London: Where to go, where to eat, where to sleep? The complete city guide to the British capital
London has something for every type of backpacker. In fact, London has absolutely everything! Whether you like nature, yoga, parties, pubs, museums, bookshops, street art or concerts, London has it all. And if you’re looking for the best places to stay in London, we’ve got you covered.
There’s an old saying: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” (Samuel Johnson). Whilst complaining about being tired is an important characteristic of a true Londoner, London is an extraordinary city and it is literally impossible to see everything and get bored.
If you ask a Londoner where to leave their suitcases in the capital, they will assure you that their neighbourhood is the coolest and the best place to experience London life. And to be honest, they’ll all be right. With trendy cafés and art galleries in the east, vintage boutiques in the west, incredible museums in the centre, quirky shops in the north and concerts and music venues in the south, the whole city is worth a visit!
No need to travel the world, just wander the narrow streets of London and discover a thousand and one cultures from around the world. You can travel from one place to another as you walk through the many markets with their incredible variety of street food, through the neighbourhoods that make you feel like you’re in another country and, above all, through the hundreds of languages spoken around you. In a few words: London is the perfect proof of the beauty and diversity of the world.***
London may be known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but don’t panic, this handy little guide, created with love, is here to help you experience this cosmopolitan capital as authentically and cheaply as possible! Fabulous hostels, lush green spaces, world-famous museums and quirky attractions… Fasten your seatbelts, here’s our ultimate guide to London.
Go straight to :
Central London: the neighbourhood of museums, boutiques and good old fashioned tourism
North London: wild parties, quirky shops and wild swimming
South London: home to live music, art with a capital A and cheese lovers
West London: restaurants galore, luxury shopping and the world-famous carnival
East London: vegan food, trendy cafés and vintage second-hand shops
Central London: home to museums, shops and good old-fashioned tourism
If you want to visit London’s most important sights, you have to go to Central London, of course! This is the busiest part of the city, and for good reason! There is so much to do here that we advise you to plan 2 or 3 days to fully enjoy this extraordinary neighbourhood.
And yes, Central London is home to trendy boutiques, incredible museums, phenomenal art galleries and huge parks where you can try to take a selfie with a squirrel.
So here’s a short list of all our favourite activities in this part of the city, some of which you may already know, and other hidden gems that deserve a place on your checklist if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience.
What to do in the city centre of London
Somerset House is a cultural venue in the heart of London. It is housed in a beautiful Georgian building and always offers interesting events. Although admission is free, you usually have to pay a small fee to see the exhibitions. And in winter, you can have fun on the ice rink with its giant Christmas tree.
If you love music, dance, film (and art in general), you must visit the Barbican Centre. It’s a huge arts centre, the largest in Europe to be precise, where concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and various exhibitions take place every week.
The Photographer’s Gallery is the perfect place to take a break from the busy streets of central London and enjoy some very cool and original exhibitions. Admission is usually free and very affordable, even for paid exhibitions (£5 or £3.50 for concessions).
Soho is the liveliest part of Central London. There are numerous bars, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife where you can meet all kinds of people. The neighbourhood is the centre of London’s LGBTQ scene and the venue for the annual Pride Parade. There are numerous nightclubs and bars where Londoners and tourists meet and party, including She Soho, G-A-Y, Yard Bar, Friendly Society and Molly Moggs. There are also many jazz clubs in Soho. Our favourites are Ain’t Notin’ But, Ronnie’s Scott and Pizza Express Jazz Club.
From Soho you are only minutes away from the West End, famous for Oxford Circus with its countless shops, world-famous plays and musicals and of course Covent Garden. When exploring the area, don’t forget to take a look at Neal’s Yard, a colourful little alleyway full of cute little cafés and restaurants. The perfect place for an Instagram post!
The centre of London is also home to some great museums (most of which are COMPLETELY FREE) that you should plan a good 2 days to visit. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are two great monuments not to be missed, located right next to each other. Here you have the opportunity to see real masterpieces as well as the largest collection of portraits in the world and even take part in workshops and all sorts of weekly events.
The British Museum is home to an impressive collection of works and artefacts from around the world. Our top tip: Attend one of the free weekly lunchtime lectures, where experts from all walks of life discuss interesting topics. You can find the programme here.
The Museum of London is a great place to learn more about the history of the capital and how it became the cultural cradle it is today. One wing of the museum is dedicated solely to the Victorian era, with a life-size recreation of a London alleyway to give you a flavour of the city at the time! Admission is free and we recommend you allow at least half a day to visit.
Sir John Soane’s Museum is a little hidden London treasure that is well worth a visit. This museum was once the home of architect John Soane and houses a collection of drawings, statues and antiques that he collected throughout his life. The museum is quite small, so you won’t need more than 2 hours to see everything.
If you want to take a break from the busy streets of the capital, take a detour to Hyde Park, a huge park where you can stroll, watch wild squirrels and, if you plan your trip in advance, attend events such as music festivals or Winter Wonderland. From here you can walk to Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which starts at 10.45am and lasts around 45 minutes.
The centre of London is also home to many of the city’s famous attractions, such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, which are all within walking distance. It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds!
Finally, St Paul’s Cathedral is another attraction that should be on your itinerary. For €17, you can visit the cathedral as well as the crypt and three art galleries under the dome. If you want to save some money, a walk around the cathedral is enough to admire its unrivalled splendour, and you can end your day with a relaxing afternoon in the gardens.
Places to eat in Central London
The good news is that there are plenty of great places to eat in central London where you can get a full meal for less than £7. A sandwich, a drink and a snack can be had for less than £5. If the weather permits, take the opportunity to have a little picnic in the park.
If you’re near Chancery Lane Station, make a detour to Leather Lane Market, a fantastic market where you can find culinary specialities from all over the world. Here you can buy typical dishes for between €5 and €7 and chat to the locals during your lunch break. In the same area, Dibs serves hearty pizzas, salads and pasta dishes at a very reasonable price. And when you’ve finished your lunch, indulge in London tradition and have a beetroot latte at the Press Café.
Govinda’s restaurant in Soho, in the heart of ISKCON London’s Radha Krishna Temple, serves a traditional Indian menu that is simply AMAZING. Prices start at £6.50, and you can choose from set menus or a mishmash platter to sample everything. And if you’re attending one of the conferences, you may be offered the meal or a small snack for the day.
In China Town you will find a wealth of food options at the best value for money. Many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat buffets, and you can also buy a takeaway meal (which is usually cheaper). If you want to treat yourself, Eat Tokyo is a delicious option for Japanese food in Soho.
Whole Foods is a supermarket where you can find pizza, sushi, sandwiches and many other options. They have a branch in Oxford Circus where you can have lunch and take a moment for yourself in the relaxation area.
Pizza, my dear! You ask again? Well, yes. Home Slice in Neal’s Yard is the best place to enjoy a slice of pizza while admiring the charming surroundings of this little London alleyway. Pizza Pilgrims is another favourite. Their aubergine parmigiana pizza is simply too delicious to be true.
The small café, hidden in the crypt of St Martin’s-in-the-Fields church, serves delicious homemade dishes, sandwiches and pastries. And for music lovers, jazz evenings are organised here every Wednesday evening. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
If you want to find even more bargains, download the Nez and Karma apps. Nez offers different discounts every day at many restaurants across London, and Karma offers great value food after the usual breakfast and lunch times.
Where to stay in Central London
TheSoHostel puts you right in the centre of the action. Just minutes from Oxford Street, Soho Square and Piccadilly, this super-modern hostel has a communal area with colourful and comfy sofas to relax on after a long day of walking. There’s also a friendly bar where you can get half-price drinks at happy hour and events such as concerts, karaoke nights and much more! You’ll be pleased to hear that you’re helping London’s homeless with your stay at SoHostel, as all profits from this hostel go to charity.
Walrus Youth Hostel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Waterloo Station, which is within easy reach of all of London’s famous sights. The hostel offers free breakfast, free luggage storage and an open-plan kitchen. After exploring the capital, you can meet up with locals and other keen travellers in the hostel’s pub.
TheAstorVictoria is just a 10-minute walk from Victoria Station, one of Central London’s liveliest neighbourhoods with its pubs, shops and restaurants. The hostel offers daily activities for its guests and a communal area where you can make new friends. A full breakfast costs just £1 and all proceeds go to charity!
The AstorMuseumInn is also superbly located, directly opposite the British Museum and of course within walking distance of many other vibrant areas of central London such as Soho, China Town and Oxford Circus. Tous les jours, ils offrent une ribambelle d’activités et de visites à thème, l’occasion donc de vous familiariser avec Londres mais aussi avec vos nouveaux copains de chambrée.
North London: the area for wild parties, quirky shops and swimming in the countryside
Food markets, beautiful parks, extraordinary museums, wild parties in disused warehouses, independent pubs, delicious restaurants… We could go on for hours listing all that North London has to offer, but it’s best to discover it for yourself!
Disconnect from the rest of the world by swimming in the ponds of Hampstead Heath, spend the day wandering the corridors of some of the world’s most famous museums, explore the history of the punk movement in Camden Town or be overwhelmed by the charm of Highbury and Islington. There’s something for everyone in North London!
What to do in North London
Camden Town is probably the most famous neighbourhood in North London, as it is one of the cradles of punk music in England. Bien sûr, Camden also offers many other cool activities, such as the colourful market, its numerous pubs plus ou moins rock & roll, its boutiques and restaurants.
The Roadhouse, one of Camden’s most legendary venues, was the place where the punk movement began in the UK in 1976. After hosting numerous bands of the genre and being one of London’s most iconic stages, it closed its doors in 1983 and only reopened in the 2000s. So the good news is that you can have a drink in the place where the Ramones and Talking Heads played in the 70s!
The high street leading to Camden Market is full of fantastic shops, street food and a unique atmosphere that will leave you in a state of euphoria. At the market you can find all kinds of food from around the world at great prices and buy local produce from one of the 1,000 stalls.
To round off your day in Camden, head to Primrose Hill, a huge park with stunning views over London – the perfect place for a picnic at the end of the day.
The Angel neighbourhood has a very relaxed atmosphere, and along the canal you will find many great pubs and cafés as well as numerous restaurants serving international cuisine. To end your evening in style, the Lexington is a famous indie rock scene, hosting concerts, theme nights and other cool events throughout the year.
Camden Passage is a pretty little street with lots of vintage boutiques, clothes shops, cafés and restaurants worth a visit. Our favourite is The CoffeeWorks Project. On the same street is the Angel Comedy Club, which, as the name suggests, regularly hosts comedy shows.
Hampstead Heath is proof that London has everything you can imagine. This gorgeous (and huge!) park is home to large ponds where you can take a dip in the summer and spend the day enjoying the nature and scenery. You can also visit Kenwood House, a beautifully decorated 17th century house with a great art collection. You can also visit Kenwood House, a beautifully decorated 17th century house with a magnificent art collection. It’s free to visit and there’s a great little picnic area within walking distance with stunning views over London. After spending the day in the park, you can stroll along the Flash Walk, a pedestrianised area full of hidden treasures, away from the crowds of the capital.
North London is also home to some iconic attractions such as the Welcome Collection, Kings Cross station and the British Library. Just a few minutes’ walk from Kings Cross, you’ll find an unusual bookshop that’s well worth a visit. Word on Water in Granary Square is a floating bookshop that is home to famous books, a dog with its own Instagram account called Star and hosts regular jazz concerts.
You’ve probably heard of the famous London warehouse parties. Well, they also take place north of the Thames. Near Finsbury Park, you’ll find a whole host of options for a good London night out. We recommend the New River Studio for its incredible concerts, all kinds of events and delicious pizzas!
Places to eat in North London
Camden Market is the perfect place for lunch, dinner or just a quick bite when you’re hungry. Our favourites are Oli Baba’s for their halloumi fries (YES, FRITES GRATINÉ AU FROMAGE), VBurguer for their delicious veggie burgers and Cookies and Scream for their completely vegan and gluten-free treats. But the best thing to do if you’re feeling a little peckish is to wander the aisles of the market and try as many dishes as you can!
The Breakfast Club in the Angel District is a must for brunch or burgers in the perfect hipster setting. Not far from there is Indian Veg, a vegetarian Indian restaurant that offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for €8, with dishes that will fulfil your wildest fantasies.
If you’re looking for something truly authentic and reflective of London’s crazy diversity, treat yourself to a coffee and pastry at Angel Delicatessen. This pretty, family-run Italian café-restaurant serves delicious lasagne and tasty snacks. The best thing about it is the owner, a really friendly Italian father who will tell you all about his cuisine and culture with love and passion.
Forks and Green offers a first-class brunch with traditional options such as the classic English breakfast and roasted avocado. Don’t forget to indulge in one of the delicious smoothies available to accompany your meal.
As you walk down Hampstead Heath, you’ll see a small, intriguing Parisian-style van in the distance. La Crêperie has been in this spot since the early 80s and serves amazing sweet and savoury crêpes that you should definitely try.
A few more tips for North London: Ez & Moss, near Highbury Fields, is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves an incredible brunch. The Food Room, near Highgate Station, is a super nice place with a very affordable menu. We recommend enjoying the vegetarian breakfast before walking to Alexandra Palace! For a coffee and to relax, we recommend Campbell & Syme near Finchley Station, and for a delicious slice of pizza, Sacro Cuore in Crouch End.
Where to stay in North London
Hostelone Camden is located in the heart of Camden Town, close to Camden Market and Camden Underground Station. A free meal is served every evening (yes, a free meal in LONDON) where you can meet lots of people before heading out to enjoy the evening. The hostel is located above a traditional British pub, so you can wait in your room for happy hour.
At St Christopher Camden, you’ll be close to Camden’s main attractions. After exploring the area, return to Belushi’s, the hostel’s bar, where you can enjoy happy hour with your new travelling friends.
Who says you can’t sleep in a Victorian-style cottage and still get a good deal? Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage is housed in a beautiful historic building straight out of a J.K. Rowling novel. The reception is open 7 days a week, there’s a 5-hour happy hour in the Swiss Bar and breakfast is only €4.50. What do people want?
Generator London is located very close to Kings Cross station and therefore close to many attractions in the centre of London. The hostel has a lounge/café that is open 24/7 and a bar that is open until 2am. Our lovely travellers describe the hostel as “a great place to hang out, have a beer and meet cool people from all over the world”.
TheClink261 is just a 5-minute walk from King’s Cross and St Pancras International stations. You can have breakfast for just £3 and prepare your own meals in the fully equipped open-plan kitchen. If you want to get your night off to a good start, head to the Clash Bar next door to Clink78, which offers DJ nights, live music, a swimming pool, table football and great discounts on drinks.
At Clink78 you can immerse yourself in London’s past and soak up the atmosphere of this former courthouse converted into a vibrant hostel in the heart of King’s Cross. You can choose to stay in a private room in a former prison cell or in one of the dormitories where you can meet other travellers. Breakfast is also available for less than €3!
South London: home to live music, art with a capital A and cheese lovers
If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, South London is the place for you. With cafes and restaurants that are just too cute, small local cinemas, trendy eateries and great markets, South London is definitely worth a visit when you’re in the UK capital.
Brixton, the neighbourhood where David Bowie was born, is the most famous district in South London. But Brixton has even more to offer. During your visit, you will realise that this district is characterised above all by the community that lives there and its friendly, even familiar atmosphere. It’s a place where people come together to listen to live music, enjoy the vibrant cultural scene and eat together in the many bars and restaurants that the neighbourhood is home to.
If you’re exploring south London, be sure to include Peckham, Camberwell, Deptford, Putney and Clapham in your itinerary. The south of the river is full of hidden gems that will give you a real flavour of art, culture and London life.
Activities in South London
Let’s start our visit in Brixton, where you can first see the David Bowie Memorial, a huge mural dedicated to the artist on which fans leave little notes, flowers and all sorts of personal items to honour their favourite star. Pop Brixton is also a must! It’s a super cool community project that hosts all sorts of events, but is also home to lots of cool shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as the headquarters of some start-ups. If you’re lucky enough to be in London at the right time, you might even be able to sell a kilo of vintage clothing alongside the locals in one of the many second-hand shops.
If you’re a big book lover, be sure to visit Bookmongers, an independent bookshop with fantastic second-hand books and wonderful memorabilia of the beloved dog that used to hang out among the shelves. And if you have time later in the day, catch a film at the Ritzy, one of the oldest cinemas in South London.
The Black Cultural Archives is a great place to learn more about the history of the neighbourhood, which has been home to many African and Caribbean communities for over half a century.
For a great night out, we recommend Effra Social, a retro-style venue that hosts DJ nights, quizzes of all kinds, the monthly Riff Raff event for book lovers and many other events throughout the year. And if one bar is not enough, visit Hope&Anchor, Prince Albert and Café Cairo.
Just one stop from Brixton is Vauxhall City Farm, the perfect place to escape the capital’s street noise and relax in the company of friendly llamas (yes, yes, you read that right, llamas!).
Peckham is the forgotten place to visit in London, but we recommend this quirky little neighbourhood that’s full of great bars, really tasty restaurants and year-round cultural events. The CLD Art Cafe, better known as the Bussey Building, is a creative space that hosts music, theatre, comedy, film and a variety of arts events. In summer, you can watch a film on the roof of the building and enjoy the panoramic view over London. By the way: If you like going to the cinema, you should check out the Peckhamplex, an independent multiplex cinema with really low ticket prices! Nearby is also Peckham Levels, a creative place for the community to come together and have fun, with plenty of bars, cafés, concerts and even yoga classes!
South London is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including London Bridge, the Tate Modern Gallery, the Shard and the Globe Theatre. The good news is that the Tate Modern Gallery’s permanent exhibitions are free, and if you’re already too busy during the day, the museum opens its doors for a nocturne on the last Friday of every month. If you fancy something classical, don’t forget to visit the Globe Theatre. It may not be the original, as the first one was demolished in 1644, but the reconstruction is just as impressive. You can buy tickets for less than €5 and take part in one of the many guided tours. A word of advice: don’t forget to book in advance.
Fancy a bit of fresh air? Perhaps you’ve imagined yourself in the middle of a meadow surrounded by a family of wild deer? London has it all! And yes, just 50 minutes from the centre of the capital is Richmond Park, which is home to numerous wild animals. In the summer months, it’s also an ideal place for a picnic where you can enjoy nature to the full!
A few places to add to your checklist for a visit to South London: Battersea Power Station, an iconic building in south-west London that is now home to numerous restaurants, shops and cultural events. The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, home to taxidermy and natural history with a giant walrus on permanent display free of charge. The Sands Film Studios in Rotherhithe, a small British film production company offering workshops and screenings of numerous films. Not far away, you can enjoy a pint at the Mayflower, a 17th century pub on the banks of the Thames. A 17th century pub on the banks of the Thames. The Deptford Community Cinema offers original screenings – the best way to get to know the locals!
Pubs in South London
Start in Brixton and wander around Brixton Village, a multicultural place where you can find all kinds of incredible food from around the world. You’ll also find plenty of options for a hearty lunch at Pop Brixton. If you love cheese as much as we do, head to Les Alpes restaurant, which specialises in delicious dishes from the mountains – so there’s plenty of cheese in all forms! If you prefer vegan food and socialising, Cafe Van Gogh is a lovely initiative by local entrepreneurs who work with charities and offer one of the best vegan menus in London. We particularly recommend the Sunday roast, which is a real treat!
The Franco Manca chain can be found all over London, but you can also visit the place where it all began, Brixton Market, to enjoy a delicious pizza at rock-bottom prices!
Bonnington Café is a co-operatively run vegetarian and vegan restaurant in a quiet little square in the heart of Vauxhall. You can bring your own wine and get to know the locals. Don’t forget to book a table in advance as it’s getting more popular by the day.
If you’re looking for a great street market, visit the Venn Street Market in Clapham Common. It’s open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm and there are plenty of original specialities to try.
Oh, and we thought you’d be pleased to know that you can get a delicious, hearty lunch for just £5 every day of the week at Peckham Levels, the trendy eatery we mentioned earlier!
Where to stay in South London
TheSafestayElephant and Castle is located just five minutes from Elephant and Castle station, from where you can easily reach all of London’s famous sights. The hostel is located right on the Southbank, from where you can watch the sunset in summer. The hostel serves an excellent breakfast for £4 and offers a range of activities, including free walking tours and pub crawls.
If you’re visiting London, you’ll probably spend a lot of your time in the city’s great pubs, but what if we told you that you could actually stay IN a pub? Pub Love is on a mission to save the future of the British pub and create a super cool hostelry for backpackers to meet up in. Pub Love The Crown, Battersea, has an award-winning burger kitchen and a bar with special discounts for guests.
St Christopher Greenwich is the perfect base from which to explore this incredible area, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be just minutes from the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, Cutty Sark and Queen’s House, and 20 minutes from Zone 1. After a long day of walking, return to the hostel to party with your fellow backpackers at the Belushi and end the evening in style.
The StChristopher Inn – London Bridge is also a good choice for your stay in South London. Housed in a 16th century building, the hostel is just a short walk from London Bridge and the Tate Modern Gallery. The hostel has a friendly bar with live music every Friday and regular parties at the nearby St Christopher’s Village hostel.
West London: restaurants galore, luxury shopping and a world-famous carnival
Kensington and Chelsea, with its chic restaurants and cafés, sumptuous art galleries and royal gardens hidden behind one of the famous colourful gates, is far from an ideal destination for backpackers on a budget. But if you forget its reputation as a posh neighbourhood, West London is full of hidden treasures and free activities that are well worth a visit.
Whether you want to spend the day shopping at the famous Portobello Road market, relaxing in beautiful flower-filled parks, exploring world-famous museums or just finding the perfect spot on Nothing Hill for a great Instagram post, West London has it all. So let’s get going!
What to do in West London
If the sun is shining during your visit to the capital, you should definitely pay a visit to Chelsea Botanic Garden, the oldest botanical garden in London. Finish your visit with a bite to eat at the Tangerine Dream Café in the garden! Holland Park is another green space in west London that hosts numerous shows and concerts in the summer. Don’t forget to visit the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, which features bonsai trees, cherry blossom trees in spring and some very friendly peacocks.
If you are greeted by the famous British rain when you visit West London, don’t worry as the area is full of amazing museums and art galleries that are a pleasure to get lost in. Don’t forget to visit the Saatchi Gallery, a space dedicated to contemporary art and performances by artists from around the world. There’s always something interesting to see here, and admission is completely free!
The Serpentine Galleries are two contemporary art galleries in the heart of Kensington Gardens. Both galleries host free exhibitions by international artists and architects, and every summer an architect is invited to design a temporary pavilion right outside the gallery – a very interesting event not to be missed.
If you are more interested in dinosaurs and all animals, big or small, with or without fur, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the Natural History Museum. Entry is also free, and there are plenty of interesting and totally crazy events on offer, from morning yoga classes in the still empty museum halls to a Silent Nightclub at the weekend! Not far away are the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. If you can, plan a day to visit all three museums – you won’t regret it!
Gay is the word is an independent bookshop specialising in LGBTQ publications. It has a great selection of cool books and posters, and the whole team is absolutely lovely, so be sure to pop in.
Notting Hill is undoubtedly the most famous neighbourhood in West London, thanks to the famous romantic comedy from the 90s, which was set in one of the neighbourhood’s charming bookshops. The first obligatory stop is definitely Portobello Road Market, an amazing market where street food, clothes, furniture, antiques and much more mingle in a perfect symphony of sounds, smells and colours. It’s a lively place where tourists and locals alike discover or rediscover this historic 19th century site. The market is open every day, but the stalls vary depending on the day of the week. The best day to visit is probably Saturday, but this is also the busiest day. So try to get there before 11.30am to avoid the crowds and get the best deals!
After your day of exploring, you can take a stroll along the Thames and enjoy the stunning views of Chelsea Embankment.
As you stroll through Notting Hill, you’ll probably pass a pub whose entrance is completely decked out in flowers. Yes, the Churchill Arms is one of London’s most famous pubs. Incidentally, it was the first pub in England to serve Thai food, so be sure to order a plate or two with your pint.
If you come to London at the end of August, you can experience the Notting Hill Carnival, one of London’s biggest street parties that takes place across the neighbourhood for two days. The energy is incredible and Londoners from all over the city come to join in the celebrations.
And to round off your stay in style, take a stroll through the streets of Notting Hill to find your favourite colourful door for the perfect Instagram post!
Places to eat in West London
Finding cheap food in West London is a little more difficult than in other parts of the city, but we’ll help you enjoy your backpacker life to the fullest! A good place to start is, of course, Portobello Road Market. As I said before, you can find street food from all over the world at a very reasonable price. And if you really want to treat yourself, not far away you’ll find BOOM Burger, burgers with a Caribbean twist, with prices starting at €10 (but it’s worth it).
If you’re looking for the perfect place for brunch in Notting Hill, head to Eggbreak, a hipster café specialising in egg dishes that will spice up your Instagram profile.
Portobello Garden Café, also in Notting Hill, is an Italian restaurant that serves traditional Italian dishes. The place has an excellent menu and a friendly Italian atmosphere, just the way we like it!
Farm Girl is a cool place to have brunch with friends and there is one in Chelsea and one in Notting Hill. We particularly recommend the ‘Blue Jack Tacos’, which are simply amazing.
Wherever you are in London, Franco Manca is always a good choice for a traditional Italian pizza at a reasonable price. A classic mozzarella tomato is £6.55 and a garlic and oregano tomato is less than £5.
If you fancy a good Sunday roast without breaking the bank, the Ginger Pig will make your roast dreams come true. Here you can enjoy a roast with sides for £6 . 50, any day of the week!
Where to stay in West London
How about a bed in a traditional Jacobean manor house with a private courtyard, in the middle of one of London’s most beautiful parks? Well, dear friends, at Safestay London Kensington Holland Park you can have all that and more! The hostel also has a bar, a billiard room and a roof terrace. Breakfast is available for less than £5 and the nearest tube station is just a few minutes’ walk away. What do we say?
TheAstorKensington is within walking distance of Notting Hill, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, as well as three tube lines, making it the perfect base for your London adventure. The hostel organises daily events for its guests and has a well-equipped kitchen and a cosy lounge where you can meet up with other backpackers.
If you’re planning a visit to the museums on Exhibition Road, the Astor Hyde Park is the perfect hostel for you. It’s just a minute away from Hyde Park and surrounded by some of London’s greatest museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum. The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen where you can indulge in the ultimate luxury and offers daily activities for all guests. Did we mention that breakfast costs ONE EURO?
HostelOne Notting Hill is a very lively, sharing-based hostel. So if you’re travelling alone and want to make new friends, this might be the best option for you. It’s located in the heart of Notting Hill, just minutes from Portobello Road Market, Hyde Park and Kensington Place. A free dinner is offered every night (no, no, you’re not dreaming), and drinking games are organised to get you in the mood for a great night out. And if you’ve got a hangover, there’s nothing better than a £3 breakfast.
TheMeiningerLondon Hyde Park is located directly opposite the famous Natural History Museum and just minutes from the Science Museum and Hyde Park. The hotel also has a great bar where you can have a drink, order a snack and chat to your new travelling friends.
The ultimate goal of St James Backpackers is to bring backpackers from all over the world together, share travel stories and anecdotes and simply have fun. That’s why breakfast and dinner are provided every day of the week, so you can spend time with your new flatmates and get to know them better. Events such as karaoke nights, twister parties and PS4 tournaments are also organised, and even barbecue afternoons on the large terrace!
East London: home to vegan food, trendy cafés and second-hand shops
Thanks to Shoreditch, East London is famous with backpackers from all over the world who come to explore this wonderful neighbourhood with its delicious street food, vintage second-hand shops and countless cultural events, not forgetting of course Brick Lane with its thousand colours and unparalleled energy.
Although Shoreditch has earned its place in almost every London travel guide, East London is still full of hidden gems and a multitude of incredible things to discover. Exploring the Tower Hamlets area gives you the chance to discover a more authentic (and much cheaper!) side of East London. Hackney, for example, is a place that should definitely be on your bucket list. Often overlooked by most tourists, Hackney is considered the hippest part of the city and is full of great cafes, lively restaurants and cultural events organised by many creative Londoners.
So start your day with a delicious brunch at a great café that’s trending on Instagram, then explore the art galleries and hundreds of second-hand and vintage shops. In the late afternoon, take a short break in the summer sun and lie on the grass until it’s time to fill your belly at one of the many vegan restaurants nearby. Then, when you’re full, start the evening with a street concert or visit an art gallery opening a few streets away before heading out for a late-night barathon. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
What to do in East London
There’s so much to experience in East London that it would take you months to visit all the cafés, nightclubs, bars and art galleries. But here are some of our suggestions to help you enjoy London in the most authentic way.
The White Chapel Gallery is a great place to enjoy contemporary art and exhibitions that bring the local community together. On Thursdays and Fridays, the gallery is open until 9pm, making it an ideal place to start the evening before settling down in one of the many pubs nearby. Don’t miss the Victoria and Albert Childhood Museum, which traces the history of toys and childhood in Britain. A truly enchanting, original and free experience!
In Shoreditch, a visit to the studios of Rough Trade Records, an independent record label, will drive all music lovers crazy. Shop for second-hand clothes at the Vintage Market and visit the Nomadic Community Garden, a creative green space designed to bring the community together. Entry is free and you can bring a snack and a drink.
For the perfect Instagram photos of London, visit the Sky Garden on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie Building. It’s on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie Building. Entry is free, but you need to book in advance on the website.
If you want to experience some nature, you should walk to the Columbia Road Flower Market, which is open every Sunday from 8am to 3pm. The soul of this place is incredible, and you’ll have the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the locals. Victoria Park is only a 20-minute walk from the market and is the perfect place to hire a bike and explore the streets or simply enjoy a picnic with your new friends.
In Hackney Wick, a former industrial area, you’ll find plenty of hipster cafes, super cool bars and simply amazing street art. Spend an afternoon exploring the alleyways, soaking up the sun by the canal or checking out a free exhibition, gallery opening, film screening or whatever you find along the way. Our favourite places are Crate, which serves craft beer and delicious pizza, the White Post Cafe, a café/workspace that plays live music and DJ sets, and Grow Hackney, a community café and bar that hosts free jazz sessions every Wednesday night. The possibilities are endless. Our advice is to go on an adventure because you’ll always find something great to do, see or eat.
In Hackney, don’t miss Paper Dress Vintage, a vintage shop that hosts gigs and all sorts of interesting events, and Hackney City Farm, a great place to escape city life and spend the day with a whole host of cool animals.
For something a little more original, we recommend the Bethnal Green Workmen Club, the Old Blue Last and the Moth Club. All three clubs regularly host interesting events and organise crazy parties too! If you like going to the cinema, you should stop by the Rio Cinema, an independent art deco cinema that opened in 1915.
Finally, take an afternoon to explore Stoke Newington, an area full of cute little cafes, great restaurants and hidden gems like Lucky Seven, a record and book shop where you can pick up lots of great bargains. When you’ve bought all the books you can get your hands on, head to Jolly Butchers and enjoy a pint of their craft beer and the friendliness of their exceptionally friendly customers!
Places to eat in East London
There are so many great restaurants in East London that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t panic, we’re here to save you and introduce you to our favourites in this part of the capital!
For a proper brunch, head to Hash E8, E2 ‘Moss, Black Cat, Good Egg and/or Pavilion Café. If you’re looking for the perfect lunch to cure a hangover, Temple of Seitan, a vegan fast food restaurant, is the place to go.
Every Londoner loves a market, especially a food market, and there are many reasons why. Markets bring out the sense of community and the great cultural diversity of London! At Broadway Market, you’ll find a stall for every taste. And weather permitting, you can have lunch in London Fields, just around the corner, enjoying the sunshine and meeting new people.
There’s a market in Shoreditch that specialises in vegan cuisine, with a variety of offerings including reinterpreted fish and chips, cakes of all kinds, Brazilian food and much more. If you’re more into ‘real’ burgers, you’ll find a market full of stalls with hundreds of different options. Since you’re in Shoreditch, we recommend you try an original and brilliant combination: Korean and Italian food mixed together, the ultimate vegan dream. You should definitely try Vegan Yes!
Where to stay in East London
If you want to be close to all the great bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes and museums of East London, Park Villa is the place for you. Located in the heart of the old East End, the hostel has all the charm of the old Georgian house it was built in, with all the benefits of today’s technology to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Breakfast is only £3 and the hostel has a small kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
Wombats City Hostel has a large, modern bar where you can enjoy a welcome drink to get you in the mood for your London adventure. Shoreditch and sights such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are within walking distance from here.
StChristopher’s Inn – Liverpool Street is surrounded by skyscrapers, with the Gherkin on your doorstep and just a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street station. You can start your day with breakfast in the traditional British pub just below the hostel for less than £4 and then explore all that East London has to offer.
Feeling ready to start your wild British adventure? Whether you’re in the centre, north, south, west or east of London, there’s always something amazing to do! That’s the magic of London. Check out our full list of hostels in London to find the perfect base for your trip.
Have you visited any of the areas recommended here? Or perhaps you have suggestions to add to our list, or advice you’d like to give to our lovely travellers who are currently planning their trip? Just let us know in the comments below!
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