(Neal's Yard, London)

I've been to London upwards of 10 times now, all within the last 5 years - crazy! At this point, I've become familiar enough with it that it feels comfortable to me. There's something refreshing about going to a city that I've never lived in and knowing my way around, having favorite spots I like to visit, and not feeling at all like a tourist (even though I DEFINITELY am, especially when I lug around my massive camera!)

Here's a short list of my favorite things to do in London. No matter how many times I visit, these are staples I always go back to!
Hunt for Street Art 



I adore street art, and London is one of the best cities in the WORLD for it. No matter what city I'm in I always do a Google to see if there are any key pieces I want to look at, but in London that list is endless - and ALWAYS changing. And I don't necessarily mean paint on a wall - there's so many murals, floral installations, and communal art gardens that make the streets extraordinary. If you love photography and art like I do, a street art hunt is a must! (Tip: start in Shoreditch and make your way West!) 



Markets, Markets, Markets 

(Portobello in Notting Hill) 

London is a far cry from the souks of Marrakech or Istanbul, but that doesn't mean their markets aren't incredible. Camden, Portobello, Borough, Brick Lane, Spittalfields - that's not even half of the places you can treasure hunt! Camden Market is by far my favorite, not only for the quirky shops but for the FOOD. HUGE plates of piping hot Indian/Mexican/Thai/Chinese food for five pounds - unreal. Make sure to grab a fresh orange juice from the famous OJ stand to wash it all down (I guarantee it will be the best you've ever drunk!)

(Some incredible street art near Camden Market) 


 Afternoon Delights 

(Coffee and cake from Peggy Porschen)

There was a stereotype I heard often enough while I was growing up that London (or, I suppose the United Kingdom in general) had terrible food. Perhaps "back in the day" this was the case but now it is FAR from the truth. London has some of the most incredible, innovative and delicious grub out there. The only issue is that is that all this delicious food, sadly, comes with a high price tag. When I visit I typically stick to street food (which in its own right is amazing!) and then splurge on alllll of the sweet treats. Cakes, scones, biscuits, ice cream - lord have mercy.

Some favorites:
Cake from Peggy Porschen
Hot Chocolate from Chin Chin Labs 
Caramel filled Churros from Camden Market 
Biscuits from Biscuiteers
Donuts from Dum Dums
Chocolate from Hotel Chocolat
ANYTHING from Cutter & Squidge 


(Hot Chocolate from Chin Chin Labs - BEST in the world) 


Special Exhibits

(The entrance to the V&A Museum)

London's museums are world renowned, and most of them are free to visit! But if you pay a little extra, you get in to the REAL good stuff.  The V&A, the Natural History Museum, and the Tate Modern are three of my favorites and always seem to have some incredible new things to see every time I'm in town.  This time around we went to a Pink Floyd exhibit at the V&A that was absolutely incredible (and it seems they have more to come this year - check it out by clicking here!) 

(Inside the Pink Floyd exhibit in the V&A) 

West End

If you find yourself in London and you're even MILDLY interested in theatre, you MUST go see a play or musical! The productions are incredible and it's an amazing way to spend an evening instead of hanging around a bar all night. I've got no photos to show you since generally photography isn't allowed, but the Lion King, Aladdin, and the Book of Mormon are three of my favorites for London viewing! 




My London TO-DO List: 
A couple things I'm itching to do for future visits!

Globe Theatre - I need to see a Shakespeare play in the place it all started!

Tea @ Sketch - Have you SEEN photos of this place? Looks like a dream. 

Sky Garden - Free entrance AND beautiful views? Sign me up. 

Harry Potter Studios & The Cursed Child play - This needs no explanation. HP 4 Life. 

Is there anything I should add? Let me know in the comments!