This Is the Best Time to Visit London
Let's be honest - you aren't traveling to London for the weather, so why not visit in the winter, when plane fares are cheaper (after New Year's, that is) and the sites are all a little less crowded. Consider this your guide to what to eat, drink, and do in the English capital when it's less than pleasant outside.
Where to Stay
The Draycott
Located a short walk from both the Victoria and Albert Museum and Harrods, the Draycott epitomizes old-school British luxury. Each of the Chelsea hotel's 35 rooms center around an author or playwright who spent time in the neighborhood (think Agatha Christie, J.M. Barrie, and Lewis Carroll), and pairs Edwardian antiques and in-room fireplaces with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen tvs, and heated towel racks. Ask the friendly 24-hour-concierge to help you make the most of your wintertime stay in the city, or opt to simply spend an afternoon in the cozy sitting room. If the weather's amenable, relax in the charming private garden with a book from the property's extensive collection and a complimentary cup of hot cocoa.
Batty Langley's
Don't expect a porte-cochère at this Shoreditch spot. You could practically walk right past the front door of Batty Langley's, and have no idea you were even looking at a hotel. But what this trio of renovated Georgian town homes lacks in a grand entrance, it more than makes up for with character once you step inside. Guest rooms, which are named after local historical figures, feature early 20th-century-inspired decor, and antique details like carved four-poster beds and old-school keys. As for the restrooms, "Georgians didn't have bathrooms, so we have created what we think they would have liked," say hoteliers Peter McKay and Douglas Blain, a philosophy which translates to deep-soaking tubs, vintage showers, REN toiletries, and sound systems that play throughout the space. Venture down the block to Old Spitalfields Market, take a tour of the neighborhood's iconic street art, or head to dinner at the legendary Poppie's Fish and Chips - just be sure to stop by the library to pour yourself a drink first. An honesty bar houses everything you need to kick off the evening with a DIY happy hour.
For even more chic spots to stay in the city, check out our guide to Luxury Hotels in London:
What to Eat
Afternoon Tea
There's no better way to spend your first afternoon in London than by sipping tea and devouring tiny sandwiches, cakes, and cookies. The perfect antidote to jet-lag, copious amounts of caffeine, sugar, and carbs will ease you into Greenwich Mean Time, while ensuring you don't waste a full day wandering through Harrods like a zombie. Book a table at The Berkeley Hotel's Prêt-à-Portea for an iconic fashion-themed spread of indulgent clothing-shaped desserts, or, stop by Sketch London for an Instagram-worthy treats like Victoria sponge cake, scones with clotted cream, and caviar sandwiches.
Dishoom
Without question, you'll have to wait for a table at Dishoom (they only take dinner reservations for parties larger than six), but it will be worth it. A self-proclaimed homage to the Irani cafes of Bombay, this Shoreditch establishment is not your typical curry joint. The retro decor is charming with vintage photographs and advertisements scattered throughout the large space, but where the restaurant really sets itself apart is with the food. Start with the far far, a small plate of salty cylindrical crackers, and the vegetable samosas, then convince your table-mates to dine family-style, sharing the chicken tikka (a family recipe, which uses sweet vinegar, as opposed to the traditional yogurt), the chicken ruby curry, and the spicy lamb chops, paired with a plate of garlic naan or grilled-to-order roti. Wash it all down with a Thums Up, Bombay's version of a Coca-Cola, or if you're looking for something with a bit more kick, order a batch of the Bombay Presidency Punch, a 1676 recipe of jaggery (an unrefined cane sugar), lime, Darjeeling tea, and Ceylon Arrack served in a vintage bowl.
Borough Market
Upon reopening after this summer's terrorist attack, Borough Market had just two requests: "Firstly, a call that echoes through a thousand years of history: spend a little money with us if you can! And secondly, come here today; come here at the weekend; come here when you can; it’s your market. London is open. Borough Market is open."
Make your way to the sprawling food bazaar in the shadow of London bridge to indulge in dishes ranging from handmade pasta to spicy chorizo rolls, freshly baked bread (like the kind from Bread Ahead, pictured above), juicy burgers, and indulgent sweets by the pound like Turkish delight.
Before you leave, do a little souvenir shopping and pick up a six-pack of local beers, a tin of spices, or some dried spaghetti to take back to the States.
Hawksmoor Guildhall
Don't make plans after your reservation at this steak restaurant near St. Paul's Cathedral; you'll leave so pleasantly full that sleep - be it a nap or a full night's slumber - will prove imminent. While they offer a full selection seafood with dishes like lobster rolls, grilled monkfish, and house-cured salmon, steak, be it chateaubriand, porterhouse, or bone-in prime rib, is really the star of the menu here. Order your cut off a chalkboard, then fill your table with shareable sides like maple bacon, creamed spinach, and truly indulgent macaroni and cheese. It may seem impossible once your meal arrives, but try to save room for dessert. Their signature sticky toffee pudding is a must.
Aqua Shard
One of the best ways to find your bearings in a new location is to see it from above, but rather than splurging on a £26 ticket to the Shard's observation deck, invest that money in cocktails at the Aqua Shard bar on the building's 31st floor. No, you're not at the tip-top of the fourth-tallest building in Europe, but saddle up to a window seat around sunset, and you'll still have an expansive view of the city below. Plus, there's no cover charge, meaning all you have pay for is your drink, and if you're peckish, a round of bar snacks like mixed olive or the cobnut and red wine salami.
Things to Do
Go to a Premiere League Soccer Match.
Major League Soccer is starting to acquire a fanbase in the States, but it'll be decades before the U.S. develops anything like football culture in the U.K. The season runs from August to May and while tickets are hard to come by for popular London clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, and West Ham United (here's a pretty good guide outlining your options), it's an experience you don't want to miss. Once at the stadium, pick up a scarf from the team store and grab a pint before you head to your seat - by the end of the match you'll be singing along with the local supporters.
Take a tour of the Royal Opera House.
At just £12 per person, the backstage tour of London's Royal Opera House is not only a one of the best deals in town, but it also makes for the perfect rainy-day activity. Over the course of 75 minutes, a guide shares the history of the theater as you peek inside the auditorium, explore multiple departments (think costumes, lighting, sets), and - if you're lucky - watch members of the Royal Ballet take class or rehearse.
Once you're finished with the behind-the-scenes experience, walk over to Covent Garden for window-shopping and lunch at Battersea Pie Station for full afternoon that's easy on the wallet.
Westminster Abbey
If this is your first trip to the English capital, sites like St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square are all itinerary essentials. But I'll make a case for visiting Westminster Abbey long after the shine of those other tourist attractions has worn off. Take the audio tour, then marvel at the grave of the unknown soldier, Poet's corner, and the stunning stained-glass war memorial. Before you head out, stop by the gift shop, which is second-to-none for souvenirs like coloring books of Duchess Kate, tins of English tea shaped like double-decker buses, chocolates themed around Henry VIII's wives, and (my personal favorite) ornaments celebrating the Queen's corgis. Really, what more could you ask for?
Museum Hop
A boon for budget travelers seeking to add a little culture to their London getaway, most of the big museums in the city are free. Major sites like the Tate Modern and the National Gallery simply ask visitors to make whatever donation they feel comfortable giving, be it £20 per person or nothing at all. In addition to saving you some cash, it also removes the guilt-factor from visiting these enormous institutions. There's no impulse to "get your money's worth" from a trip, so you can pop in to see the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum before heading over to the British Library to explore their collection of Beatles lyrics written in John Lennon's hand.
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