London in 25 Favorite Spots

© Llama Inn - Beigel Bake - Victoria & Albert Museum​

Just 2.5 hours from Paris, London stands among the world's most vibrant capitals. There are countless reasons to visit throughout the year—be it Chinese New Year, St. Patrick's Day, Fashion Week, Wimbledon, Ascot, or the festive season when the city transforms with extraordinary decorations. However, with so much to do, planning your stay can feel overwhelming, and like Paris, it would take a lifetime to (almost) see it all! Keep calm and carry on: your dedicated Do It Team has explored the city's coveted tables, cool hotels, iconic pubs, curated vintage shops, and inspiring cultural venues to present you with this tailor-made city guide. Grab your Oyster Cards!

The very first hotel from The Hoxton group, The Hoxton, opened in 2006 and is located just 15 minutes by tube or bus from St Pancras International station (convenient). With 210 rooms, it serves as a true hub in the heart of London's most vibrant and creative neighborhood. An ideal base at a friendly price, it's perfect for a week-long stay (bonus: discounts for stays of 3 nights or more).​Galerie Schanewald+1Movaway+1

What we love: The super friendly and dog-friendly welcome, the indulgent breakfast featuring pancakes and avocado toasts served in a diner-style setting, and of course, the bar that joyfully hosts the neighborhood's cool thirty-somethings. The cherry on top? Llama Inn, its stunning rooftop with City views, where you can sip cocktails and enjoy Peruvian-inspired dishes. Must-tries: a well-shaken Pisco Sour (£14), crispy prawns (£14), delicious ceviche (£19), and grilled chicken (£25), all enjoyed to an upbeat playlist.​

The Hoxton Shoreditch, 81 Great Eastern Street, Hackney, London EC2A 3HU. Rooms from €249.

© The Hoxton Shoreditch​

A highlight is the Chinese restaurant at The Peninsula, a venerable palace facing Buckingham Gardens. We had lunch at Canton Blue, and as foodies, it's an experience we'll remember! Five-star service, a superb décor evoking the Silk Road with a fireplace and colorful porcelains, and private cabins for intimate gatherings—all exude refinement.​

Our recommendation: Opt for the Dim Sum menu (£60), offering a masterful sequence of dumplings, spring rolls, wontons, fried rice, and stir-fried noodles. Also noteworthy: the addictive British Wagyu Fried Rice with Iceberg Lettuce and Oyster Sauce (£35), and the impressive Peking duck prepared before your eyes in traditional style (£135). One of the best Chinese dining experiences we've had!​

Canton Blue, The Peninsula London, 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ

© The Peninsula London​

• Liberty: London's fashion temple, equivalent to Paris's Bon Marché, featuring collections from our favorite designers like Farm Rio, Loewe, Pendleton, and Acne Studios. Don't miss the boudoir-style Liberty brand corner to try on their signature floral pajamas and dresses. Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH​
• END.: A cool and curated selection of sneakers—including rare collaborations—and clothing (especially for men), along with home décor, unisex jewelry, and beauty products. 59 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QS​
• Goodhood: Everything is tempting in this Spitalfields cool HQ, offering cute décor, edgy sneakers, and cozy sweaters from both emerging creatives and streetwear giants. 15 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR​
• Dover Street Market: No discussion of fashion is complete without mentioning the concept store kings Rei Kawakubo and Adrian Joffe of Comme des Garçons, established in London. A must-visit for fashion enthusiasts devoted to Junya Watanabe, Wales Bonner, and Phoebe Philo. 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG​
• Machine-A: Discover the most desirable current collaborations for men and women (Salomon x Y/Project, Puma x Coperni…) and pieces to emulate the style of Japanese fashion icons. 13 Brewer St, London W1F 0RH​

© Goodhood - END. - Liberty​

While every English pub has its charm and surprises, if your walks lead you to the chic Mayfair district, The Audley Public House is the place to be. Majestic façade, grand wooden bar, green carpet, and ample seating—all invite you to linger for hours! We did just that over an excellent fish & chips—among the best we've ever had—featuring haddock accompanied by thick fries and the requisite mushy peas (£25), perfectly soft scotch eggs (£8.50), and an unforgettable sticky toffee pudding that's irresistible even when you're full (£9)!

The Audley Public House, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX

© The Audley Public House

A few steps from the Hoxton of Shoreditch, we enjoy the neighborhood by strolling for hours in our favorite street of London: Brick Lane. We first grab the extraordinary beigels from Beigel Bake (159 Brick Lane, London, E1 6SB, open every day and all night) with the mythical Smoked Salmon & Cheese or the incredible Salt Beef (£4.50 and £7.50). We think about buying some without filling (£0.65 and frankly: go for a dozen) to freeze once back home to have a stock ready for the next brunch with friends. Next step: Cafe 1001, an ultra-comfortable coffee shop by day that turns into a cool bar by night with a sublime upstairs space with large leather sofas (91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL).

If music lovers are crazy about its stylish record shops and foodies rush there on weekends to grab street food from the stands set up in the street, Brick Lane is above all known for its dozens of vintage shops. Our three favorites to empty your bank account:

Atika: the XXL paradise (and super clean!) for funny t-shirts, colorful knits, and 80's prints, with some designer pieces, killer 90's sweatshirts, and a good selection of preppy shirts and leather jackets. 55, 59 Hanbury St, London E1 5JP

The Brick Lane Vintage Market: a kind of underground Ikea of vintage with about sixty independent shops, a visitor route, and just as many crazy curiosities at all prices. 85 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL

Nordic Poetry: a good dose of 2000s pop culture, designer denim bags, and cult pieces from runway shows (Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana…) make up the wardrobe of this must-visit address for all fans of Paris Hilton and Carrie Bradshaw. 141 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 7DG

© Atika - Cafe 1001 - Beigel Bake

For a well-rolled and inexpensive pasta in a stylish setting: Padella, the Italian sure value around the Hoxton of Shoreditch (ricotta and sage butter ravioli £13.50). 1 Phipp Street, London, EC2A 4PS

For high-quality seafood and fish near Covent Garden: Fishworks (platter £48). 2-4 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JY, United Kingdom

For legendary ramen: Uzumaki London, where you slurp some of the best noodle soups in town in an amazing manga decor (signature ramen £16.95). 107 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NA

For an Indian-style meal: Dishoom, the ultimate obsession of groups of friends where you must book as early as possible (chicken tikka £13.70). 7 addresses in London.

For the curious who want to test a French brasserie across the Channel: Joséphine, the typical Lyon bouchon by chef Claude Bosi, a hit in Chelsea and newly opened in Marylebone (vol-au-vent £26).

© Joséphine - Padella - Uzumaki London

Because life isn’t only about the British Museum and the National Gallery, zoom on these four sure cultural values in London where you’ll discover always fascinating exhibitions.

Victoria & Albert Museum: in South Kensington, not only does the V&A (for close friends) shine with its breathtaking Victorian architecture with its mythical red brick walls, but also its exhibitions (fashion, photography, decorative arts…) dive into a sharp, often unexpected, and always inspiring universe. Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL

Saatchi Gallery: installed in the elegant Duke of York’s Headquarters in Chelsea, the art gallery that launched Damien Hirst presents on its immaculate walls the works  of bold contemporary artists between street art, immersive installations, NFTs, and digital art. Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, London SW3 4RY

Serpentine Gallery: a jewel of discreet elegance, placed in the greenery of Kensington Gardens and since 2013 completed by the Serpentine North, a futuristic extension by Zaha Hadid. Every summer, an ephemeral pavilion transforms the park into an arty laboratory unfolding performances, monumental sculptures, and immersive works by major (Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei…) or more confidential but always avant-garde artists. Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA

Somerset House: placed on the banks of the Thames, this former 18th-century neoclassical palace celebrates contemporary creation in a setting steeped in history. In summer, its fountains become an arty playground while in winter, the central courtyard turns into a chic open-air ice rink. Strand, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom

© Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin (2024) / Serpentine Gallery - Somerset House - Victoria & Albert Museum

Steaming teapots, finger sandwiches, scones to spread with jam and clotted cream, pastries worthy of Alice in Wonderland: zoom on 3 memorable afternoon teas to book well in advance.

Fortnum & Mason: the tea institution in London. Plan a raid on exceptional teas, jams, biscuits, and decoration on every floor of its sublime shop on Piccadilly, before heading up to The Diamond Jubilee salon for the fanciest tea time of your life (from £82). 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER

Jumeirah Carlton Tower: in this luxurious hotel in Belgravia plays an ode to nature inspired by the wonderful decor of Highgrove House & Gardens, whose gardens were arranged by Charles III himself. On the menu: finger sandwiches worthy of the Royal Family, a blackcurrant Mont-Blanc, and honey scones (£85). 1 Cadogan Pl, London SW1X 9PY

The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel: welcome to a movie decor with flowery armchairs and tapestries! In the heart of this 5-star hotel above Green Park, foodies delight in hot scones, delightfully cute sandwiches, and pretty cakes perfect for Instagram (£80). Ground Floor, 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP

© Fortnum & Mason - Jumeirah Carlton Tower - The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel

Also discover a green getaway in Ireland and your program for a dream weekend in Rome.