So Long, London (but actually– HELLO!)

“When a (wo)man is tired of London, (s)he is tired of life.” – Samuel Johnson

London calls my name in every season of life and every season of the year. From Christmas markets to Wimbledon to spring blooms and fall foliage, it has it all and the history and culture to keep you coming back for more. We’ve been more times than we count now, and here’s my go-to short list of where to go, where to eat, and what to do.

Day 1

STAY AWAKE! If you must– take a 1 hour power nap, but SHOWER and GET DRESSED and conquer the day. Stay awake till 9:30 and you’ll be ready for the next day!

What to Wear:

Black Jetsetters + Bamboo Tee + Black Bomber

What to See:

Be prepared to MOVE. Get a comfy pair of walking shoes and get to know the city. I love a good BIKE TOUR on day 1 because it’s a commitment I can’t get out of, and a great way to get your bearings on a new city. You’ll see all the city highlights and know what you want to go back to see the next day.

Where to Eat:

I’m going to be honest, our favorite thing about London food is NOT the English food (sorry fish and chips!) but the international cuisine is FIRST CLASS. Go to Dishoom for the best Indian food you will ever eat, ever. Make a reservation in advance for dinner (we love the Covent Garden location) before walking home!

Tip: If it’s under 30 minutes, just walk!

Day 2

What to Wear:

Away Skirt in Cobblestone + Boyfriend Tee in Sweet Stripe + Black Bomber

What to See:

Head over to the Churchill War Rooms—if you’re a history buff (and even if you aren’t) be prepared to see one of the most uniquely preserved monuments to WWII. See where Churchill slept, tour the strategy rooms, and learn about the grit, strength, and courage of the English people during the Blitzkrieg. This will take about 3 hours!

From there, walk on over and catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (check the schedule!).

If you’ve got your good walking shoes on (which you should!) walk over to Hyde Park and do some people watching. 350 acres right in the heart of London with loads to do—you can catch a concert here in the summer, Winter Wonderland in December, and anything and everything in between.

Catch lunch at a cafe, then head on over to the Museum Of Natural History—not to be missed and, in my opinion, the world’s best collection.

Where to Eat:

The Ivy—it’s a cute chain in Great Britain and there are several in London. Every time we go we get lost looking at the cute art on the wall and the thoughtful decor. Don’t miss the CHOCOLATE BOMB.

Day 3

What to Wear:

9 to 9 Jumpsuit in Black or Hamptons Dress in Toffee

What to See:

You can’t go to London and miss the shopping.

We love Covent Garden for its history, food, and street performers. Don’t miss the Farmer’s Market and Vintage Fair on the weekends. Some of my favorite art was found here and I have it framed on our walls at home. You’ll find big brands and small brands alike here—it’s definitely a very touristy part of town but not to be missed. The streets are lined with lights during Christmas and it’s just a short walk to Regent’s Street—you will most definitely recognize the beautiful angels decorating the streets during Christmas time.

Where to Eat:

Treat yourself for a couple of hours at Sketch for high tea. Make a reservation in advance and bask in all things quirky, but fancy and fun. Eat little cucumber sandwiches and drink your favorite herbal teas while watching a ballet performance. It’s pricey but worth it.

Head on over to Marleybone to end your shopping day and walk the streets that Jane Austen did a couple hundred years ago. Small boutique shops offer unique clothes and trinkets, and we always love to visit Daunt Books for browsing and maybe some celebrity sightings if you’re lucky!

Day 4

What to Wear:

Jetsetter Cargo Joggers in Wicker + Ribbed Scoop Tank in White + Black Bomber

What to see:

Head on over to Trafalgar Square for a museum day.

Portrait Gallery—plan on least an hour here. It is simply not to be missed. It’s been recently renovated and the collections are beautiful. Our favorite, the Sargeant paintings and a beautiful self portrait of Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach!).

The National Gallery—our favorite museum in the world. YES. The World. You will see it all here, and the architecture of this magnificent building is truly jaw dropping itself. Anything and everything is here—from Da Vinci to Van Gough. The Impressionist Collection is unmatched. You will walk the halls and literally GASP when you see the art you’ve grown up and learned about your entire life. ENJOY.

You’re not far from the Theater District here, so we recommend just making this your Arts & Culture Day and booking a show in the West End. We love SIX (about the six wives of Henry VIII)—it’s very clever, very boisterous, and very fun. Also you can’t go wrong with Wicked, Hamilton, and Les Mis.

Where to Eat:

Indian (again, I know!) at Farzi Cafe. The chutneys will take you places you’ve never been before.

There’s so much more to see—but 4 days in London is a great place to start! Enjoy!

Carry-On Capsule: 8 Pieces, 5 Outfits

• 9 to 9 Jumpsuit in Black
• Away Skirt in Cobblestone
• Boyfriend Tee in Sweet Stripe
• Black Bomber
• Jetsetter Cargo Joggers in Wicker
• Ribbed Scoop Tank in White
• Hamptons Dress in Toffee
• Black Jetsetters