The perfect 24 hour London stay

The idea for this article came from a good friend of mine as he asked about London and my favorite places, especially from my last visit. He needed some guidance for cool food and drinks places, and this article includes nearly all of them. The time line is doable, but we don't judge you if you extend the tour with 1-2 extra days. Hope you will enjoy this city just as much as I do.

1. Pizzeria Stokey (formerly named L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele) 12.00am
This place is a must if you are a fan of Italian pizze. It's a hidden gem. We can call this the little brother of the iconic pizzeria, L' antica da Michele, a highly regarded, family-owned pizzeria in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. It was founded in 1870 by Salvatore Condurro and its still run by the same family. They serve Marinara (tomato, oregano, garlic) or Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, basil) pizzas only. Perfect dough, perfect toppings, exactly how it should be. You will be hard-pressed starting your trip better than this.
125 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0UH, UK

2. The American Bar at The Savoy Hotel, 1.30pm

On of the if not the most well-known hotels in the city. Plenty of historical events and parties connect to the Savoy Hotel name (and they proudly display it inside). They are known for an extremely high level of service, and an affinition for every detail. Don't be intimidated by the luxurious look and feel, as everyone who work here is down to earth. It has a nice, friendly atmosphere and you will not feel underdressed (even if you are) or uncomfortable here. The drinks are creative and innovative, and they have some pretty decent old spirits also. The staff is both knowledgeable and suave. But no shit: they've been doing this since 1889, have about as many awards as they do cocktails, and are currently the best bar in the world. Do not forget to try their olives filled with anchovies.
Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, UK

3. Five Guys, 3.00pm

After the first cocktails of the day nothing is better than catching a burger in Spider-Man's favorite burger joint. Don't go super crazy on the toppings, For me the basic bacon-cheese, with raw red onion, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard combination works very well. Their milkshakes are awesome but at this point I'm just going for a soda as they have these magical all flavor creating soda machines that I love and are very rare on this side of the pond.
9/11 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NA, UK

4. Bar Termini Soho, 4.30pm

At this point of my list I started to realize I need to visit Italy again soon. Apart from this tiny footnote, this place is an absolute favorite aperitivo bar of mine. Great coffee, and even better amari. Pick up a bottle of their pre-made mixes: really any style you choose will impress you and your friends at home. Take a Negroni, then an espresso with tiny biscotti. They are up-to-date on their methods and techniques, so ask them anything about tradition, recipes, or coffee and they will gladly inform you. Perfect place for a tiny riposo in the rush.
7 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 5JE, UK

5. Bao, 6.00pm

Bao was love at first sight. Tiny, excellent quality restaurant in the heart of Soho. Prepare to queue here (another unique London experience) but for this place it's 100% worth it. Deliciously composed baos, with huge flavors and well-balanced ratio of bun and filling. Amazing rice pot, delicious teas. The restaurant is under the wings of iconic chef David Chang of Momofuku fame. I am willing to admit I cried over their perfect ice cream bao. The whole experience was great and even greater finishing with that perfect dessert.
53 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AS, UK

6. Dandelyan, 9.00pm

Innovative drinks at the bank of the river Thames. Perfect after dinner for to get into the going out mood. Expect great music (well mixed with ACDC, Bob Dylan, RHCP, Kanye West), that fits perfectly with the cocktails that you are about to have. Ask for their recommendations (as always), lay back, and enjoy. These guys really know what they are doing so you are in good hands. A lot of the guys working here are massive Harry Potter nerds, which is a big plus. And did I already mention they were named the world's second-best cocktail bar? If at all possible, try to sit at the bar.
20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD, UK

7. Happiness Forgets, 10.30p

Another award winning cocktail bar on the list, following a classic speakeasy style and a laidback vibe. High quality cocktails, at very affordable prices. As always the bar is the best spot at this place as well. Ask for classic drinks and their origins,. They will gladly walk you through all the versions of a Singapore Sling in chronological order. It will likely be very busy at this time of day, but they should always be able to squeeze you in for at least a (pickle)back.
8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU, UK

8. Three Sheets, 12.00pm

One of the two real gems from my last trip to London (alongside Bao). The guys just published their book on how to bottle and batch cocktails, which immediately screams for one of their magnicent signature which called French 75. An amazing technical twist on a classic, with a great presentation. I will try not to spoil this for you, so just order one if you please: you will not be disappointed. The guys were super friendly and open, and they gladly talked about the methods and techniques used (when there's time to). Great drinks, great vibes.
510b Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AB, UK

9. Some random rave at The Nest, 2.00am

At this point it's time to party at a rave nearby. If you aren't aware of any local events at the time, this place has some funky stuff going on almost every weekend. This entire district is filled with (underground) parties, so make sure to ask around. Pro tip: take one or two cans of beers and some snickers with to survive the wait in line.
36 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XJ, UK

10. Duck and Waffle, 06.30am *

The party might be over at this point, but the fun will continue on the next superb location... on the top of the Heron Tower. Here you'll find a beautiful view over a half-asleep city, surrounded by people who want to have a lean steak and a gimlet before heading to the airport. Expect high-quality drinks, good nibbles, and ribs. Make sure to behave normally upon entry, as this 24/7 place will refuse you at the door if you are not in a seemingly sober state. If you're beyond that state at this point in time, go sleep it out instead and visit the rest of these places next time.
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, UK

11. Monmouth, Borough Market, 08.00am

If you have managed to make it until now—or if you just woke up—the key liquid for the next part of the adventure is coffee. Monmouth serves their own roast around London, and they are very helpful if you are not aware of all tiny details surrounding coffee. Try more than one type if you can, but don't end up on the other side of awakeness. There might be some queueing already, but this hour tends to be early even for the most eager office bugs.
2 Park St, London SE1 9AB, UK

You now have around an hour and a half to kill, I recommend some light sight seeing. Just walk down to the river Thames and check out London Brige, Tower Bridge the Tower of London from distance or up close.

12. (1+2=3 HL3 confirmed ) HL3 confirmed. Borough Market, 10.00am

Last but not least: as much street food as you can handle in any style, flavor, or vessel. Just jump from stand to stand and try everything. Pro tip: drag along someone willing to share food with you, so you can try more of the delicious goods available. You'll find oysters, champagne, mead, pork cracklings, beef pie, scotch eggs, vegan indian food, fish and chips, custard filled doughnut and more. Enjoy.
8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK

By following this guide, you should have had a magnificent stay in the wonderful city of London. But we might have omitted some special place(s) we are not aware of. Do you (dis)agree with the list? Anything we forgot, or should remove? Let us know in the comments!