Guides to London

Libraries are great community spaces that you can use for a range of purposes, from carrying out your own research to ticking some books off your reading list or joining in with events. If you're looking for the best and most beautiful libraries around London for studying, reading, or simply browsin...

London's packed with things to do, from world-class galleries and pop-up exhibitions to street food markets, gigs, and late-night openings. Whether you're chasing the next big food event or want something a bit more low-key, there's always something happening somewhere. Here are the best things to d...

Soho is to London's food scene what rhythm is to blues, and it's injecting a tasty lease of life into the streets of London via its seemingly never-ending selection of award-winning restaurants and eateries. Whether you want to sip on natural wines whilst snacking on seasonal dishes or slurp spicy u...

London is home to a vast range of afternoon teas, including many that are extravagant and expensive. If that's not your style, or you want the experience without breaking the bank, you can find a cheap afternoon tea in the capital that gives you the grandeur you want without sending you into your ov...

You can find many good restaurants in London, but some are a cut above – and here they are. The top rated of the top rated restaurants in London, the best restaurants the city has to offer. The ultimate handbook, cheat sheet and all-in-one “best of London” manual to essential London restaurants, gas...

As one of London's most iconic and busiest areas, Covent Garden is regularly packed with throngs of tourists as well as locals, with a choice of restaurants to match all tastes and budgets. With such an abundance of food and people, it can be overwhelming finding the right spot for a bite, but don't...

Look, we'll level with you here – by the time you finish this paragraph, you'll already have fallen behind the swiftly changing restaurant scene in London. It's just the way it is with a city of this size and culinary verve, new spots popping up all over the place all the time. That being said, rest...

It's no secret that Central London is home to some of the best restaurants on the planet, offering cuisine from pretty much every corner of the globe – Thai, Indian, Italian, British, you name it, Central London's got it. The city is home to a wealth of Michelin-starred restaurants as well as street...

Due to its sheer size and the variety on offer, London is rightfully regarded as a culinary paradise. But even here, there are restaurants that stand above the rest. Whether it's because of the interior decoration, the presentation of the dishes, the flavour combinations or some other factor, these...

Café, coffee shop, coffee house, espresso bar – no matter what you call them, London has plenty of places to hit up when you need a quick fix of java and a break. The coffee shops in the capital range from speedy takeaway outposts to laidback eateries that place as much of an emphasis on the food as...

In London we're lucky enough to have a huge range of exciting restaurants and top food trends to enjoy. But with fab new venues opening every day, it can be tough to keep up with what's going on and which are the hottest tables around. We've got you covered with our guide to the hottest restaurants...

Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely day out in London or you’re after something quick on your break from work, there are lots of places where you can find a delicious lunch. Ranging from speedy bites to lengthy, luxurious meals, foodies in the capital have plenty of choice all over the city. The num...

If there's one thing London knows how to do right, it's partying. With the history of music so tightly intertwined with UK culture, it comes as no surprise that the city is at the forefront of the global clubbing scene. The sheer size of the city and the number of events every day might seem dauntin...

Who doesn’t love pizza? With so many different styles and toppings available, there’s a pizza out there for everyone – it’s a versatile and universally-loved comforting favourite. Whether you like authentic Neapolitan recipes, New York-style slices, unique toppings, or veganised versions, true pizza...

Life in London can be hectic, but a trip to a spa can be a great way to unwind or treat yourself. Fortunately, the capital has many peaceful spas to choose from when you need to get away from it all and focus on self-care. Whether you're looking for a calm atmosphere, innovative treatments, or high-...

London is a busy city with so much to see and do. Whether you’ve got lots of free time on your hands or only a few hours to spare, how do you decide how to keep occupied? Luckily there are lots of things to do in London, from museums and tours to cultural experiences or exhilarating activities that...

Paris may be the official City of Love, but our vote sits firmly with London and all its lovey-dovey hotels, perfect for a romantic rendezvous. Some come kitted out with free-standing outdoor tubs, some with personal butler service, whilst others even have their own grand piano so you can channel yo...

If you're looking for a snug, stylish stay in the beating heart of the city, you've come to the right place. London is brimming with beautiful boutique hotels that may be slightly smaller in size but certainly pack a punch when it comes to style and personality. Whether you want to stay in the old s...

Whether you’re into craft beer, cocktails, or wine, enjoying a drink with friends in a bar can be one of life’s little pleasures. London has a huge choice of bars all over the city, from the small and intimate to the big and raucous. If you’re looking for the ideal spot to savour your favourite tipp...

Every restaurant has its own unique character, but it's fair to say that some have more character than others. If you're looking for a dining experience unlike any other, you can take your pick from a variety of quirky and unusual restaurants in London. Whether you want dinner in a distinctive setti...

If you're flying in or out of London there's a good chance you're going to pass through Heathrow Airport. And with airline food often not having the best reputation, getting something to eat before your flight might be a sensible idea. Being the largest London airport with four different terminals,...

Music is a big part of life in London and, despite the rise of streaming, there are still plenty of stores that stick to the tried-and-true method of digging through crates of records to find album gems. Whether you’re looking for new releases or second-hand classics, vinyl records, CDs or cassette...

After a stroll along the riverside you will have worked up an appetite, and you’ll probably want to stop for a bite to eat. From Thai-Malay fusion fare to pan-African, there’s something to suit every palette in South Bank. Whether you want to sit and have a riverside picnic along the canal with some...

With London having its very own Chinatown, it’s no surprise that the Chinese cuisine on offer in the city goes far beyond the usual takeout. Whether you’re looking for platters of steaming dim sum, regional specialties, refined dining, family-run joints, the famed Peking duck or any other culinary d...

When you're stressed out, or your body aches, and you desperately need some time to unwind, treating yourself to a massage is a great form of self-care. From luxury spa experiences and traditional Thai massage to deep tissue sports massages, there are plenty of massage places in London that'll leave...

Is there anything quite like a pub? The welcoming wooden furnishings, the unmistakable tang of joyous nights in the air, the shiny taps poking their marquees above the bar, the simple familiarity of the place, even if you've never been there before – pubs are a quintessentially British place and no...

England is the home of afternoon tea so where better to enjoy this treat than London? There are a huge variety of afternoon teas available throughout the city, ranging from classic experiences to boozy afternoons and creative twists on the traditional tea. Not sure how to find the perfect afternoon...

When you want to sit back and relax with a good film and a tasty snack, London has you covered. The city boasts a diverse array of multiplexes, cinemas in historic buildings, quirky arthouse cinemas, hidden screening rooms and more, showing everything from the latest Hollywood blockbuster to obscure...

As a global destination with millions of people coming through every year, navigating London's vast hospitality scene can be quite a challenge, and that's exactly where this guide comes in. Whether you're here for business or sightseeing, a lengthy break or just looking for a quick staycation to pam...

Who doesn’t love Italian food? Whether you’re a fan of comforting pizza and pasta, fresh and flavoursome antipasti, or some of the lesser-known Italian dishes, London is full of classic and inventive Italian restaurants that give you an authentic taste of the flavours of the country. If you’re not s...

If you’re travelling to London on a budget, then you should definitely consider staying in a hostel to save some extra pennies for the more exciting stuff (like dining at a Soho hot spot, for example). There are so many amazing, budget-friendly options to choose from all over the city, from female-o...

Every year, on 17 March, the world celebrates St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. In the capital, a variety of fun activities and events that showcase Irish culture and traditions help mark the occasion. Our guide to where to celebrate St Patrick's Day in London highlights some of the best thin...

We can all agree that when you look good you feel good too, and a little pampering certainly never hurt anyone. Heading to a beauty salon to be preened is ideal if you’re preparing for a special event or you just want to refresh your looks and feel great. In London you can find a huge range of beaut...

Having your nails perfectly manicured makes you feel great and brings your whole look together. Visiting a nail salon in London for a quality mani or pedi lets you express yourself too, from simple and natural nails to modern and creative designs that are full of character. If your nails need some T...

Sometimes we all need to step back from busy city life and take a moment to completely reset and recharge. From luxurious hotel sanctuaries to secret subterranean spas, London isn't short on places to stay that come decked out with a spa. Picking a place that ticks all of your boxes is half the chal...

The suit maketh the man, the saying goes, and London has certainly followed, er, suit. Historically celebrated for its impeccable tailoring and fashion sense thanks to the masterful craftsmanship on display at Savile Row, London has dressed royalty, celebrities, businessmen, and others looking to lo...

Thanks to a combination of immediately recognisable landmarks, a characteristic British atmosphere, a rich historical background, and a successful film industry, London is a top choice for filmmakers from all over the world. The city has featured in everything from hit drama series to record-breakin...

Fabulous hair can make you look and feel your best at any age and whatever your style is. Of course, if you want hair that looks fantastic you need to start with finding the right salon. There's a huge choice of hair salons in London with different specialisms, so finding the one that's ideal for yo...

London has a reputation for being an expensive city, and whilst this is true in some ways, that doesn't mean there aren't fantastic options for the budget-conscious visitor. The capital has lots of places to stay, and there are plenty of excellent quality, good value hotels in London. If you're plan...

Conveyor belt sushi is a fun dining experience, offering a different approach to standard table service. Seated behind a conveyor belt around an open kitchen, you can select the freshly-prepared morsels as the sushi train comes by, with the different coloured plates corresponding to different prices...

We're all aware that eating out can often be pricey, but you don't have to miss out if you're on a budget. There are plenty of cheap eats in London that offer tasty food and great value for money. From affordable Asian favourites to Italian, Mexican, and even classic British cooking, the capital is...

Whether you’ve got a job interview lined up, a big date coming your way, a special occasion in the works or just want to treat yourself to a little pampering, a fresh cut and a clean shave are just the thing for the discerning gentlemen. London certainly isn’t lacking in barbershops, but there are s...

London is a thriving culinary hub that brings together flavours and culinary traditions from around the world. Foodies on a tight schedule, visitors trying to get their footing, or locals looking for a fun day out can join one of London's food tours for an entertaining and informative gastronomic ex...

With the UK's historic ties to India, it's no wonder Indian cuisine is thriving in London. Offering exhilarating spice blends, comforting staples, and contemporary takes on authentic dishes, the best Indian restaurants in the capital know how to hit that sweet flavour spot. Whether you're looking fo...

With a city the size of London, some areas can be better than others depending on what you're looking to do while here, and picking the right one can save you a lot of time and money on travel. Unfortunately, it can be hard to know where to find lodging if you're unfamiliar with the city, which is w...

London is seriously spoilt with Michelin-starred restaurants, with some 90 restaurants awarded at least one star by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Michelin restaurants used to be synonymous with French haute cuisine and synchronised dome-lifting, but starred restaurants now include everything from...

Welcome to our guide to the best children's afternoon tea in London! There are numerous charming afternoon tea spots in the capital that cater specifically to families, ensuring that even the youngest members can enjoy this quintessentially British experience. Whether you're seeking a whimsical kids...

You'd be right to assume that with a postcode as prestigious as W1, the dining options are as fancy as they come. But it isn't all centred around Mayfair glitz and glam, and if you know where to look, there are restaurants for every palette. From chilled-out pizzerias and elaborate izakaya set menus...

As much as fine dining restaurants and quirky street food trucks try to steal the limelight on the London food scene, the classic meat-in-a-bun combo remains the capital's number one dish. The quest for the best burger in London seems to be a never-ending debate, from Bleecker burger's NYC-style sma...

Although the main form of exercise in London is probably traipsing up and down tube station corridors, the city offers a wealth of options for those looking to stay in shape. Whether you prefer lifting weights, practicing yoga, or taking high-intensity fitness classes, there's a gym in the capital t...