A local’s guide to London
There’s nowhere quite like London, where centuries of history and quirky British traditions sit alongside a wonderfully diverse mix of people, places and experiences. With so many royal landmarks, lively markets and fascinating neighbourhoods to explore, knowing where to begin can feel a little daunting. That’s where a little insider knowledge comes in.
The local’s guide to London has been carefully curated by our woman on the ground, Julie Falconer, the award-winning travel writer behind the blog ‘A Lady in London’. She’s covered nearly every inch of the capital on her explorations and has put together this handy three-day itinerary, featured in our No Fuss London guidebook, blending well-known attractions with lesser-known corners to give you a uniquely local perspective.
Tower Bridge and The Shard
A local’s guide to London: Day One
Morning
Our local’s guide to London begins with coffee and pastries at Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market – the perfect way to ease into a morning of exploring. One of the capital’s largest and oldest markets, it dates to at least the 12th century and is now home to stalls selling everything from sourdough bread to British cheeses. It’s a delicious introduction to the city!
From here, head towards Tower Bridge for a stroll along the South Bank to Waterloo Bridge. There’s plenty to catch your eye along this stretch of the Thames, with views of St Paul’s Cathedral across the water and cultural favourites like Tate Modern and the Royal Festival Hall along the way.
St Paul's Cathedral
Afternoon
From Waterloo Bridge, pop down to Lower Marsh for lunch at Roti King, known for its Malaysian and Singaporean street food. The flaky roti canai is hard to beat! Afterwards, return to the South Bank and wander past the London Eye towards Westminster Bridge. You’ll have lovely views across the river to the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben.
Across the bridge, explore Parliament Square before visiting Westminster Abbey, where you’ll find memorials to Shakespeare and the Brontë sisters among its many tributes. Nearby Dean’s Yard is worth a look, too. This peaceful quadrangle, surrounded by historic buildings and the famous Westminster School, offers a quieter corner of Westminster to explore.
Houses of Parliament
Evening
Head to the West End for an evening of good food and entertainment. Start with dinner at Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, which has been serving British classics since 1798. Game is a speciality here, with dishes ranging from potted shrimps to saddle of rabbit. It’s full of character, ideal for a pre-theatre meal before taking in a show in Covent Garden.
To round off the evening, pop into Cahoots in Soho for a nightcap. Set in a former air-raid shelter, this underground cocktail bar is styled like a 1940s Tube station, with drinks ranging from classic martinis to marmalade-and-Champagne concoctions.
A local’s guide to London: Day Two
Morning
Start with breakfast at White Mulberries, then take a stroll around St Katharine Docks and admire the boats in the marina before heading to the nearby Tower of London. Inside, discover the dazzling Crown Jewels and historic White Tower, and hear tales of royal intrigue, imprisonment and beheadings. Keep an eye out for the famous ravens, too. Legend has it that if they ever leave, the Tower and the kingdom will fall! There are also views of the Thames and London skyline to enjoy as you explore.
Afternoon
Walk into the City of London for lunch with a view at Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden. You’ll find plants from the Mediterranean and South Africa, with views across the capital beyond them. See how many familiar landmarks you can spot before heading back down to street level.
Sky Garden
Next, have a look around Leadenhall Market’s shops and stop for a drink at one of its bars. There’s around 700 years of market history here, although the building you see today is Victorian. Harry Potter fans may recognise it as a filming location for Diagon Alley!
From here, it’s a short walk to St Paul’s Cathedral. A sightseeing ticket covers the cathedral floor, crypt and three dome galleries, so leave time to explore. Climb the 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery to try out its unusual acoustics, then carry on to the higher galleries for another view across London
Evening
Get a feel for the East London scene with dinner at St. JOHN Bread and Wine. Its nose-to-tail menu includes simple, flavourful dishes such as slow-cooked ox cheek, alongside a glass of wine. Afterwards, walk a few doors down to The Ten Bells for a drink. This historic pub is known for its Jack the Ripper connections and is a good spot for a pint and a little East End atmosphere.
Leadenhall Market / Dan Lynn @ Unsplash
A local’s guide to London: Day Three
Morning
Begin with breakfast at Lina Stores in Marylebone, an Italian restaurant with a deli next door. Afterwards, take a short walk to The Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, one of the city’s quieter museums and one of its most lavish. Inside this grand townhouse, some 5,500 objects are spread across 28 rooms. You’ll find Old Master paintings, antique furniture, suits of armour and porcelain as you wander from room to room. Better still, it’s free to enter!
Afternoon
Swap lunch for afternoon tea at Sketch in Mayfair. Housed in an 18th-century townhouse, its Gallery is as much a part of the experience as the tea itself, with velvet seating, playful artwork and beautifully presented cakes and sandwiches. Don’t leave without a look at the famous egg-shaped loos!
Afterwards, spend some time browsing the shops around fashionable Carnaby Street before making your way to Regent Street for a look around Hamleys, the famous toy shop. From there, carry on towards Bond Street, home to luxury shops and Sotheby’s. These streets are especially lovely in winter, when festive lights add a little sparkle overhead. Venture down the side streets, too – some of the most interesting discoveries are tucked away from the main shopping streets.
Carnaby Street at Christmas
Evening
For your final evening, head to the atmospheric Holly Bush pub in Hampstead. Tucked away on a side street, it has a warren of wood-panelled rooms and is known for its crispy fried oysters and Scotch eggs. After dinner, have a wander around Hampstead. Look out for stone staircases, tiny churches and brightly coloured doors as you explore its narrow cobbled streets.