When 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson noted, ‘There is in London all that life can afford’, it was no idle boast. And today, the city is as vibrant as it’s ever been, combining layers of history along its grand roads and side-streets, and unique character in each of its 32 boroughs. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start, but staying at Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living gives guests the opportunity to actually live like a Londoner. Here, we give tips on what to look for, where to find it, and how to get the most out of your stay.

Getting Around London

Whether you choose to take a black cab, red double decker bus or hop on the city’s iconic Underground, getting around can still be complicated. Download the Citymapper app to help you navigate the city’s public transport. The app is so fine-tuned that it can even tell you which carriage to board to ensure that you leave the train close to the exit at your destination. Another useful app is Uber – Londoners are some of the world’s biggest users of the peer-to-peer ride-sharing service.

Less known, but more of an experience, is the London River Bus, which transports tourists and commuters up and down the river, and can often be the fastest option during rush hours. The river service connects many of central London’s key destinations along the Thames, offering a front row seat to sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral.

And don’t forget to walk. Central London is surprisingly compact and distances between Tube stations are easily walkable. The city has 3,000 parks, including eight Royal Parks, with one of its finest - Hyde Park - directly opposite Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living. Don’t miss a chance to explore its glorious green spaces. 

Food and Drink

Anyone can take a client out to dinner, but it shows real local acumen to create a dinner party with your own private caterer. Favourites of smart Londoners include Ottolenghi, for upmarket Middle Eastern; The Admirable Crichton, for modern British; and Mosimann’s (the preferred caterer for HRH Prince of Wales), for European flair.

If you love to cook, or just want to graze, then head to a foodie haven like Borough Market, London’s oldest food market, where hundreds of artisan producers sell delicious offerings from around the globe. Visit Richard Hayward Oysters, a family business that has been cultivating delicious bivalves on Mersea Island in Essex since the 1700s; try the piquant British Cheddar from Heritage Cheese, or a selection of amazing free-range British meat from The Ginger Pig.

Other options for fantastic dinner party produce include the renowned food halls of Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges, which are full of worldly delights, from the finest caviar to the most exquisite truffles. 

Shopping and style

The British love for quirky, bespoke and truly individual styling is reflected in the number of specialist shops you’ll find tucked away. Want a pair of custom made shoes? Head to John Lobb. If you’re looking for a classic bespoke British suit it has to be Jermyn Street or Savile Row, while the perfect panama hat can be picked up at Lock & Co Hatters, a favourite of the British aristocracy.

If you’re looking for a whole new wardrobe though, London’s renowned department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges have excellent personal shopping services with in-house stylists who can help you come up with a look tailored just for you. Or for the best of contemporary British design talent visit Fenwick, Liberty and Brown’s.

To finish off your London style, why not follow the example of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and have your own personalised scent created by English perfumery Floris. The oldest privately-owned family perfumers in the world once created a perfume for Queen Victoria.

Staying Active

Keeping fit in a busy city like London is easy, whether you’re jogging on trails or working out in a sleek, state-of-the-art gym. If you need a bit of encouragement or help with your fitness routine then the go-to personal trainer is Matt Roberts, whose high-end studios include locations in Mayfair, South Kensington and the City. Other elegant fitness alternatives include Equinox, whose flagship gym on St. James’s Street pairs high-tech treadmills with marble columns or the private members’ club KX in South Kensington. In spring or summer there’s no better ‘gym’ than the city’s parks, so ask your personal trainer to take you for a workout somewhere where the air is considerably fresher. Hyde Park is a good start.

Enjoy the best of independent London living with a stay in our residences at Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living.