London’s massive, expensive, and full of trapdoors—and in this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon give you the cheat codes. From booking the right hotel to squeezing the most out of your 48 hours, you’ll leave with a full game plan. It’s everything you want to know before landing at Heathrow.
What We Cover in This Episode
- London Stereotypes
- How to Get to London
- Where to Stay in London
- Where to Eat in London
- What to Do in London
- 48-Hour London Itinerary
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- London Guide Book
- Top Things to Do in London
- Best Restaurants in London
- Where to Stay in London
- Best Tours to Take in London
London Podcast: Hot Air, Soccer, Romans, Fish-&-Chips-Fighting
Segment 1: London Stereotypes
- #1 Food in London is Bad: False. While you probably won’t be wowed by British cuisine, London has some of the best international food in the world.
- #2 The Weather Sucks: True. It’s gray and drizzly more often than not, but if you pack layers and circle a few indoor things to do, it’s not going to stop you from having a good time.
- #3 British English Is Basically a Different Language: True. Londoners have a slang-filled, cheeky way of speaking.
- #4 British are Polite and Polished: True. Think New York, but with better manners and more trench coats.
- #5 They’ll Fight You Over Football: False. The vibe is rowdy, not reckless. Know where you are and cheer accordingly.
- #6 London is Expensive: True. Meals and cocktails add up fast, but at least most museums are free.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it.
Segment 2: Getting to & Around London
- Getting to London by Plane: London has 6 international airports, but don’t panic. Nearly all flights from North America land at Heathrow Airport (LHR).
- From the Airport to London City Centre: You have three options, the Heathrow Express (15 minutes, around £25), the Elizabeth Line (27 minutes, £12.80), or take a taxi (1 hour, £45–£70).
- Getting Around London: The tube is absolutely the way to go. Use your contactless credit card paired with Google Maps (or Apple Maps).
Segment 3: Where to Stay in London
Below, you’ll find our recommendations mentioned in the London podcast episode. For a full list, check out our article on Where to Stay in London.
Neighborhoods:
Whitechapel: Gritty and authentic but easy to love. This corner of East London brings you close to the Tower and some of the best food in the city.
Kensington & Chelsea: Stately, serene, and well-connected, it’s where locals go for museums, brunch, and a touch of old-money elegance.
Border of Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Mayfair, and Soho: Central and stylish with excellent shopping, hip cafés, and easy Tube access.
Leicester Square & Trafalgar Square: Loud, proud, and always on—and close to London’s best stage shows.
Our Favorite Stays:
Raffles London at The OWO | 5-Star | Museum-Grade Interior
Sleep where Churchill once walked, then drink in a speakeasy worthy of a Bond villain.
Conrad London St. James | Top Tier Hilton | Business-Chic
You’re basically bunking next to Buckingham Palace, with marble floors and rainfall showers to match.
The Milestone Hotel and Residences | Traditional Luxury | Kensington Views
With afternoon tea, antique-filled lounges, and rooms overlooking Kensington Gardens, this one’s for old-school glam lovers.
Brown’s Hotel | Swanky but Soulful | Great Lounge Bar
London’s oldest hotel just off Bond Street, oozing timeless British charm.
Or, check out our article on Where to Stay in London.
Segment 4: Where & What to Eat in London
Below, you’ll find our recommendations mentioned in the London podcast episode. For a full list, check out our article on the Best Restaurants in London.
Top Things to Try:
- Fish & Chips: A once-per-trip essential, ideally from a pub.
- Shepherd’s Pie: Ground lamb, mashed potatoes, and gravy—perfect for a rainy day.
- Tikka Masala: This creamy-spiced curry is arguably more British than fish and chips.
- Sunday Roast: If you’re in London on a Sunday, you might as well head to a pub and give it a try.
- Afternoon Tea: Eat your way through three very expensive tiers of small scones, sandwiches, and desserts.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on Where to Get the Best Afternoon Tea in London.
Best Restaurants and Markets:
- Dishoom | ££ | Multiple Locations | Indian
Bombay comfort food done right, in a setting inspired by old Irani cafés. - Mercato Mayfair | ££ | Mayfair | Food Hall in a Former Church
Food trucks meet holy arches in this former church-turned-international food hall. - The Donovan Bar | £££ | Mayfair | Upscale Cocktails
Expect martinis with a side of moody lighting, 1960s swagger, and portraits that might raise a brow or two.
- The Orangery Restaurant | £££ | Kensington Palace | Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea in a greenhouse once built for Queen Anne? It’s as regal (and slightly ridiculous) as it sounds.
- A. Wong | £££ | Victoria | Two-Michelin-Star 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. - Côte | ££ | St. Katharine Docks | English Breakfast with a View
The best seats are outside, where you can watch St. Katharine Docks wake up while enjoying a proper English breakfast. - The Parlour | ££££ | Westminster | Afternoon Tea at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Afternoon tea, but wildly expensive and painfully elegant. - Leadenhall Market | ££ | City of London | Historic Market with Global Cuisine
A food lover’s dream with a Hogwarts backdrop—come hungry and ready to explore.
- Seven Dials Market | ££ | Covent Garden | Street Food Hall in a Converted Warehouse
The best spot to try half the world’s flavors in one noisy, joyful setting. - Borough Market | £–£££ | Southwark | Iconic Food Market with International Stalls
A maze of cheese, chocolate, and street food beloved by locals.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Top Places to Eat in London.
Best Neighborhoods to Eat in:
- Brick Lane: Don’t trust anyone who eats curry in Central London—this is where you want to be.
- St Katharine Docks: A peaceful marina lined with cozy cafés just steps from the Tower of London.
- Covent Garden: Touristy but dependable and packed with great restaurants, covered markets, and lively piazzas.
Segment 5: What to Do in London
Below, you’ll find our recommendations mentioned in the London podcast episode. For a full list, check out our article on the Best Things to Do in London.
- Tower of London – Meet a Beefeater, see the Crown Jewels, and spot the legendary ravens keeping the kingdom safe.
- Westminster Abbey – Walk through nearly a millennium of royal coronations, poet burials, and whispered secrets. Book a morning tour to beat the crowds!
- Buckingham Palace – Swing by at 10:30 am for the Changing of the Guard, or if you’re here in the summer, book a tour for a peek behind those famous gates.
- Churchill War Rooms – A must for history lovers. Book ahead to explore the preserved wartime headquarters hidden beneath the streets of Westminster.
- British Museum – One of the world’s greatest (and most overwhelming) museums—download the app or join a guided tour to make sense of it all.
- National Gallery – This is your best chance to see Van Gogh, Turner, and da Vinci without the Louvre-level chaos.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it.
Segment 6: Your 48-Hour London Itinerary
Day 1: Museums, the Thames & a Taste of London
- Kick Things Off: With a coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Kaffeine.
- Morning: Join a guided British Museum tour—British guides are brilliant storytellers, and even kids will be into it.
- Noon: Walk through centuries of royal history with a Westminster Abbey tour.
- Lunch: Treat yourself to an unforgettable Michelin-star lunch at A. Wong.
- Afternoon: Head east via the Tube to explore the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
- Pre-Dinner Plans: Choose between late afternoon tea at Millie’s Lounge or a river walk along the South Bank.
- Evening Out: Grab a casual curry on Brick Lane, then pop over to Los Mochis for cocktails.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it.
Day 2: Choose Your Adventure
Option 1: Stonehenge + Windsor Day Trip
- Early Start: Join a full-day tour to Stonehenge and Windsor Castle—go for the Inner Circle access to get up close to the stones before the crowds roll in.
- Back in London: You’ll return late, but not too late for dinner and a well-earned soak (see below).
Option 2: Art, Markets & a Leisurely Wander
- Slow Start: Ease into your day with coffee and window shopping in Covent Garden, followed by breakfast at Fortnum & Mason.
- Midmorning: Walk across London Bridge to the Tate Modern, then head up to the viewing level.
- Lunch: Snack your way through Borough Market—grab oysters, tacos, sea urchin, or whatever floats your boat.
- Afternoon: Learn about London’s wartime history at the Churchill War Rooms (pre-book this one!)
- Tea Break: Take a breather with afternoon tea at The Orangery.
Evening Plans (Both Options)
- Dinner: Little India or the Dishoom in Soho, or pull from our list of restaurant recommendations.
- Final Stop: Book an evening sesh at AIRE Ancient Baths to end your trip in utmost zen.
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