The global epicenter of London is buzzing so brilliantly with the juxtaposition of innovative design upon beautifully maintained tradition that one would need a lifetime to discover all of its fascinating intricacies! Here’s a guide of how to start exploring, in true La Vita Isabella fashion.

Wake up to a sweeping panoramic view of the city of London beneath your feet at the The Shangri-La at the Shard. Or, for a unique London boutique experience, settle in at design-oriented Rosewood London. For an experience of quintessential London luxury, stay at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

Brunch at Chiltern Firehouse, a fire station since converted into a hotel, with an accompanying restaurant that has blossomed into an iconic London eatery. Have the Lobster and Crab Omelette–best accompanied by the peach-apricot champagne cocktail, while you’re at it.

Take a ride around town on the Emirates Air Line, and enjoy sweeping arial views of the city of London without having to buy an Emirates plane ticket off to Dubai (although I recommend doing that too, at a later date)!

Explore London’s Soho neighborhood, from the remarkable art at Photographers’ Gallery, to the quirky and quintessentially London cuisine at Balls and Company, to the unique cocktails at the alluring speakeasy La Bodega Negra.

Peruse London’s independent art galleries, from Victoria Miro Gallery, to White Cube, to Gagosian Gallery. Also, the larger Saatchi Gallery often has excellent featured exhibitions.

Relax for afternoon tea at the one and only sketch, a transformed 18th-century Mayfair townhouse-turned-gallery and restaurant. Feel free to linger, as it transforms itself into a cocktail party by the evening hour. For a more traditional London tea time, head straight to the Ritz for the champagne afternoon tea in the historic Palm Court.

Watch the sunset and gaze down at London-town below, all while sipping on a glass of champagne or an award-winning cocktail at Aqua Shard, a new installation on the 31st floor of The Shard, London’s emblematic triangular skyscraper.

Dine at Il Baretto for Italian food in a trendy trattoria, Yauatcha for contemporary Chinese cuisine, Clove Club for a twist on traditional British fare, or Hibiscus for a modern take on French cuisine.

Dance at The Cuckoo Club, not far from lively London epicenter, Picadilly Circus.

Cheers!

xxx, Isabella