Essential London

Hip restaurants, boutique hotels, and cutting-edge museums breathe new life into Europe’s largest capital city.  Steeped in rich tradition (afternoon tea, anyone?) yet infused with loads of innovation, London maintains its status as “trendsetter” for the rest of the globe.  Here’s my list of can’t-miss spots.

STAY:

Haymarket Hotel

Half English-manor, half luxury hotspot, this boutique hotel in the heart of the theatre district boasts comfortable rooms, great contemporary art, and a buzzy bar with outstanding cocktails.  Steps from the National Gallery, St. James Park, and Trafalgar Square, the location truly can’t be beat.

1 Suffolk Place, London. +44 20 7470 4000. www.firmdale.com.

The Dorchester

If old-world glam is more your style, play like Hollywood royalty and book a stay at the spot where Prince Philip held his bachelor party.  With impeccable service, a gorgeous new spa, and Alain Ducasses’s raved-about restaurant, this is a posh pick that will spoil you within five minutes of entering it’s Art-Deco doors.  Pinkies up!

Park Lane. London, W1K 1QA, UK. +44 20 7629 8888. www.thedorchester.com.

SEE:

Tate Modern

This huge power station-turned-art museum is almost as visually impressive as the six-floors of art it contains.  Masterpieces by Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and tons more in the permanent collection are free, and rotating exhibitions include cutting-edge works that push the envelope.  (Example: The Weather Project by Olafur Eliasson contained an eerie mist surrounding an immense blazing sun.)

53 Bankside, London - +44 20 78878008. www.tate.org.uk.

Theatreland

West End stages attract stars like Kevin Spacey, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, and Jude Law with an exciting line-up of productions and a rich history of innovation.  On my last visit I saw Mamma Mia, and there was nothing quite like dancing to ABBA songs surrounded by jovial Brits singing along and clapping their hands.

Covent Garden to Piccadilly Circus, London. www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on where to EAT and SHOP in London!