It seems like I was just in London. Oh wait, I was 2 weeks before this trip… Rewind a few months and Steve found out he would have a rare slow week in April, so we jumped at the chance for a getaway longer than a weekend. He really wanted to get back to London, and we found a good flight that got us to London (his choice)and Berlin (my choice). Then, I found out I’d be traveling to Scotland and Ireland for work right beforehand. Not one to pass up a trip, I embraced the hustle between trips so we could make it all happen. A vacation was much needed after the hectic month.
There’s plenty to see and do in London, but here’s my abbreviated version from our short time there.
WHERE TO EAT:
Twigs: Plant shop and lunch spot near Broadway Market
The Book Club: Very lively brunch spot on a Saturday with live music and a ping pong room!
Vida Bakery: Vegan/gluten-free bakery I got an oatmeal raisin cookies to save for later.
Lily Vanilli: Walk by quickly and you’ll miss it! This little bakery is tucked into a courtyard behind the flower market. Pink paint and a huge spread of sweets and coffee.
Smoking Goat: SO GOOD! This restaurant is based on late-night food found in Bangkok. Definitely crowded, but worth a short wait.
Borough Market: An overwhelming amount of food vendors here! It’s half outside, half covered with options for just about everything under the sun.
Broadway Market: On Saturdays, there is a neighborhood-y market selling everything from fruits, vegan nut cheese, kombucha stand, to street foods from around the world. You name it, they’ve got it, along with live music and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger for awhile.
Mare Street Market: If we had more time, this would’ve been my next meal.
WHAT TO DO:
Tate Modern: Edvard Munch exhibit with Scream was there, but we didn’t spring for the paid ticket.. On the other hand, we saw Monet’s water Lillies and an exhibit by Rothko…who one of Magic’s chow dog pals is named after. I picture Rothko the dog painting a masterpiece with a paintbrush between his teeth.
Tower Bridge: The weather turned real London-y and a light spritz if rain turned into wind and heavy rain while we were in the middle of Tower Bridge. Lovely. Regardless, it is a very impressive bridge with intricate detailing.
Boxpark Shoreditch: Boxcar? No space goes unused! Empty shipping containers line the street and each one has a little shop inside, and a few restaurants on the roof. Other highway underpasses have hidden restaurants and bars, so do some exploring to find hidden gems.
Columbia Road Flower Market was very close to our hotel. Imagine a whole market of fresh flowers and competing stall owners outdoing one another on prices, only on Sundays starting around 8am. If only I could’ve brought back a banana plant or giant orchid plant with me! I noticed some of the neighboring cafes were cash only, so keep that in mind.
Columbia Road was bustling with little boutique shops worth popping in for.
While we didn’t make it, everyone recommended we visit The Shard for a drink high in the sky.
Sky Garden: Dubbed as London’s highest public garden, it also offers a variety of dining options amongst the clouds.
Ballie Ballerson: An adult ball pit bar. Need I say more? Not saying this should be above a modern art museum on your to-do’s, but how often do you get to play as an adult?
While sorting through pictures on my computer, an old photo album from 2011 popped up. We were there prior to the 2012 Olympics and saw the countdown clock. Time sure does fly!
WHERE TO STAY:
Hoxton Shoreditch: I highly recommend this hotel. It includes free breakfast delivered to your room (yogurt, granola, banana and OJ), a restaurant and coffee shop in the lobby, plus plenty of space to hang out and enjoy one of their fireplaces. It seemed to be very popular with people working remotely, and then later in the evening having cocktails.
TIPS
Currency is the GBP £
The public transit system is easy to use. Get an oyster card and use it on the bus or tube. The remaining balance and refundable deposit on the card can be redeemed at the airport, FYI.
There are multiple airports. We flew into Heathrow, but out of Gatwick. Both were easily connected to public transportation.
People stay out LATE and drink heavy. Consider that when booking a hotel or Airbnb if you want to sleep at a reasonable hour!
Of course there are a million more ideas pinned on the map from coworker suggestions who live in the area, plus my own research. Here’s everything pinned:
The other part of our trip, Berlin, found here!