London is one of my favorite cities in the world. It offers excellent shopping, expansive parks, fascinating museums, and countless neighborhoods to explore. We recently returned for our third visit earlier this year, and I wanted to share my top recommendations for where to stay, eat, and shop while the trip is still fresh in my mind.
It’s a bit odd that, despite visiting London multiple times, I hadn’t published a guide before now. The good news is I’ve gathered plenty of recommendations. Emma, who lived in London for six months before joining our team, also contributed several of her favorites, so this list combines longtime spots with local insights.
Below are some of the best places to stay, eat, and shop in London, England.
Where to Stay in London
We’ve tried both Airbnbs and boutique hotels. My favorite hotel so far is The Hoxton Holborn. They also have a Shoreditch location, which I’d recommend as well, but Holborn was my top pick. The rooms are small and a bit dark—if you like a modern, urban aesthetic, they’re cool enough—but the downstairs restaurant serves excellent food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The location is fairly central, making it easy to get around.
I also really liked The Pilgrm, especially the shared common areas. The rooms are compact unless you book a larger room, and there’s no air conditioning, which could be uncomfortable during a hot summer. It is, however, very close to a train station—practically one block away—making airport transfers convenient.
If you prefer an Airbnb, we stayed in a townhouse in Hackney that felt like a true neighborhood home. The host was friendly and the property had two affectionate cats who sometimes curled up with us at night. Hackney is a little further from central London, so we used cabs more often to reach other areas. It’s worth staying there if you enjoy a quieter, local vibe and nearby independent restaurants and shops.
Where to Eat in London
The Breakfast Club — A relaxed spot with a fun atmosphere and solid breakfast options. It’s a reliable choice for a hearty start to the day.
Taqueria — One of Emma’s recommendations. Not flashy for photos, but the food is excellent. Standouts for me were the chicken tostadas and the crispy potato tacos.
Sketch — This is a splurge and more about the overall experience than casual dining. Famous for its pink room and afternoon tea, Sketch offers memorable interiors and art-filled spaces, including works by David Shrigley in the gallery room.
Hubbard & Bell — Attached to The Hoxton Holborn, this laid-back restaurant became a favorite breakfast and occasional dinner spot while we stayed at the hotel.
Chicken Shop — Located beneath The Hoxton Holborn, I remember enjoying the mac and cheese here. It’s casual and tasty for a quick meal.
Housewares, Home, and Miscellaneous Shops
The Conran Shop — My favorite home store in London. If you love well-designed housewares, this is a must-visit. There are multiple locations across the city.
Twenty Twenty One — A compact home shop with thoughtful small decor, kitchenware, gifts, and a modest selection of furniture.
Labour and Wait — A charming East London shop with practical, well-made goods. I picked up a decorative broom tassel, incense, and simple wooden doorstops—small finds with real character.
Kent + London — A custom rug shop that also carries small home items like vases and accessories.
Muji — A favorite for simple, affordable home accessories and stationery. Muji stores are familiar to some, but finding one while traveling is always enjoyable.
Paper Smiths — Located in Shoreditch’s Boxpark, this shop is known for its pink-tiled interior and curated paper goods, magazines, stationery, and small gifts.
Women’s Clothing and Accessories
Mouki Mou — One of my favorite womenswear shops with thoughtful jewelry, casual shoes, and a strong clothing selection.
Toast — A brand I’ve long admired; visiting their shop in person is a treat and a good opportunity to pick up timeless pieces.
Modern Society — A curated shop with a clear aesthetic; they also have an online presence if you’d like to preview the selection before visiting.
Emin + Paul — A small shop across from Modern Society with an eclectic but affordable clothing selection. I bought a pair of pants and a top here and was happy with both.
Pam Pam — Known for stylish sneakers and a concise collection of women’s clothing. I bought a sweater there years ago that still gets regular use.
Men’s Clothing and Accessories
Universal Works — A go-to for men’s clothing. Friendly staff and a great selection; my partner always finds something here. They carry some unisex pieces too.
Oi Poloi — Probably my partner’s favorite menswear store in London. It’s compact but stocked with high-quality brands like Norse Projects, Novesta, orSlow, Howlin’, and Engineered Garments.
Folk — Mostly menswear in the locations we visited, though some stores carry a limited women’s selection.
Monocle Shop — The magazine’s tiny Marylebone shop brings Monocle’s aesthetic to life with curated objects and publications.
Shops for Both Men and Women
Goodhood — A reliable stop whenever we’re in London. It stocks clothing for both men and women, plus downstairs displays of housewares and beauty products. I always find something for the home here.
Aida — A shop with women’s clothing, some menswear, and an in-store coffee spot—great for browsing and a break.
A.P.C. — Several A.P.C. locations in London carry classic, minimalist pieces.
The Collaborative Store — A Marylebone shop focused on mindful design and curated selections.
OTHER/Store — An independent Soho shop with both mens and womens clothing; note that prices tend to be on the higher side.
You Must Create (YMC) — This boutique carries only its own line, so check the brand’s aesthetic online beforehand if you want to be sure you’ll like the in-store selection.
Liberty — A legendary department store with departments for home, women’s, men’s, children, stationery, and more. It’s a wonderful place to wander and find unique pieces to bring home.
Have you been to London? What are your favorite shops or restaurants to visit when you go?