London

London fascinates with its 2,000 years of history, a succession of illustrious monarchs and political figures! From William Shakespeare to Alfred Hitchcock, the English capital is world-renowned for its culture.

The best way to find out is to visit the incredible Victoria and Albert Museum. It holds many of the UK’s national collections, and houses some of the greatest resources for studying architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, etc. The National History Museum is also a must-see if you are traveling with children. Eva and Joseph were amazed by the whale skeleton that still stands in the Great Hall.

Lesser known, the Wallace Collection, is an internationally outstanding collection that contains unsurpassed masterpieces of paintings, sculpture, furniture, arms and armor, and porcelain. Built over the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, it is one of the world’s finest and most celebrated collections.

If you love contemporary art and design, you will love the Tate Modern and the Design Museum collection! We even advise you to stop by the Victoria Beckham flagship store on Dover Street to discover its architecture. The place is so amazing that Sotheby’s hosted exhibitions there!

Our trip to London could not be complete without visiting our dear friend Anissa Kermiche, designer and artist. Through her designs, Anissa Kermiche empowers women. She keeps an innate sense of femininity thanks to her use of raw lines, curves, and circles. 

Discover the Love Handles Vase, a unique art piece in which beauty comes from a woman’s body’s curves. Sculptor Constantin Brancusi’s work was Anissa Kermiche’s source of inspiration for this vase’s curvilinear forms. Accented with two small handles, the Love Handle Vase is perfect for holding a big beautiful bouquet. Or enjoy the art piece it is by leaving it just like this.

London is also the home of Peter Ibruegger, a fantastic artist inspired by his German-Chinese background. Peter has spent most of his life working in East London, a place known for its ethnic diversity and at the forefront of cultural innovation. 

Both this environment and his heritage have shaped Ibruegger’s love for timeless ancient symbols and contemporary design. As part of his commitment to long-established crafts, he has been working with local manufacturers in Stoke-on-Trent, at the heart of the British pottery industry, which has been threatened with extinction by a flood of cheaper, mass-produced imports. 

Have a look at its unexpected Dada Egg Cup or Sugar Bowl that reflects both meticulous craftsmanship and the artist’s creative and original design.

To start your day, a typical English breakfast at The Wolseley will delight your taste buds. Let’s meet at Sketch for tea time. With plush scalloped chairs matching the dusty pink hue on the walls – punctuated by humorous illustrations – the eccentric interior of David Shrigley’s Gallery restaurant at Sketch makes for a unique afternoon tea experience. The menu is quintessentially British! 

Finally, dinner at Spring within a beautiful dining space set in the New Wing of the iconic Somerset House is a unique experience in London’s arts and cultural heart. Spring celebrates food for its conviviality and the joyfulness of sharing seasonal produce. 

London is full of activities of all kinds. For shopping, Dover Street Market is a must. There you will find a selection of many designers. Liberty also has a great selection, as does Selfridges. These department stores have not lost any of their reputations because they have kept high-quality pieces.

If you are walking through East London’s market district, we advise you to enter the incredible Labour and Wait store. They offer an evolving range of timeless, functional products for everyday life. We were also charmed by The New Craftsmen pop-up in Mayfair. In this striking 19th Century arts and crafts workshop, they curate contemporary craft selected from a network of over 100 makers from the British Isles. 

After this window shopping session, you deserve to rest! We love The Ritz on Picadilly, which has preserved a chic and luxurious spirit. A timeless experience… If you have lunch there, we warn you: the smart dress is required (sneakers are prohibited).

If you want to enjoy a romantic getaway without the kids, we recommend that you enroll them in a drama class with Perform… As a last resort, you have Kidzania to tire them out.

Discover other tips and destinations on our Mapstr 27 Lisboa map.