The Ultimate London Guide For Au Pairs

Moving to London as an au pair is incredibly exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming trying to figure out how to spend your free time. There’s just so much to see, do, and explore!

Our advice? Don’t wing it and risk burning out from zig-zagging across the city on foot or public transport. Instead, plan your adventures around small, walkable “pockets” of the city. This way, you’ll not only see more, but get to know London more deeply - one area at a time.

We’ve created this guide with au pairs in mind. Alongside breaking the city into bite-sized sections, we’ve built in plenty of opportunities to pause in gardens and parks. The au pair role can be full-on, so we’ve built in these moments for you to unwind and recharge. Bring a book, a blanket, and don’t forget a small umbrella and an extra layer for London’s ever-changing weather.

London can be expensive, so we’ve included plenty of free activities - museums, galleries, and parks - alongside a few fairly priced attractions and simple pleasures like window shopping, browsing, and picturesque walking routes. When it comes to food, we’ve suggested plenty of affordable options, from food halls and markets to cafés and quick bites like empanadas, bagels, and deli sandwiches. We’ve also included a few ideas for where to treat yourself - it’s up to you when to indulge!

First, Get Your Bearings

If it’s your first time in London (or even if it’s not), one of the best ways to settle in is by taking a Big Bus Tour around the city. Touristy, we know, but hear us out.

You’ll pass major landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Hyde Park.

You can hop on and off wherever you like, and by the end, you’ll have a much clearer sense of how everything connects, and which places you’re most excited to come back to and explore properly.

Marylebone & Hyde Park

Start your morning in Marylebone area at Arome Bakery. Try their famous honey butter toast - thick bread that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside - or head to Boxcar Bakery for something delicious. Take your coffee to go and wander the elegant streets lined with Georgian and Victorian townhouses. If it’s Sunday, stroll through the Marylebone Farmer’s Market before heading to Daunt Books, one of London’s most beautiful bookstores, with high ceilings, oak galleries, and skylights.

For a touch of art and culture, visit The Wallace Collection, a free museum housed in a beautiful historic mansion. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, arms and armour, all set within elegant rooms that feel as captivating as the artwork. You’ll also find the Sherlock Holmes Museum in this neighbourhood, along with the iconic 221B Baker Street address.

Stroll Marylebone High Street to La Fromagerie for an impressive selection of cheese, and Paul Rothe & Son for jams and deli sandwiches - perfect for a picnic in nearby Hyde Park. There are often open-air concerts, pop-ups, and festivals in the park, along with the famous Winter Wonderland market at Christmastime.

If you’re up for it, finish the day with a pint at The Golden Eagle, a classic Sunday roast at The Grazing Goat, or a cocktail at Seymour’s Parlour.

Piccadilly, Regent Street & Mayfair

Begin at Piccadilly Circus - London’s version of Times Square - soaking in the iconic energy and bright, buzzing screens.

Nearby, stop by Fortnum & Mason, especially magical at Christmastime when the storefront transforms into an advent calendar. Inside, don’t miss the elegant oval bar tucked near Tiffany & Co.

From there, wander through Burlington Arcade, a charming covered passage lined with boutiques, then stroll along Regent Street, taking in the grand architecture and iconic shops. Continue on to New Bond Street for some leisurely window shopping, and pause at Ralph’s Coffee for a cozy break.

As evening falls, head to one of the upscale bars in Mayfair for a stylish end to your day.

Seven Dials, Carnaby & Soho

Start in Seven Dials, where seven streets converge, and wander through to Neal’s Yard, a colourfully painted hidden courtyard. Browse independent shops before heading into Seven Dials Market for creative street food - look out for the cheese conveyor belt!

Next, explore the pedestrian-only Carnaby Street for a quirky and colourful vibe, then dip into Oxford Street for high-street favourites.

As evening arrives, head into Soho, the heart of London’s nightlife. For something different, try Bar Lina, hidden beneath an Italian deli, Cahoots Underground, a secret 1940s-style cocktail bar, or NQ64, a retro arcade bar. Mr. Fogg’s offers a Victorian-era, travel-inspired setting filled with maps, globes, railcars, and vintage details - perfect for a memorable and atmospheric night out.

For a more upscale evening, visit The Punch Room cocktail den, or Nightjar, known for its live jazz and expertly crafted drinks.

Notting Hill & Portobello Road

Start your morning with breakfast at Lowry & Baker or Toast, then ease into the day by walking past the pastel-coloured town homes on Lancaster Road, enjoying the streets of Notting Hill while they’re still quiet and full of charm.

From there, make your way down to Portobello Road Market, exploring from top to bottom as you browse antiques, vintage fashion, ceramics, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Pass the iconic red façade of Alice’s Antiques along the way.

As you wander, stop for an Argentinian empanada at De Nadas, or head to Canteen for a sit-down lunch.

If you have a sweet tooth, try the pastries at Layla Bakery, or pop into Biscuiteers Belgravia Boutique & Icing Cafe, featured on Ted Lasso, and known for its beautifully decorated biscuits - perfect as a treat for you, or the kids back at the house.

If you’re still around in the evening, finish the day at The Little Yellow Door, a quirky flatshare-turned bar that captures the feel of a friend’s house party.

Hampstead Village & Hampstead Heath

Hampstead was once a country village before being absorbed into London, and it still retains a peaceful, almost village-like atmosphere. With its brick houses and colourful doors, the neighbourhood is one of the most charming areas to explore - get your camera ready!

Start along Flask Walk, a charming alley with independent shops like Galton Flowers and The Flask pub. Continue through Hampstead Village, exploring streets like Elm Row and Heath Street, known for rows of pastel coloured town homes and independent cafés.

From the village, head up to Hampstead Heath, a vast, wild green space where you can wander by ponds, through woodlands, and rolling hills. For secret garden vibes, seek out Hill Garden and Pergola - a truly magical spot. Make your way to Parliament Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic skyline views in London.

With village charm and expansive green escapes, this area has long attracted writers and creatives. John Keats once lived here, as did George Orwell, whose former homes you can find neighbourhood. Hampstead also remains a sought-after residential area, with notable residents including Benedict Cumberbatch.

Finish the day with a stop at The Holly Bush, one of the most atmospheric pubs in London, full of character and history.

Richmond & Kew

Spend the day in Kew Gardens, a world-renowned botanical space where you can explore vast greenhouses, treetop walkways, and beautifully curated gardens. As one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, it’s also a hub for cutting-edge environmental research. Depending on the season, you might see cherry blossoms in bloom around March, or carpets of bluebells in April and May, all spread across its 500 acres of wild and cultivated landscapes.

For a second part of the day, enjoy a scenic circular walk starting from Richmond Station. Wander through Brewer’s Lane, often considered one of London’s prettiest alleys, before arriving at Richmond Green, where you’ll find elegant houses and independent shops. Continue along Old Palace Lane, passing by charming pubs like The White Swan, before reaching the River Thames, where you can spot riverside favourites such as The White Cross.

Stroll along the river toward Richmond Bridge, where you might see boat owners working on their vessels, then stop for lunch at Peggy Jean, a unique café set on a houseboat. From there, continue under the bridge to Riverside Gardens, before turning left and beginning a gentle climb up to Richmond Hill - one of the most breathtaking sunset spots in the city. After soaking in the views, end the loop back down at the station.

Southbank & Borough Market

Begin on Westminster Bridge for some of the best views and photos of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. From there, head toward the London Eye and begin your stroll along the South Bank,taking in street performers, riverside views, and landmarks like Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Tate Modern art gallery, which is free to visit.

Continue walking east along the river until you reach Borough Market, a historic market dating back to the 12th century. Wander between lively stalls with incredible variety. Enjoy samples, or pick up a small meal like wild mushroom risotto for under £10. Keep an eye out for the beautiful bouquets of vegetables (yes, vegetables!) by Turnips (@turnipsborough).

Afterwards, continue your river walk to view London Bridge and the lovelier, Tower Bridge.

Finish the outing with classic fish and chips at The Anchor Bankside, keeping you right by the river to soak in the atmosphere as the city winds down.

Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill & Camden

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll through Regent’s Park, taking in the rose gardens, open lawns, and tranquil lake. From there, make your way to Chalcot Crescent and Chalcot Square, where rows of brightly painted townhouses create a picture-perfect scene.

In the surrounding area, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and browse. We recommend stopping at It’s Bagels to pick up a fresh bagel sandwich before heading up to Primrose Hill. Enjoy a relaxed picnic at the top, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view.

If you have the energy, switch gears and head to Camden Market. Wander through its maze of stalls, street food vendors, and canal-side paths, exploring a mix of quirky shops and global flavours. The surrounding area of Camden Town is known for its alternative spirit. You’ll find shops for gothic and punk fashion, tattoo and piercing studios, live music venues, and historic pubs that have long defined its edgy character.

If you’d like to stop for a drink, try the iconic The World’s End pub that reflects the nature of Camden itself, or Camden Town Brewery, for fresh, local craft beer.

Greenwich

Step into Greenwich, where maritime history meets village-like charm. Begin with a walk through Greenwich Park, one of London’s oldest Royal Parks, and make your way up to the Royal Observatory for sweeping views across the city and a chance to stand on the Prime Meridian Line. At 0° longitude, this line divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres and sets the standard for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), on which all global time zones are based. Standing here, you’re quite literally straddling two halves of the world - the starting point for time itself!

From there, head down to the Old Royal Naval College and step inside the breathtaking Painted Hall, often compared to the Sistine Chapel in Rome for its extraordinary detail and grandeur.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the historic Cutty Sark, where you can go below deck and step inside the hull of this famous ship. Nearby, you can also visit the elegant Queen’s House, known for its beautiful architecture and the iconic Tulip Staircase - a stunning spiral staircase that’s a highlight in itself. The surrounding Greenwich Market is perfect for browsing independent stalls, artisan goods, and street food. An antique section is added Thursday to Saturday.

From here, take a unique route under (yes, under!) the river by using the historic Greenwich Foot Tunnel - a free pedestrian tunnel that lets you walk directly beneath the Thames!

Head back toward the river and explore the waterfront, where you’ll find the historic Trafalgar Tavern - a perfect spot for a riverside drink or meal with classic London character. On a sunny day, the outdoor area turns into a lively, beer garden-style setting. Continue wandering along the Thames Path, passing independent shops, museums, and cafés as you soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the town.

Covent Garden, Theatreland & the British Museum

Begin your day at the world-renowned British Museum, where you can explore one of the greatest collections of art and artefacts in the world. Don’t miss highlights like the Egyptian mummies and tombs, the Rosetta Stone, and the stunning glass skylight in the central Great Court. Best of all, it’s free to enter.

After soaking in the history, head over to Covent Garden, where street performers, historic arcades, and lively piazzas create a vibrant atmosphere. Wander through the covered market, browse independent boutiques, and enjoy the buzz as musicians and performers bring the space to life.

For dinner – or supper, as they say in London – you’ll find just about every flavour imaginable in Covent Garden. Whatever atmosphere you’re after, or food you’re craving, you’ll find it here.

For a memorable evening, you are a short walk into London’s famous Theatreland, home to some of the city’s best West End shows. Much like New York City, London is renowned for its theatre scene, making it one of the top things to experience while you’re here.

Kensington

Kensington is easy to reach by tube or bus, and also makes for a lovely walk from nearby areas like Hyde Park or Notting Hill.

If you take the tube, you’ll arrive right in the heart of the neighbourhood. Start by wandering along Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street, where you’ll find a mix of antique shops, independent boutiques, and a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. Stop for a cosy lunch at Maggie Jones's, known for its rustic, old-world charm - think hanging baskets, dried herbs, and a warm, cozy interior.

Continue exploring the area and don’t miss Kynance Mews - one of London’s prettiest hidden streets, especially in late April and May when the wisteria is in full bloom. You’ll also spot beautiful wisteria along nearby streets such as Abingdon Road.

From there, make your way into Kensington Gardens, where you’ll find wide tree-lined paths, seasonal flower beds, and plenty of peaceful spots to slow down and take it all in.

Finish your wander just a short distance away at The Churchill Arms - famous for its incredible floral displays that cover the entire exterior. It’s one of the most photographed pubs in London and a standout stop in the area.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much more to London than what we’ve covered here, but exploring the city in neighbourhood “pockets” makes it feel more manageable, walkable, and rewarding. Each pocket offers something different, so whether you’re in the mood for cafés, boutique shopping, riverside walks, or foodie adventures, there’s something for every kind of day.

Take some time to research the places in bold that caught your interest, and plug your stops into Google Maps before you set out. Planning your route and getting familiar with the journey will help you make the most of your time - while still leaving room for those spontaneous moments that often turn out to be the highlight.

Oh, and if you’re looking for more free activities, check out The Garden at 120, Horizon 22, the Natural History Museum, and Outernet - all great experiences to check out at one time or another.

We’d love to hear about your favourite spots as you get to know the city and surrounding areas. Your recommendations can become the go-to places for future au pairs!