London City Guide.
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"Some cities demand attention. London simply carries on and rewards those who give it their attention anyway."
Bars & Pubs
The Devonshire, Soho
The most talked-about pub in London right now. Its Guinness pour has cult status, with around 20,000 pints tapped here weekly. There's an in-house butcher and baker, plus a charcoal grill on the upper floor. The ground floor is accessible without a reservation, but for the restaurant, you should book in advance. Pub of the Year 2025.
INSIDER:
Restaurant reservations open every Thursday at 10:30 AM, three weeks in advance. The rooftop terrace is accessible without a reservation; just ask upon arrival. It's easiest to get a spot during early lunch or after 3 PM.
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Wenlock Arms, Hackney
A true East London pub with a rotating selection of cask ales that changes from shift to shift. Unpretentious, rarely visited by tourists, a place loved by Londoners who know their good beer. On some evenings, there's live jazz and blues, without any fuss and no reservations needed.
INSIDER:
Just ask at the bar what's freshly tapped. The selection changes faster than the menu can reflect. You can pay by card or cash. On weekends, it's best to arrive before 7 PM to secure a table.
Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden
A tiny Victorian pub, tucked away in Bull Inn Court, an alley off The Strand. It's easy to walk past, and that's precisely its charm.
The Eagle, Farringdon
London's first gastropub. The blackboard menu changes daily, and reservations are not possible. The steak sandwich alone makes the trip worthwhile. Since opening in 1991, long before the term gastropub even existed, this pub has been a favourite among chefs and food journalists.
The Harp, Covent Garden
A compact institution right in the heart of Covent Garden. The ales are perfectly poured here, no frills attached. Crowned CAMRA Pub of the Year multiple times, it's one of only a handful of London pubs to achieve this more than once.
Southampton Arms, Highgate
Over 18 beers and ciders on tap, exclusively from independent breweries. Regular piano nights. Cash only. No lager, no spirits, no frills – just a serious and unwavering dedication to proper real ale.
Food & Cafes
Rules, Covent Garden
London's oldest restaurant, founded in 1798 as an oyster bar, right in the heart of Covent Garden. Over two centuries of history under only four owner families. Dark wood, red velvet, hundreds of paintings and caricatures adorn the walls. Specializing in game from its own Lartington Estate. Charles Dickens, Charlie Chaplin, and H.G. Wells all dined here, long before it became a film set for Spectre and Downton Abbey.
INSIDER:
Before heading to the main dining room, it's worth a visit to the Winter Garden Cocktail Bar on the upper floor. King Edward VII once dined here with his mistress in a much more intimate setting. Order one of their signature cocktails, soak in the hunting frieze and dark wood elegance, and only then descend to the main restaurant. Here, you don't just eat; you dine in one of London's most historic rooms.
Dishoom, Kensington
All-day Bombay cafe with Art Deco interiors. Arrive between 5 and 6 PM to get a table without a wait, as the queue completely dissipates during this hour.
Grocery Post, Highgate
A deli offering natural wines, strong coffee, and an excellent cheese counter. Daily pastries often sell out by 10 AM.
Brick Lane, East London
The street that shaped London's Bangladeshi food scene. The chicken tikka masala alone here is worth the trip.
Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum, Chinatown
An unmarked green door on Gerrard Street leads to a multi-story, apothecary-themed bar. Exceptional dim sum, inventive cocktails.
Art & Galleries
Concrete, Stone, Glass.
TATE MODERN, Bankside
A former power station on the Thames, now Britain's national museum of modern art. Free admission, a permanent exhibition that invites slow contemplation, and an unobstructed view over the city from the roof of the Blavatnik Building.
DESIGN MUSEUM, Kensington
Three floors entirely dedicated to contemporary design, from architecture to fashion to digital. The permanent exhibition is free. Temporary exhibitions are worth checking online beforehand.
RIVINGTON STREET, Shoreditch
One of the densest concentrations of street art in all of London. Entire murals and paste-ups that are constantly changing. Walk slowly, look up.
Hotels
CLARIDGE'S, Mayfair £££
Art Deco architecture, Mayfair address, open since 1856. One of London's few hotels that has never had to reinvent itself and shows no signs of starting now. Rooms range from classic to extraordinary, each at a level that justifies the price without explicitly stating it. The lobby alone is worth a visit. Afternoon Tea in the Foyer remains one of the city's most celebrated rituals. The bar downstairs attracts as many non-guests as hotel guests and is significantly easier to get into than a table at the restaurant.
INSIDER:
Afternoon Tea should be booked several weeks in advance. The bar, however, does not take reservations; arrive before 7 PM for a seat without a wait. Ask about the Fumoir, a small private bar behind the main bar that most guests simply walk past.
THE CULPEPER, Covent Garden £
A pub on the ground floor, boutique rooms above, a rooftop terrace at the very top. One building, three reasons to stay. Central location with a neighbourhood feel that most hotels in this price range don't offer. The rooms are compact but well-designed. Covent Garden, the Strand, and the West End are all within a ten-minute walk.
THE STANDARD, King's Cross ££
One of London's most photographed hotels. Retro-futuristic interiors, a 1970s colour palette, a red lift that has become a landmark in itself. The rooms are bold without being overwhelming. The rooftop restaurant Decimo attracts as many non-guests as hotel guests. A hotel worth visiting, even if you're not staying there.
Hidden Gems
Three ways to see the city through different eyes.
HAMPSTEAD HEATH, NW3
320 hectares of open parkland in North London, with Parliament Hill as its highest point and one of the best free panoramic views of the city skyline. Three separate open-water swimming ponds, open year-round in all weather. The Heath has been public land since 1871 and sits higher than any other point in London. On a clear day, views extend to the North Downs, 25 kilometres to the south.
LITTLE VENICE, Paddington
A network of inner-city canals lined with colourful houseboats, just a short walk from Paddington Station. Quieter and slower-paced than the rest of the city centre. Brunch at the Darcie & May Green houseboat café is one of the more unusual mornings you can spend in the city. Best visited on a weekday.
ST DUNSTAN
A 12th-century church, bombed during World War II, left as a ruin, and gradually transformed into a public garden. The walls still stand, the roof is open sky, and plants grow through the stone. No entrance fee, no signage, no queue. Remarkably quiet for a place in the middle of the City. One of the most unique spots in all of London.
UK ETA
What you need to know before entering the UK.
ETA, the key facts
- Who needs it: EU, USA, Canada, Australia +85 countries
- Validity: 2 years
- Stay per visit: Up to 6 months
- Required Document: Valid passport, no ID card
- Processing: Usually within 3 business days
Not ETA-eligible?
If your country is not among the 85 ETA-eligible nations, you will need a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling to the United Kingdom. Processing takes up to three weeks.
For stays longer than 6 months?
- Skilled Worker Visa: requires a confirmed job offer
- Student Visa: requires a university acceptance
- Family Visa: to join family in the United Kingdom
Check your eligibility
Your UK ETA in 4 simple steps. Apply for your electronic travel authorisation for the United Kingdom. Valid for 2 years, for all your trips. We handle everything for you, with an optional visa guarantee.
