London
Day 1
Day 2
10:00AM
Timmy Green
Westminster location. Great spot to grab brunch before heading to the Changing of the Guards
11:30AM
Westminster Abbey & Big Ben
Where the royals get married. So much history!
1:00PM
London Eye
Very cool to go up and see all of London. Show your students visa for a discount.
3:00PM
High Tea
Check list for recs!
5:00PM
Harrods
Iconic London department store. Has a sick food hall and the toy store is insane.
6:00PM
Head to hotel to relax
8:00PM
Bancone
Amazing dinner option! Get the cheese bites and literally any pasta.
9:30PM
Flight Club (Bloomsbury) or The Royal George (Soho)
either good options to pre game.
11:00AM
Borough Market
Among one of our favorite markets in London! Check our our Market list for recs!!
1:30PM
Crown Jewels & Tower of London
See the amazing jewels belonging to the royals and visit the creepy tower. Good opportunity to take iconic Tower Bridge pic.
3:00PM
Covent Garden
Amazing area with cute shops and restaurants. If you are hungry head over to Avobar for great light lunch options. Get Ben's cookies! Check out Neal's Yard for great Insta pics
8:30PM
Sushi Samba
So fun and actually really good sushi! We like to Covent Garden location.
11:30PM
Koko
Awesome venue that’s an old theater. If there’s a well known DJ it’s very cool.
Multi Locations/Chain
Covent Garden
Kensington
Fitzrovia
Soho & Marylebone
Mayfair
Notting Hill
Knightsbridge & Chelsea
Chinatown
Westminster
Desserts & Snacks
Multi Locations/Chain
Arome
V
VE
DF
Cute bakery known for their honey butter toast but the croissants are great too!
Bill's
V
VE
GF
DF
Has lots of locations. Get the avocado toast! Great food for the price.
Rating: 8.5/10
Rating: 8.5/10
$$
Menu
Beam
V
VE
GF
DF
Yummiest brunch. We like the Notting Hill location. Get the breakfast burrito!
$$
Menu
Cecconi's
V
VE
GF
The best pasta! They have locations in Shoreditch and Mayfair so make sure you are booking at the desired location.
Rating: 9.5/10
Rating: 9.5/10
$$$
Menu
Drunch
V
VE
GF
DF
Get the fresh fruit, hummus, avo toast and avocado salad. Probably don't need reservations.
$$
Menu
Dishoom
V
VE
GF
DF
Indian. Literally hottest restaurant in London right now. Need to either wait in line or book in advance for 6 people or more. So worth it! Get every naan, chicken tikka, samosa and broccoli salad. It can get spicy!
$$
Menu
Din Thai Fung
V
On everyone's "must try" list! Not to be missed! Must get the soup dumplings! Has a couple locations but Covent Garden likely the most convenient. Need to reserve in advance.
$$ - $$$
Website
Farm Girl
V
VE
GF
Great for brunch! Gorgeous lattes. Also good for people with food allergies.
$$
Menu
Granger & Co
V
VE
GF
DF
Brunch vibes. Eggs & stuff! We loved their chopped salad (you can add chicken and avo), scrambled eggs and try the schnitzel!
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
$$
Menu
The Ivy
V
VE
GF
DF
A favorite among abroad students. There are a bunch of locations but we like the Covent Garden location. Def a little higher end and you need to dress the part. They have a sick brunch but come dressed for that too! Has a bunch of locations.
$$$
Menu
Homeslice Pizza
V
VE
Chain but good pizza, huge slices, thin crust. Open till 10PM Sun-Wed, open till 11PM Thu-Sat.
$
Menu
Elliot's
V
GF
Has two options but we love the one by Borough Market. Everything cooked on a wood fired grill. Even has a vegan menu. Get the pizza!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Where The Pancakes Are
V
VE
GF
DF
The BOMB. All they have is pancakes but the savory ones with onions and cheese are soooo good. Sweet ones are also sick. They have cool toppings like basil marshmallows, and banana nutella praline etc.
$$
Reserve Now
Sticks & Sushi
V
VE
GF
DF
Chain but very good quality. Artichoke and black miso cod sticks are unreal and we are fans of the salmon.
Rating: 8.5/10
Rating: 8.5/10
$$
Menu
Sushi Samba
V
VE
GF
DF
Great food and really fun! Good for a birthday. Has more than one location and both are great!
$$ - $$$
Menu
The Real Greek
V
VE
GF
Great, affordable Greek in London. Do not miss! Food served on little towers. Good for lunch or dinner
$$
Menu
Covent Garden
Ave Mario
V
VE
GF
DF
Great Italian! A little pricey but great food and vibe. Part of Big Mamma group. Got mixed reviews (June 2023)
$$ - $$$
Menu
Giovanni's Covent Garden
V
VE
GF
The chef and owner serve you. It's adorable. It's tiny and has all these photos of celebs who have visited.
$$
Menu
Kensington
Comptoir Libanais
V
VE
GF
Lebanese food near South Kensington Station. Insane Mediterranean food.
$$
Menu
Da Mario
V
VE
GF
Famous italian where Princess Di used to go. Get the rigatoni con broccoli (fan fave).
$$
Menu
Fitzrovia
Circolo Popolare
V
GF
DF
A bit pricey but delicious. Get pizza bread, burrata, truffle pasta YUM.
$$
Menu
Lavelle Coffee
V
VE
GF
Great for lunch. Get the spinach wrap with chickpeas and carrots. So so good
$$
Menu
Sushi Atelier
V
GF
Good sushi and affordable. Best priced Omakase. Get the pickles to start. They have a great lunch special.
$$
Menu
Soho & Marylebone
Delamina
V
VE
GF
DF
Incredible Greek. Must go! Get the tabouli salad, cauliflower and hummus, chicken and salmon.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Fallow
V
GF
Amazing! Must get the mushroom parfait and the burger. You need reservations. Has a Michelin star
$$ - $$$
Menu
Harry's Bar
V
GF
DF
A favorite of one of our fall '23 Ambassadors. Not to be missed Italian in London!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Mountain
V
Has a variety to choose from so good if you are with people with different food tastes. Ambiance was very cool. We got the oysters, grilled sobrassada, spider crab omelette, wild mushrooms and ribeye.
Rating: 8.5/10
Rating: 8.5/10
$$$
Menu
La Bodega Negra
V
GF
Delish Mexican in soho. Cool underground vibes. Good to go before night out.
$$
Reserve Now
Supernova
DF
AMAZING burgers. There is always a line but totally worth it. Basically a smash burger
$ - $$
Website
Mayfair
Isabel Mayfair
V
VE
GF
A little on the expensive side but eclectic menu and great vibe. Has a sick brunch on Sundays.
$$$
Menu
Goodman Steakhouse
V
GF
Great to go with parents. Classic steakhouse but they have truffle mac and cheese so a must visit! They have additional locations
$$ - $$$
Menu
The Ivy Asia
V
GF
Great Japanese food. Majorly instagram worthy interiors. Get the chocolate bomb dessert omg.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Sexy Fish
V
GF
Famous sushi in Mayfair. Super cool vibe. Club atmosphere and it turns into a party Thursday through Sunday. Get the tofu salad, mushroom tempura chips, prawn gyoza & king crab sushi. They have a great lunch special if you are dying to go but don't want to spend on dinner!
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
$$ - $$$
Menu
Park Chinois
V
VE
GF
Upscale Chinese! Great place with great vibes. Get the ribs and waygu beef dumplings!!
$$$
Menu
Notting Hill
Daylesford Organic Market & Cafe
V
VE
GF
DF
Has amazing fresh fruit and pastries and delicious wraps. The cafe is above the market and there is a small decor shop below. So cute! They have other locations as well!
$$ - $$$
Website
Zephyr
V
GF
New addition and we are obsessed! Order from the tasting menu so you can share everything, although they do have set menus. It is Greek inspired and just delicious!
Rating: 10/10 (the truffle potatoes!!)
Rating: 10/10 (the truffle potatoes!!)
$$$
Menu
Knightsbridge & Chelsea
Manicomio
V
GF
Cute and delicious spot in Chelsea. Italian cuisine with amazing staff and totally affordable.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Chinatown
Westminster
Timmy Green London
V
GF
DF
Great brunch or lunch option near Buckingham Palace! They have other locations throughout London.
$ - $$
Menu
Palm House
Near Westminster and Hyde Park, this restaurant offers bottomless margaritas, tacos, and fries on Friday nights. They also have a DJ and a photo booth. Really fun for a big group!
$$
Menu
Desserts & Snacks
Snog
GF
Really cool and somewhat healthy Fro-yo. It is fat free and sweetened with agave. Sooooo yum
$ - $$
Website
Markets/Food Halls
Markets/Food Halls
Camden Market
V
VE
GF
DF
Popular option for lunch and to shop all the vintage.
Must get:
*The Mac & Cheese from the Mac Factory (best mac ever!)
*Bastas Falafel
*Cheesy Naan Melts
*7th Heaven Dutch Pancakes
*Arepa Brothers
*The Cheese Wheel for the truffle pasta!
They hand out a ton of samples so you can try stuff without purchasing. Opens at 10AM daily
Must get:
*The Mac & Cheese from the Mac Factory (best mac ever!)
*Bastas Falafel
*Cheesy Naan Melts
*7th Heaven Dutch Pancakes
*Arepa Brothers
*The Cheese Wheel for the truffle pasta!
They hand out a ton of samples so you can try stuff without purchasing. Opens at 10AM daily
$
Website
Borough Market
V
VE
GF
DF
Sooo good. We rate this #2 market to visit.
Must get:
*Strawberries with chocolate (they give out samples if you don't want the whole cup)
*The Ginger Pig for sausage rolls (this is AMAZING!)
*The Black Pig for the insane pulled pork sandwiches (truffle honey and truffle parmesan - yum!)
*Wyndham House for their chicken wrap
*Tiramisu Latte from Cup + Lid
*Famous mushroom risotto (they give out free samples)
*The Bath Dairy for their insane mac-n-cheese (although we are partial to the Mac Factory)
*Bread Alone for their donuts. Def try the creme brulee but we loved the raspberry cheesecake too!
Open 10-5, Tue-Fri, 9-5 Saturday and 10-4 Sunday. Closed Mondays
Must get:
*Strawberries with chocolate (they give out samples if you don't want the whole cup)
*The Ginger Pig for sausage rolls (this is AMAZING!)
*The Black Pig for the insane pulled pork sandwiches (truffle honey and truffle parmesan - yum!)
*Wyndham House for their chicken wrap
*Tiramisu Latte from Cup + Lid
*Famous mushroom risotto (they give out free samples)
*The Bath Dairy for their insane mac-n-cheese (although we are partial to the Mac Factory)
*Bread Alone for their donuts. Def try the creme brulee but we loved the raspberry cheesecake too!
Open 10-5, Tue-Fri, 9-5 Saturday and 10-4 Sunday. Closed Mondays
$
Website
Seven Dials Market
V
VE
GF
DF
Must get:
*Yum bun pork boa buns
*El Pollote fried chicken (which is gluten free)
*Pick & Cheese for their cheese conveyer belt!
*Osh Paz dumplings (they have vegetarian options!)
*Soft Serve Society and try the charcoal coconut flavor
*Hash Hut and get the mini's
We recommend this more for those living in London.
Open 11AM-10PM Mon & Tues, 11AM-11PM Wed-Sat and 11AM-9PM Sunday
*Yum bun pork boa buns
*El Pollote fried chicken (which is gluten free)
*Pick & Cheese for their cheese conveyer belt!
*Osh Paz dumplings (they have vegetarian options!)
*Soft Serve Society and try the charcoal coconut flavor
*Hash Hut and get the mini's
We recommend this more for those living in London.
Open 11AM-10PM Mon & Tues, 11AM-11PM Wed-Sat and 11AM-9PM Sunday
$
Website
Old Spitalfields Market
V
VE
GF
DF
Favorite Market!!! So many great food options and very well organized.
Must get:
*Dirty Bagels for pulled pork
*Dumpling Shack for pan fried pork soup dumplings
*Sud Pizza for folded pizza from Napoli
*Bleeker Burger for the juiciest burger
*Fen Hand Pulled Noodles for
*Melt - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with the tomato soup dip!
*Humble Crumble for their famous desserts
Big for kids living in London for the semester but we love it for a weekend visit too! .
Open 8AM-11PM Mon-Fri and 9AM-11PM Sat and Sunday.
Must get:
*Dirty Bagels for pulled pork
*Dumpling Shack for pan fried pork soup dumplings
*Sud Pizza for folded pizza from Napoli
*Bleeker Burger for the juiciest burger
*Fen Hand Pulled Noodles for
*Melt - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with the tomato soup dip!
*Humble Crumble for their famous desserts
Big for kids living in London for the semester but we love it for a weekend visit too! .
Open 8AM-11PM Mon-Fri and 9AM-11PM Sat and Sunday.
$
Website
Brick Lane Vintage Market
V
VE
GF
DF
Great spot for thrifting. We love Serotonin Vintage and Myth & Mayhem. It is literally a warehouse of different vintage booths. Could spend hours here!
On the weekends they have the best food stands. Highly recommend Yum Yum Street, which is dairy and gluten free Chinese. Open 11AM-6:30PM Mon-Fri, 11AM-6PM Saturday and 10AM-6PM Sunday
Rating: 9.3/1o
On the weekends they have the best food stands. Highly recommend Yum Yum Street, which is dairy and gluten free Chinese. Open 11AM-6:30PM Mon-Fri, 11AM-6PM Saturday and 10AM-6PM Sunday
Rating: 9.3/1o
Portobello Road
Vintage goods, street eats, souvenirs & more on offer at a bustling weekly market. Located near the Notting Hill tube. If you like flea markets, there is no better than here! Open 9AM-6PM Mon-Wed, 9AM-1PM Thursday, 9AM-9PM Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays. Most people think Saturday is the best day to go.
$
Location
Mercato Metropolitano
V
VE
GF
DF
Great option for a food hall. Lots to choose from! Has a few locations but we like the Mayfair one!
$$
Website
Sights & Museums
Sights & Museums
Abbey Road
Iconic Beatles moment in St. Johns Wood.
British Museum
Very big museum. Has many artifacts and the Rosetta Stone! Free entry but book your entry time online.
Buckingham Palace
Changing of the Guards is at 11am every other day. Nearest tube is Green Park where you can walk through the gardens leading to the palace!
Churchill War Rooms
For the history buffs. amazing depiction of Churchill's reign as Prime Minister. Need to order weekend tickets in advance.
Crown Jewels & Tower of London
A little off the beaten path but the jewels are sick and the Tower is pretty creepy plus the Tower Bridge is right there for a great photo op! Make sure to buy tickets in advance.
Hyde Park
In nice weather rent a Santander bike and ride around the park
Somerset House
Huge complex near the Strand and overlooking the Thames. There's a museum there (Courtauld) and also ice skating in the winter!
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath
Spend the day exploring these incredible sights with an expert guide. This is an all day excursion.
Tours & Activities
Neighborhoods
Tours & Activities
Buckingham Palace Tour
Check out the incredible State Rooms and learn the hidden history of the Royals!
Bike Tour
We love this tour because the groups are small, the guides are fun and the experience is unique!
Food Tours
Combine food and history while you soak up a London you would normally never get to know!
Harrods
London’s high end department store. The toy section is magical. Stop and get a snack in the Food Hall.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
If you have a couple extra days in London this tour gets high praise!
Jack The Ripper Walking Tour
Extremely popular! Retrace the footsteps of Jack the Ripper on a walking tour with Ripper-Vision, an innovative hand-held projector that helps to immerse you in the atmosphere of Victorian London.
Mamma Mia! The Party
Soooooo fun! Great option to celebrate a birthday. We heard that was is lacking in the food is made up for in the fun! Need tickets
Pub Crawl
You already know that London has some of the best pubs but let an experienced tour guide show you the ACTUAL best ones!
Selfridges
HUGE department store on Oxford Street. A bit more affordable than Harrods and has more hype beast stuff
Tootbus London Tour
Very fun and stress free way to see the city! Explore London at your own pace by and use the app to figure out where you can pick up your bus. Our ambassador recommends the yellow line!
Tottenham Hotspur Skywalk
Checkout the London skyline from this heart-stopping skywalk! We heard it is pretty amazing!! Try The Edge feature for true adventure seekers.
Wembley Stadium Tour
Get an inside look and guided tour of London's famous sport and concert stadium!
West End Shows
London is the absolute best place to see theater in Europe. They have ALL of the Broadway shows and a bunch that aren’t even in NY yet.
Tours of Westminster, Tower of London and more!
Lots to choose from to see all the best sights in one day!
Neighborhoods
Chelsea
Great place to wander near Kensington. Check out the sick shoe store that sells Air Jordans.
Covent Garden
Great shopping spot, also has great cafes and Neal’s Yard, a secret street very instagramable.
Notting Hill
Cute area with colorful houses and the site of the movie. Portobello market is here every weekend.
Shoreditch
Best thrifting in London. Brick Lane thrift market is HUGE. Right next door is a designer vintage store with Moncler, Balenciaga, Off White, etc.
B Bakery’s Tea on a Bus
OMG so fun and cute and you see so much of London. A MUST!
The Berkeley
Famous Paris chef Cedric Grolet. Can book a table for tea. Pastries are beyond adorable and stylized. On the expensive side.
Claridges
Very iconic high tea experience! Approx £110 per person.
The Corinthia
In a five star hotel. Very British but great experience. Food fine.
Rating: 7.5/10
Rating: 7.5/10
Sketch
So this is the place EVERYONE talks about and it is actually amazing BUT it is sooo expensive at €75 pp. Book the pink room. You definitely need reservations. Visit the bathrooms! And if you want to check out Sketch but don't want to spend on the tea you can go for a drink in the Parlour.
Rating: 8/10
Rating: 8/10
Tiffany Blue Box
At Harrods. Tiffany & Co themed. So cute. On the expensive side.
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
Vicinity
Great views of Tower Bridge. Very affordable. Good for drinks too!
The Wolseley
Great traditional option for those on a budget!! You have the option to just do tea and scones for £19.50 or the full tea for £44.50. They will let you share the tower of treats and then add an extra tea.
Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
A traditional tea experience at Fortnum & Mason department store. Very pretty room and extensive tea selection. They also offer different menus including savory, vegetarian and gluten free. The scones were great but we didn't love the desserts!
ABBA Voyage
Incredible show in an amazing theater. If you love their music or love Mamma Mia this is the show for you! It is out of the city so leave time to commute. Great activity with parents!
Football
Or as we like to think of it... soccer. Lots of amazing matches! A lot of students do this at least once and rate it very high on their abroad bucket lists!
Rating: 9.5/10
Rating: 9.5/10
Magic Mike
So fun for a GNO! Written and directed by Channing Tatum. So fun.
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
Matilda!
If you haven't yet seen this iconic production do not miss amazing show while on London's West End!
Plaza Suite
For the SJP, Sex and the City fans. Sarah Jessica Parker and matthew Broderik reprise their roles but in the West End. Only until March 31, 2024
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tour
Step behind the scenes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on this immersive, self-guided experience. Walk in the footsteps of your favourite players and learn how the stadium has been designed to create one of the best matchday experiences in the world.
Wembley Stadium
England vs Belgium Football - March 26
Taylor Swift - June 21-23 and Aug 15-17
Bruce Springsteen - July 25 & 27
Taylor Swift - June 21-23 and Aug 15-17
Bruce Springsteen - July 25 & 27
Wicked
AMAZING! So fun and the costumes were insane. They also had concessions to your seat which was awesome!
Rating: 9.2/10
Rating: 9.2/10
Covent Garden
Fitzrovia
Other Recommended Areas
Covent Garden
The Fielding Hotel
Double room, approx $332 per night, pp.
Travel Lodge
Standard double approx $92 pp, per night
Wilde Aparthotels
Double room, approx $196.50 per night, pp, Apartment style.
Fitzrovia
Airbnb - Fitzrovia
Recommended by our Spring ambassador. Nice and clean, has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Approx €240 per night.
Holiday Inn Londons Regents Park
Double room, approx $165.50 per night, pp.
Hub Premier Goodge Street
Double room, approx $200 per night, pp.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton
Double room, approx $160 per night, pp. This is a great option if it is in your price range.
Other Recommended Areas
The Zedwell - Multi locations
Got great reviews from our Spring'24 ambassador. Has a bunch of different room options. Some or pretty tiny. The bunk room (sleeps 8) is approx $305 per night. They also have smaller room options. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! She stayed in the Picadilly location. Please add the code GTGABROAD at checkout to get your 15% discount at all locations!
Z Hotels
The have a few locations in good areas around London! Double room, approx $100 per night, pp. Add code GTGABROAD1024 at checkout for a 10% discount!
Onefam Notting Hill Hostel
Very highly rated hostel in a popular area. Good for solo travelers. Standard double private, $97 pp, per night or standard bunk room (mixed) $179 for 3 nights.
Onefam Waterloo
Great location and a fun atmosphere. May not be for someone who wants a quieter atmosphere. Private double approx $119 per night, per person or mixed 3 bed dorm room approx $87.50 per night.
CitizenM - Tower of London
Doubles approx $100 pp, per night
Karma Sanctum - Soho
Double room, approx $169 per night, pp
Leicester Square - Victory House
Double room, approx $124 per night, pp
St Anthans Hotel - Bloomsbury
Double room, approx $63 per night, pp
Travel Lodge Central
A newer Travel Lodge in a great location. Has a modern and clean atmosphere. Standard rooms (sleep 2), approx $60 per person, per night.
H10 London Waterloo
Not in the heart of it all but a great, clean hotel with easy access to public transport and an easy ride to/from Gatwick. Doubles approx $105 per night, per person.
Bars & Clubs
Bars
Clubs
Bars & Clubs
Bars
Boxpark
They have an outside roof bar area. So fun and great frozen drinks. Good place to watch a game with locals.
The Exmouth Arms
Good local pub with a great vibe. Sometimes there is a DJ. Great for a pre game.
Flight Club
Multiple locations. Great place to pre game. The one in Holborn is circus-themed
Lamb & Flag Pub
Cool spot that used to be a hangout for Charles Dickens! In Covent Garden
Mr. Fogg's
Multiple Locations. Classy atmosphere. Cool drink options. Each location is a unique experience. For instance the Mayfair location has a magician on Wednesday's, a DJ on Fri/Sat from 10pm-2am and a murder mystery on Saturday afternoons. The Shaftsbury location is the lease expensive and has beer on tap.
The Oscar Bar
Part of the Charlotte Street Hotel. Good for happy hour with friends. Sit outside to people watch. Great drinks!
Passyunk Avenue
A few locations. Philly sports bar owned by Americans. Good for watching American sporting events. Has classic American bar food
The Royal George
In a good area (Soho), Great drinks! The downstairs has a cool small bar and a stage. Good to pre-game.
Sketch
So a life hack we just learned is if you want to checkout Sketch but don't want to spend on the afternoon tea you can get a drink in the Parlour Room (drinks aren't cheap but still less than the tea!). They have live music on Tues/Thu and a DJ all other nights. Two drinks will run you about £60 (but the tea will be £75 per person!)
Swift Soho
Very cool cocktail bar with good a vibe. Rated in the top 50 bars in the world.
Wetherspoons
Chain pubs throughout london. Very cheap drinks (get the pitchers).
Clubs
B London
More of a "boutique" club. Has live music and is popular with abroad students.
Ballie Ballerson
Sick vibes. There is a tree made of string lights that you can walk through and free face painting. Drinks were SICK (got a skittles cocktail and a chocolate alcoholic MILKSHAKE) Has a sick ball pit, try to buy advanced tickets. Super fun
KOKO
Old theater transformed into a night club. Very cool and fun and has four different levels. Tables for VIP are on the stage and behind the DJ, very cool.
Ministry Of Sound
Famous club in London. Has a bunch of different rooms playing different music. Get a table with friends because not too $$ and you get free shots and a bottle and a VIP bar. Go Tuesdays!
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
Good To Know
Living Set Up
LSE Summer Visits
Navigating
Faves
Shopping!
Good To Know
1. The Uk uses the British £ not the Euro €
2. Take the tube everywhere! It is so easy!
3. It takes a little to get used to being in such a HUGE city.
4. You need a different converter than you would use in any city outside the UK.
2. Take the tube everywhere! It is so easy!
3. It takes a little to get used to being in such a HUGE city.
4. You need a different converter than you would use in any city outside the UK.
Living Set Up
Primark
There are Primark's throughout Europe. Good for all your home basics. Oxford St location is the biggest.
Groceries
Macro Food Centre - good produce
Wholefoods - the one and only
Bayley and Sage - great fresh produce
Sansbury - more budget friendly
Wholefoods - the one and only
Bayley and Sage - great fresh produce
Sansbury - more budget friendly
LSE Summer Visits
Insider Info
*We like High Holborn if you can get it!
*The LSE dorms provide sheets and towels.
*Like most dorms, they frown upon overnight visitors so be aware when planning guest visits.
*There is no AC so a fan (or 2!) are essential!
*The LSE dorms provide sheets and towels.
*Like most dorms, they frown upon overnight visitors so be aware when planning guest visits.
*There is no AC so a fan (or 2!) are essential!
Navigating
Trains
Like most cities you can use Trainline to map out where you want to go from London. Paris and Amsterdam happen to be very easy to get to via train.
Faves
Lunch
Sushi Atelier (lunch special)
Joe and the Juice - great for light, quick bites.
Sushi Dog
Zaha Grill - Cava vibes
The food court at Brick Lane on weekends sooo good
See full lunch list on London page
Joe and the Juice - great for light, quick bites.
Sushi Dog
Zaha Grill - Cava vibes
The food court at Brick Lane on weekends sooo good
See full lunch list on London page
Dinner
Carlotta
Lina Stores Soho
Fumo
Harrods Food Court
The Ivy Asia
Supernova - Amazing burger place. There is always a line but worth it!
See full dinner list on London page
Lina Stores Soho
Fumo
Harrods Food Court
The Ivy Asia
Supernova - Amazing burger place. There is always a line but worth it!
See full dinner list on London page
Bars & Nightlife
Simmon’s - so many locations best for pregaming
Stereo - live music then turns into DJ
Dirty bones bar
Cafe Royal
Swift soho
Ministry of Sound - EDM heavy
NQ64 (arcade bar so cool)
Passyunk Avenue - good spot to watch American sports
See full nightlife list on London page
Stereo - live music then turns into DJ
Dirty bones bar
Cafe Royal
Swift soho
Ministry of Sound - EDM heavy
NQ64 (arcade bar so cool)
Passyunk Avenue - good spot to watch American sports
See full nightlife list on London page
Shopping!
Local Favorites
Selfridges
Good Hood Shoreditch
Dover Street Market
Brick Lane vintage (underground)
Spitalfields Market
Serotonin Vintage
Portobello Road flea market
Vintage Threads Covent Garden
Good Hood Shoreditch
Dover Street Market
Brick Lane vintage (underground)
Spitalfields Market
Serotonin Vintage
Portobello Road flea market
Vintage Threads Covent Garden
Workouts
Hair
Nails
Brows
Workouts
Barry's London Soho
Great workout and has the smoothie bar which is always a great perk!
Puppy Yoga
Not your traditional yoga class but its like a therapy session for your soul! They do different events besides yoga!
Hair
Daniel Galvin at Selfridges
Nice salon located in Selfridges. Supposedly good for color too.
Ted's Grooming Room
Great option for guys. Affiliated with Ted Baker. Has a bunch of locations
Nails
Brows
London With Family!
Below please find a small selection of some of our favorite hotels, activities and restaurants that may be great to enjoy when family visits.
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
Lodging
1 Hotel Mayfair
Luxury hotel overlooking Green Park. Has an eco-friendly vibe with modern design.
Charlotte Street Hotel
Charlotte Street Hotel is situated in lively Fitzrovia just north of Soho, close to London's theatre district, bars, restaurants and shopping. Great location for the more active visitor.
The Berkeley
This luxurious hotel is close to Harrods, Kensington Park and Knightsbridge. Has a modern-luxury feel to the aesthetic.
Marylebone Hotel
Great location in the center of town with four-star luxury throughout the property.
The Beaumont
Located in the West End. This is a beautifully appointed five-star option in a great location
Duke's Mayfair
Very British feel to it (in a good way)! Very nice four-star option. In the heart of Mayfair.
Activity Ideas
What Betsy Recommends!
Some fun, interactive and memorable activities that are great to do with families!
*Tea at Sketch
*Food tour of Spitalfield’s market
*Jack The Ripper Tour
*Visit the National Gallery of Art (free activity)
*Day trip to Windsor Castle
*See ABBA Voyage!
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
*Tea at Sketch
*Food tour of Spitalfield’s market
*Jack The Ripper Tour
*Visit the National Gallery of Art (free activity)
*Day trip to Windsor Castle
*See ABBA Voyage!
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
Dining Musts
*Chiltern Firehouse - Let us help get you into this incredibly hard-to-get, Michelin starred restaurant!
*Ivy Soho Brasserie - Arguably not to be missed when visiting. Can't make it to dinner? Go for their amazing brunch!
*Hawksmoor - Go not just for the steak but for the great cocktails and amazing location!
*The Wolseley - A favorite any time of day, even tea time!
*Dishoom - Not a fan of Indian food..? Doesn't matter! One of London's most hard to get reservations should be on everyone's must eat list!
Contact SmartFlyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in London!
*Ivy Soho Brasserie - Arguably not to be missed when visiting. Can't make it to dinner? Go for their amazing brunch!
*Hawksmoor - Go not just for the steak but for the great cocktails and amazing location!
*The Wolseley - A favorite any time of day, even tea time!
*Dishoom - Not a fan of Indian food..? Doesn't matter! One of London's most hard to get reservations should be on everyone's must eat list!
Contact SmartFlyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in London!