Last Wednesday Liesbeth and I were literally in London for 24 hours. Flight there, check-in, London tour, dinner, sleep, checkout, flight back. Much too short because London is amazing yet there is still a lot you can do in those 24 hours. Tag along and I’ll show you the best “must-see” places in London.

Flight

Look, the best way to go about this is to book a ticket to London City Airport, it’s the one closest to the city. Gatwick and Heathrow (especially the later) require an hour of traveling to get to the city. From City Airport it’s only half an hour with the subway or even shorter if you take a cabby. It just depends on your budget.

Checking in

I’ll give you the names of a few hotels that have an Amayzine fan club. These places all have a cool bar. This saves you loads of time as you can just roll into your room after drinks.

Hotel The Hoxton in Shoreditch is one of them. The hip and happening of London eat and drink here, there’s a lot going on in the evenings.

Liesbeth and I stayed at hotel ME London last time we were here. A huge hotel with enormous beds and a double shower. Fabulous rooms for lovey dovey couples and bang right in the middle of town.

Models and stars stay at St Martins. Hip shit.

Breaky

You can do this at Starbucks or a Pret-a-Manger (these are on every corner) but that’s are not a great deal of fun. Shoreditch has great breakfast joints; Albion Café, Leila’s Shop and Cream for example. They all have the scrambles eggs with smashed avocado you’re looking for.

Ready for lunch

The places I named above are also great for lunch, but don’t forget La Brasserie, a Paris style brasserie around the corner from Harrods (yep sorry Paris will always be my city). You can order wonderful steak tartare or an omelet. The health freaks among us (that would include me) get excited about The Good Life Eatery. Very fresh juices (green ones too), super food salads, lots of kale, avocados and gluten-free.

Shop till you drop

There’s Oxford Street where you’ll find the Topshops en de Zaras, but you have to be in the right mood. If you feel like window-shopping (or who knows you might even buy something) go to New Bond Street, you’ll find the most expensive and most beautiful brands all stuffed into this 100 meter street, even Victoria’s Secret (!). In my opinion Liberty is the most beautiful warehouse. Not necessarily the biggest (it can be very busy) but their collection is amazing. People take your wallets to cause you’ll go mad!

Let’s have dinner

If you are looking for expensive or have something to celebrate Nobu is the best, the best Japanese place on the planet, I can affirm (I had something to celebrate). Make reservations as late as possible because that’s when the most colorful and extravagant people show up. For a smaller bill, but just as tasty there’s Pizza East, serving paper-thin pizzas or salads. A big restaurant with a young (hip) cliental and personal. Jak’s Kingsroad (also) the place to be. Is a huge place with cozy corners. Long wooden tables, all different chairs, sofas, high tables and lounge sets. The menu is Italian. You order pizza or walk to the bar to choose pasta, salad or fish from a beautifully filled display. There’s a lot of candlelight and a jazz band will be playing in the corner. Another great perk is that it’s very affordable.

Cocktails

On the rooftop of the ME London; magical.