I know, I know! This is primarily a skincare blog but I have been coming to London for a long time now and I get SO many questions about where to go. I am by no means a real Londoner but I have been to London enough times to say I have eaten my way through a fair share of cafés, restaurants and concessions. In between I managed to see a few cultural things too! You know, so I could break up my meals.
So, I thought I’d compile a list of a few tried and tasted (yes tasted, not tested) places to visit. If you are stuck on what to do if you ever come to London then please keep reading. I also need to point out I missed out a few places that I love but this list was getting rather big!
Closest Tube Station: Sloane Square
Free Entry
This is one of my favourite places to visit in London because it isn’t overcrowded, its surrounded by beautiful aesthetics and it always has thought provoking and interactive pieces of work that you can’t see anywhere else.
Closest Tube Station: Various Locations, the one pictured is in Soho near Oxford Circus Station
An artisan bakery with the most divine creations. It has the most delicious avocado on toast (I know I’m just about a millennial but it really is excellent!). I think Gail’s is becoming a staple in the London food scene and its so easy to pop in and grab some olive focaccia or freshly backed lemon drizzle loaf!
3. National Portrait Galley
Closest Tube Station: Leicester Square
Free Entry
Not pictured unfortunately because I had no time to get there but this baby version of the national gallery is such an understated attraction. If you are especially into British royal history then you must make this a priority when you visit.
Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus
Arguably the best doughnuts in London and they recently opened a shop! They have more than one but this is a great central location where you can find an array of options from matcha to cinnamon roll.
Closest Tube Station: Victoria
A huge part of the gentrification (referencing unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) of Victoria, Victoria Nova is a new and exciting place to visit. Its location means that if you’re struggling to find a place to eat near Buckingham palace or Green park or St. James park then just stroll to Nova and you’ll have a supply of amazing restaurants to choose from!
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington
Free Entry
I love interactive places and here there is so much to do! Its not overwhelmingly big and you can see quite a lot in three hours. If you have kids this is a great place to go because you can learn so much so easily.
Closest Tube Station: Various this one is close the Natural History Museum so South Kensington
Famous for their window displays of their world famous cakes Leto is THE only place to go if you’re craving cake. All you have to do is stroll past and I guarantee you will want to try some – I myself having experience this can recommend the Dulce de Leche cake.
Closest Tube Station: Bond Street
This may seem like an obvious place to visit seen as it is a very prominent part of Oxford street but after watching the documentary on it and being a MASSIVE fan of the food hall I can now confidently suggest that everyone should visit Selfridges because it is a huge part of London’s history in the way that Mr. Selfridge revolutionized shopping in the Capital.
Closest Tube Station: Green Park
I had my 21st birthday brunch here and it was the best scrambled eggs I ever had – need I say more?
Closest Tube Station: Victoria
I mean if you would like the second best scrambled eggs I’ve ever had a something a little cheaper then try Number 11 Pimlico Rd – also a great place to stop and have breakfast if you are on your way to the Saatchi Gallery.
Closest Tube Station: Clapham Common
I really do believe this is the most underrated park in London. Its very popular with locals and I love to go running here. It had the best view of the river Thames then any other park I know and I’m pretty sure it has a petting Zoo!
Closest Tube Station: Green park or Piccadilly Circus
This is such a great example of old school London. It opened in 1909 the same time as Selfridges but unlike Selfridges it hasn’t modernized the way of shopping. For example, you don’t really browse in these shops you go in to buy. The shop assistants to all the work and really provide you with every bit of information you need. If you want to experience some fancy shopping – go here!
Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus
This may seem a little strange because they have Waterstones everywhere but this particular one is a little bit magical – If you like to read. It has multiple storeys to browse all day and you can find some exceptional books that would be difficult to find anywhere else.
Closest Tube Station: Green Park
Japanese confectionary, I’ve never seen a shop like this before and they are authentic! Its something different to take back home with you.
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
Its like an even trendier, exclusive to London, version of Selfridges. The reason I put it on here is because as a self proclaimed beauty aficionado I couldn’t imagine the London beauty scene without it. It houses brands that you cannot find anywhere else like Pestle and Mortar.
Closest Tube Station: Various, the one pictured Sloane Square
If you’re very health conscious then this is a must for you because it is very centered around delicious, organic, sometimes vegan food. In fact this is the place that got me into cashew cheese! It is actually very nice.
Closest Tube Station: Various, one pictured is Sloane Square
Another great café for the health conscious. However, I cant deny I go for the cakes more than the savoury healthy food. Though the cakes are sometime gluten and sugar free so its not really bad…..
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
If you’re around Oxford Street or Carnaby and are lost for places to eat then just come to Kingly Court! It is such a life saver – there are multiple restaurants housed inside covering anything you might crave from Pizza to lobster.
Closest Tube Station: Various, this one is Oxford Circus
BEST. COOKIES. EVER. and in my opinion better than Blondies Kitchen! You absolutely have to try one.
Closest Tube Station: Picadilly Circus
I had never seen a full Aesop shop before this so I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this as Aesop is defiantly one of my favourite skincare brands.
Closest Tube Station: Various, one here is in Carnaby so Oxford Circus
I think Muji skincare is underrated. I first used it because I forgot some of my skincare last time I was in London. I bought some Muji cleanser as I’ve always been interested in their stuff. It was cheap and good. So if you see one visit because they have effective products and are relatively inexpensive. They have great storage ideas too.
Closest Tube Station: Oxford or Piccadilly Circus
Two words. Matcha Heaven.
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
Its a Pixi shop!! What else can I say. I adore Pixi and I love spending the time playing with all their stuff including the makeup. I love how natural there make up looks and how blend-able it all it.
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
This is a pop up shop and in this particular location in Carnaby they have many different beauty popups but I was excited about too faced because they don’t have much accessibility in the UK. I also think they’ve done an excellent job with the image on the shop, it definitely stands out in an already vibrant Carnaby.
Closest Tube Station: Victoria
This is a very unique and edgy furniture store. For anyone who is interested in interior design I think this would be a super interesting place to come – even if you just come to get one of the many detailed design books.
Lastly, at number 26 is the Wallace collection. Another underrated, spectacular piece of London’s history its filled to the brim with paintings and historical artefacts. Its what I imagine the inside of Buckingham Palace to look like. Closest station is Baker Street.
All pictures were taken by me.
