Why London might be the most fun city in the world
Last year it was London, this year it's London and next year we're going again. Maybe London is actually the best city in the world. Why? Do you have a moment?
Because London is buzzing, every neighborhood in its own way, around the beautiful white buildings from the eighteenth century on Oxford Street and Regent Street. For the coolest, friendliest, and most interesting people, for the neon signs at Piccadilly Circus. For the best shops and for the fun bars, trendy eateries, and pubs that you find on every street corner and of course because everyone adds ‘my love’ to a sentence when you talk to them.
I went with my husband and kids and can I share some tips with you? Here they come.
The Riverbank
You absolutely sleep in the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel. The top rooms, a swimming pool, the restaurant Chino Latino, which is also an award-winning restaurant. The cuisine is Pan Asian, but Latin cocktails are served as well. As the icing on the cake, you're just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
View this post on Instagram
Shoreditch
The must-visit of the moment is Shoreditch. Hello, can I live here? You have that raw vibe with lots of street art. You buy sneakers at Sneakersnstuff and eat and drink at ACE Hotel.
On Sunday you visit Old Spitalfields Market and then you eat at Ottolenghi's Spitalfields restaurant.
Soho
Soho might be the coolest neighborhood in London. Or was that Shoreditch? Oh well, both. You only find cool shops and like-minded people here, because Soho is buzzing. A food truck on every corner and shopping in every store you pass (they're all fun), but don't forget END. especially. If you're there, you naturally eat at Sexy Fish or Chotto Matte.
Covent Garden
In Covent Garden, you walk through colorful streets with only boutiques. It borders Soho and actually feels a bit like the 9 Streets in Amsterdam.
Notting Hill
For the houses... Also visit Hyde Park, Portobello Market, and Bayswater. You eat at Gold (make sure to reserve).
Kensington
I didn't know, but what a beautiful neighborhood this is. Luxurious, elegant, and with stunning Victorian architecture. In this area, you find the Royal Albert Hall and the National History Museum.
View this post on Instagram
Don't forget...
to eat dim sum at the Kensington Gardens Hotel, to have lunch at Sky Garden, to have drinks in the garden of the Chiltern Firehouse, to stop by Little Venice to go boating and then get off at Camden Market. And make sure to visit Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, and Selfridges.
View this post on Instagram
Still going until the late hours? Go to:
- Monkey House
- Isabel
- Loulou’s (private club)
- The Arts Club (private club)
- Annabel’s (private club)
View this post on Instagram
You want to go now, right? Me too. Again. How convenient, because we're giving away a night at the Park Plaza in December. So keep an eye on the site.
Text: Danielle Heerkens
Image: Park Plaza hotel
