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We've made it to the last post from my European summer adventure: my London travel guide. London was our shortest stop but nevertheless, memorable. We actually had one of the most serendipitous things happen while we were in London. My friend, Marta, is currently living in Spain and she happened to be visiting someone in London. She saw my Instagram stories after our first day and messaged me. We ended up meeting up the next day and hanging out for the afternoon and evening. It was such a sweet special surprise and perfect way to end our trip.
LONDON TRAVEL GUIDE
Where To Stay
If you guessed we stayed at another Hyatt property, you'd be correct! As I mentioned in my Paris post, I'm a big fan of Hyatt's reward program. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment, which is located right along the River Thames. We booked a standard king room (be aware that king beds in England are smaller than in the US). The room was a little small but very comfortable.
We didn't check out the amenities at the hotel, aside from breakfast our last morning. They offered a solid buffet at a reasonable price. Otherwise we spent the rest of our time out and about.
All in all, I found it to be a really nice hotel option and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there in the future.
Transportation
Our hotel is situated along the River Thames, just south of the London Eye and across from Big Ben & Westminster Abbey. I was a little worried that our hotel would be out of the way but it ended up being easy to navigate. We took the tube our first day and got on at the Vauxhall station. We were delighted to find that we could use our credit cards in lieu of tickets; we just scanned them to enter and leave the stations.
We also used taxis (via the Bolt app) and rented bikes (via Lime). Of course, we also walked a fair amount 🙂
We had a couple other "modes of transportation", which were really sightseeing activities. The first of which was the Big Bus Tours. I booked this hop on, hop off excursion via Viator. There are tons of bus tour options. This option was affordable and offered tons of stops throughout the city. Once you activate your ticket, you can ride the bus as much as you'd like for 24 hours hours. There are also audio tours included through their app (and free headphones are available on the buses). In addition to the bus rides, you also get a one way ferry ride on the Thames. We chose to get on by Tower Bridge and take the ferry to Westminster Pier. The ride was about 30 minutes.
What To Do
Enjoy Afternoon Tea: This was one of things we most looked forward to on our trip. Joe and I LOVE afternoon. Our British experience did not disappoint. We did two different afternoon teas and enjoyed both for different reasons. I share more details in the dining portion of this post.
Stroll Through Hyde Park: Is there a lovelier park than Hyde Park? I don't think so. We wondered through the park and spent some time enjoying the Peter Pan statue and ducks swimming in the pond.
Ride A Ferry: As I mentioned in the transportation portion, we rode the ferry from Tower Bridge to Westminster Pier. This 30 minute, one way ride was included in our Big Bus tour ticket. It was a nice way to see more of London and glide along the River Thames.
Sightsee by Bus: There's a lot to see in London and if you're visiting for a short time, a hop on/hop off bus can be a great option. We booked the Big Bus London tour via Viator. It was really convenient, had a ton of a stops and an app with an audio tour.
Shop at Harrod's: Save room in your suitcase for souvenirs from Harrod's. This massive department store also features some great restaurants and a giant food hall. We stopped for a drink at the Tiffany's cafe and did some shopping at the food hall.
Ride The London Eye: I was so bummed that we didn't manage to fit this in our trip. So many people recommended riding the London Eye and we passed by it a few times. Definitely make time for it in your itinerary!
Peggy Porschen
Where To Eat
Cheeky Scone: This was our first stop and it was absolutely delicious. They offer a huge variety of scones with a range of toppings (sweet and savory). It's worth a visit.
Coppa Club, Tower Bridge: We had breakfast here on our second day. Obviously Joe needed a proper English breakfast. We had a good meal and pleasant service. This location is right along the River Thames. They have these cool enclosed bubble structures you can eat in as well (I believe these require a specific reservation).
Peggy Porschen: If you're looking for a trendy, Instagram worthy spot, look no further. Peggy Porschen is absolute perfection. Every corner of this bakery and cafe is decked out and decor rotates seasonally. While we were in town, they had an under the sea theme. Note: you will need a reservation for tea because they only make a certain amount each day.
Mr. Fogg's House of Botanicals
sketch
Goring Hotel Afternoon Tea: We had to go for a traditional afternoon tea and this was such a treat. The ambience was perfection. The service was excellent and everyone was very attentive. The food was delicious and fresh. They offered to refill our tea and food as much as we wanted. It was leisurely and a must for your next trip to London.
Buns From Home: I found this bakery on Instagram and knew we needed to stop by. With everything else we were having, we didn't have room for much but we split a classic roll. It was delicious! They offer a ton of fun, unique flavors as well.
sketch: If you're looking for a unique, fine dining experience, sketch is it. We went for dinner but I think afternoon tea is the most popular meal they offer. Make a reservation well in advance because this is a popular restaurant. Also, don't forget to check out the bathrooms!
Mr. Fogg's House Of Botanicals: This was our last stop and I'm so glad we made sure to visit this spot. It's the dreamiest cocktail bar with a wide range of delicious drinks.
I hope you enjoyed my London travel guide! As always, please feel free to comment with any questions. I'm happy to offer any help I can so you can have the perfect trip. If you try out any of my recommendations, I'd love to know. Enjoy London!
