could order either the drunken noodles or the massaman goat. My friendly server warned that the drunken noodles would be almost too large, but the goat was possibly manageable.

“And I can take the rest home,” I said. “Yes, you can. But not the rice.”

Jesus Christ, I thought to myself. If there a London rice conspiracy going on? No one in London wants me to have rice. My server then went on to explain that the chances of getting food poisoning from reheated rice were EXTREMELY HIGH. I researched this with the NHS and she is extremely correct.

How many times, Krista?? How many times have I reheated the rice? I cannot believe I have made it this far in life, given how much reheated rice I’ve eaten. Never again!

I ordered the goat anyhow and tucked it — tender, flavorful, peanuty. If anything, it could have been more peanuty because there’s never enough peanut in my world. (SO American!) Also, do you know what’s underappreciated? A massaman POTATO. So delicious. Everything was right with everything and I was supremely content and happy UNTIL…

One of the servers got out the spray bottle of cleaning fluid and decided to aggressively spray down the counter in front of me while I was eating. For the love of God. I was about half-way done at this point and as misty sprtizes of cleaning spray settled all around, I considered my Massaman Ammonia Goat Curry and debated what to do.

Do I say something? Do I say something? Do I keep eating the goat? How much cleaning fluid was there anyhow? Would I die? (I mean, if reheated rice can kill me, so can cleaning products in my food.) Surely, they must know that they shouldn’t spray down the counters with cleaning fluid in front of people eating?? (Look at all these other people complaining about this on the internet here and here and here.)

Although sometimes I fight for myself, sometimes, my friends, I’m just so tired. I ate a bit more (!), finished my drink and got my bill.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the Aesop thing. So while I was sitting there debating my Massaman Ammonia Goat, one staff member walked up to another staff member and handed them a bottle of Aesop hand soap. The receiver of the soap shook the bottle up and down and accepted it with a smile. I thought…”Aesop! Classy! But that’s weird. Resurrection is hard to shake.” (I spent an hour in the Aesop in Soho earlier this summer with my friend Laura . We tried everything, and much money was spent.)

Before I left Smoking Goat, I went to the loo. There was a bottle of Aesop that was maybe 1/8 full of supremely watered down Resurrection.

The Verdict: Get the goat! It’s really good. But don’t eat at the bar! Also, maybe bring your own hand wash.

The post Smoking Goat, Shoreditch first appeared on Passport Delicious | Solo Travel Blog | Solo Female Travel.