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World traveller.
Professional daydreamer.
And lover of all things carbs and extra gluten.

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11/15/2018

#TheBucketListSeries: 3 Days In London

“A number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.”

We’ve all done it: caught ourselves sat there in our seat staring off into the distance dreaming about somewhere we’d rather be. 

“Ugh. I wish…” we think to ourselves falling from our cloud nine daydream as we smack down hard, right back into the pavement that we call reality. The handful of reasons of why “I can’t go just yet” start flowing through our heads.  So what do we do instead? We add it to the bucket list and get back to work.

We all have a bucket list; a list of things we need to see or do before our time playing on earth comes to an end. But what good is a list if you’re not out there actively crossing items off?!  Cue my latest travel series: #TheBucketListSeries. My goal is to execute a list of trips that I’ve spent most of my life dreaming about and turn them into a reality. Like #TheStayCationSeries, I’ll be putting together recaps of each trip for you to grab inspiration from or totally replicate for yourself!

I get it, not all of us can quit our jobs to travel the world. So I’ll be keeping these trips short and sweet – giving you enough time to fit into your paid vacation time.

It’s time to get out there, start crossing items off your list and experiencing moments for yourself.

Enjoy the trips,

Ally Pintucci xo


 

Three days in London.

Three. Freaking. Days.

Was it short? Incredibly.
Do I wish that I could have stayed longer? 100%
Did I go anyways? Duh.

Ok so here’s the DL. I was supposed to be on a 3 week vacation that got cut down to 6 days because of an (amazing) work contract. So I decided to make the best of it and did 3 days in London and 3 days in Paris.

So while it wasn’t my ideal situation for experiencing a city, I did it anyways. I didn’t really end up researching or planning anything before I went. The purpose of this trip for me was to go with the flow, do as I felt on the fly and just see what happened. This breakdown won’t be as detailed as some of my other travel pieces, but since so many of you asked for it – it’s not much, but it’s everything I have.

 

Location: Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park.
Closest Underground: Hyde Park Corner Station or Green Park

Getting around to the main attractions and central parts of London is quite easy if you take public transport. Traffic was pretty much 24/7 and I never saved much time (or money) taking an Uber anywhere I went.

Can you stay in a cheaper hotel than this? Absolutely. But if you’re looking for a decent splurge you’ll definitely enjoy staying at this spot.

  1. Darwin Brasserie
    Located 36 floors high up – this spot offers the best of light and views. While $50 CAD for a breakfast is quite pricey, I did really enjoy the meal and the experience. Things to note: dress code is smart-casual, reservations are highly recommended.Open: Breakfast: Mon-Sun: 7:30am-10am
    Lunch: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-4:30pm (All Day Dining),
    Weekend Set Brunch: Sat-Sun: 11:30am-4:30pm (All Day Dining),
    Dinner: Sun-Thurs: 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-10:30pm
    0333 772 0020

     

  2. The Ivy Market Grill
    Modern twists and classic cuisine. This was one of my favourite meals of the whole trip. The croissant, the espresso elixer, and the most amazing yogurt dish…I’m seriously salivating sitting here thinking about.Monday – Saturday: 8am-12.30am (Last booking 11.15pm)

    Sundays & Bank Holidays: 8am-11.30pm (Last booking 10pm)

    1a Henrietta Street
    Covent Garden
    London WC2E 8PS
    020 3301 0200

     

  3. Barrafina
    Counter seating where you can enjoy unreal Spanish tapas. This spot doesn’t take reservations so get here early or be prepared to wait! While I visited the location in SOHO, there are three locations in London; the original site is on Soho’s Dean Street, the other two are on Adelaide Street and Drury Lane in Covent Garden.
  4. Rosslyn Coffee
    ”Not concerned with trends, only what tastes good.” Love that. I was recommended this spot by a few friends and came across it in a few blogs. The inside is amazing and the coffee is better. Add it to your list and pop in for an espresso.Monday to Friday: 06:30—17:00
    Saturday 9:00—16:00

    78 Queen Victoria Street
    London EC4N 4SJ

  5. Palm Vaults
    Serving up rainbow lattes on marble tables with blush pink walls surrounded by palm trees – Palm Vaults is an Instagrammer’s dream. Enjoy this spot and come to eat as no laptops or tables are allowed inside. Take a quick snap and enjoy the cute experience.Monday – Friday : 8.30am – 5pm
    Saturday: 9.30am – 6pm
    Sunday: 10am – 5.30pm

    411 Mare Street
    Hackney, London
    E8 1HY

  6. Farm Girl Cafe
    Loved.This.Spot. When I told the server that it reminded me of a lot of cafe’s in Australia, she told me that the whole concept was to bring Melbourne’s buzzing and vibrant brunch culture to London. I hit the cafe in Notting Hill but you can also find locations in SOHO and Chelsea. Offering healthy and holistic food options – this spot is a must! 

 

  • St. Pauls Cathedral
    This building has been standing for over 1400 years and walking through these doors really did take my breath away. I climbed all the way to the highest point for an amazing view of the entire city. Inside is seriously impressive as well. No photos are allowed inside but I recommend soaking in the size of this place for yourself.
  • Big Ben, The London Eye + Westminster Abbey.
    These are all within walking distance of each other. Expect to see Benny boarded up for the next couple of years. I didn’t actually go inside Westminster Abbey or take a ride on the London Eye but this area is just a good spot to wander and get a glimpse of the touristy staples.
  • Eat and Drink.
    This was one of my favourite things about London. The coffee is great and the restaurants did not disappoint. You can be on a food tour for days here. I chose to experience some busy and expensive spots that I listed above but there are endless options for you to explore in the city.
  • Shop.
    So. Much. Good. Shopping. You can seek out tiny boutiques, hit the bustle of Oxford Street and Harrods or seek out your favourite designers.
  • Shoreditch.
    Lots of vintage and artisan coffee. I loved this area for shopping, food, and coffee! If you’re in the market for some street food and unique shopping experience – check out BoxPark.

 

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