London Calling: A Vibrant fusion of tradition and modern buzz
February 2025
Well hello there …
London has always been an iconic and cosmopolitan city, a must-visit for any traveller. Its mix of rich history, cutting-edge culture, and undeniable charm make it a destination that never goes out of style. This time, my husband, my youngest stepdaughter, and I packed our bags for an unforgettable adventure in her all-time favorite city. With a week off from university, she chose London as our destination, and honestly, who could argue with that? From iconic landmarks to bustling markets, world-class dining, and dazzling shopping streets, this trip was bound to be a major success! For my business, there was also an interesting fair happening at the same time, so it’s always a win-win to combine business with pleasure.
It had been almost 20 years since I last set foot in this incredible city, and I was eager to rediscover its magic. This time, however, I took a backseat in the planning. Apart from making restaurant reservations, I left all the rest up to our daughter—letting her craft the perfect itinerary for an exciting and fresh London experience through her eyes.
Practical Wisdom
Our journey to London began aboard the Eurostar from Brussels, a seamless and comfortable ride that whisked us into St. Pancras International in just over two hours. With the UK no longer part of the EU, Belgian citizens need a valid international passport to enter the country. Additionally, from April 2025, travellers from the EU will be required to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before their visit, a quick online process but something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
One of the biggest conveniences in London is that you don’t need to exchange Euros for British pounds—cash is often refused, and you can pay with your bank or credit card just about everywhere. Contactless payment is widely accepted, even on public transport, making your travels even smoother.
Once in the city, the most efficient way to get around is the London Underground (Tube). It’s worth purchasing an Oyster Card, which you can top up with your estimated travel budget, or simply use your contactless bank card to tap in and out at stations. ( Do keep in mind that you pay international transaction fees). The Tube network is extensive, and though it can be busy during peak hours, it remains the quickest way to navigate London.
While taxis and Ubers are available, London’s traffic is notoriously hectic, making walking or using the metro often the faster choice. For a more scenic option, hop on one of the city’s iconic red double-decker buses, which provide a great way to see the sights while getting from point A to B. Consider taking a Thames Clipper boat ride along the river, a unique and underrated way to view London’s skyline from the water.
No trip to London is complete without spotting the iconic red telephone booths scattered throughout the city. While they may no longer be as commonly used, they remain a beloved symbol of London’s history and make for the perfect photo opportunity.
The Tourist Hotspots
London is a big city of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique vibe:
Mayfair – Luxury shopping, elegant streets, and high-end dining.
Soho – Trendy, vibrant, and packed with entertainment.
Camden – Alternative and artistic, home to the famous Camden Market.
Notting Hill – Colourful houses, charming cafés, and the legendary Portobello Market.
Greenwich – Maritime history, the Royal Observatory, and stunning river views.
South Bank – A cultural hub with theatres, museums, and stunning riverside walks.
Covent Garden – Bustling with street performers, boutique shops, and charming cafés.
Kensington & Chelsea – Home to world-class museums and elegant Victorian architecture.
MUST-SEE LIST
Parks
Hyde Park – One of London’s largest parks, perfect for leisurely walks, boating, and the famous Speakers’ Corner.
Regent’s Park – Home to the beautiful Queen Mary’s Rose Garden and London Zoo.
St. James’s Park – A picturesque royal park with views of Buckingham Palace and a resident pelican colony.
Squares
Trafalgar Square – A lively cultural hub featuring Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery.
Leicester Square – The heart of London’s entertainment district, known for its cinemas and red-carpet premieres.
Covent Garden Piazza – A charming square filled with street performers, boutique shops, and historic markets.
Piccadilly Circus – London’s version of Times Square, with its dazzling billboards and energetic atmosphere.
Historical Buildings
Tower of London – A medieval fortress housing the Crown Jewels and centuries of British history.
Westminster Abbey – The stunning Gothic church where British monarchs are crowned and buried.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben – Iconic symbols of London’s political history and stunning Gothic architecture.
St. Paul’s Cathedral – A magnificent domed cathedral known for its Whispering Gallery and breathtaking views. Insiders tip, go to Cannon Street 25, to take an Instagram-worthy reflection picture of the Cathedral.
Museums & Galleries
British Museum – A world-famous collection of artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
Tate Modern – A cutting-edge modern art gallery housed in a former power station.
Victoria & Albert Museum – A treasure trove of decorative arts, fashion, and design.
Madame Tussauds – A famous wax museum featuring lifelike celebrities and historical figure replicas.
Markets
Borough Market – A foodie’s paradise with fresh produce, gourmet street food, and artisanal products.
Camden Market – A vibrant alternative market offering vintage clothing, art, and global street food.
Portobello Road Market – A famous antiques and fashion market in the colourful Notting Hill.
Bridges
Tower Bridge – A stunning Victorian-era bascule bridge offering breathtaking views from its glass walkway.
London Bridge – A historic crossing with a modern design, connecting the City of London to Southwark.
Millennium Bridge – A sleek pedestrian suspension bridge with scenic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Landmarks
Buckingham Palace – The official residence of the British monarch and the site of the Changing of the Guard.
London Eye – A giant Ferris wheel offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline.
The Shard – London’s tallest building with a stunning observation deck
Keep in mind that entrance fees in London can be quite steep. For example, taking the elevator to the top of The Shard set us back £97.50 (≈€119) for three people. Similarly, visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral would have cost at least £26 per person. Many of London's museums, however, are free to enter.
Although it was not on our agenda, it must be said. If you're visiting London, experiencing a musical is a must! For musicals, head to the iconic West End, where you can catch popular shows like The Lion King or Les Misérables. It’s best to book tickets in advance, but if you’re feeling spontaneous, the TKTS booth in Leicester Square offers discounted last-minute tickets. For a more unique experience, consider seeing a play at The Globe Theatre, where you can immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world.
Would you like a table?
London’s dining scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are too many options to choose from.
We ate at the following 3 restaurants:
Cicchetti Piccadilly – Honest pure Italian cuisine, in a beautiful setting, a little noisy though. This restaurant is part of the San Carlo Groupe, with leading restaurants in Bristol, Leicester, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and London. In London they have 7 other locations, all with a unique name
Sexy Fish – A stylish hotspot serving up top-tier Asian cuisine, thinking at Sushi, skewers, Wagyu, etc… Finger-licking good, but rather expensive. See and be seen place-to-be spot. Outside you can spot all the private chauffeurs in luxury cars waiting for their employer and entourage to drive them home safely.
Cavita - Vibrant Mexican restaurant, offering a contemporary twist on traditional dishes. We liked the setting, and cocktails, but were less impressed by the food and the service. Our plates were still on the table after we finished our coffee, while they were not understaffed.
Looking for more recommendations, check out:
Mber: My sister's recommendation. A stylish Pan-Asian restaurant on Pudding Lane, offering creative sharing plates in a chic setting. The menu blends traditional flavours with modern twists for an intimate dining experience.
Big Mamma Group: A vibrant Italian restaurant group with lively trattorias like Gloria (Shoreditch), Circolo Popolare (Fitzrovia), and Ave Mario (Covent Garden). Known for over-the-top decor and indulgent, authentic Italian cuisine. Our first choice for the first evening was Circolo Popolare, but you need to book them long in advance, and we were only able to book a table after 9 PM.
Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurants: From the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to the elegant Pétrus and the iconic Savoy Grill, Ramsay's London establishments offer diverse fine dining experiences. We looked at “Lucky Cat”, an Asian-inspired restaurant with a lively atmosphere, but went for Sexy Fish in the end.
Ottolenghi’s Restaurants & Delis: Celebrated for vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, Ottolenghi’s delis (Notting Hill, Islington, Marylebone, Chelsea) serves fresh salads and pastries. His restaurants, NOPI (Soho) and ROVI (Fitzrovia), focus on bold flavors, vegetables, and fermentation techniques. We had a take-away lunch at the deli in Nothing Hill.
London has some of the best Indian restaurants. Not our cup of tea, but Gymkana, Tamarind, Dishoom, etc… are good options is said.
Other Italians with good reviews: Jaccuzi & Carlotta
London's high tea is a real cultural tradition. While we grabbed a cinnamon roll on the go, if you want to dive into this tradition, there are some iconic spots you shouldn't miss. For a classic and luxurious afternoon tea go to:
The Ritz: Classic, luxurious afternoon tea.
Claridge’s: Elegant and refined, a must-try.
Fortnum & Mason: Enjoy tea at this iconic department store.
Kensington Palace: Have tea in a royal setting at The Orangery.
The Savoy: For a historic and live music-infused tea.
The Wolseley: A grand, European-style café offering a sophisticated afternoon tea.
The Lanesborough: A lavish setting with impeccable service and a regal atmosphere.
Good night, sleep tight!
For this trip, we stayed at The Athenaeum Hotel, a stylish five-star hotel in the heart of Mayfair, offering a blend of modern luxury and personalized service. With its prime location near Green Park and Buckingham Palace, it provides elegant rooms and suites, along with a range of amenities like a spa, restaurant, and whisky bar. Known for its family-run charm, it’s perfect for those seeking a refined yet welcoming stay.
Other nice, pricey but for London standards affordable places to stay:
Broadwick Soho 5*– A chic, design-forward boutique hotel with a playful yet elegant vibe.
1 Hotel Mayfair 5* – A sophisticated stay blending classic Mayfair charm with contemporary luxury.
The Hoxton 4* – Chic and affordable boutique style in various trendy locations like Shoreditch and Holborn.
NoMad London 5* – A luxurious and trendy hotel located in Covent Garden, offering a mix of contemporary design and historic charm with upscale dining and a rooftop bar.
The Hari 5* – A stylish, luxury hotel in Knightsbridge with a modern, elegant feel, known for its sophisticated decor, fantastic service, and exceptional restaurant.
Treehouse London 4* – A fun, eco-conscious hotel near Oxford Street with amazing city views.
Beaverbrook Town House 5* – A plush, modern hotel in Chelsea with a warm, sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional service.
The Portobello Hotel 4* – A charming, eclectic boutique hotel with a whimsical touch, located near the famous Portobello Road Market.
2 Chesham Hotel – A hidden gem offering boutique-style luxury with a focus on comfort and personalized service, located in a quieter area.
The Clermont 4* – A stylish and welcoming hotel with a prime location near St Pancras Station, offering modern amenities in a beautiful historical building.
I Could Give Up Shopping, But I’m Not a Quitter.
London is a shopping paradise with something for everyone! Oxford Street and Regent Street are home to major flagship stores, offering a mix of high street and designer brands. For luxury retail therapy, head to Selfridges or Harrods, both iconic department stores featuring everything from high-end fashion to gourmet food halls.
If you’re looking for something unique, Covent Garden is filled with charming boutiques, artisan shops, and independent designers, while Hamleys Toys—one of the world’s oldest toy stores—offers a magical experience for both kids and adults. For souvenirs, pick up some classic English tea, a stylish Burberry scarf, luxury fragrances, etc…
The earth is art, the photographer is only a witness!
