Insider's Guide to London

London is one of my favorite cities in the world for so many reasons but mainly because of its unique diversity and incredible culture. I have been lucky enough to visit a few times, my most recent trip being in January. I began to write a post about an insider’s guide to the city, but I soon realized that I knew someone who was much more qualified than myself — my friend, Mia Stent. Mia and I first met each other in middle school, and she lived in London for several years before moving to Los Angeles. Mia still travels to London a few times a year, and she is an expert about the amazing city. I am so happy to feature my wonderful friend on The Zeitgeist this month as a travel guest editor. Enjoy! xx

EAT:

You must go to Prêt-à-PorTEA at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. This is my favorite place to go for afternoon tea in London. The tea is fashion-themed, and the hotel makes the cutest cookies that are shaped like handbags and shoes.

China Tang in the Dorchester Hotel, Knightsbridge. This restaurant has some of the best Chinese food in London. I especially recommend their duck pancakes!

SHOP:

Camden Market and Brick Lane are my favorite places to go vintage shopping. Camden Market is in North London and has some great finds. Brick Lane is great road full of incredible vintage shops, as well as some really cool street art.

Covent Garden is one of my favorite places to go shopping. It is so pretty and they offer a bit of everything!

On Oxford Street is the original and biggest Topshop in the world – the flagship! It has three floors and is absolutely incredible.

SEE:

Kew Gardens is a little out of central London, but it is definitely worth the short trip. Kew Gardens is full of Botanical gardens which hold beautiful plants and flowers from all over the world.

If you are in London over the summer, definitely check out British Summer Time. The festival in Hyde Park is over two weekends in July. You can buy tickets for your favorite artists each day. This summer, some of the artists include Florence + The Machine, Kendrick Lamar, Carole King, and more.

DO:

The Tate Modern is a beautiful museum which is always having great exhibitions — a must do!

Hire a row or pedal boat in Hyde Park and afterwards visit the Serpentine Gallery. I love doing this; it is such a fun thing to do with friends or family one afternoon. The Serpentine Gallery is a great museum, also located in Hyde Park.

Mount Street has great upscale shopping with shops such as Céline, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, and many more. Mount Street is a short walk from the famous Selfridges on Oxford Street, one of the best department stores in London.