If I had one day in London, this is how I would do it

If I had just one day to return to London, this would be my exact itinerary. My favorite parts of London are not the big landmarks, but rather the small little shops and corners filled with community. These are all of the things and places that once felt like home.

I would start early in Hackney to make my way towards Moko Made for a cup of matcha. The best matcha I tried in London by far, but the journey was worth it, every time. The atmosphere was intimate and comforting with the sweet aroma of tea wafting through the air. With my matcha in hand, I would make my way to Regent’s Canal. I would take my time walking along the water and end at Word on the Water, the bookshop on a boat. Usually, the mornings are nicely quiet, making it the perfect slow start to the day.

From there, I would make an essential stop at Marks and Spencer to grab a bag of Percy Pigs, specifically the ‘party time’ ones. It is my favorite sweet that I miss nearly every day. 

Later in the morning, I would head to Kensington Gardens. This is the most perfect green space in all of London, in my opinion. I would take my time walking around the large park. It is the perfect location to sit and people watch, play football, sit with friends to have a picnic, relax with a book or simply stroll. 

Lunch would be at Hanbaagaasuuteeki for sure. The burgers and fries are genuinely the best I have ever had. It is the perfect restaurant for a simple lunch or to branch out with their Japanese, Korean, Thai and Chinese fused dishes. My go to order: the kimchi burger and miso loaded fries.

In the afternoon, I would head to the West End to see a show. It would not matter what was playing, but I would love to be back in the musical space again. There was so much anticipation right before the show started because everyone knew that whatever was being performed was going to be amazing.

As the evening approached, I would walk along one of my favorite routes, preferably with a Pret in hand. I would start in St. James’s Park and make my way towards Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. It is undeniably touristy, but that does not take away from its beauty. I would then cross Westminster Bridge, merging with the mass of people headed towards the London Eye, but continue past and onto Hungerford Bridge.

This was my favorite place to linger at sunset. The sun would hit Big Ben, the city skyline and the London Eye all at once. It is a view that I still think about. 

Dinner would have to be at Strakers and then I would end the night at a pub. Somewhere noisy with some live music, where I could sit and take it all in again. 

One day would never be enough, but if I had to hit everything I loved in this city at once, this is exactly how I would do it.