Travel: Mini Guide London

 You may have seen that on Instagram that a few weeks ago I went for a prolonged weekend to my favorite city – London. It’s been such a long time since my last visit and therefore even though I was really very sick (fever and flu’) my sister and I spent a wonderful time there. Of course you need to visit the regular touristic spots when in the British capital (talking of Westminster and London Eye) and stop by at Oxford street for your shopping cravings 😛 But there are also some really hip places we discovered that are definitely worth a visit. So continuing the Mini Travel Guide from Milano back in November here is the Mini Guide from London and I hope you like it 🙂 From my side it’s a lovely recap of memories, before I am heading to the next destination 🙂 This time it’s Bruxelles! Not only for vacation but for the Solvay Business Game. Probably some of you (especially those attending Business Schools) have heard of that? These are Case Challenges from companies to be solved and presented by University Master students 😀

WHERE TO STAY

After the great experience I had last time in Milano with our airbnb host, we booked a small studio apartment instead of a hotel. As we came directly from Gatwick to Victoria the Pimlico location perfectly located. The studio was small but had everything in it and super comfy as we were anyway most of the time outside. Of course it was not the most luxury option but I can really recommend this central place when you are travelling on a budget or prefer to spend your money for shopping instead accomodation like us 😉 And if you have a bigger budget of course there are lots of options to go a level higher 🙂 

WHERE TO EAT

In an international city like London there are endless possibilities to eat out. We were fancying to try something different and oriental.  Our choice fell on Dishoom, a swish Bombay brasserie in the style of the old post-colonial ‘Irani cafés’ of Bombay, Dishoom is filled with retro design features: whirring ceiling fans, low-level lighting and walls adorned with vintage Indian magazine advertising. But in addition to the charming atmosphere, the food is incredibly delicious. They have a lot of different dishes also perfectly suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, if you want to have a table for sure and want to avoid queuing outside then I highly recommend to book a table beforehand. We went for dinner but the Café seems to be also a great place for breakfast or lunch 🙂

Another place we discovered during our stay ist the lovely little grains-based Café 26Grains which serves delicious wholesome porridges and mueslis. The venture is located in Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden and fits perfectly into the charm of the charming area in Central London.

WHERE TO GO

As most of you probably know, it is always a great pleasure to visit Londons main attractions as Westminster, the Buckingham Palace, London Eye etc. We had a wonderful relaxing walk in the area and I remember the temperatures already felt like a sweet announcement of spring that day 🙂
In addition, I highly recommend you to visit Notting Hill and the portobello road market. The houses and generally the beautiful green surrounding make me dream of my own house every time I’m there. Another one of my favorites is Covent Garden and the area around Seven Dials. It has a totally different appeal than Notting Hill, however the paving stones and the brick buildings are so charming to me.

WHAT TO DO

Hundreds of possibilities are there, depending on your preferences. Museums, parks, cinemas, shopping, theatre….. What you definitely should consider to do while in the British Capital is visiting a Musical. I saw several performances so far and as this time I wanted to see a new one I haven’t before – our choice fell for Matilda. Accidentally, we watched the movie at Christmas and I fell in love with it. Ah and now my secret tipp for student budgets or just super saver like us! We did not buy the tickets in advance (they were unfortunately mostly sold out) but went in the morning before 10 pm to the venue. I guess it’s a bit of an insider tip – for the Matilda Musical they offer 15 tickets every day for only £ 5 to students!!! And surprisingly you are seated relatively good 🙂 I mean the Lion King in London for example is a super classical Musical but Matilda was in my opinion by far better 😀

All picture by me expect Dishoom photos from pinterest