2022 Bucket List! 10 Famous Landmarks and Restaurants in London
London boasts world-class galleries, the finest parks, luxurious Michelin-starred restaurants, and renowned shopping centers, making it one of the city's unique charms. Even just for a chance to glimpse the elegance of British high society, the heart of London is worth exploring. Today, we bring you a curated list recommended by London locals, telling you the 10 most famous landmarks and restaurants to visit in London in 2022.
Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcade is located in the heart of London's most affluent district, Mayfair, and is hailed as 'the Jewel of Mayfair'. It is widely recognized as one of the most iconic London landmarks. Within its 203-year-old building, it offers unique and innovative British shopping experiences to visitors. This remarkable building combines classic traditional luxury brands with vibrant emerging brands, making it the perfect embodiment of the fusion of old and new. Here you can find internationally renowned names like Bell & Ross and Manolo Blahnik, authentic British niche brands such as Strathberry and N.Peal, as well as exclusive brands like Hancock and Susannah Lovis high-end jewelry, unique to Burlington Arcade. The Beadles are the most distinctive feature of Burlington Arcade, originally recruited by Lord Cavendish to protect the arcade. They are the oldest and smallest police force in British history. If you want the most quintessentially British shopping experience, Burlington Arcade is the top choice!
Address: 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ, United Kingdom
New Bond Street
New Bond Street in London maintains its allure as one of the world's most luxurious shopping streets. This shopping street is home to leading luxury brands such as Chanel, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton. High rents make New Bond Street the third most expensive commercial street in the world. The buildings on Bond Street each have unique historical stories, and the exquisite window displays are impossible to pass without stopping to admire. New Bond Street adjoins Burlington Arcade, running from Piccadilly in the south to Oxford Street in the north. It is a gathering place for fashion icons and is known as the 'playground of the rich and famous'. If you want to experience British fashion shopping culture, New Bond Street is an absolute must-visit!
Address: New Bond Street, London W1S 4RL, United Kingdom
Harrods
Few department stores in the world can boast of being a famous tourist attraction, welcoming over 15 million visitors annually. Founded in 1834, Harrods is London's most renowned top-tier department store. From high-end fashion accessories and the most luxurious homeware to cutting-edge tech devices, the world's top luxury goods converge here. Every visitor is captivated by the lavish shopping environment of this world-class department store, deeply attracted by its premium and complete brand selection, meticulous customer service, and rich historical cultural atmosphere. At nightfall, Harrods building is surrounded by bright neon lights, transforming into one of London's most beautiful nighttime scenes, making the entire street dazzling and colorful! Over a century old, Harrods writes new legends every day. Only by visiting in person can you appreciate the noble charm of this top department store.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Yauatcha
As one of London's rare high-end Chinese dim sum teahouses, Yauatcha, founded in 2004, won multiple international awards within just one year and was voted one of the world's top 50 best restaurants by readers of The Times. All dim sum at Yauatcha is freshly made daily by professional chefs, with authentic flavors. This authentic Cantonese restaurant is a frequent go-to for many friends from Guangdong and Hong Kong, and it's a hidden gem for London locals. Yauatcha has two branches in central London: one in Soho and one in the City. Although the menu is the same, the experience differs. The Soho branch is close to Chinatown, with many opera houses, tourist landmarks, entertainment, and shopping centers nearby, making it perfect for enjoying a wonderful meal after shopping. The City branch is located in the financial district, where many businesspeople, CEOs, and bank executives dine. The night view here is beautiful, making it a must-visit spot to enjoy London's scenery!
Yauatcha City: Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2QS
Hours: Mon-Wed 12:00-22:00; Thu-Sat 12:00-22:30; Closed Sunday
Yauatcha Soho: 15-17 Broadwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0DL
Hours: Sun-Wed 11:00-24:00; Thu-Sat 11:00-01:00
Hakkasan
Founded in 2001, Hakkasan was ranked 14th among the world's best restaurants by Restaurant Magazine, representing the highest level of high-end Chinese cuisine in London. The interior of Hakkasan is magnificent, personally designed by renowned French designer Christian Liaigre. Its mysterious atmosphere continuously attracts customers from around the world, including superstars Selena Gomez, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Britney Spears, and more. Plate after plate of exquisite dishes are presented on the table, with the most popular being caviar roasted duck, champagne cod, and abalone pastry, combining precious Western ingredients with traditional Chinese cooking techniques. No wonder so many celebrities are captivated. Hakkasan has two branches in London, located at Hanway Place and Mayfair, just a stone's throw from London's busiest luxury shopping streets. The prime location brings great convenience for VIPs after shopping; they can immediately enjoy delicious food after the pleasure of shopping.
Hakkasan Hanway Place: 8 Hanway Place, London, W1T 1HD
Hours: Tue-Thu 17:00-22:30; Fri 17:00-23:00; Sat 12:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-22:30
Hakkasan Mayfair: 17 Bruton Street, London, W1J 6QB
Hours: Sun-Wed 12:00-23:30; Thu-Sat 12:00-00:30
Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts is located in central London. Since its founding in 1768, it has a history of 254 years. It is one of the most prestigious art schools in the world, the best fine arts research institute for studying pure art, and the home of global art collections. The Royal Academy was originally established to promote the development of British art and design through education and exhibitions, encouraging the emergence of artists and architects. Over the years, it has nurtured many talents and made great contributions to cultivating world-class talents in painting, sculpture, and architecture. The academy holds annual exhibitions of outstanding students and artists, attracting the attention of countless art lovers from home and abroad. For those interested in art, every exhibition curated by the Royal Academy of Arts is a must-see!
Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, United Kingdom
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is located on the South Bank of London, an open-air circular theatre rebuilt on the original site of Shakespeare's London theatre. The most famous dramatist of 17th-century England, Shakespeare, wrote timeless classics here. It is an ideal destination for literature and theatre enthusiasts. Not only can you explore this faithfully reconstructed iconic Globe Theatre, but you can also feel the beauty of classical design, instantly transporting you back in time. Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or not, it is well worth experiencing the charm of Shakespeare's plays in person and feeling the impact of these classic works.
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom
Victoria and Albert Museum
Even among London's many museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) does not fade into the background. Founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the V&A is an art and design museum under the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Its collection comprises over 2.7 million objects, with key focus areas including ceramics, fashion, jewelry, glassware, and metalwork. Here you can enjoy an afternoon full of artistic atmosphere, feast on the arts, enrich your soul, and also savor affordable and delicious meals at the V&A Café, basking in the sunlight of the historic building – truly delightful. For over 100 years, the V&A's exhibitions have witnessed many human achievements and breakthroughs, positively influencing generations of young people. This is a mecca for art and design lovers; every visit reveals different charms, timeless and never tiring.
Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Berkeley Square
Berkeley Square is a city square in Mayfair, Westminster, London, designed by architect William Kent in the mid-18th century. It is one of London's largest green squares, surrounded by many beautiful London plane trees, planted in 1789, said to be the oldest plane trees in London. The square also features a sculpture fountain by Alexander Munro. Ample benches are provided for people to rest or read. The square is surrounded by exquisite buildings, many of which are homes to celebrities and stars, and it is very close to the famous top London private members' club Annabel's. In short, it is a treasure park in a high-end area of the city center. Whether with friends, family, or pets, you can enjoy the freshness of the plane trees and experience a moment of tranquility here.
Somerset House
Somerset House is a large Neoclassical building in central London, located on the south side of the Strand, overlooking the River Thames, adjacent to Waterloo Bridge. In the 16th century, this area was a famous residential district for the wealthy and powerful. Somerset House is a famous historical site in the UK and one of the beloved ancient buildings among tourists. Today, Somerset House has become a home for cultural innovators, connecting creativity and art with society, bringing together pioneering ideas from around the world, greatly promoting art and innovation. It has been the venue for London Fashion Week since 2009, favored by emerging designers and fashion brands. Additionally, many films have chosen to shoot at Somerset House, such as the movie Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Different events take place here throughout the year, and the winter ice skating is particularly enchanting, as it is one of the most famous outdoor ice rinks in the UK. Accompanied by colorful lights, it feels dreamlike and unforgettable. The experience at Somerset House is irreplaceable anywhere else.
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom