Spotting royals is hardly the only thing to do in this city across the pond.

The culinary scene changes constantly! Try Dishoom, the best Indian meal you can get without shelling out for a ticket to Mumbai. I’m partial to the one in King’s Cross for its architecture and design. One of my favorite pubs is the Portman in Marylebone, for fancy cocktails and a great beer selection. The Friendship Society in Soho is a small mixed bar/club where everyone is welcome — just bring good energy and a positive attitude! After a night out, treat yourself to an English or American-style breakfast at the Breakfast Club. Rodney Cornelius ’99

The Sky Garden at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” skyscraper (20 Fenchurch) has one of the best views of London. And it’s free! Just book in advance. South of the city, Seven Sisters Country Park is a nice daytrip with chalk-cliff hiking. St. Katherine Docks near Tower Bridge is highly recommended in the summer, when you can sit outside, relax and eat some pizza. Lilach Epstein ’08, MST ’10

A wonderful example of Victorian architecture is the recently restored St. Pancras train station, which has a beautiful hotel lobby and bar. For the musically inclined, there are two street pianos inside. The Jewish Museum in London is a great place to learn about the long and rich culture of Anglo-Jewry. Those interested in World War II can experience what life was like during German attacks in the 1940s by visiting the Churchill War Rooms. For fun on the cheap side, take the 82 bus through London and its suburbs. The trip from one end to the other is about an hour; it’s lovely sitting upstairs. For a bus line that visits all the sites, try the 15, which features vintage double-decker buses. Astrid Zajdband, MSF ’93

Take a day-trip to the Pennyhill Park Hotel and enjoy the amazing spa, or head to Brighton and visit the new British Airways Tower. Grab a pint at the Anglesea Arms, located in both South Kensington and Hammersmith, try the Painted Heron for Indian food, and book a table at one of the restaurants in the Shard — Aqua Shard, Oblix or Hutong — to dine at the top of the city. It’s a must! Andressa Perondi ’97

Regent’s Park is my favorite park in London. It’s home to the Queen Mary’s Rose Garden and a lovely stretch called the Avenue Gardens, which rival those of a European palace or château — all for free! If you’re up for trendy drinks in a quirky setting, check out Sketch: Their egg-shaped bathroom pods are legendary! Bea’s of Bloomsbury is great for tea, coffee and cakes.
Jessica Gioglio ’05

(Look for more of the alumna’s tips on thesavvybostonian.com/london-guide.)