(Living)

The Ultimate Guide To London

by Lisa Ferrandino
The view at London with the United Kingdom flags all around the city

During Fashion Month, the industry’s finest flock from NYC to London for the second week of shows. And while there are a ton of runways to check out and barely any time to do anything else (aside from riding in double-decker buses and snapping the obligatory red phone booth pic), there are a few spots that are definite go-tos across the pond. See below for our top five things to do in London.

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Paddleboating In Hyde Park

Think of this as London's version of Central Park, and with 350 acres to enjoy, there’s literally something for everyone. Locals come here to grab lunch, take a stroll, go jogging and simply relax. When it's warm, be sure to rent a paddleboat or chair to soak in the rays; in the winter, grab some ice skates and take a spin on the rink.

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Go Shopping

London's It girls are all about scoring the best finds, and they do that on a few of the city’s most famous streets. While Bond Street offers up luxe shopping from high jewelers like Graff and Cartier, designer duds can be found at Louis Vuitton and Burberry. And if you're looking for something that's a little kinder on your wallet, check out Regent Street, which offers up everything from All Saints to Zara to Liberty London—a local staple known for its signature scarves and prints. Hopefully you've left enough extra room in your suitcase to bring back all your goodies.

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Visit Kensington Gardens

This spot is easily one of the most beautiful in all of London and serves as a quieter way to check out the scenery sans the hoopla of Hyde Park. Grab a blanket and hang out on the vast green landscape, or if you’re feeling artsy, the Serpentine Gallery hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

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Afternoon Tea At The Palm Court In Langham London

Londoners are obviously fans of tea, so why not do like the natives do? The Palm Court does not disappoint when it comes to swanky vibes (it's said to be where the tradition of afternoon tea originated over 150 years ago). With sample menus and a selection of 30 tea blends and pastries, there's no shortage of English culture here. Pinkies up!

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Dining At Duck & Waffle

There is no better view of London than the one you'll have from your dinner table at Duck & Waffle. If you're lucky enough to score a reservation at arguably the most coveted spot in the city, you'll see what we're talking about. Breathtaking views from 40 floors up are just the icing on the cake once you've tried a modern take on traditional London fare.