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London is a bustling city filled with world-class shopping, high-end hotels, unforgettable theatre, some of the world's best museums, and some of Europe's best cuisine, easily making it one of the world's most popular destinations.
Finding a Hotel in London
London is filled with exceptional luxury accommodations, including The Ritz, The Savoy, and The Lanesborough, but for a truly unique, luxury British experience, try The Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge.
The Capital is a five-star boutique property on Basil Street, less than a block from Harrods and a five-minute walk to the designer shops on Sloane Street, Hyde Park, and the Knightsbridge Tube Station. The hotel has 49 rooms and suites, a gourmet dining room, a cozy bar, and serves an elegant afternoon tea (opt for the champagne with your tea).
From your hotel, you are a short walk to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Hyde Park is ideal for a lazy afternoon picnic or bike ride. You’re also about 10 minutes from the Victoria & Albert Museum.
V&A Museum. Photo courtesy Visit London
Shopping in London
The legendary Harrods is at the end of the block from The Capital. This massive store, with seven floors on 4.5 acres, is filled with every imaginable shop. Don’t miss the food halls on the ground floor—and be sure to pick up some of the famed French Ladurée macarons. There are international designers such as Dior, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel; luxury home goods including Fendi Casa; the Toy Kingdom; and shoes by Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Louboutin. If you want to unwind after that long flight, book a treatment at Harrods Urban Retreat on the fifth floor.
Harvey Nichols, another major department store that was once a favorite of Princess Diana, is about five minutes the opposite direction from the hotel. There are six floors of fashion, beauty, shoes, two MediSpas, a gourmet restaurant, a wine shop, and a food market.
London’s most famous shopping street is Sloane Street. Also about five minutes from The Capital, it is lined with designer shops as Dior, Prada, Chanel, and Hermès.
Seeing the London Sights
A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without taking in some of the iconic sights—but pick a few and don’t try to see everything in one visit.
The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building, offering 360-degree views around London. The new View from The Shard experience takes you up to Level 69, where you can see for more than 40 miles across London. Brave visitors can opt to continue to the open-air deck on Level 72.
The Shard. Photo courtesy Visit London
The Coca-Cola London Eye is a fun experience. It is lovely to get off at the Westminster Tube Station in the shadow of Big Ben and walk across the Westminster Bridge over the River Thames to the giant wheel. You can purchase tickets in advance online at www. londoneye.com. A great experience is to book the 40-minute London Eye River Cruise with your London Eye entry.
Experiencing Royal London and Everyday London
Check out the Royals with the Royal London Tour, which you can book through www. visitlondon.com. For £61 ($93), you get a three-hour guided tour of London with a visit to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and entry into Buckingham Palace. There are also some great walking tours that let you customize your visit to London. Who doesn’t want a ghost tour or a Harry Potter tour while visiting London?
Big Ben in the distance. Photo courtesy Visit London
During your visit to London, be sure to wander the back streets and markets. Pop into a neighborhood pub for a pint and traditional fish and chips. Ride a double-decker bus. Picnic in the park. Even a casual stroll turns into an adventure.
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