England’s capital city hums with energy, from its centuries-old cultural institutions to its charming neighborhoods and hip markets. Bring an extra suitcase for the treasures you’ll find along the way.

★ Best time to travel: Mar – May

London Outfits

Much like New York, a trip across the pond calls for classically chic looks but with layered appeal. With often damp and fickle weather, a true Londoner knows that a great trench, lightweight jacket, and the like are more than worth their salt. See what to wear in London!

Women

1. Sassy But Sweet

1. Sassy But Sweet - Outfit Items
Sunday Best - Zane Dress

Sunday Best

Zane Dress
Shop at Aritzia
Mango - Embroidered Denim Jacket

Mango

Embroidered Denim Jacket
Shop at Mango
Chanel - Quilted CC Flap Bag

Chanel

Quilted CC Flap Bag
Shop at Therealreal
Jeffrey Campbell - Moyra Oxford

Jeffrey Campbell

Moyra Oxford
Shop at Nordstrom
Charlotte Chesnais - Round Trip Gold-Plated Earrings

Charlotte Chesnais

Round Trip Gold-Plated Earrings
Shop at Matches

2. Night Out

2. Night Out - Outfit Items
J.Crew - New Icon Trench

J.Crew

New Icon Trench
Shop at J.Crew
Ulla Johnson - Liviana Ruffled Gathered Silk Midi Dress

Ulla Johnson

Liviana Ruffled Gathered Silk Midi Dress
Shop at Net-a-Porter
Mansur Gavriel - Mini Cloud Wristlet

Mansur Gavriel

Mini Cloud Wristlet
Shop at Shopbop
Alexander McQueen - Curb-Link Choker

Alexander McQueen

Curb-Link Choker
Shop at Matches
Stuart Weitzman - Nearlynude Sandal

Stuart Weitzman

Nearlynude Sandal
Shop at Stuart Weitzman

3. Everyday Chic

3. Everyday Chic - Outfit Items
Barbour - Acorn Wax Cotton Jacket

Barbour

Acorn Wax Cotton Jacket
Shop at Saks Fifth Avenue
Nili Lotan - Clara Shirt

Nili Lotan

Clara Shirt
Shop at Nili Lotan
Re/Done - 70s High Rise Stove Pipe Straight-Leg Jeans

Re/Done

70s High Rise Stove Pipe Straight-Leg Jeans
Shop at Net-a-Porter
Belgian Shoes - Midinette Shoes

Belgian Shoes

Midinette Shoes
$500
Shop at Belgian Shoes
A.P.C - Besace Helene

A.P.C

Besace Helene
Shop at Shopbop

Men

1. Tailored to Perfection

1. Tailored to Perfection - Outfit Items
J.Crew - Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Jacket

J.Crew

Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Jacket
Shop at J.Crew
J.Crew - Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Pant

J.Crew

Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Pant
Shop at J.Crew
Everlane - The Slim Fit Japanese Oxford

Everlane

The Slim Fit Japanese Oxford
Shop at Everlane
Gucci - Jordaan Leather Loafers

Gucci

Jordaan Leather Loafers
Shop at Gucci

2. Casual Strolls

2. Casual Strolls - Outfit Items
Baracuta - G4 Cloth Jacket

Baracuta

G4 Cloth Jacket
Shop at J.Crew
James Perse - Combed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

James Perse

Combed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
Shop at Mr Porter
Nudie Jeans - Lean Dean Slim-Fit Organic Jeans

Nudie Jeans

Lean Dean Slim-Fit Organic Jeans
Shop at Mr Porter
Veja - Esplar Leather Sneakers

Veja

Esplar Leather Sneakers
Shop at Shopbop

Kids

1. Mini Royalty

1. Mini Royalty - Outfit Items
Trotters London - Catherine Mini Floral Smocked Dress

Trotters London

Catherine Mini Floral Smocked Dress
Shop at Maisonette
Crewcuts - Denim Jacket

Crewcuts

Denim Jacket
Shop at J.Crew
Janie and Jack - Eyelet Trim Sock

Janie and Jack

Eyelet Trim Sock
Shop at Janie and Jack
Superga - 2750 Jvel Classic

Superga

2750 Jvel Classic
Shop at Superga

2. Little Prince

2. Little Prince - Outfit Items
Ralph Lauren - Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater

Ralph Lauren

Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater
Shop at Ralph Lauren
Brooks Brothers - Non-Iron Gingham Oxford Sport Shirt

Brooks Brothers

Non-Iron Gingham Oxford Sport Shirt
Shop at Brooks Brothers
Boden - Chino Shorts

Boden

Chino Shorts
Shop at Boden
Adidas - Stan Smith Low Top Sneaker

Adidas

Stan Smith Low Top Sneaker
Shop at Nordstrom

Pro Tip

😎

Pack a raincoat, even if you’re traveling in the summer months.

The Perfect Day

Girls Trip

MORNING

Wake up at the Hoxton in Shoreditch, the hip East London neighborhood. After breakfast (try the pastries, including the goat cheese za’atar brioche galette) before setting out to stroll streets filled with cafes, arty shops, and gastropubs.

DAY

Grab lunch at Brat, the Michelin-starred spot serving rustic, Basque-influenced cuisine. After lunch, spend the afternoon shopping at the 350-year old Old Spitalfields Market, browsing through vinyl records and ogling antiques. Head across the street to Spitalfields Market E1, for more shopping and a treat at Jenki Matcha Bar or Mamma’s Goodies. A detour on the tube to iconic department store and printmaker Liberty of London is worth the time.

EVENING

For dinner, make a reservation at Lyle’s, recently named to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, for modern British fare in an understated dining room.

Romantic Getaway

MORNING

Start the day with a pot of tea at Cafe in the Crypt—a snug cafe sits upon ancient tombstones under vaulted brick ceilings—tucked below St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square. Stroll along the Thames afterward to the Tower of London—spend a few hours perusing the historic site, and don’t miss the crown jewels.

DAY

For unparalleled views of the city, reserve free tickets to the Sky Garden, located on the top floor of a skyscraper. The venue has plenty of programming, from yoga classes to live music, but make sure to stop into the City Garden bar for a cocktail with a lofty 360-degree look at London.

EVENING

Ottolenghi Spitalfields, a chic gem of a cafe serving delicious Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, is a perfectly understated spot for dinner. Afterwards, head back down the Thames, this time on a river cruise with an altogether different perspective of the sparkling city skyline.

 

Family Trip

MORNING

For an epic breakfast, taste your way through the historic Borough Market in central London, stopping at stalls selling cheese, hot cross buns, Spanish olives and so much more.

DAY

Next, wander through the Victoria and Albert museum to see some of its vast collection of decorative arts and design pieces, and make sure to stop in the gift shop, one of the best in the city. A visit to London isn’t complete without the traditional afternoon tea. Choose among myriad family-friendly options, including the children’s tea at the Savoy, and the fashion-themed Prêt-à-Portea at the Berkeley.

EVENING

Make a reservation at St. John Bread and Wine for dinner—it’s a lively spot for traditional British cuisine. Kids will love the made-to-order madeleines for dessert, and parents will appreciate the robust wine list.

 

All products featured on Viva Cabana are independently selected by our editorial team, and the company may earn commission through affiliate links.