Trying to boil down London to just one city guide isn’t possible. There is way too much going on in the UK capital to choose just a few restaurants, shops, or hotels. In fact, we’d argue that London makes even NYC seem tiny in terms of potential travel time between areas and highlights along the way. So, instead of giving you one top list, we’ve decided to show you a variety of perspectives from one of Safara’s bases.

First up is Annabel Herrick’s guide to London – with a focus on the North East, including Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Islington and the surrounding areas. As a freelance journalist, Annabel has written for CN Traveler, Vice, and Stylist, and is the person we call for tips on the best coffee shop to work from, the new spot for a 6pm cocktail, and where to escape from the city noise. Whether you’re looking to workout or shop, her London selections are second to none. 

Favorite places to eat in London?

I loved the Friday food market on Southbank when I worked in Covent Garden. There are various Natural Kitchens all over London and they do great salads; good for meetings, too. I just discovered a lovely organic market at the end of my road, Manse Road, in Stoke Newington that’s on every Saturday morning. They have whatever the farmers have grown that week, as well as honey, homemade bread, cheeses, milk etc.

Where would you go to eat for a special occasion?

Brutto is such a special place. Under the arches by Farringdon station, it feels like it’s been here forever – although it only opened in 2021. Think old Italian trattoria: low lit, beautiful service and even better negronis. My two tips are be quick, tables are made available 14 days in advance; and, order the vodka pasta.

What are your go-to bars around town?

I’m more about pubs than bars. A few that come to mind: Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park; The Water Poet near Moorgate; and the Southampton Arms in Gospel Oak, which has a wonderful live jazz duo, only takes cash, and is a very old fashioned, proper ‘old man pub’ with great local ales.

Best place for coffee in London?

London Grind (various around the city) is an easy choice and always good (short and strong with oat milk, please). Any Hoxton Hotel is also reliable for a quiet spot for a morning coffee meeting.

We have an entire afternoon free, and are looking to shop, where should we go?

Has to be Rivington Street in Shoreditch for mid- to high-end brands, like Acne, or Church Street in Stoke Newington, where you’ll find lots of lovely interiors boutiques and antique shops.

We’ve lost our luggage, where should we get a new wardrobe?

In and around Shoreditch, you’ve got Brick Lane for vintage, BoxPark for local designers and Spitalfields for bigger brands.

Where can we get our hit of culture, while avoiding crowds of tourists?

Clissold Park in Stoke Newington for a stroll (and the goats), or smaller Shoreditch galleries like Jealous or Protein. Now I’m freelance, I tend to go to galleries midweek (a luxury, I know) as I can’t handle weekend crowds.

We’re looking to party, like a local. What’s your spot?

Rowans Tenpin Bowl in Finsbury Park. It’s very weird, but very fun. The Old Queen’s Head in Angel, or Netil360 in London Fields for a crowd-pleasing summer rooftop bar, plus year-round sauna.

We’d love to see some live music in London. Where to?

Union Chapel in Angel is a beautiful venue.

Favorite secret spot to get some alone time?

The northern edge of Hampstead Heath away from the crowds. Ideally not on a weekend, but super early, when it’s misty if you can handle it.

The best date spot that will actually have a table?

You have to book in advance wherever you go really. I’m so not the right person to ask for this – I just like a big beer garden, with good ales (easily pleased). So, maybe further out in North London, like The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, which is lovely.

Where should we go for a walk in nature (if not a full-on hike)?

Hampstead, Clissold Park, or Lea Valley – there’s also an old railway line above Archway that not many people know about. Download Go Jauntly for more ideas, they have loads. 

Tips and tricks for getting around town?

Cycle – that’s my number one tip, if you’re brave enough. It’s really not as scary as it looks.

Where would you go with your sketch pad or journal?

The best galleries, but midweek if possible: RA, Tate, Courtauld, Barbican.

You need to work, but the wifi is down. Where do you go?

One of the many beautiful Stoke Newington cafes. 

Where’s the coolest place for a workout?

I love spinning at Digme or 1Rebel (they do hip-hop themed classes). There’s a tiny, community focused yoga studio called YogaHome near me that’s a registered charity, their classes are amazing considering their low prices. Other amazing studios with a cult following (more expensive) include: Indaba (Marylebone) or TriYoga (Camden, Shoreditch, Soho).

Where should a jet-lagged traveler go for a restorative spa or massage?

I’ve heard treatments at TriYoga are amazing.

Anything other must-sees or dos?

Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday. Get there early.

And, for a trip outside London, where would you go?

42 Acres retreat in Somerset, or the Pembrokeshire Coast – it’s so wild there.

 For more travel inspiration from Annabel, check out her full Insider profile, here.

While the north vs. south of the river debate is now pretty cliché when it comes to London chat, secretly, residents of each corner of the city are still fiercely loyal to their own ‘hoods.

Arguably, it has some of the coolest spots for going out, the hippest hotel lobbies for working remotely, parks aplenty, the city’s best heated Lido, abundant weekend markets and… Well, scroll down to find out, in our guide to North-East London.

Where to stay in North-East London

The Hoxton, Shoreditch

When you walk through the doors of The Hoxton, Shoreditch, the first thing you see is a giant steel grid stuffed with paperbacks, which sums up the clientele: urban, hard-working, bookish types. The Hoxton Hotels are a solid choice for a meeting spot that will take you from an early morning coffee, right the way through to an afterwork cocktail. Just five minutes from Old Street or Shoreditch High Street stations, the 220 rooms vary in size and price, but you are guaranteed sharp, industrial design and contemporary monochrome bathrooms in each. Oh, did we mention Hoxton Hotels are dog-friendly?

The Ned

If you’re looking for lux with an historic touch, you’ll love The Ned. Once a bank, the 100-year-old building was left empty for eight years, but now the grand hall is full of City workers on their lunch break or groups of friends celebrating in style. Upstairs, the rooftop offers views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, whilst underground, the ‘piece de resistance’ has to be The Vault: a private venue that was once the bank’s safe. All bedrooms evoke 1920s glamour – the best are the four-poster-bed ‘Heritage’ rooms on the Grade I-listed fifth floor.

Town Hall Hotel

Bethnal Green’s former town hall has just under 100 rooms, which still feels intimate. We love the Smeg fridge, where guests can help themselves to milk in the lobby, and the basement pool skylight. Check out the nearby V&A Museum of Childhood (one of London’s lesser known). The Corner Room restaurant menu is wonderfully decadent – for us, it’s all about the sticky toffee pudding.

Where to get coffee in North-East London

Towpath Cafe

The best way to get around London is by bike. At the weekend, the canals are busy, but rolling along slowly means plenty of opportunities for pit stops. Towpath Cafe is a fantastic place for people watching and snacking, right on the canal-side.

Cafe Z

Heading to Clissold Park? Cafe Z is family-friendly and right next to the organic farmer’s market on a Saturday. Their Turkish style breakfasts are great if you like eating with your hands – get dunking.

Where to eat in North-East London

Rochelle Canteen

If the weather allows, sit outside at Rochelle Canteen. The space is an old Victorian school, which now serves as a hub of creative studios. For lunch, expect meat- and fish-heavy mains, and light, fruity desserts.

Dusty Knuckle

This is so much more than a brunch spot. The Dusty Knuckle was first founded by a group of friends wanting to help disadvantaged youths – they teach baking classes in an old shipping container, and offer work experience to young people, too. As for the food, it’s the best bread you’ll find this side of London. So eat up, and know that your cash is going towards a good cause. 

Where to drink and dance 

The Haggerston

In the heart of Dalston, this pub is a safe choice for a pint and catch-up with friends. An Indie vibe with exposed brick walls and wine bottle candleholders, it’s as ‘East London’ as it gets. Don’t miss their jazz nights on Sundays.

The Bridge Coffee House

Full of antiques, lamps, old signs and trinkets, even the cash register and vending machines are vintage at The Bridge Coffee House. Found under the bridge (no less), take your friends and marvel at the bizarre interior over tea and cake. 

Crate Brewery / Swan Wharf

Further out, Hackney Wick is the home of London’s artist community. Full of converted peanut factories, illegal warehouse raves and paint-splattered studios, it’s gritty and represents the underbelly of East London. Wander down the canal, check out Swan Wharf gallery and sip pints over pizza in the sun at Crate Brewery.

Looking Glass Cocktail Club

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this speakeasy style bar has a menu full of creative concoctions. We love the cocktail names, such as ‘Pickle Millennial’, ‘Identity Blossom’ or ‘Psychedelic Garden’, and the cheese boards with cold cuts make the perfect accompaniment. 

Where to work out 

Frame Shoreditch

You’ll spot a Frame in every corner of London, from Shoreditch to Victoria, thanks to its loud branding and pumping music. Their classes are fun and will make you sweat with Power Yoga, Reformer Pilates, Destiny’s Child dance workshops, Ass & Abs blasts, and more. Drop-in prices start from £15.

Stretch  

A yoga and fitness brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Stretch offers classes, workshops, and retreats abroad. They have two studios: one just off Broadway Market on Ada Street and the other on Columbia Road. The spaces are minimalist and flooded with natural light. Drop-ins start from £10 for 30 minutes. 

London Fields Lido

This 50-metre outdoor swimming pool is open all year round – and it’s heated. Originally a project to get the local community moving, in the summer it’s brimming with all kinds of people wanting a quick dip. All ages and abilities are welcome. Passes cost around £5.  

Where to shop in North-East London

Columbia Road Flower Market

If limited to just 24 hours in the city, it’s got to be a Sunday morning stroll through Columbia Road Flower Market. Full of cockney hagglers and cheeky stall holders, it’s an homage to horticulture and the pinnacle of Britain’s tenacity and humour. Get there as early as you can (from 8am) before the crowds hit. 

Traid Dalston

After Marylebone and Goodge Street, Dalston and Stoke Newington are up there for the best spots in London for secondhand shops. Start at Dalston Junction station and make your way up to Church Street boutiques. TRAID is a charity that aims to reduce the environmental and social impact of clothes.

Broadway Market

This Victorian London favorite certainly lives up to its ‘Quality, Speciality, Variety’ tagline. Just off Regent’s Canal by London Fields park, every Saturday the streets are filled with market stalls, from sustainable clothing to handmade soaps, brownies, bread, and everything in between. Make sure you grab a drink at the Catt & Mutton: a pub that’s been going since 1729. 

Camden Passage

This pedestrianised street is just minutes from Angel tube station. On Saturdays, booksellers and antique dealers spill out onto the street outside the permanent shops, which include fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Where to get a hit of culture

Barbican

As you walk up to the Barbican, look out for the Banksy, painted under the bridge in celebration of the sell-out Basquiat 2017 exhibition. Specialising in a mix of quality art, film, dance, music and science, the Brutalist building hosts gigs, screenings and exhibitions. Generally speaking, there’s no need to book in advance, the Barbican always has something worth seeing, so we’d recommend just turning up. 

Victoria Miro

The sister gallery to the main Mayfair location, this former furniture factory was converted into the new Victoria Miro in 2000. Exhibitions have included Grayson Perry, Doug Aitken and Yayoi Kusama, as well as The Great Women Artists summer show. The gallery has its own garden and a beautiful landscaped area overlooking a restored stretch of Regent’s Canal. 

Estorick Collection

Specialising in Modern Italian Art, The Estorick Collection opened in 1998 in a hidden spot just off Angel’s Upper Street. From pencil drawings to vintage ads, it’s a great little gallery with compact exhibitions that won’t end in museum fatigue like the central, much bigger players. 

Where to get into nature

Clissold Park

One for the whole family, Clissold Park has a small city farm, paddling pool, tennis courts, river and organic food allotments. The beating heart of Stoke Newington, several bakeries and pubs circle the greenery – start with The Clissold Park Tavern or Spence Bakery. 

For another take on North-East London, check out Five Reasons to visit Hackney, by a fashion talent director.

The pace of the Spanish capital is exactly what you’d hope for in a vibrant European city break. Do as the locals do and take an afternoon siesta before a late dinner (9pm is considered early). During twilight hours, tapas are shared across tables, while Spanish wine flows between tiny glasses. Madrid is all about after-dark hustle.

From Picasso to street art, there’s culture around every corner in Madrid. People are always out, music is always playing, and it seems the Spaniards are only too happy to talk forever. There’s only one way to really get to know the way of life here: let yourself get swept up in Madrid. 

Where to stay in Madrid

The Madrid EDITION

This luxe hotel is quickly making a name for itself as one of Madrid’s best. The property was designed with the intention of pairing calm spaces for relaxation and lively spaces to socialize. It does just that with sleek, modern rooms paired with two world-class restaurants, three bars, and the city’s largest rooftop pool.

BLESS Hotel Madrid

This stunning hotel is known more as a foodie hangout than a place to stay. Why? Martín Berasategui, Spain’s most celebrated chef, is at the helm. You’ll find some of Madrid’s coolest crowds in the lobby, or by the gorgeous rooftop pool.

Hotel Urso

Near to the trendy neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, this hotel is a 20th-century dream, with stained glass windows, a mahogany lift, and original tiles. Bikes are available to hire and the spa’s Diamond Rose massage (where diamond dust is mixed with a rose fragrance) is sublime. The Media Ración by Cuenllas restaurant is always full (with good reason) and ingredients are sourced from the city’s Barceló market. 

Gran Melia Palacio De Duques

A few minutes from Opera station, you can’t get more central than this. This grand hotel was once the home of Spanish Dukes and the royal welcoming remains, with Velázquez art reproductions dotted throughout. If there’s one reason to pick this hotel, it’s the rooftop pool and hot-tub, with panoramic views that reach the mountains. Curated with Catalan and Madrilenian influences, the Dos Cielos restaurant serves a surprisingly good pasta and room service is available 24 hours a day. 

Totem Madrid

An epitome of urban chic in the upmarket corner of the city, every one of the 64 rooms is beautiful. Products are organic and all the spa treatments are vegan. A good option for any animal lovers passing through.

Where to drink in Madrid

Sala Equis

This converted cinema has become Madrid’s hippest new hangout. Red lights, vintage posters and swings all add to the allure. Sip a cocktail and grab a movie if you have time. 

Círculo de Bellas Artes

Want a classic rooftop view? Head to Círculo de Bellas Artes, but get ready to queue if you want to catch the sunset. It’ll be worth it. 

1862 Dry Bar

New cocktails appear every month at this old-fashioned speakeasy. Go for drinks with friends before hitting the nearby party quarter. Our favorites are the classics: Moscow Mule, Manhattan and Old Fashioned. 

Where to eat in Madrid

Mercado San Anto

For street food, you won’t find better than this food court in the LGBTQ-friendly district of Chueca. If you choose one thing, it should be the calamari. 

Skylar

This restaurant hasn’t changed its award-winning tortilla recipe since 1970, and we understand why – it’s delicious. The best part? It’s around $3. 

Hortensio

A cosy spot in the Gran Meliá Hotel, Hortensio is a favorite for an intimate dinner with good wine. The chefs here are Michelin-standard, and it shows in the food, which is pretty special.

And, for a fun night out, you can’t go wrong with a night at the eclectic Amazonica or Tenconten, where dinner will quickly turn into dancing.

Where to get coffee in Madrid

Café Gijón

Since 1888, Café Gijón has been hosting writers, thinkers and artists as they muse on ideas over coffee. It’s opposite the National Library of Spain, so useful for any bookworms, too. 

Anti Café 

Your visit may start with a coffee with a wander around an art exhibition. Before you know it, you’ll be finishing with a DJ set and cocktails. You have been warned. 

Cafelito  

Near the Mercado de San Fernando, Cafelito specialises in homemade iced coffee, using cubes of frozen coffee – inspired! Go for the lemon-rind variety. 

Where to workout in Madrid 

Gymage 

Everything you could need in one building. Gymage has a fitness club, theatre, restaurant and rooftop terrace. Day passes are available for the pool, too. 

B3B 

A new gym in Madrid that combines three things into one sweaty 45-minute class: 15 minutes of biking, 15 minutes of boxing and 15 minutes of ballet. It’s female-only though, sorry guys. 

Yoga

Madrileñan yoga teacher, Eliza offers spring, summer and fall classes in the Parque del Buen Retiro, or try Zentro for its sleek studio in the Salamanca district.

Where to shop in Madrid

Cocol

A boutique in La Latina that supports Spanish artisans by naming the person who made the product. Expect heirloom ceramics, esparto baskets and wool blankets galore.

Pez

This high-end womenswear boutique is your go-to for crisp whites, flowing dresses and minimalist jewelry.

Casa de Diego

Since 1800, Casa de Diego has been specialising in traditional Spanish accessories – think umbrellas, canes, combs, shawls, and fans. The team only use the finest silk and everything is embroidered by hand.

What to do in Mardrid

Tobacco Factory

The old “Tabacalera” now serves as a subterranean maze of street art that hosts curated events, including modern art, photography, film nights, concerts, poetry readings and workshops. Just turn up and enjoy getting lost. 

Reina Sofia

The home of Picasso’s ‘La Guernica’, you need to dedicate a good chunk of your day to Reina Sofia – it’s huge. Yes, there’s lots of Picasso, but keep an eye out for Miro and Dali too. 

El Retiro Park 

The ultimate sun spot, it wouldn’t be a trip to Spain without a siesta in the city’s most popular park. After your reset, hire a paddle boat and enjoy bobbing along the water. 

For an Insider’s take on the city, check out Five Reasons To Visit Madrid, here.