Woman standing in a red telephone booth
City Guides,  London,  London,  The places we've been

One Perfect Day in London

September 13, 2023 /

Whether you’re heading over to run the marathon, or you’re just really in need of some good fish and chips, you may find yourself outside Buckingham Palace wondering what to do next. Have no fear because we got you covered. Here’s how to spend one perfect day in London.

Where to Stay

The Mad Hatter in Southwark

Interior of a pub with a wooden bar with lots of beer taps and a black and white checkered floor
Fuller’s Pub
Chalk board with a drawn image of the Mad Hatter and the phrase "Welcome to the Mad Hatter. We're all Mad here", mounted to a wall behind bottles of liquor.
We’re all mad here!
Hotel room with a queen bed and an upholstered headboard. On the wall behind it, are two paintings of playing cards featuring the Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland
Our spacious digs

The Mad Hatter in Southwark went above and beyond our expectations for a hotel room in London. The rooms were reasonably spacious, with a comfy queen bed, a space to work, and a bathroom two people could be in at the same time. Besides all this, the hotel is reasonably priced with a fun Alice in Wonderland theme and a Fuller’s pub attached to the lobby. Cheers before bed. Yes, please!

Where to Eat – Casual

Sleazy Pizza

Image of a pink chaise lounge in front of a chaotically decorated wall. The images are pink and black and directly behind the chaise is a logo that reads "Sleazy Pizza"
The Sleazy Chaise Lounge
Hand tossed pizza with red sauce, cheese and olives
The Sleazy Za

Okay, I agree this is an unusual choice for London but I don’t really like red meat, fried food, dairy or potatoes so the typical fish and chip dinner just doesn’t work for me. But the pizza at Sleazy’s was right on point and they have a fun faux “porno” theme that is certainly worth a giggle and a photo op.

Where to Eat – Upscale

The Ivy Market Grille

White plate with a circle of raw tuna topped with cucumbers and radishes
Tuna appetizer
Interior of a restaurant with white table cloths, hanging lamps, and dark wood
The Ivy interior
Salmon on a round white plate on top of greens
Salmon fillet

If you’re looking for a more upscale evening out, check out The Ivy Market Grille in Covent Garden. The food was top notch and the service made us feel very special.

Two women toasting with white wine, seated at table with a white table cloth
Cheers to London

Where to Drink

Ye Olde Cock Tavern

Painting of a white rooster on black chalk board paint. Over the rooster are the words "Ye Olde Cock Tavern"
Ye Olde Rooster
Man holding a pint of beer while lounging on a chaise
Lounging with a brew
Long wood bar with lots of bar taps and bottles of liquor
Ye Olde Bar

Serving pints since 1549, Ye Olde Cock Tavern gives you the “English Pub” vibe, with a great variety of libations on tap, plus LOT’S of comfy seating. (And if you’re a little more seasoned, like us, you’ll appreciate the chance to relax.)

What to Do

Visit the Mayor of Scaredy Town

Yellow door on a yellow building. There is a small red sign that reads "The Breakfast Club"
The Breakfast Club
Woman opening an old fashioned refrigerator door
The Entrance
Neon sign shaped liked an arrow that is pointing downward. It says "Thrills" on it.
This way to Thrills

What’s behind the refrigerator door at the Breakfast Club Café? You’ll have to tell the hostess that you want to see the Mayor of Scaredy Cat town to find out. (*Hint, you’ll want to speak that phrase really easy.)

Where to Hear Live Music

The American Bar

Small round black table holding two glasses of white wine a several napkins
The setup
Man playing a baby grand piano and wearing a tuxedo
The Talent

Spend an evening pretending you’re posh and listening to live music as good as a private concert by Harry Connick Jr. The food and wine there was also top notch!

What to Bring

Woman on a rainy street holding an umbrella. Behind her Union Jack flags are hung over the street
The London Gear

It’s London, ya’ll. You’ll likely see the sun but only occasionally. You should bring and umbrella, water proof shoes and water proof gloves to stay dry as you walk around and drink in the sites.

All the Other Stuff

We hope you enjoyed our recommendations for one perfect day in London. Keep in mind, this was my fourth time there, so don’t be dismayed that Big Ben and Buckingham Palace aren’t on my list. It’s just that you can see these landmarks on the way to something new and fun. London is walkable and fun and I can’t wait to go back!

For more fun ideas, see what the Oracle recommends and you can follow us in real time at The__Travel__Oracle on Instagram.

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