A Thoughtful Guide to Getting Started
London has a reputation for being fast.
Fast Tube journeys. Fast lunches. Fast sightseeing. Fast itineraries that promise you’ll “see London in two days.”
But the London I return to time and time again is very different.
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It’s the quiet walk through Regent’s park to the Rose garden. A long lunch that turns into an afternoon. Discovering a tiny neighbourhood bakery instead of queuing for another attraction. Sitting in a beautiful hotel lounge simply because you don’t need to rush anywhere.
This guide isn’t about squeezing more into your holiday.
It’s about planning a London trip that leaves you inspired rather than exhausted.
There’s so much to see, so many neighbourhoods to explore, and an endless list of places to eat, it can quickly become hard to know where to begin.
This guide is here to simplify things 💛
Not to give you a rigid itinerary, but to help you shape a trip that feels thoughtful, balanced, and truly yours.
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Start with the kind of trip you want
Before looking at maps or making bookings, take a moment to think about the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Do you imagine slow mornings in cafés, long walks through beautiful neighbourhoods, and discovering places at your own pace?
Or are you drawn to museums, history, and iconic landmarks you’ve always wanted to see?
Perhaps food is at the centre of your trip, exploring markets, restaurants, and everyday places where London really comes to life.
London can feel completely different depending on how you choose to experience it.
Taking the time to define this first step will make every decision that follows much easier. 💛
🏨 Choose where to stay carefully
Where you stay in London shapes your entire experience. Each area has its own rhythm and atmosphere.
Marylebone feels calm and elegant, with lovely cafés and independent shops. Shoreditch is more creative and lively. Notting Hill offers a more residential, colourful charm
Rather than focusing only on price or hotel category, think about how you want your days to feel.
Being able to walk to places you enjoy, or start your mornings in a neighbourhood that suits you, makes a big difference.
If you’re looking for ideas, I’ve shared some of the places I’ve personally stayed and loved here:
→ Best Hotels in London I’ve Stayed In
What to do with your luggage in London
Arriving before check-in or leaving London later in the day? Rather than carrying your suitcase around, you can leave it at one of the many luggage storage locations available through Radical Storage.
It’s a convenient way to enjoy a few extra hours exploring the city at your own pace.
Explore luggage storage in London and enjoy 10% off with my code E_R.
🍽️ Plan your food experiences
One of the most special things about London is its food scene. It’s incredibly diverse, from cosy neighbourhood spots to vibrant markets and refined dining experiences.
But this can also be where planning becomes overwhelming, there are simply too many options.
Rather than trying to find “the best places”, think about variety
A mix of:
- simple cafés
- local favourites
- one or two more special meals
This creates a much more enjoyable rhythm throughout your trip.
I’ve gathered some of my favourite restaurants and food experiences here:
→ Best Restaurants in London in 2026
→ Eksted at the Yard, my number one favourite
→ London’s Restaurants, Breakfast, Brunch and Coffee
→ Michelin star Restaurants in London (2026 guide
→ Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London (2026)
🗺️ Build your days, but leave space
It’s tempting to try and fit everything into a few days. London has so much to offer, and it’s easy to feel like you might miss out. But some of the best moments often come from what you didn’t plan.
Instead of creating a packed schedule, think in terms of balance.
A morning exploring a museum or a well-known area.
An afternoon walking through a quieter neighbourhood.
Time to stop for a coffee, wander, or simply take it all in.
You might also enjoy discovering places that feel a little less obvious :
→
→ Best Museums in London
These are often the moments that stay with you the most 💛
🎭 Slow Down with a West End Show
After a day exploring London, there’s nothing quite like ending the evening in one of the city’s historic theatres.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you don’t have to pay full price. Many popular musicals and plays are available with up to 50% off when booked through trusted ticket partners.
You don’t need to see everything
This is probably the most important part. You don’t need to see everything London has to offer in one trip.
In fact, trying to do so often takes away from the experience.
Choosing a few things you’re genuinely interested in, and allowing time to enjoy them, creates a much more meaningful journey.
London is a city you return to, not one you complete 💛
Continue Your Journey Beyond London
One of the things I love most about travelling in England is how easy it is to continue your journey beyond London without hiring a car.
I travel entirely by train, discovering historic cities, peaceful countryside and beautiful coastal towns at a slower pace. The train journeys became part of the experience, allowing me to relax, enjoy the scenery and arrive right in the heart of each destination.
If you have a few extra days, discover a few of the places that are well worth adding to your itinerary:
York & Yorkshire
Explore medieval York before discovering the Yorkshire countryside and some of England’s most beautiful landscapes.
→ Read my Yorkshire guides
🚂 Goathland
Arrive by heritage steam train, walk to Mallyan Spout waterfall and enjoy one of Yorkshire’s prettiest villages.
→ Discover Goathland
🚂 The Lake District
One of England’s most spectacular national parks, perfect for gentle walks, lakeside villages and reconnecting with nature.
→ Discover the Lake District
🚂 Rye
A picture-perfect medieval town with cobbled streets, independent shops and cosy cafés, ideal for slowing down.
→ Visit Rye
