In London, like in New York, there are about a million different ways to see the city. Big Ben, The Tate, the Tower of London—they're all lovely, and you should definitely spend some time with them, but to only visit the marquee attractions would be a mistake. Like visiting New York City and skipping Brooklyn—you get it!
Aside from the landmarks, London is also home to fashion, culinary, and nightlife scenes that are vibrant and daring, combining British tradition with the new ideas from the city's burgeoning creative set. And, thanks to British Airways and VisitBritain, you can receive two free nights at select hotels if you book a British Airways flight. Here's our guide to sampling all that is bright, shiny, and hip across the pond.
WHAT TO DO
If you're feeling a little woozy from the flight over, or if your feet have grown tired from the exploring you've done so far, stop into Cowshed Spa, which is located on the fifth floor of Shoreditch House in East London. Shoreditch House is one of London's SoHo House outposts, and Cowshed, with its rustic wood-panelled walls, is like a relaxing farmhouse hidden within the building. Try the Salt Scrub and Massage, which combines full body exfoliation and deep-tissue massage, or spot-treat your transit stress with an option that will target just your face, hands, or feet.
Tate Modern
How about some ping pong? Why not, right? Especially because Ping England makes it so damn easy to find a table anywhere in the city. If ever there was a way to befriend the locals (also known as the world's best tour guides). Don't forget to log some time appreciating British film at Screen on the Green, a historic theater in Islington with over-stuffed sofas and table service.
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK
Sure, it's true that you can't throw a biscuit in London without hitting a celebrity chef, but the city has a newfound affinity for locavore cuisine and quietly inventive food.
Ben's Canteen (Facebook)
Ben's Canteen is one of the latest restaurants to partake in the "homage dinner" trend (in which chefs serve their interpretation of another restaurant's cuisine), and they chose to riff on Mission Chinese Food's menu, which wins them many a New Yorker point. Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner, you really can't do wrong here, though we are partial to the Sea Dog & Hand Cut Chips which they describe as a "Posh fish finger sandwich" with mushy peas and tartar sauce.
For a market experience, check out Broadway Market in Hackney on the weekend, where you'll skirt the other tourists and still find plenty of baked goods, cheese, fruits and vegetables to pass the afternoon comfortably. Another popular market with an explosion of culinary choices is Brixton Village, which has been called London's "most vibrant restaurant scene."
If you're looking for a less traditional dining atmosphere, plan ahead for Gingerline, the East London pop-up supper club that has previously hosted dinners with themes ranging from the Circus to Submarines. (And be on-alert the day of the event... they'll only tell you where you need to go an hour before the dinner. Stressful, but fun!). For low-key drinks after dinner, head over to Efe's Pool Club and Bar which is the perfect spot for late-night boozing and pool. Just buzz downstairs, they'll let you in, and you're golden for the rest of the night.
WHERE TO SHOP
Beyond Retro Brick Lane store cat
So skip Topshop and other chains and opt instead for more tightly edited stores and boutiques where you're likely to score something special.
For vintage, check out Beyond Retro, a men's and women's shop that doesn't tack on a killer finder's fee. With locations in Soho, Dalston and Brick Lane (where there is a store cat!!), expect Flashdance-y sweaters, band T-shirts, and friendly 80s prints-all of which will be under 50 bucks-and you will go home happy.
Absolute Vintage in East London, another shop that carries both men's and women's and is a mainstay for locals and must-stop destination for fashion insiders visiting from abroad. Has Britain put you in the mood for a pillbox hat? Get one here.
Browns is one of the city's best department stores, and Browns Focus is its quirky spin-off across the street. Focus carries a brilliantly edited assortment of today's fashion risk-takers and tomorrow's stars. The store has been credited with helping to launch major Brit labels like Alexander McQueen.
Via Lazy Oaf
Speaking of off-the-wall, Lazy Oaf is an emerging indie brand with a shop in Soho where you'll find Tees, dresses, shirts, and other odds and ends emblazoned with bright, amusing prints. The watermelon cardigan looks cozy and refreshing!
LN-CC—a.k.a. Late Night Chameleon Cafe—in Dalston, is where you should go if the term "concept store" gets you feeling giddy. The space was designed by the artist Gary Card and it houses some of the most forward-thinking designers in stores today. Don't leave without spending some time cruising the shelves in their library room, too, which is painstakingly curated with limited-edition art and photography books. An added bonus? As of this month, the store now also houses a bar.
BERMONDSEY
Finally, we'd totally recommend choosing one of the city's newest cool nabes and spending a day tackling all that it has to offer. Our current obsession? Bermondsey.
The White Cube Gallery in Bermondsey
Bermondsey 167
Other areas like Shoreditch, Hackney, and Dalston have enjoyed their reign as London's hippest neighborhoods in recent years, with fashion-forward boutiques, experimental galleries, and energetic nightlife. However, the neighborhood Bermondsey, situated just south of the Thames River in East London, has been enjoying a burst of energy as of late.
Spend a day exploring the area: Shop at Bermondsy 167, which has both men's and women's clothing and interior design products, and also check out the latest in modern art at the White Cube gallery.
Afterwards, you can feast at Pizarro, Jose Pizarro's full-service Spanish-influenced restaurant and then catch a movie at art house theater Shortwave. You'll see why Londoners are so keen on their thriving smaller neighborhoods in addition to their big tourist attractions.
