Three Days in London 2024
What I packed, where I ate and how I planned.
Making the most of a quick trip can feel daunting. There is always so much to see and do, and so many restaurants that you have saved to travel folders and that come recommended from friends. With so many options, at times, it can seem paralyzing. But as my sky miles grow, I have found a few little tips and tricks to help make the most of any adventure. One of which is simply focusing on the vibe of a trip. What do I want to get out of the experience? Do no need to rest and recharge? Is this a cultural adventure? A foodie scene? Et cetera… And it is from that point that I roughly map out my adventures.
The Ned London
Second time staying here. There is so much to love about this Hotel! Great, central location, killer night-life vibe, amazing spa and amenities, lovely rooms, attentive staff etc…
What I packed & packing tips.
A few of my late winter/early spring London must haves… my favorite trench, my staple leopard bomber, my go-to corsets, leather pencil skirt, classic black stilettos, hightop sneakers, black heeled boots, jeans, sweater, favorite graphic sweatshirt, little black dress, polka dot black tights, toilettes, etc…
Packing has never been my strong suit. I tend to feel as though I have brought all the wrong things and then I tend to overpack hoping to combat the feeling that I have brought nothing but a mess of nonsense. However, as I travel more and more and develop more of my personal style, I have started to figure out the whole packing thing. These days I tend to style each day and try to reuse as many staple pieces as possible. I will select an outfit for a day-time look, followed by an evening ensemble for each individual day. I will bring one pair of comfy cute exploring shoes and a pair of heals or a dressy option. And maybe another option depending on vibe, weather and duration of the the trip. One pair of stellar sunglasses, 1-2 swim suits (if needed) a light coat or blazer and a heavier option (for winter months) — This process allows me know ahead of time what I am roughly wearing each day and evening… leaving little to no styling stress each day and allowing more time for fun. Of course I still have a lot of tweaking to do when it comes to my packing system, but I am getting better and better with each trip! No packing regrets is my goal for every adventure.
*pro tip, hanging bags. I simply put my dresses and blazers into a hanging bag still on their hangars, zip them up and fold them into a suitcase size parcel, et voila! When I arrive to my hotel, I simply putt out the bag, hang, and unzip. Makes for the best organization possible and minimal wrinkles.
**Toiletries. I trim down all of my toiletries into smaller glass bottles, little silicone squeeze bottles and little glass pots, perfect for traveling. (Linked are similar items to what I use (I got most of mine in the cosmetic section at whole foods or repurposed from empty product containers I have saved.) They are available in an assortment of sizes, I love that I can use them again and again plus major points for using as little plastic as possible)
How I plan & what I did.
I have spent far too many mornings wondering what I should do and where I should go — wasting valuable time, causing me to feel overwhelmed and a bit annoyed with myself. From that frustration, I have finally found an equation that works best for me. I focus on one thing each day that I want to do/see/accomplish and then I build my day out around that. So if I am seeing a show in the West End, then I want to pick an early dinner spot walking distance to the theatre (this most recent London trip I saw An Enemy of the People staring Matt Smith at the Duke of York’s Theatre, so of course, my friend and I had dinner with at Gordon’s Wine Bar (one of my fav spots) and we were able to walk to the show from there. If I am determined to do some shopping in Soho, then I pick out a killer spot for lunch in the area. Viral cheesecake? Then an afternoon walk in Hyde park is the perfect activity. This rough equation allows me to get the most out of my travel experiences without spending half of my time going from one side of town to the next. Plus it remains fully flexible, I can explore and wander in particular parts of town and still accomplish what I had on my dream list.
Favorite Activities.
Wandering through Hyde Park
Admiring the architecture
Antiquing (Camden Passage)
Vintage shopping (give me all of the 80’s statement jackets)
Afternoon Tea
Seeing amazing theatre
All the restaurants
Where I ate.
The 22 — This was my ‘fancy’ dinner this trip. A wonderful meal at a beautiful restaurant. Plus the gluten free pasta a limone was to die for. As was the burrata. And the oysters. And the creme brûlée. I would return without a doubt.
The Mayfair Chippy — My favorite casual lunch spot. Their gluten free fish and chips is an absolute dream and I pop in every time I visit London! I will never tire of easy and delicious lunch.
Flute at The Broadwick Soho— My maximalism dream turned into a boutique hotel with exceptional dining and bar spaces. Dress to the nines and treat yourself to an artisan cocktail or glass of bubbles at the electrically chic bar! At The Broadwick Soho, you will be surrounded by beautiful artists and creatives and left utterly inspired by the fabulous decor. This is my new home away from home.
Gordon’s Wine Bar — Rumored to be the oldest wine bar in London, this hole-in-the-wall and its wine and charcuterie menu is a must for anyone looking to slip into what feels like a secret underground wine lovers cavern.
La Maritxu — Londons viral Basque cheesecake spot that is absolutely worth the hype! Grab a slice and wander over to Hyde park and enjoy an afternoon watching the swans glide across the waters of The Serpentine.
The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel — A historical hotel and tea room. Rumored to be Queen Victoria’s favorite location for afternoon tea, the experience is charming and lovely, an absolute ‘tea-light’. (The gluten free option was amazing and so greatly appreciated!)
Dinner and a show - Gordon’s Wine Bar with a dear friend from college followed by An Enemy of The People staring Matt Smith.
Flute at the Broadwick Soho - A maximalism dream, champagne and caviar and a beautiful strangers at the bar.
The Mayfair Chippy - always a long queue (a great sign) and the very best fish and chips imaginable (killer gluten free if you care about that).
La Maritxu - a viral spot that 100% lives up to the hype. Adding this treat to my must have for each London trip.
Afternoon tea at The Browns Hotel - Such a charming way to spend the afternoon. I am beyond obsessed with a proper English tea!
There is so much to see and do in England (I have so, so much more I want to explore), and it is beyond impossible to fit even a fraction of London into three days, but if you can get out, wander about, eat like the locals, enjoy the scene and get away from the tourist spots (though you should definitely have things like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, House of Parliament, Museums, etc.. on your list) you are sure to fall in love with this vibrant and historic city and all that it has to offer. Happy adventuring bébés. Xx
