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London | In 24 hours


This post is going to be full of suggestions for the best things to do in London in 24 hours. Talking about Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; what to do, when to go and where to stay. London has always been ‘a day out’ for me as I have lived close all my life, however, since moving to university I find myself in Central London a lot more. Doing this independently of my parents, or even friends, in comparison to being a teenager has helped me find some of my favourite spots and after 3 years of living here, I think there are some good suggestions (if I do say so myself!). I hope in this post I can focus on the diverse nature of London whilst also including some of the stereotypical ‘tourist traps’ that I love and enjoy. So let's begin…


Before talking about morning, afternoon and evening perhaps it's better to give some suggestions of the best districts.

Shoreditch is one of London’s trendiest districts. A fashionable form of gritty, tightly packed with distinctly English pubs, independent retailers and don’t forget those ‘alternative’ coffee shops. Populated and frequented by the bizarre yet fantastically dressed, there’ll always be something to look at, listen to, watch, buy or eat.

Soho, very similar to Shoreditch, is much more gritty - made up of the main district and it’s tag along, Chinatown. Often buzzing with West End enthusiasts, working professionals, foodies on their way to a few of London’s best restaurants, party animals heading to any of the many clubs or bars. It’s a massively varied district yet also has a lot of history written into its streets, having been home to The Sex Pistols and, at the polar opposite, Mozart.

Notting Hill is home to Europe’s biggest street festival, although when not

packed with carnival goers it attracts innumerable amounts of Londoners and tourists alike for its chic bars, shops, restaurants, cinemas, intriguing alleyways and charming open spaces.

Kensington, incredibly affluent and for the uncannily rich is host to an overwhelming choice of restaurants, bars and shopping. If you want to feel rich for a day, head here, although vastly different to the previously mentioned districts Kensington shows a different side of life to London. In all honesty, it’s nice to pretend for a day!


Morning


If you’re an early riser, which I am not, then you’ll get to see London at it’s most beautiful. Well, it’s most beautiful after rush hour - head out for 8.30-9am, any sooner and you’ll be caught in a merciless onslaught of office zombies having their brains sucked out by work emails on iPhones and Blackberries.

Before heading out to see the sights it’s worth grabbing breakfast to fuel the day. Fancy a delectable strawberry tart and cappuccino? Or creamy scrambled eggs and portobello mushrooms on toast? Head to Gran Caffé located on Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge. This glass fronted, quiet and high-quality cafe won't disappoint. I’ve had breakfast/brunch here, every time I'm in the area for the last 5 or 6 years and only once in all those years have I been disappointed.

Second on my list is Carluccio’s on Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch where you can start your day with a sharp double espresso and a serving of granola & yoghurt topped with honey and woodland berry compote while looking out on a little, quiet, green space.

Finally Terry’s Cafe on Great Southwark Street, Southbank is a family run traditional English cafe established in 1982. Its breakfast is renowned as among the best in London (by TimeOut) and incorporates those typical British basics of eggs, bacon, toast and tomatoes into nearly every dish, delicious? I think so.


Breakfast polished off it’s time to head out and about, depending on where you are a morning walk is always the best way to start the day and find your feet in a big city like London. If it’s a nice sunny day head to the likes of Hyde Park, Green Park or St. James Park. Hyde Park is notorious for its squirrels and if you want some incredible memories and photos, to remember London by head to Hyde Park with some shelled and split nuts from a nearby shop, the squirrels here will climb you, eat from your hand and pretty much be your best friend while you have food for them. Saying this, at the same time I do ask that you’re responsible in what you feed them, they are wildlife after all... no McDonalds or chocolate!

If the weather isn’t so great and leaves you in search of shelter head to a gallery to consume some culture. The Tate Modern is great for thoughtful viewing, confusion and feeling anonymous in vast open spaces. Its exhibitions vary massively and are a wonderful hour or two. Not so modern? The National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square is a vast gallery, beautiful and ornate and perfect for art enthusiasts and novel eyes alike. Another is The Natural History Museum which a fun, interactive and fascinating place for all ages and types of people.

Finally, if you want to frequent those tourist attractions the best method is a big bus tour, roughly £30 for a hop on hop off ticket that tours you around all of the biggest and most well-known tourist attractions of London, this method is both fun, quick and saves all that walking.


Afternoon


If you skipped breakfast, lunch in London although busy because everyone on lunch break is full of variety. Chipotle, Charing Cross Road, is the best Chipotle in London - quick and easy and always delicious it will never disappoint and on a sunny day is perfect to buy and sit in one of the many open spaces in London, watch people and chill out. Camden Lock, again, perfect on a sunny day is undeniably the most diverse place in London to grab lunch with a choice between Indian, Mexican, pizza, pasta and crazy infusions it’s always exciting and will broaden your tastes, probably more so than you thought London could. Lastly, if you fancy a sit-down lunch that's not too heavy but still delicious head to The Athenian, Elephant Road, Elephant and Castle is a perfect representation of Greek street food souvlaki, simple, fresh and authentic - a taste I can’t help but miss when I'm in the UK!


Perfect for the afternoon is seeing a few more of the sights around London if you fancy a spot of shopping at bigger flagship stores head to Oxford Street. Carnaby Street nearby is the more ‘hip’ street in this district, pedestrianised and very cutsie, it’s the perfect place for a slow paced afternoon of shopping, a shop not to miss is The Great Frog Jewellers an integral part of Carnaby Street’s history and culture, and a place very near to my heart. Liberty of London department store, also nearby is great for an afternoon known for its graphic and floral prints it sells luxury goods, beauty goods as well as women’s and men’s fashion. If not for shopping, why not look? It’s pretty, I promise! Now off the topic of shopping, if you want that perfect picture moment then head to some of London’s most iconic spots, head up The Shard to catch a beautiful sunset and the perfect lighting for that #selfie, or if

you prefer The London Eye for a half hour experience in one of London’s most famous landmarks! Before either of the experiences, you can catch a river boat, on many of the tour operators on The Thames and see London in all its glory and beauty in the golden hour, which is undeniably London’s most atmospheric time of day. A journey always worth it and a different view of London!


Evening


Start the evening off right with some dinner, of any meal you should have in London this is the one! Below are my three favourite places for dinner in London. First is Maxwell's Bar & Grill, Covent Garden. This restaurant is perfect for the biggest steak, or burger, you can possibly have - undeniably delicious and mouthwatering, you can’t help but eat it all even if you’re full. Follow up with an alcoholic milkshake for dessert (or three) and wander the streets of London tipsy and laugh to your heart's content! Spaghetti House, Cranbourn Street is the perfect end to an amazing day, with fresh pasta, delicious sauce, humongous servings and an incredible atmosphere this restaurant won't disappoint, having been here multiple times with friends and family this place not only holds a spot in my heart but also seems to get better every time I go - it’s great for an after show, late night meal! Finally, if you fancy seeing a different side to London, head to Sidi Maarouf, Edgware Road for incredible Lebanese cuisine and a novel atmosphere. My recommendations take a jacket, a warm one, and sit outside under the heat lamps and soak up the middle eastern vibes of Edgware Road while feasting on okra stew (Bamya) and rice. Don’t worry about feeling out of place… expect to welcomed with open arms. To complete the experience, add shisha and spend a few hours chilling, chatting and reflecting on your day!


In my opinion, London really comes to life at night, if you’re not the party type and prefer to go home, sleep and relax then finish your day with a walk along The Embankment, a perfect photo moment and beautiful as the lights reflect on The Thames. Otherwise take advantage of the bars and clubs across London, XOYO, Camden Assembly, Cirque Le Soir, Bar 55, Hamilton Hall and Buddha Bar just to mention a few!


After the crazy hectic day you've had, that I promise you won't regret, head ‘home’ for the night! My biggest recommendation is staying in an Airbnb in London, much like I suggest for every place, prices average at around £150, upwards, a night depending on where you choose to stay, what kind of amenities you wish to have, and if you are renting a whole place to yourself and fellow travellers.


The best way to see London is through the eyes of a Londoner, the closest way you’ll get this? Live like one! Get lost, get hungry then eat too much, get stressed, laugh, smile, walk far, walk fast, enjoy, pray endlessly for the sun, begrudgingly get on the tube, get that Instagram shot and above all make memories that’ll last a lifetime.


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