London is a bucket list city for many travelers, but the British capital can also be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time there. However, it’s well connected by public transportation, with a great Tube and bus system, and much of central London is very walkable.

Its location is what makes Hotel Café Royal, which overlooks Piccadilly Circus, such an ideal pick for a stay in the city. The luxury hotel offers a gateway to many popular attractions, including Buckingham Palace and the West End, as well as snazzy dining destinations like Soho and Mayfair. 

“London is an amazing city because it could be considered the capital of the world,” says Rene Castillo, assistant head concierge at Hotel Café Royal. “It’s an international hub where you can see every culture represented. It’s a very historical city and it’s had a great impact on culture, with so many trends started in London. It has such a rich offering in terms of gastronomy, shopping, and cultural activities.”

Castillo recommends that first-timers take advantage of their hotel concierge and to contact them at least a few months ahead of a trip. 

“Each and every trip is different and we really enjoy being part of preparing the journeys of our guests," he says. "It could be someone who has a deep cultural interest and wants to check with the concierge about how to get to the museums, whether you need to pay an entrance fee, the best time to visit, and if there's anything that can be done near it. Or it could be someone who wants to do a gastronomy journey of London and wants help selecting and booking restaurants."

Here, Castillo offers some helpful tips on how to make the most of a trip to London — even if it’s not your first time in town. 

Where to Eat and Drink in London:

The fine dining scene in London is expansive, with many restaurants to choose from. Inside the hotel, travelers can find the two Michelin-starred Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, which Castillo recommends regardless of its association with his place of business. “It’s a really different experience without being too over the top,” he says, “It embraces modern cuisine without being too modern and the service is really good.”

Nearby, Castillo likes Fallow, a British-inspired restaurant known for its conscious gastronomy, because it’s “casual, but has an attention to detail.” “It's a really good combination,” he says. “It serves sustainable produce, which is very, very important, and overall it has a very attractive menu that caters a little bit to everyone. Fallow would be on my list if someone came to me and said, ‘You only have a few choices and you need to impress me.'” 

For international fare, Castillo sends guests to Gymkhana, a high-end Indian restaurant with two Michelin stars. “It’s amazing and it’s very much on trend,” he explains. “The place is beautiful and it also has an amazing bar, which not very well known.” For something more low-key, he suggests gastro pub The Devonshire, a mainstay in Soho since 1793. “It has arguably the best Guinness in London,” Castillo says. He’s also a fan of The French House and Andrew Edmunds Restaurant. 

Many travelers come to London hoping to experience afternoon tea, either in its classic form or a contemporary version. Hotel Café Royal is home to one of the most timeless, which is served in a gold-gilded salon once beloved by Oscar Wilde. “It’s a site of historical interest,” Castillo says. “Really famous people used to go there, from Princess Diana to Winston Churchill to Muhammad Ali to David Bowie.” For something less traditional, he recommends Sketch for its unique décor. 

But the pinnacle of all London afternoon teas can be found at Fortnum & Mason. “It’s a very famous department store and really worth visiting,” Castillo says. “It’s very central, so you can go for afternoon tea, do some shopping, and visit Royal Academy of Arts, which is on the same street. It’s more on the fancy side, but not too over the top.” 

When it comes to bars, Castillo has a lot of suggestions. But his top picks for cocktails are Disrepute, Bar Swift, and HIDE Below. “HIDE Below is a little bit like a hidden gem,” he says. “It has an amazing selection of cocktails, but also wines because it's a collaboration between the chef and an upscale wine merchant in Mayfair. The place itself is also beautiful and charming.”

Where to Shop in London:

Hotel Café Royal is ideally situated for shopping, particularly if travelers want to explore popular spots like Bond Street, Soho, Regent Street, and Oxford Street, which is home to Selfridges. But if guests are willing to travel, Castillo sends them out of town to designer outlet mall Bicester Village, which is accessible via train or car in under an hour. “You can find amazing brands there,” he says. “It has a direct connection from Marylebone Station and it can add a bit to the shopping experience in London.” 

What to Do in London:

There’s a lot to do in London, so it’s best to narrow your choices down before arriving. Fans of the British Royal Family, for example, can visit the royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, as well as historical attractions like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. For museums, Castillo recommends picking a few favorites while in town. 

“The British Museum has to be in there because it has a very large collection and it’s such an iconic venue,” he says. “Then The National Gallery because if you're more into painting they have an amazing collection. They also have some very interesting exhibitions that are always changing. And then I would say the Victoria & Albert Museum, which is a beautiful venue, and always has extremely interesting exhibitions. If I had to choose to live in a museum, I would probably choose the Victoria & Albert. In addition, the Tate Modern is a good choice because it’s completely different than the other ones and it’s nice to walk there along Southbank.”

For families traveling with children, Castillo says the most important thing to book in advance is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, which is located just north of London. He calls it a “10/10” experience, even if you’re not a big Harry Potter fan because it’s whimsical and a lot of fun. In town, Castillo likes the Science Museum and the National History Museum, which are attached and free to visit. “Both are very, very interactive,” he says. “It is a good option in case you want to link a little bit of education and fun.”

Outside of the city, there are numerous possibilities for day trips, from Brighton to the Cotswolds to Oxford. But Castillo says the Cotswolds are the top choice, especially for American visitors hoping to see the quintessential English countryside. Guests can get there by train, but it’s best to rent a car for the day to explore properly. “It is a large area where you have a collection of towns that are extremely cozy and very English,” Castillo says. “It’s just so calm and so beautiful with all these rolling hills and the villages. It’s a really nice day out because it will be so different from London and it moves at a different pace.”

Off the beaten path, Castillo recommends Maltby Street Market, an outdoor food market, and nearby historic pub The George Inn. The city also boasts top-notch parks, which Castillo says are a must-visit. Although Regent’s Park is a favorite, Castillo’s No. 1 pick is St. James Park, located only a few minutes from Hotel Café Royal. “It's so peaceful,” he says. “I used to go during the pandemic for my hourly walks. It’s too crowded. It's not too big. And it's nearby many other landmarks, which makes it a good choice.” 

The Best Time to Visit London:

London offers something different throughout the year and the mild weather makes it easy to visit in any season (just bring an umbrella). Castillo calls it an “all-year” destination, however, his preferred time to be in London is over the holidays. 

“Christmas in London is probably my favorite part of the year,” he says. “I really like summer, but Christmas probably is the best with the whole vibe. Also, London's amazing for shopping so if you need to get something for Christmas then London's your place. It's really good fun because although the weather is cold, there are so many things going on — all the markets, the Christmas dinner special menus in restaurants, the lights. It’s a very fun part of the year.”