I.LOVE.LONDON.

If London provided sunshine for more than even 50% of the year, then I could easily live here.

London is big, so get acquainted with the London neighborhoods. I generally just make sure I stay next to a tube station which is my favorite city for public transport! It’s SO easy! The navy blue Piccadilly line is the most convenient to a lot of places but you can be the judge based on what you want to see. Here’s a printable tube map and a map with the attractions.

Hotels:

Luna Simone Hotel – good location and usually has best prices – books up fast!  The hotel is situated between Victoria and Pimlico Underground Stations in the Westminster area of central London. “A complimentary English breakfast is served daily between 07.00am and 08.30am in our NON SMOKING breakfast room. We pride ourselves in good home cooking. The Luna Simone hotel is a NON SMOKING BUILDING. Also please note that the Hotel DOES NOT HAVE AN ELEVATOR (LIFT) OR AIR CONDITIONING” But don’t worry, unless you’re here during a heat wave, you won’t need the A/C.

Premier Inn, London County Hall – ok, so London is expensive, brace yourself. We found ourselves in a jam one last minute weekend and ended up staying at the Premier Inn (London County Hall) which is literally right next to the London Eye. Location was fantastic and room really cheap relatively speaking. BUT, it is bare bones basic…reminded me of a dorm room to be honest. NO FRILLS. But quiet & comfortable sleep.  County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

I worked in London for a week and stayed at the Holiday Inn Mayfair. It was rather nice for a Holiday inn. You may not want to stay in Mayfair but if it’s any indication of other Holiday Inns, I would say it’s definitely comfortable/clean/with a little character.

Food:

Asian food is really good in London if that is your thing.

There are a line of restaurants along the Seine river where the London eye is and they’re all fine, the bonus is the atmosphere. It’s fun and young.

Be sure to try a “snake bite” (beer with cassis) and some Pimms while here.

Gauthier in Soho is a fancy michelin star resto that was good (not great) but the area itself is really fun. Check out a few other restaurants in this hip area.

To do: 

Your guide books will steer you to all the touristy places but I have to say that Westminster Abbey is one of our top 3 churches we saw in Europe which is right next to Big Ben and across the bridge from the London Eye.

I also enjoyed the crown jewels at London Tower. Think 300 karat diamond that is within inches of your hands!

The British museum is also one of our favorite museums. The actual Rosetta stone is here so if you only go to one museum, check this one out!

If you want to see a musical (Next to NYC, London has a huge theater culture), London has a great theater culture and you can just about see anything!   As my husband isn’t in love with musicals, I took him to see We Will Rock You as it’s all Queen music…the story line is cheesy but the music made up for it. I would also recommend Rock of Ages for the music.

If you want to do something very English – try High tea at The Montague, they serve champagne, bottomless pastries and mini sandwiches and teas, we were stuffed when we left. We made it a late lunch and I LOVED it. (you must book in advance anywhere for high tea). London’s Ten Best Afternoon Teas

If it’s a nice day, rent a bike and do a tour of the city!

And of course, being in the city of double-decker busses, why not save your legs and hop on for one dreary day?

Cheers!