We'll be frank with you: we went to London without huge expectations. A city we know through movies, clichés of red telephone booths and royal guards, and memories from English classes.
And then we arrived in the middle of March, as a couple, for 3 days. And London blew us away. A real, British-style slap, elegant but hard-hitting. We came back with heads full of memories, an obsession with markets, and design inspiration that's already starting to bloom. But we'll be back.
What is the best time to visit London?
London in the rain is a cliché. But London in winter is an experience all its own, and clearly underestimated.
Winter (November – March) is what we experienced, and honestly? We don't regret a thing. Fewer tourists, museums are less crowded, and the city has a special atmosphere, the pubs are warm, the covered markets are perfect, and Londoners reclaim their city. The cold (between 4°C and 10°C) is manageable with a good coat. And if you happen upon a rugby or football match in a pub, it's an absolute must-do experience.
Spring (April – June) is probably the ideal time on paper. Parks are in bloom, terraces open, and the light on the Thames is magnificent. It's also the busiest period, so book well in advance.
Summer (July – August) is lively and festive, but London in summer is also the most crowded city in Europe. The queues outside museums can discourage even the most patient.
Autumn (September – October) is our second recommendation; the colors in the parks are spectacular, prices drop slightly, and the city returns to its rhythm after summer.
Our advice: winter is largely underrated. If you want to experience London like a local, this is the right season.
London in 3 days: our favorite itinerary
Day 1 — Icons and the South Bank
First day in London, we couldn't resist the monuments. And we were right not to.
In the morning, start with the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, especially early in the morning when the light is still low on the Thames. Crossing the bridge is free, and the view of both banks from the middle is worth seeing at any time.
Then head down to the South Bank, the cultural heart of London, with the Tate Modern (free entry for permanent collections), Shakespeare's Globe, and dozens of street food stands. The walk along the river to the London Eye is a classic that never disappoints.
In the afternoon, go up the London Eye if you want 360° views of the city, it costs about £30 and you should book online. Or opt for a cheaper but equally beautiful alternative: the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is free (with online booking) and offers breathtaking views of the City from the 35th floor.
In the evening, head to your first London pub. Not a tourist bar, look for a place with local beers on tap, lots of wood, and Londoners watching sports. Order a pint of London Pride or Guinness, and let the atmosphere carry you away. That's London.
Day 2 — The match, markets, and Shoreditch
That day, we had an appointment with something we won't soon forget.
In the morning, head to Borough Market, London's most iconic food market, under the arches of London Bridge. Artisan cheesemongers, bakers, delis from all over the world, street food from every country. We ate one of the best sandwiches of our lives there for £8. Arrive early (opens at 10 am on weekdays) to avoid the lunch crowd.
In the afternoon, head to Shoreditch, East London's street art and creative district. Brick Lane and its surroundings are an open-air museum, with giant murals that change regularly. Vintage shops, independent coffee shops, and art galleries make it the most vibrant district in London for those interested in urban culture.
And then there was the match.
France — England. Six Nations Championship. We had heard about the atmosphere in London pubs on a rugby match day. We thought it was exaggerated. It was an understatement.
We pushed open the door of the Piccadilly Box, a rugby-specialist pub in the Piccadilly area. What we experienced in there is hard to describe. Hundreds of people, both sides mixed, chants that made the walls vibrate, and that unique atmosphere that only live sport can create. The English are fair play, passionate, and they know how to host, even when things go badly for them. It's probably the strongest memory of the trip. If you're lucky enough to be in London on a match day, don't hesitate for a second. Find a pub, order a pint, and live in the moment.
Day 3 — Notting Hill, Hyde Park and London's gentle side
On the last day, we slow down. We enjoy.
In the morning, head to Notting Hill, with its colorful houses, cobbled streets, and Portobello Road Market. It's exactly as beautiful as we imagined, and it's open every Saturday. Antiques, vintage clothes, jewelry, street food – you could spend hours there. The pastel facades of the Georgian houses are a delight for the eyes, and for the camera.
Then, cross Hyde Park on foot or by bike. 250 hectares of greenery in the heart of London, it's the city's lungs. In winter, the park has a tranquil and melancholic beauty we didn't expect. The Serpentine Lake with its ducks and Sunday strollers is the perfect antithesis to the hustle and bustle of the City a few kilometers away.
In the afternoon, dive into Covent Garden, the district of theaters, shops, and street artists. The central square with its open-air shows is always lively, even in winter. And the surrounding streets are full of small places to eat well without breaking the bank.
End your stay with fish & chips from a proper chippy in the neighborhood, the British national dish, to be eaten wrapped in newspaper, standing if possible. It's the perfect farewell to the city.
What to eat in London without breaking the bank?
London has long had a reputation for disastrous cuisine. That's largely unfair and outdated. The city is now one of the world's gastronomic capitals, provided you know where to look.
Affordable must-tries:
- Fish & chips — £13 to £30 at a good chippy, essential
- Full English breakfast — the complete British breakfast (eggs, bacon, beans, sausages) for £8 to £12 at a neighborhood cafe
- Borough Market sandwich — between £6 and £10, among the best we've eaten
- A pint in a pub — between £5 and £7, the quintessential London social ritual
- Brick Lane curry — Brick Lane is London's curry street, a full meal for £12 to £18
The tip: food markets (Borough Market, Maltby Street Market, Kerb) offer the best value for money in the city. Street food from all over the world, fresh produce, great atmosphere. Much better and cheaper than most tourist restaurants.
How to get around London?
London is an immense city, 1,500 km², but its transport network is one of the most efficient in the world.
The London Underground (The Tube) covers the entire city and operates from 5 am to midnight on weekdays (24 hours on weekends on some lines). The Oyster card or contactless payment by bank card are the most practical options; a single ticket caps at £2.80 with these payment methods, compared to £6.70 in cash. The difference is huge, don't forget it.
The bus is slower but takes you across the city above ground, ideal for seeing the neighborhoods. Double-decker red buses are also an experience in themselves. Go upstairs, sit at the front, and watch London pass by.
Walking remains the best way to discover the city; neighborhoods succeed one another and change personality every 500 meters. Between Tower Bridge and Borough Market, between Shoreditch and the City, the city is easily traversed on foot.
Is London an expensive destination?
Yes, let's be honest. With the pound sterling, London remains one of the most expensive capitals in Europe. But with a few tricks, the budget can be managed.
Some benchmarks:
- Night in a 3-star hotel in the city center: £120 to £200
- Meal in a pub or local cafe: £12 to £20
- Tube ticket (with Oyster/contactless): £2.80
- Entry to major national museums: free (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A...)
- Pint in a pub: £5 to £7
The museum hack: major London museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert) all have free entry for permanent collections. This is one of London's great assets, so make the most of it.
Smart tip: book your accommodation in East London (Shoreditch, Bethnal Green) or South London (London Bridge, Bermondsey), 20 to 30% cheaper than Westminster or Kensington, and well served by the underground.
London and HVA CO. — the sequel
London inspired us in an unanticipated way. The unique energy of the Tube, its colorful corridors, and the hustle and bustle of its platforms. Victorian architecture alongside Shoreditch street art. Royal Guard uniforms a few streets from Brick Lane's custom sneakers. This blend of classic elegance and urban creative energy is exactly the DNA we wanted to capture in the "CIRCUS" design — an urban and casual look for those who experience the city at their own pace. 💜
London in summary — what you need to know before you go
Some practical benchmarks:
- ✈️ Flight from France: 1h30 to 2h (many connections from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse)
- 🗓️ Ideal duration: 3 to 5 days
- 💷 Average daily budget: £80 to £120 (excluding accommodation)
- 🌡️ Best time: all year round — winter is underrated
- 🗣️ Language: English
- 🛂 Post-Brexit: passport is mandatory for French citizens (ID card is no longer sufficient)
- 💳 Currency: Pound Sterling (£) — no euros, remember to exchange money or use a fee-free card (Revolut, Wise)
Are you planning a trip to London? Questions about an address or a neighborhood? Email us and we'll reply almost immediately. And if you too have had a memorable moment in a London pub, we want to hear all about it.
The design inspired by this trip is available in our store. Want to wear our colors for your next trip? Come and see this magnificent colorful design 🖤
HVA CO. 💂
Clothes that travel with you.