A Guide To 72 Hours In London
For this city guide, I will walk you through my ideal 72 hours in London. Growing up here, I have developed a love-hate relationship with the city. On the one hand, I adore the endless possibilities it has to offer but on the other, it lacks the personality of a Milanese aperitivo. For this reason, I am always trying to live the city by discovering its hidden corners, staying away from jam-packed Oxford Street.
Disclaimer: my weekends are jam packed, so bring your comfortable sneakers :)
DAY 1:
Firstly you will surely wakeup in need of a typical London brunch, so take the tube to Notting Hill gate and head to Egg Break. This cosy hidden spot serves a fantastic brunch, accompanied by a cappuccino or an almond milk matcha latte, London’s speciality. If you’re keen to roam around the streets of Notting Hill, Farm Girl Cafe is another hidden gem. I love to start my weekends sitting at a cafe catching with friends who I haven’t seen in a while.
Barber and Parlour, Shoreditch
Once you’ve filled up your stomach with a substantial brunch, I would recommend you head towards Hyde Park for a digestive walk (or bike! For just £2 you can rent a Santander Bike and drop it wherever you wish around the city). Parks are an essential part of my routine, and the ones in London are especially green with a very strong community feeling on weekends. If you’re lucky you may even bump into a few squirrels, parrots or Henry Moore’s statue; close to the Peter Pan Statue is one of the best spots for parrots!
Henry Moore statue, Hyde Park
Plan B: In case of a rainy day, I would suggest to skip the park and head straight to the Royal Academy of Arts, one of my favourite contemporary art museums in London (best show I’ve ever seen was Ai Wei Wei in 2015).
Now it's time for Central London! When exiting in the east of the park you’ll find yourself in Mayfair. For gallery lovers like myself, this is the place to be! From Berkeley Square, to New Bond Street, to Dover street, here you will find the buzzing elite of London, which is especially beautiful in the winter months with all the decorations. (A few of my favourite galleries are Cardi Gallery and Thaddeus Ropac, built in traditional London Townhouses).
I personally prefer the quieter streets of Soho, so after this long walk I would head there for some lunch. Soho is known for it’s small spaces, quick service, and many asian restaurants! My personal favourites are Bao, Koya, and Duck and Waffle (very iconic dish, even better if you have time to go to the one in the Heron Tower). If you happen to be in Soho in the evening you must go to Blanchette! Exquisite French food with a romantic yet upbeat ambience.
Duck and Waffle
If you have the energy, after lunch stop by The Wallace Collection, very interesting collection form the 14th to the 19th century, hosted in a beautiful townhouse. Don’t forget to stop for tea in the courtyard!
To finish the evening, if you have never been, a Musical is a London must! Personal favourites are Mamma Mia and The Lion King.
DAY 2:
My ideal Saturday morning would start at Tate Modern to see the latest exhibition. I adore its large spaces - as well as the Tribune Hall at its centre which is interpreted by a new artist every year (personal favourite: Doris Saraceno’s Shibboleth). Afterwards head to Borough Market for lunch, where you can find several food stands or a great Mexican called El Pastor. (Markets are very typical of London and generally have great atmospheres on weekends. Others to not miss; Matlby Street Market, Spitafields Market)
After Lunch, cross London bridge towards the Walkie Talkie for a coffee (or drink) at Sky Garden — don’t forget to book! (My favourite bridge is actually Millennium bridge as it is completely pedestrianised)
Artist Ben Wilson paints on chewing gum on Millenium Bridge
You can’t leave London without trying a pub and a few pints! Here I recommend Le Grenadier, an unusual pub hidden away in a small mews in Victoria. After dinner you must be thirsty for another round of drinks, so head to The Little Yellow Door, a cosy bar in Notting Hill which will make you feel at home!
DAY 3:
Can’t end without another trip to a market — Colombia Road Flower Market. Take your time roaming around the stands of flowers and food, making a quick stop by Lily Vanilli Bakery for a takeaway coffee and cake.
After this head towards Shoreditch for some shopping and graffiti. Can you spot Banksy’s ‘Graffiti Area’? Shoreditch has been my favourite area for quite some time as it feels completely detached from the rest of London, with its own sense of community. I love roaming the streets and discovering new quirky stores, such as Artwords Bookstore or the vintage sunglasses store on Redchurch Street (can’t remember the name but you’ll find it!). Brick lane is also unique for its vintage stores and delicious bagels, almost feels like New York. Once you start getting hungry head towards Dishoom for some delicious Indian food and a great ambiance.
Beigel Bake, Brick Lane
What better way to end the weekend with a movie night! Head towards the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill, an unconventional movie theatre where you will be able to lie down while sipping a Moscow Mule and some nachos. If you’re still hungry I would end the evening with a dinner at the Greek restaurant Mazi, one of my favourites! The atmosphere is very calm as it is hidden between a few residential streets but the food is spectacular! My favourite; Honey Roasted Tomatoes with goat’s cheese.
Funky bike stand, Shoreditch