littlebits Guide to London

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It's Tasty Thursday, and this week I've got some of the edible highlights (and a few other favorite spots) from my recent trip to London. London is a city with a lot to offer--world-class restaurants, museums, theater, shopping, you name it. This was my first time in the city, so I wanted to do and see as much as possible, but I was also on a tight budget. This is not an exhaustive guide by any means, but these are some of the (inexpensive) places that made me smile during my week-long visit.

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1) Victoria & Albert Museum - The V&A's collection is extensive, and there is something (from jewelry to fashion to antiquities) for everyone. They also have a lovely courtyard with a small café and a wonderful gift shop with beautifully-designed (and surprisingly affordable) items for the home. Plus, free admission!

2) Covent Garden Market - Shops and restaurants galore. Go on a Monday for the weekly antiques market in Jubilee Hall and grab a cupcake from Ella's Bakehouse or a cup of tangy frozen yogurt from Yuforia (pictured) for a little pick-me-up after you're done shopping.

3) Culture Grub - Place an order of pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings for take-away from this popular Chinese spot and do like the locals and head to nearby Waterloo Millenium Green for an alfresco lunch.

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4) Spitalfields - A renovated market space that is home to lots of cute shops and inexpensive restaurants (including Square Pie!), plus an antiques market on Thursdays and a general market on Fridays and Saturdays.

5) The Golden Hind - Perfect fish and chips in a cozy, charming shop in Marylebone. After lunch, wander through the cobblestone streets and do a little window shopping.

6) Tate Britain - Located along the Thames in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood, the Tate Britain is a nice place to while away a rainy afternoon. Highlights of the collection include Elizabethan portraiture, paintings by Pre-Raphaelite masters Millais and Rossetti, and a huge collection of works by JMW Turner. Admission is free.

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7) South Bank Book Market - A daily used book market tucked right under Waterloo Bridge. Its location on the Jubilee Walkway makes it a great starting point for a late-morning stroll along the Thames.

8) VitaOrganic - I stumbled upon this place by chance on a rainy day. My feet were soaked, and their cozy atmosphere and tasty-looking buffet beckoned to me through the window. Though raw and vegan food is not really my thing, all of the dishes I sampled were very tasty. And at just under £5 for the buffet, it is one of the better deals in London.

9) Hyde Park - In my opinion, this is the best of the centrally-located parks in London. An oasis of peace and quiet in a hectic city, it is great for an afternoon walk or even a nap. My favorite spot in the park was the rose garden, which is bordered on all sides by tall hedges, making it feel like your own little secret garden.

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Coming next week, the littlebits guide to Paris!