As English writer Samuel Johnson famously said, “When a [wo]man is tired of London, [s]he is tired of life.” Here’s your guide to the city that never bores, personally vetted by members of the HC Rice team.
Where to eat:
Borough Market – An obvious choice, but well worth braving the crowds for. Cheeses, handmade cakes and pastries, wines, produce, bread, chocolates…need I say more?
Dishoom – They say London has the best Indian food outside of India, and Dishoom certainly lends validity to that notion. Try to make a reservation beforehand, since I’ve seen lines extending far beyond the entrance door even when it’s pouring rain.
Timberyard (TY) coffee shop – I wrote a sizeable chunk of my study abroad dissertation in Timberyard’s two London locations, and their matcha lattes, quiches, and baked goods made the 7000 words feel slightly more bearable.
Where to shop:
Camden Market – Embrace the fact that you will get lost, and allow yourself to wander aimlessly through the 1000+ shops and stalls that together comprise Camden Market.
Oxford Street – If you don’t mind navigating throngs of people, check out the Oxford Street shopping area, where you can find H&M, Topshop, and Zara, to name just a few of the dozens of nearby stores.
What to do:
Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum – Architecturally stunning, incredibly expansive, and free of charge, the V&A could easily occupy a rainy afternoon (and morning, and evening).
Peruse Harrods – Will you be able to afford anything more extravagant than chocolate or tea? Probably not. Is it still fun to look around? Absolutely.
Make a trip to Hampton Court Palace – With Henry VIII as its most infamous occupant, you can rest assured that Hampton Court Palace is chock-full of history and intrigue. Though located slightly outside of London, its art gallery, gardens, fascinating tours, quaint cafés, and seemingly endless rooms all make the excursion more than worthwhile.