London is a magical city and undoubtedly the most cosmopolitan capital of Europe. And as the writer Samuel Johnson said in 1777: ” …When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”.
The food! The people! The energy! The architecture! The fashion! The stores! Everything is so exciting… You have so many things to choose from including museums, parks, shops, bookstores, monuments, pubs, restaurants … so how about some tips?
WHAT TO BUY
If you want some nice souvenirs, look no further than choosing an English hat from Lock & Co., cosmetics, creams and even vitamins from Boots, a traditional English breakfast tea from Fortnum & Mason, great value quality cashmere clothes from Marks & Spencer, a tie from Dunhill or a typical English rose soap from Santa Maria Novella…
James Lock & Co stores
WHERE TO EAT
Make your way to the bohemian Soho district of London. It’s a great place to discover, always very lively, full of energy and with a thousand gourmet options for all tastes and prices … Try these authentic eateries
- Hoppers
With a fantastic range of Sri Lankan dishes in the heart of Soho, you will love Hoppers from the first tasty mouthful. They don’t take reservations, so get here early – and enjoy this experience.Address: 49 Frith Street | Soho, London W1D 4SG
- Barrafina
A bustling, Barcelona-style tapas restaurant serving delicious food on the original small-plates. Make sure you try the runny-centred tortilla and the carabineros (large bright red prawns). Address: 26-27 Dean Street | Soho, London W1D 3LL
- Cafe de Paris
Fantastic cabaret and dining experience, and at the same time for a very reasonable price. The place is really gorgeous inside and you could almost imagine being back in Paris Address: 3-4 Coventry Street, London W1D 6BL
- Bob Bob Ricard
Bob Bob Ricard, the iconic Soho restaurant, serves a luxury English and Russian menu to its eclectic clientele in London’s most glamorous all-booth dining rooms… Address: 1 Upper James St, Soho, London W1F 9DF
WHAT TO SEE
Museums… London is well known for its rich cultural life and most museums are free. But two are really impermissible: The Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum.
After your visit, do not hesitate to visit the boutiques of each museum. You will be overwhelmed by the fantastic selection of products. Most of them are exclusively made and inspired of pieces you have seen in the museums, and they make great gits to bring back home.
Victoria & Albert Museum – Cromwell Road | South Kensington, London SW7 2RL
British Museum – Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
