A trip to London may conjure two different and somewhat competing vacation fantasies: the first, a more royal-inspired vision, with fancy tea parties, shopping at Selfridges, and photos outside Kensington Palace, and the second somewhat grungier, filled with smokey Camden bars and vinyl shopping in Soho. Why not do both? For ELLE Escapes, we compiled some of our favorite spots for making the most of your journey across the pond. London’s calling—here’s where to eat, drink, stay, and shop when you answer.
What to See
Hyde Park
There’s a reason London’s Hyde Park consistently tops the list of must-visit spots. Especially in the summer, when the rain lets up a bit, the 350-acre royal park is ideal for a picnic or a leisurely stroll with a to-go tea in hand. If it’s good enough for Kate Middleton, it’s good enough for any tourist.
ABBA Voyage
In 2000, Swedish supergroup ABBA famously turned down a $1 billion offer to reunite. Now, thanks to cutting-edge technology, you can see them together again—sort of.
ABBA Voyage is a first-of-its-kind live show featuring digital versions of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, performing alongside a live 10-piece band at their custom-built ABBA Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. It’s truly an experience like no other.
Files London
A trip to London never feels complete without a bit of vintage shopping. Picture this: you’re wandering through Hackney when a pair of vintage Issey Miyake cropped cargos catches your eye from the window. Step inside and you’ll discover Files London, a concept archive store in East London that feels like a true treasure trove. Specializing in Japanese, French, British, Belgian, and Italian designers, the shop offers a meticulously curated selection that fashion lovers will swoon over. The space itself is just as striking as the clothes, making the visit an experience in its own right. And while London is brimming with vintage and thrift gems, a stop at Files pairs perfectly with an afternoon of shopping in nearby Shoreditch or Soho. Pro tip: bring an extra bag—or at least leave some room in your suitcase—for all the new finds.
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Cos Sculpted Brush Cuff
Rothy’s The ReVelvet™ Penny Loafer
Where to Eat
A Blooming British Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster London
The British tradition of afternoon tea is an experience everyone should try at least once while in London. Between the scones, clotted cream, dainty sandwiches, and decadent desserts, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a light meal between meals? For a unique twist, the Royal Lancaster London offers A Blooming British Afternoon Tea in partnership with the Natural History Museum. Guests are welcomed into the hotel’s Hyde Café and taken on a storytelling journey that highlights the importance of bees and pollinators. The menu features whimsical creations like Daisy & the Bee and The Beehive. Fittingly, the hotel was also the first in central London to install rooftop beehives—way back in 2009!
Towpath
Locals know and love Towpath, a canalside café-restaurant in northeast London, just minutes from the popular Shoreditch neighborhood. It’s a go-to spot on sunny days—and while those may be rare in London, Towpath still makes for a charming day-date destination. With waterside seating where you can watch canal boats drift by, the café offers simple yet thoughtfully prepared food. Its relaxed, no-reservations vibe gives it the feel of a true neighborhood gem, too. The menu changes regularly, so no two visits are quite the same, and since the restaurant closes during the colder winter months, it’s best enjoyed in the spring and summer.
Rochelle Canteen
Tucked inside the grounds of the old Victorian Rochelle School lies Rochelle Canteen, a fairytale-like restaurant with a menu that changes daily. Reservations are required, and guests are buzzed in at the gate before stepping into what was once a playground—now a lush garden filled with flowers and fruit trees. The restaurant itself, formerly a bike shed, is now home to white-clothed tables and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Opened in 2004 by Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold, Rochelle Canteen is devoted to seasonal, produce-led cooking that feels both honest and quietly romantic.
Tankair Souvenirs Tank
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Chiomato Ferah Bag in Earth
Where to Drink
White Cross
If you find yourself southwest of central London in the posh neighborhood of Richmond, a stop at The White Cross is a must. Part pub, part restaurant, this riverside spot—affectionately known as “the pub that floods”—literally fills with water at high tide. But fear not: the staff hands out wellies to outdoor guests as the Thames starts to rise. Prefer to keep your feet dry? Check the Richmond tide times ahead of your visit. Either way, you can soak up the riverside views, sip a pint of Guinness, and enjoy classic fish and chips like a true Londoner.
Fitz’s
Fitz’s, named after the hotel’s original architect, is a cocktail bar that turns drinking into a playful experience. Inside, a striking, contemporary interior nods to the hotel’s historic roots, while a unique UV-light menu adds a theatrical twist. With inventive cocktails and attentive service, Fitz’s is an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a stylish night out in Bloomsbury.
Tonight Josephine
It’s not a wild night out in London if you don’t, at some point, find yourself in Shoreditch—and Tonight Josephine is the perfect stop for maximalists in search of an Instagrammable end to the evening. The décor channels early-aughts club life, complete with lots of hot pink, neon signs, and—naturally—a photo booth.
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Chiomato Bloom Wrap Belt
Brahmin Sophia satchel
Where to Stay
Royal Lancaster London
Hyde Park is easily one of the most beautiful green spaces in central London—so why not stay at an iconic hotel with panoramic views of it? The Royal Lancaster London, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, spans 18 floors and features 411 rooms that blend timeless elegance with modern comfort. Following an $115 million renovation, the hotel now boasts sleek, light-filled interiors, marble bathrooms, rainfall showers, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Book a deluxe room or suite for wraparound windows offering a vantage point that stretches from Wembley Stadium to the Shard. Perfectly positioned on the edge of Hyde Park, the hotel puts you within walking distance of some of London’s top destinations—Knightsbridge and Harrods across the park, or Oxford Street and Marble Arch just 15 minutes away by foot.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Kimpton Fitzroy blends historic grandeur with playful modernity. From its terracotta-adorned façade to the moody marble archways and astrological-tiled floors, the hotel evokes a mythical, storied past. Step inside the rooms, and the atmosphere transforms—each suite is uniquely styled, combining contemporary design with whimsical details. It’s the kind of place that feels like a home away from home. The location is a dream for avid explorers: perched on Russell Square in the heart of Bloomsbury, the hotel offers easy access to the British Museum, Oxford Street, boutique shops in Soho, and more. Harry Potter fans are just minutes from Platform 9¾, while a short bus ride north will take you to Primrose Hill, where the iconic scene from One Day was filmed.
The Beaumont
When it comes to location, The Beaumont is hard to beat. Nestled on a quiet residential street in Mayfair, the five-star boutique hotel is a stone’s throw away from some of the best shopping in the area—including Selfridges and Market Mercado, when you’re in the mood for a post-shopping cocktail. The hotel channels the elegance of a bygone era, with a cozy bar, an excellent restaurant, and beautifully appointed rooms with views overlooking Brown Hart Gardens.
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Madewell The Mylie Ballet Flat
Beauty Picks
Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick
Mimic the pout of Posh Spice herself with these sheer lipsticks created by the one and only Victoria Beckham. They’re easy and low maintenance, but add a pop of color to any outfit.
Grüns Nütrops Daily Gummies
It’s easy to skip vitamins while on the move, but Nutrops Daily Gummies come in perfectly portioned packs for travel. Infused with adaptogenic mushrooms, they’re a simple way to stay sharp, balanced, and ready on the go.
RIAJN Alpha Aura Fragrance Oil
A scent that lingers, this fragrance oil pairs zesty freshness with floral warmth, leaving a lasting aura of confidence and elegance. Its roll-on design slips easily into any purse for effortless use!
