I’ve always been enamored with the vibrant energy and rich history of London. This summer, I finally had the chance to visit the city for the first time, and let me tell you – it was everything I dreamed of and more. London truly has so many great things to offer. 

Afternoon Tea in Chelsea

I kicked off my London adventure with a quintessential British experience – afternoon tea at the charming Ivy Chelsea Garden. It was a great way to start off my trip, my first trip to London.  Nestled in the heart of the posh Chelsea neighborhood, the Ivy’s beautiful, ivy-covered terrace was the perfect setting to indulge in a tiered tray of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of delectable pastries, all paired with a fragrant pot of English breakfast tea. It was the perfect blend of sophistication and coziness to ease me into my London explorations. Tea time is a must if you’re going to London. 

Iconic Sights and the Borough Market

The next day, I was eager to check off all the must-see landmarks on my list. That included the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, marveling at the grand, gothic architecture. From there, to the breathtaking Westminster Abbey, taking in the centuries of history etched into every stone. 

Next up was the Tower bridge of London, where I got an up-close look at the legendary Crown Jewels. And no visit to London is complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace – I was in awe of London, I saw the Guards, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen herself.

After all that sightseeing, I was ready to indulge in some of London’s legendary culinary offerings. I headed to the bustling Borough Market, where I wandered through the stalls filled with l artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads, and local produce. It was a true foodie’s paradise. It’s a great place to indulge in London’s food scene. 

Dining and Nightlife in the City

That night I got dolled up for a night out. First, we headed to the opulent, high-end Sexy Fish restaurant, where I indulged in their innovative Japanese-inspired cuisine in a lavish, glamorous atmosphere. I started with the most delectable crispy duck salad and pink crispy shrimp, followed by the most perfectly cooked whole seabass. And of course, I had to indulge in one of their signature cocktails to complete the experience. After dinner, we made our way to Tape, one of London’s most exclusive nightclubs. The energy was electric. After Tape, we couldn’t resist a quick stop at Burger King – especially since it was located right next to our hotel, sometimes, you just need a familiar taste of home!

More Culinary Adventures

The next day, we started the morning with an extravagant brunch at Duck & Waffle, taking in the sweeping views of the city skyline as I dug into their signature dish – a heavenly combination of crispy duck leg and fluffy waffles. Duck & Waffle is a good option for food and views. It can be a little pricey but it’s worth the extra cost. As first-time visitors. I’m so glad we had a chance to check out this restaurant. It did not disappoint. Get the duck & waffle and a the glass of Prosseco..thank me later! 

After that, I headed to the iconic Harrods department store, where I treated myself to afternoon tea at their Tiffany Blue Box Cafe. Sipping on specialty tea blends and nibbling on delicate pastries in the store’s signature pale blue setting was an absolute dream. This is another must do for the ultimate afternoon tea experience! The scones…oh the scones…talk about delicious, luxury and memorable all at the same time. It was one of the best ways for me to spend my afternoon. 

Relaxation and Luxury

To cap off my London adventure, I spent my final evening unwinding at the Arc Le Salon Shisha Lounge, puffing on fragrant hookah and enjoying creative cocktails in a chic, intimate setting.

Throughout it all, I called the boutique Bailey’s Hotel in Kensington my home base – a charming, cozy oasis in the heart of the bustling city. From there, I was able to easily explore to my heart’s content. It was the perfect hotel located right by the tube station which was perfect. The public transportation in London makes things so much easier and is often the best option for moving around. 

After years of dreaming about visiting London, I could hardly believe I was finally there! Being able to see the London eye, double-decker buses, black cabs, the royal palaces, some of the most popular tourist attractions and the big city overall almost felt unreal. 

Staying at the legendary Bailey’s Hotel during my time in the city was such a pleasure. From the moment I stepped through the grand entryway, I was captivated by the hotel’s perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury. One of the biggest draws of Bailey’s Hotel is its prime location in the heart of the Kensington neighborhood. It’s the perfect home base for exploring all that this vibrant city has to offer, whether you want to shop the bustling High Street Kensington, admire the stunning architecture of the Royal Albert Hall, or simply stroll through the beautiful Kensington Gardens. The interiors seamlessly marry contemporary design with classic English touches, creating a truly sophisticated ambiance. The bed was plush and comfortable, and I loved all the classic touches throughout – perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. 

If you’re planning your first – or even your tenth! – visit to London, I recommend Bailey’s Hotel. The combination of its unbeatable location, price and service make it the ideal home base for exploring all that this iconic city has to offer. I left feeling inspired, and already dreaming of my next trip back. 

Onward to Brussels

As sad as I was to say goodbye to London, I couldn’t wait to hop on the Eurostar and head to my next destination: Brussels. But I know I’ll be back to this vibrant, global city again soon. There’s still so much more to discover!