Whether you're a shopaholic, an eataholic or a travelaholic (a combination of them both), London will fit your fancy. Our insider, Jennifer Virgilio, shares all of her secret spots that will surely satisfy your cravings in this Ultimate Visitor's Guide to London.
Occupation: MD International, London
Location: London, United Kingdom
Lived Here For: 1 year 1/2
Favorite Part of Living Here: London has amazing cultural diversity but with a charming village feel.
Favorite Time of Year: Spring. It's (usually) the best weather with comfortable temperatures, although you should always layer in London.
1st Place You Take New Visitors: London has something for every type of visitor so it really depends on who it is.
Must See: Buckingham Palace.
Must Not See: The London Eye wasn’t super exciting, but I do love walking past it going east.
The Best-Kept Secrets: Churchill War Rooms is an absolute must see. The London markets are all so special - the Borough Market, Spitafields, Portobello - and there are new ones popping up all over! Like the Red Market and another one down the road from Borough which many of its vendors have flocked to.
Family time: Walk along The Embankment from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. (Definitely walk in London, there is so much to see and appreciate.)
Jennifer (left) and best friend Jeneen in front of Tower Bridge in London.
Most Romantic: Kew Gardens, the royal botanic gardens, is the most gorgeous place I have seen. It's one of the largest botanic gardens in the world - a wonderful place to bring a blanket, picnic, wine and surround yourself with unrivaled beauty.
Best Place To Visit By Yourself: Hyde Park. I love walking around and listening to all of the different accents and languages spoken. London is incredible as everyone is a foreigner there, including me!
Best meal in Town: My new favorite restaurant is the Ledbury, 2 star Michelin in Notting Hill. Absolutely stunning food, the set menu with wine pairing is perfect!
Best Drinks in Town: I love going to Shoreditch House, a member's club that's part of Soho House Group.
Best Nightlife: We used to love Annabel's, an old world members club which, after dinner, turns into a nightclub with dancing - and you never know who you will see there. We fell in love with, recently, The Brompton Club. It has the same feeling: supper club, but after dinner, you are dancing on the banquettes. It has a bit of a younger crowd. Both are such fun!
Signature: I would say afternoon tea in London is quite special. The Ritz is probably one of the most famous along with Brown's Hotel & The Wolseley, but for a truly unique experience, try afternoon tea at Flemings Hotel, Mayfair (pictured above).
Shopping: I love Selfridges but wish it weren't in such a busy neighbourhood. I also go to the King's Road and Notting Hill/Westbourne Grove to shop the boutiques there. Regent Street has some nice shopping as well.
Oh! And the best people watching: Everywhere! The fashion in London is quite unique, eclectic and there's always something to see. Anything goes.
View Ultimate Visitor's Guide: London in a larger map
City of London photo courtesy of CityImage.net!
London is really wonderful and charming. Also with problems, but interesting.
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