Where to stay, eat, and see.
Given its status as a top tourist destination, London is at its best when it reveals itself through the small, personal moments: quiet streets, hidden restaurants, and spaces that feel both intimate and storied. Forget the massive chain hotel and look to a smaller boutique stay, as to capture that history and intimacy. And from there, curate an itinerary that spans art, food, and design. From candlelit dinners to world-class exhibitions, here’s our curated guide to a city that’s continuously evolving, combining old and trusted places with what’s new and next.
STAY
The newly opened Zetter Bloomsbury was a real discovery. Located in the heart of the city, Bloomsbury, and right behind the British Museum (quite literally in its backyard), the boutique hotel consists of six connected townhouses, reflecting the neighborhood’s creative and intellectual character.
Walking in feels like entering someone’s home: a cozy bar and beautifully curated lounge areas invite you to sit and have a cup of tea by the fireplace. Each room is carefully designed, with an impressive collection of antique furniture and art decorating the spaces. To achieve this lived-in aesthetic, lead designer James Thurstan Waterworth spent four and a half years sourcing pieces. Spanning the south of France to Istanbul, Waterworth curates a mix of African, Asian, Oceanic, American, and European objects, transforming the interior into a natural extension of the British Museum.
The Zetter Bloomsbury offers light refreshments and drinks at the Parlour, a relaxed retreat, while breakfast or afternoon tea is served in the beautifully sunlit Orangery. During summer, the Orangery extends outdoors to a BBQ area, matched by seasonal dishes and guest chef residencies.
With 68 rooms, you’ll find smaller, cozy spaces as well as suites with wraparound terraces overlooking the garden. Regardless of size, each reflects a collector’s spirit, with marble bathrooms, walk-in showers, and amenities from Verden.
TO EAT
The Zetter Bloomsbury is located just moments away from the quaint Lamb’s Conduit Street, lined with boutiques, bakeries, and excellent restaurants. A favorite is Ciao Bella, an Italian restaurant that serves generous, nonna-style plates in an incredible atmosphere. The staff brings a lively energy to the table, often insisting on a bottle of limoncello at the end of the meal.
A few doors down is Noble Rot, an award-winning, Michelin Guide–listed wine bar and restaurant. The intimate space is candlelit and moody and offers expertly paired wines alongside deliciously classic French dishes.
If you’re looking for a fun night in Dalston, head to the Dalston Jazz Bar. This place is a wild little joint, owned by chef and DJ Robert Beckford, a local icon. While you’re served the catch of the day, oysters, and prawns, a live band plays throughout the evening. After personally cooking and serving fresh seafood, tables are moved aside and the owner takes over the decks with his iPad, getting the crowd on their feet. It’s a guaranteed success for a lighthearted night of good food and great energy.
For an elevated night out in Shoreditch, the Japanese restaurant and nightlife destination Misu just opened. Serving izakaya-style dishes alongside flavorful cocktails – with a focus on Japanese whisky – guests enter by descending a staircase and passing through an outdoor garden before arriving at the impressive bar space with soaring ceilings. Alongside dinner, Misu attracts a young, artistic crowd dancing through the night.
With a view of the British Museum from The Zetter Bloomsbury, it’s impossible not to pay it a visit. We were lucky enough to have an exclusive viewing of the current exhibition Hawaiʻi: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans, guided by its curator, Alice Christophe. The show is a dazzling portrayal of Hawaiian culture and artistry, explored through the lens of the country’s relationship with Great Britain. This runs until May 25, 2026.
Another must-see is the current Tracey Emin exhibition at Tate Modern, on view until August 31, 2026. This show is an emotional experience, showcasing 40 years of Emin’s work on themes of sexuality, illness, love, and art as a means of survival. Honest, raw, and deeply moving, the show spans early video works and sculptures to her more recent breakthroughs in painting.
The Victoria and Albert Museum also opened a new space in early April: the V&A East Museum, with the V&A East Storehouse set to open in May. These two new additions are an exciting addition to the already breathtaking collections in Kensington. The V&A East Museum will host permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as workshops and performances, while the Storehouse offers unprecedented access to the museum’s archives – allowing visitors to view over 250,000 objects and 1,000 archives, often without display cases.
