Visiting LondonIt was a crisp fall morning when I stepped out the front doors of the Athen?um Hotel and into Mayfair; a signature London day complete with a gray sky promising showers. My intention was to simply discover the city, walk until I saw something interesting and head that direction. So, over the next two hours I walked along streets I didn't yet know, walked among people I would never know and happily lost myself in anonymity.
Visiting LondonWith virtually no help at all, without boarding any kind of transportation, I managed to stumble upon Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guard's Parade, The Houses of Parliament and by default, Big Ben.
Athen?um HotelGetting around was fairly simple, all of them a short walking distance from the Athen?um Hotel or via a quick ride on the Underground.
Athen?um HotelThe Athen?um Hotel sits in an ideal location in Mayfair, amidst the buzz of the city. In addition to standard rooms and suites, the hotel offers walk-up apartments. All of them are available long term, making this an ideal location to stay for individuals or large families that are visiting, relocating, or staying in the city for longer than average.
On a side note, the hotel also boasts the largest whisky collection in Europe, outside of Scotland.
Visiting LondonOver the next few days, I had the opportunity to discover neighborhoods and areas of the city that are not a part of the typical tourist path; these are the places thriving with their own flavors of culture, art and fashion.
Hidden Gem: This is Neal's Yard, a tucked away corner of Seven Dials in Covent Garden.
Visiting LondonWhile navigating medieval streets can be challenging, ducking through small passageways to find quaint café's and little shops also lends itself to truly discovering a city; there are dozens of tucked away gems throughout London, and here is where you'll find them...
Hidden Gem: This virtually hidden corridor lies just off of Bond Street, adjacent to a courtyard boasting the Handel House and the Armani Casa store. This hidden area is a treasure trove of tiny cafes.
West London | Seven DialsCovent Garden's "Hidden Village," Seven Dials boasts some of the best shopping in London. The name Seven Dials can be taken quite literally, seven streets come together at an enormous sundial.
At one time this was considered a run-down area of London, today it is one of the most coveted place to live in the city.
West London | Seven DialsShould you find yourself planning on doing a lot of shopping in this area, you can also pre-arrange the assistance of a Seven Dials Bag Concierge. The “Bag Girl” or “Bag Boy” will personally assist during your excursion to the area: carrying packages, offering guidance, opening doors and more.
West London | CarnabySoho's Carnaby is just a short walk from Seven Dials, and is a very popular area with a plethora of shops featuring both big names and independents. You will know Carnaby as the birthplace of the Mod Movement, and today the area still thrives with cutting-edge fashion.
West London | Kingly CourtHidden Gem: Just between Carnaby street and Kingly street, sits Kingly Court: an tri-level courtyard with a myriad of quaint café's and smaller shops featuring unique items. Kingly Court is an ideal spot to steal away from the buzz of Carnaby, and it is here you will find some of the most unique wares offered in the area.
CamdenCamden, an eclectic area of interesting shops, street foods and concert venues that play host to the Amy Winehouses of the world. Before you ask, yes, this is indeed her haunt and it's difficult to tell who influenced whom.
Camden | Chin Chin LabsHidden Gem: Chin Chin Labs is creating delicious ice cream right in front of you...using nitrogen. A must stop for a sweet treat while visiting the Camden area.
Primrose HillPrimrose Hill is a quiet place with rows of homes with English roses growing in the front yards; an upper-class area well known as the ideal place to reside. Notable individuals have and do live here, making it a popular place for visitors to put on their itineraries.
Primrose HillHowever if stalking celebrities isn't your thing (I am not particularly star-struck myself) there is another great reason to visit. A great view of London.
Primrose HillWell that and shopping, of course shopping. Shops in Primrose hill are quaint and filled with charming wares, jewelry and antiques.
East London | ShoreditchThere is a style and feel to the East End that is greatly contrasted to the West, street art decorates the neighborhoods proclaiming what was once shabby is now shabby-chic. This is one of the most authentic parts of London, a place where an outsider really feels the pulse of what is up and coming.
East London | HostemHidden Gem: Hostem is a men's store in Shoreditch that immeadiately became one of my favorite shops along the journey. The decor is reason enought to stop by. Of course they carry an array of brands; every piece oozes good taste.
Visiting London Of course, a Visit to London would not be complete without a visit to all of the places the city is known for. I took the time and experienced the surreal feeling of finally standing somewhere I'd only seen in pictures, I let my breath catch when I came around a corner to see Big Ben looming over my head. Later I watched the rain paint the Houses of Parliament a deeper shade. Then there is a definitive moment when I realize I have stepped off of the tourist path and taken a bite out of the real thing. That moment is a feeling quite different, and ultimately is the high note of a trip. Either you know exactly what I am describing, or you don't but know you should. Frankly, it doesn't really matter. Either way, now you have no excuse: get out there and truly Visit London.
