London, UK

(Tower Bridge - photo by @Jack Mugford)

Author: Jack Mugford

London, England is (objectively) the best city in the world… no doubt in my mind! 

“In London everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in” - Paddington Bear

No matter what you like to do, what you like to eat, or how you like to play – there will be something in London for you. Paddington Bear is right. You will see all walks of life strolling around the city and its 32 boroughs. Think New York City… on steroids. 

The best way to travel is to pack a lot into the itinerary. Unless it's a beach vacation, every 10 minutes of every day must be accounted for. See below for an ideal, jam packed, one day itinerary for a day in London. Oh, and here’s a visual of how it might look:

Recommendations 

Pack-everything-you-can-into-one-day-itinerary:

  1. Borough Market. Start the morning bright and early at the oldest market known to man (1014 AD). This food-only market attracts quite the crowd. Arriving early is key for short lines. Walk around, get samples, try what peaks your interest – here are 3 must try's:
    1. Ginger Pig: Sausage Rolls – 95% BEEF. 5% croissant roll. 
    2. Strawberries & Chocolate: Overhyped? No. Large, juicy strawberries packed with flavor and doused in smooth, creamy milk chocolate with every bite? Yes.
    3. Black Pig: Slow roast free range pork, fennel & apple slaw, honey truffle mayo, salsa verde, peperonchini s-ott olio, and 30 month aged parmesan mounted on top called “the best one”... enough said. 
  2. Once your stomach is full, walk East down the river towards Tower Bridge. Cross your fingers that the sky is blue and take some wonderful photos along the way. 
  3. Venture across the bridge and enjoy the views. If you’re feeling touristy, pre-book some tickets to the Tower of London and explore a historic castle and grounds in the heart of London. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels and make sure the family jewels get some love as well.
  4. Continue on to the Sky Garden, where you booked your free ticket up the skyscraper of course. Enjoy the best FREE views London has to offer and maybe indulge in a bottle of vino while you’re at it. 
  5. Keep walking West to get a good view of St. Paul’s Cathedral! View from the outside, say some prayers, or pay to enter – whatever floats your boat. 
  6. Stroll across your second bridge of the day – Millennium Bridge – or as locals call it “wibbly wobbly”. 
  7. Tate Modern. Last stop of the day! If you have any energy left and want to see some unique art.

Other Restaurant Recs

NAC Mayfair ($$$) – Rigatoni alla vodka, popcorn chicken, salad (mix one in? They’re good here) and the best dessert you’ve ever had: crushed milk chocolate cookies & Frosties soft serve. 

Dishoom (Carnaby) ($$) – Gas Indian food. 

Biegel Bake ($) – Iconic 24/7 bagel shop in Brick Lane. Salmon & Cream Cheese if that’s what you like; otherwise the salt beef is fantastic and hits you extremely hard first bite. 

Mr. Fish ($$) – My favorite fish and chips in the city. In Queens Park neighborhood near Notting Hill. Grab a pint at Wolfpack after. Make sure to get the mushy peas!!! Don’t knock them until you try them.

Punch & Judy ($$) – Vintage pub in Covent Garden. Grab a pint, sit on the balcony, and enjoy the street performers.

Dissuasions

Weather – Cross your fingers and hope for sun! It’s a lot more fun when the fit birds are drinking pints in their dresses on every street corner. 

High Tea at Sketch ($$$) – Paying $100+ for Little Debbie-esque snacks and “cool” egg shell bathrooms isn’t my cup of tea (ha!). But sometimes you have to let the future wifey call the shots.

Estimated cost key

  • $ ($0-20 pp)
  • $$ ($20-40 pp)
  • $$$ ($40+ pp)

(Strawberries & Chocolate - photo by @Jack Mugford)

Hotel Rec:

hub by Premier Inn​– Covent Garden. Elite location. Tiny rooms. Fantastic deal.

Song Rec:

Werewolves of London – where are all my T-Pups fans at? 

(Honorable Mention: London Boy by Taylor Swift)

Play Rec:

Back to the Future: The Musical

Quote to consider:

“Don’t take life too seriously. Stay young and travel as much as possible to discover the world. BUT if you got a good thing going where you are now, keep that going” - Tony Lazare, London Basketball Association

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