London doesn’t coddle tourists. Either you know where to go, or you end up paying £20 for sad fish and chips. Watch as Sean Finelli and Brandon Shaw hit the streets, badger the locals, and figure out what’s actually worth your time—so you can skip the bad decisions and go straight to the best of London.
What We Cover in This Video
London travel tips
What to do in London
Where to eat in London
Where to stay in London
Resources Mentioned in This Video
London Guide Book
Best Restaurants in London
Where To Stay in London
Top Things to Do in London
London According to Locals: Video Guide
Introduction & Travel Tips:
- One day in the East, one day in the West. Wander through Brick Lane, St. Paul’s, and the Tower Bridge, then switch gears for the West’s posh streets, royal parks, and famous museums.
- London doesn’t run on cash. Unless you’re tipping, your bank card is all you need.
- The Tube is your best friend. Taxis are for people who enjoy paying triple to sit in traffic. Rather, use your contactless credit card paired with Google Maps (or Apple Maps).
- Thursday is the new Friday. Londoners work from home on Fridays, which means Thursday nights absolutely go off.
- The best spots aren’t on influencer pages. They’re in the minds of people who actually live in London—don’t be afraid to ask your bartender, waiter, or tour guide for recommendations.
- Timing is everything. May and late August through September give you the best shot at London without the misery of endless rain.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our London Guide for more resources.
What to Do in London:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the YouTube video. For more, check out our article on the Top Things to Do in London.
- Climb All 528 Steps of St. Paul’s Dome – For panoramic views of London.
- Gawk at the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London – Then wander through the same fortress that locked up queens, rebels, and royal headaches.
- Splurge at Spitalfields Market – A 17th-century fruit and veg market that’s now an East London playground of food, art, and shopping.
- Snap a Regal Selfie at Westminster Abbey – The site of every British Coronation since 1066. Book a morning tour to beat the crowds!
- Dance the Night Away in Soho – From The Beatles to Bowie, Soho’s bars have long fueled London’s music scene.
- Shop Like a Londoner in Covent Garden – Before treating yourself to an overpriced latte and judging street performers.
- Step Into a Vintage Double-Decker at the London Transport Museum – Then, check out old Tube trains, horse-drawn omnibuses, and Harry Beck’s fabulous Tube map.
Want us to visit your restaurant, hotel, attraction, or bar? Pitch us on the history of your location and your story by emailing press@thetourguy.com
Where to Eat in London:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the YouTube video. For more, check out our article on the Best Restaurants in London.
- A. Wong | £££ | Chinese
Spend far too much on dim sum and don’t even think about regretting it. Those two Michelin stars were handed out to Chef Andrew for a reason. - Aqua Shard | ££££ | Great Brunch
Because nothing says “I’m living my best London life” like dainty cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey tea 31 floors above the city. - CloudM| £££ | Rooftop Bar
Sophisticated cocktails, stylish snacks, and a skyline backdrop make this Tower of London hideaway dangerous for sticking to your evening plans.
- Côte | ££ | Breakfast with a View
The best seats are outside, where you can watch St. Katharine Docks wake up while enjoying a proper English breakfast.
- Tamesis Dock | ££ | Floating Pub with a View
This Dutch barge-turned-pub has one of London’s best Thames views. Find it permanently moored between Lambeth and Vauxhall. - The Little Violet Door | £££ | Soho
Stay upstairs for a cozy convo, or head downstairs to relive your wildest house party days. - Los Mochis | £££ | Notting Hill
For wagyu tacos, smoky mezcal, and rooftop views. Just remember to don your finest. - The 40 Elephants | £££ | Scotland Yard Hotel
Pick your cocktail based on the female gang member who resonates with your rebellious spirit. - The Parlour | ££££ | Scotland Yard Hotel
Afternoon tea, but wildly expensive and painfully elegant. - Viajante 87 | £££ | Notting Hill
Find the entrance and your way past the velvet ropes, then test your agave expertise.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Top Places to Eat in London.
Where to Stay in London:
If you want the best of London at your doorstep, base yourself on the border of Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, and Soho.
- Mayfair for luxury lovers with deep pockets.
- Marylebone for those looking to splurge, but not too much.
- Fitzrovia & Soho for an affordable, fun, and central stay.
- Do not: Pick a hotel deep in Soho, unless you’re looking to party into the morning hours.
For more hotel recommendations, check out our article on Where to Stay in London.
More Inspiration For Your Trip to London
London’s been standing for nearly 2,000 years, so don’t expect to see it all in a day. But with our insider guide, you can narrow down what to see, where to eat, which tours to book, and more.
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