Anyone can pull together a guide to London that features all the expected heavy hitters—Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the V&A, the Harry Potter platform at Kings Cross. You don’t need to set foot in the city or even be a sentient being to know these are must-sees. But we’re focused on getting the lowdown from locals who live and breathe that Big Smoke: the people who out-of-towners will DM for tips. “I give my international friends tried and tested recommendations that are up to date,” says lifelong Londoner Amie Kabia. “Stuff guide books can’t keep up with.”
These locals know where to go for quintessentially British treats away from the chaos, how to snag bargain theater tickets for a show that’s actually worth seeing, and of course, introduce you to a nightlife scene packed with dashing accents. Because who doesn’t dream of being the American protagonist in a mid-to-low-budget Amazon Prime movie starring Nicholas Galitzine?
“I love London because even when you’ve spent your whole life here, there’s discovery at every turn,” shared Jessie Ware, the global pop star and Table Manners podcast host based in London. “It’s dynamic, it’s electric, and there’s certainly no getting bored. Some of the most exciting chefs are here, and there’s a neighborhood to explore for every kind of traveler.”
Of course, not all of us are lucky enough to have a British BFF in our lives. London is the largest city in Western Europe. It ignites every sense, so much so you might get a li’l dizzy in hot zones. So, where do you start? What to prioritize? What’s a tourist trap? And where can you eat fish and chips sitting down? Fear not—you may treat this guide as your trusted London companion. With help from locals in the know curated by a native Londoner, we’ll guide you through town, checking off only the best attractions alongside funky new scenes worth your consideration. By the time you’re done scrolling, you’ll be more than ready for your next London getaway.
