a taste of: london

for your next long weekend across the pond

Happy LDW! I’m trying out a new travel segment. Think of these less as comprehensive itineraries and more as suggestions for likeminded travelers: especially those who prefer walking to see a city, balance affordability and indulgence, and like a little bit of everything.

There she goes…

London is up first. My first visit was in middle school with family, and my second visit was during my best friend’s college study abroad. I’ve been 3 times now since Brexit: in September of 2022 for the London Design Festival (accidentally during the late Queen’s funeral), in May of 2023 (the King’s coronation…another coincidence, seriously), and most recently in August of 2024 (Eras @ Wembley).

A long weekend (say 4-5 days) is a perfect amount of time to get a taste for the city. It’s clean, the design language classic, and has a nice mix of traditional and modern flair. And as an American, the little British quirks are simply charming.

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the practical stuff

Why London: It’s easy to navigate with tap-on-tap-off transit, but Ubers are also quite affordable (£15 for a 10 minute ride, less than £30 to cross town). With a barely-6-hour flight time from JFK, it’s a great first stop on a Euro vacation to conquer jet lag. If you’re going solo, I’ve always felt quite safe navigating on my own.

When to go: I’ve enjoyed visiting in transitional months (late spring and late summer) that call for lightweight layering. You’ll see a lot more denim and cotton than linen, and a medium-weight sweater or jacket is a must for nighttime.

Where to stay: I typically opt for the east side as it reminds me of Brooklyn, and traveling here with groups means wanting more shared space. The cost-worthy and cute Airbnbs averaged out to about $100/night/pp. Hotels will run you $200 at minimum, if not closer to $500/night.

Our Islington Airbnb. I rarely cook when traveling, but it’s nice to have the option for takeout, breakfast, tea, etc.

Islington felt perfect for groups or families who want more space and don’t mind being out of the city center, while still being close to cult bakery faves. We stayed in Shoreditch most recently—pricier, but worth it for walkability.

if you’re feeling: shoppy

I’d spend the day in Shoreditch, but first things first: caffeine. Specifically Jolene or Nagare Coffee for a light pastry and coffee. If you prefer a sit-down breakfast, OAT had a great toastie.

This area has many brands an American might recognize, like Reformation. I’d skip those for British storefronts such as Folk, Hai, and the charming home good boutique Labour and Wait. (If I owned a cottage, it would be furnished with all their knickknacks.)

For treasure hunting, head down to Brick Lane for vintage galore. I’ve spent hours in Brick Lane Vintage Market alone, a huge basement filled with vendor stalls. Skip the first room if you’re looking for the best leather jackets and trenches! Many vendors specialize in brands in case you have your eye on one particular item, e.g. Burberry trenches or Vivienne Westwood blouses. I played a very long game hunting for my perfect leather jacket here…

…and it paid off at Pure Vintage. Gazillionth time is a charm! £150

If vendor stalls feel overwhelming, try ATIKA instead. It has two massive levels, though most of our time was spent in the menswear. My friend snatched up a perfect rugby shirt and I found a thick striped sweater for the fall.

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if you’re feeling: peckish

You deserve it! My recent sit-down meal shortlist:

• Brawn Delicious even though I was half asleep from jet lag. Summer melon with pecorino, mackerel crudo, sea bass, and a tagliatelle. £45pp (no drinks)

• manteca This was the best GF pasta I’ve ever had, so I bet the normal pasta is stellar. We split a brown crab cacio e pepe, a beef ragu pappardelle, and heirloom tomato salad between 2 people for around £30pp at lunch.

• BRAT Honestly, I only remember the bread and duck fried rice, but it was vibey. I want to say this was £50pp for lunch, would be pricier for dinner. (P.S. I recognized their windowsill immediately in that first photo of Paul Mescal and Gracie spotted together.)

For a British classic, book afternoon tea. And don’t be fooled by tiny sandwiches…I’m always full by the end. sketch (left) is a modern take at £75pp—I thought it might be a little too Instagram 2016, but we had a great time. Fortnum & Mason’s Tea Salon (right, £80pp) is a more traditional option with great souvenirs for your parents.

Another classic option: I had my first Sunday roast at the Hereford Arms and it was exactly what I expected. The Cadogan Arms was also highly recommended.

cozy!!

Honorable mentions from friends (that I haven’t tried):

• Gunpowder or Brigadiers for Indian options that aren’t Dishoom

• Lyle’s or St. John Bread and Wine for modern British fare

• Little Duck the Picklery, recommended to us by the manager at Brilliant Corners

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if you’re feeling: a solo stroll

My perfect Sunday. Start at the Columbia Road flower market for live music and plenty to peruse. (Bonus detour: Two Columbia Road if you want midcentury furniture eye candy.) I loved scoping out local provisions at Hackney Essentials, STRAW London, and NOM living for East Fork-esque stoneware.

STRAW! my first thought was British Salter House

Sit on the curb for a bit before heading up to Hackney City Farm if you like cute animals (duh). Continue on to Broadway Market in London Fields for a lively street of storefronts and people watching. For the bookish: Artwords Bookshop is a must for design books, and Donlon Books for everything else.

I’d end the day with a beer at Pub on the Park or dinner in Hackney.

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if you’re feeling: uninspired

I’d start the day in the center at Prufrock Coffee, then pop into aspirational stationary stores Present & Correct and Choosing Keeping. If you have time, head up to Magculture for an amazing curation of printed matter.

Then it’s time for your museum of choice! Museums are free entry here, but if they’re not your thing and you want to be outside, the V&A courtyard is a nice sit. A walk through Kensington Gardens and its Serpentine Gallery is also a great choice.

if you go in the summer, treat yourself at the ice cream vans :)

From there, there are two ways to round out the day: continue on north to explore colorful and picturesque Notting Hill. (Search “Notting Hill walking guide” if you must.) Or head south across the river to the Tate Modern and Marcus Campbell Art Books. If you’re hungry, good news: you’re only 10 min from Borough Market and a walk across the London Bridge.

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Bonus: Book a session at MASAJ, recommended by beauty OG Estée Lalonde.

Cheers! x