New York Habitat Blog

Of all the attractions, activities, sightseeing and nightlife in London, theatre reigns supreme. From lavish West End productions to smaller, experimental shows, taking in at least one theatrical performance is a necessity for travelers to London—and while New York Habitat can’t get you the best seat in the house, we can definitely get you the best flats in the city.

Lyceum Theatre in London's West End

For big-name productions, spectacle and actors this autumn, consider getting tickets in advance for Breakfast at Tiffany’s (which immortalized Audrey Hepburn on screen), Billy Elliott, Shakespeare’s Othello or All’s Well That Ends Well, Inherit the Wind (with Kevin Spacey), the anticipated musical Oliver!, The Shawshank Redemption (based on Stephen King’s novella and made famous by the Hollywood film), Dirty Dancing (which does honor to the late Patrick Swayze) or countless other West End performances.

If you’re looking for titles that are perhaps a little less well known but come with loads of critical acclaim, you may want to catch Enron, Orphans (a favorite at the Edinburgh Festival), The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Samuel Beckett’s masterful Endgame, An Inspector Calls, the quintessentially English Prick Up Your Ears, War Horse, The Fastest Clock in the Universe (which first starred a young Jude Law) or any of the other quality shows available at venues throughout the city.

For fringe theatre that often offers cheaper seats with the same high quality performances and more cutting-edge material, plan on seeing the politically relevant Not Black and White: Seize the Day, a Tennessee Williams’ triple bill at the New End Theatre, a “re-imaging” of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, The Cut Off Festival (finalists of which are voted upon by the audience), the eclectic Infinite Variety, Showstopper (which is an improvised musical written an hour beforehand) or a variety of other experimental shows at smaller venues around London.

Whichever bookings you decide to make, let New York Habitat help get you to the show on time with conveniently located, well appointed accommodations, such as:

• A sunny, contemporary studio in Bloomsbury, Westminster (LN-507) on the first floor of a mansion block with elevator. This vacation rental comes with a loft-style double bed, laundry/dryer, cute, well-equipped kitchen and large windows to “let the sun shine in.” Smoking is permitted.

London Accommodation: Studio in Bloomsbury (LN-507)

• A charming 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Bloomsbury, Westminster (LN-786) on the second floor of a mansion block overlooking a small garden square. There is a laundry/dryer and each bedroom has (large) single beds. This flat is conveniently located near the British Museum, Covent Garden, Chinatown, shopping and theatres, which feel about “39 Steps” away.

• A spacious and comfortable 1-bedroom vacation rental in Mayfair, Westminster (LN-797) on a quiet side street off Piccadilly Arcade. Located close to Green Park, theatre land and loads of nightlife, this flat has everything “As You Like It”: king-sized bed, decorative fireplace, laundry/dryer and use of the gym. 

Whether your taste in theatre is classical or contemporary, London has something for you—and the same is true for New York Habitat rental accommodations.

Let us know which London shows you’re interested in seeing with a comment below.

For centuries, London’s waterways have been the lifeblood of the city, the center of almost all activity—and these days it’s no different. The Thames River is teeming with life, and we don’t just mean the aquatic kind! Stay in a New York Habitat vacation accommodation near the water and dive into the action yourself.

Blackfriars Bridge on The Thames, London

On London’s South Bank, there’s no end of choices for visitors: river tours, the National Theatre, The Hayward Gallery, the British Film Institute, the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, the London Eye, Movieum film museum and Borough Market are situated along the river, all within walking distance of one another. Even without stopping at all the attractions, this route alone makes for an amazing afternoon’s stroll or a romantic evening walk.

Further up the river lie London’s docklands, with narrow, picturesque, winding streets and ancient pubs. Spend some time in Limehouse (on the Docklands Light Rail) discovering Dickens’ old watering hole, The Grapes, across from the remains of Joseph Conrad’s favorite pub, The House They Left Behind (ironically, the public house is gone and only the sign has been left behind). For a modern take on traditional English food, dine at Gordon Ramsay’s pub, The Narrows, with its gorgeous river views, or head to the nearby Wapping Project, a stunning restaurant/bar/art space set in an old hydraulic power station.

Of course, the Thames isn’t the only celebrated waterway in London. Charming Regent’s Canal is also central to the city, though its colorful houseboats and abundant bank-side greenery make visitors feel transported to another time and place. One way to actually be transported is to take an afternoon cruise on the canal aboard an authentic houseboat, which takes passengers from Camden Lock past Regent’s Park, the London Zoo and the aptly named Little Venice.

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom in Tower Hamlets LN-375 photo

A houseboat may be a once-in-a-lifetime way to see the city, but for spacious, comfortable accommodations on dry land, check out these riverside rentals available from New York Habitat:

• An elegant, spacious 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-753) that comes with a balcony, community gardens, laundry/dryer, two bathrooms, an elevator and a doorman. The large windows not only let in loads of light, but also allow great views of the marina. 
• A 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-375) on the third floor of a modern apartment block on Narrow Street, well-located near Limehouse Basin. This charming flat comes with a balcony with open-air seating.
• A 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-731) on the fifth floor of an elevator building with 24-hour porter. This gorgeous apartment has views over King’s College library gardens and is less than a ten-minute walk to the river.

To get the most from your visit to London, be sure to make a trip to the bank—the banks of the water, that is—and for a great place to stay without breaking the bank, book a New York Habitat vacation rental.

Let us know your favorite waterside spot in London with a comment below.

London Apartment 1 Bedroom Accomodation in Islington (LN-691)

Broadway Market in Hackney (near Hackney City Farm and lovely Regent’s Canal) is only open on Saturdays—but it packs enough food in its stalls to last savvy shoppers a full week before their ritual return. This loyalty was earned by a range of peerless treats, from cupcakes with organic frosting (in flavors such as elderflower and salted caramel) to garlic-mushroom spreads that are worth eating whether or not your significant other will kiss you for the rest of the day. On top of all that, there’s a Vietnamese café and a traditional Cockney food stand featuring authentic East End favorites like jellied eel! As they say: When in England…
 Once a week, the Sunday UpMarket on Brick Lane manages to outshine all the cheap Indian food restaurants in the area. This is perhaps London’s most ethnically diverse market, positioning Polish kielbasis next to Japanese pancakes and Ethiopian spicy stews. Forget Disney’s “It’s a Small World”—this is the real deal…and much more delicious!
 We could go on and on about Berwick Market, the food stalls on Portobello Road, the West Indian Brixton Market, etc., but you’ve definitely got the idea by now—and maybe a craving, too. So when you’re in London, stop by these markets and bring some flavorful finds back to your New York Habitat vacation accommodation for a memorable meal of your own. We suggest:

London Apartment 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Southwark (LN-747)

· A dramatic 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-691) built on the site of the Sarson’s Brewery and retaining many of its original features, such as wooden floors, high ceilings and interior brick walls. This elegant apartment comes with double bed, laundry/dryer and balcony with amazing views.  
 · A sleek, modern 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Southwark (LN-747) located in a walk-up building with doorman. This apartment comes with a laundry/dryer, double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and complimentary kitchen and bath amenities.  

· A bright 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Southwark-Bermondsey (LN-686) near Tower Bridge. This recently completed, modern apartment has a laundry/dryer, double bed and stylish furnishings.
 For tasty treats, choose a London market—but for a tasteful place to stay, make it a New York Habitat vacation accommodation.
 What food are you most looking forward to trying while you’re in London? Let us know with a comment below.

London Apartment Studio Vacation Rental in Bayswater/ Westminster (LN-538)

Sure, London is famous for its museums: the V&A, the National Portrait Gallery, the Tates…Frank Sinatra even sang about the British Museum! But where you’ll find the up-and-coming or cutting-edge artists is in London’s smaller galleries—and there are plenty of them scattered throughout the city. Each day, you can head out from your centrally located New York Habitat vacation rental and discover another exciting and talented artist in the capital’s galleries. With such a vast array of visual arts at your doorstep, you may never see London the same way again.

An always-good bet is the Photographers’ Gallery off Regent’s Street, which is presenting dual shows of Andre Kertesz’s black and white photos of readers in unlikely places, as well as an exhibit of (often outrageous) men’s fashions.

The small Serpentine Gallery in the middle of Hyde Park has a Jeff Koons exhibit running until mid-September, so there’s plenty of time before summer runs out to catch his inflatable beach toys artfully rendered in aluminium. What’s more, the entire Serpentine Pavilion is itself a temporary work of art, designed by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.

The Hayward Gallery on South Bank allows viewers to access the mindscapes of ten international artists through large-scale installations. This creative exhibit stretches into early September.

London Apartment 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Marble Arch (LN-749)

The excellent Whitechapel in Aldgate presents the British Council Collection of sculpture and the East End Academy: Painting Edition, showcasing work by artists who live in London’s East End, as well as American painter Elizabeth Peyton’s moody, atmospheric works.

If you like your art with a little bit of nature (and interaction), Artangel at Harper Road is displaying Roger Hiorns’s ‘Seizure,’ which converts an abandoned council flat into a cave-like structure with sparkling blue copper sulphate crystals that you can walk through.

To bring the artistic vision back with you, consider staying in these well-designed New York Habitat accommodations:

• A stylish studio in Bayswater, Westminster (LN-472) just a few yards from Hyde Park. This flat, in a newly refurbished six-story terraced building with elevator, boasts an Italian kitchenette, an ensuite bath with wall-hung wash basins, an oak wooden floor and bar stools.  
• A spacious studio in Bayswater, Westminster (LN-538) that comes with both a double bed and double sofa bed. Other fabulous features include a wooden bar, glass-fronted storage cabinets, and a built-in wardrobe. 
• A gorgeous 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Marble Arch, Westminster (LN-749) on Hyde Park Place on the upper ground floor of a period building beautifully restored with original features. This rental includes a king bed (hard to come by in London), a laundry/dryer, two baths (one with Jacuzzi), Smeg appliances, a plasma TV, traditional wooden flooring, and exceptionally high ceilings. All rooms face a communal private garden.

Face it: Regardless of  what you saw in a Night at the Museum, you can’t sleep in a gallery—but you can enjoy artistic accommodations in London with New York Habitat.

Which of the above exhibits appeal most to you—or do you know another must-see gallery in London? Let us know in a comment below.

London Vacation Rental 1 Bedroom Accomodation in City-Islington (LN-722)

In late summer, the party’s still going strong in London. For the locals who couldn’t get away on holiday—and those who did, but couldn’t get enough—the club scene comes to night spots throughout the city. Why go to Ibiza when London brings Ibiza’s nightlife to you? After a few drinks and lot of dancing, sleep it off in your New York Habitat vacation accommodation in central London. It’s the best of both worlds!

For lovers of all things Latin, try Scalalatina, one of the biggest parties in the city. Scala nightclub packs four rooms full of dancers, DJs, and delectable Latin beats. It’s a good choice during Carnival Weekend at the end of August, especially late at night when the street party finally comes inside.

 If it’s an exotic locale you’re after, The Bathhouse near Liverpool Street is the site of former Turkish baths converted into a club. The music encompasses everything from ’50s swing and exotica—with a bit of burlesque to boot!

The aptly named Last Days of Decadence in Shoreditch will help you make the most of your last days of summer. This friendly and fun basement party brings together vintage aficionados who jump and jive to live bands and cabaret.

Not looking to go quite that retro? Then look no further than the O2 Academy in Islington’s “I Love the Nineties” nights on Fridays, or the Electric Ballroom’s Friday-night Sin City, featuring old school metal, classic rock and punk, or its Saturday-night Shake, which runs the gamut from ’70s and ’80s music to disco and dance party anthems. Break out your best running man moves!

Whatever your style of music, London’s varied nightlife has something for you. But to stay in London in style, there’s only one choice: New York Habitat. Check out these rentals available near the city’s hottest night spots:

London Vacation Rental Studio in City-Islington (LN-506)

· A hip, contemporary 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-722) that comes complete with a double bed, laundry/dryer and all the amenities you’ll need. There’s even complimentary soap, shampoo and conditioner to help you look good on the dance floor!

 · A funky studio in City-Islington (LN-506) between happening Hoxton Square and Old Street, which comes with a double bed, plus a washer/dryer in a communal area. This flat is in the basement of a warehouse building, giving it a cool, clubby feel. It also has excellent transportation connections and is well-situated near those all-important 24-hour buses.

 · A bright, beautifully laid out studio in City-Islington (LN-654) near Old Street station in Shoreditch. This rental, with double futon, is convenient to bus routes throughout the city and is close to Broadway Market, famous for its farmers’ market—a good place to get provisions for a late breakfast!   

While the warm weather’s still here, have an end-of-summer fling with London—and fall in love with a New York Habitat vacation rental.

What’s your favourite place to party in London? Let us know with a comment below.

Green Park is in the center of London, surrounded by some of the city’s most recognizable buildings and swankiest streets: Buckingham Palace, Lancaster House, the Ritz, Fortnum and Mason, Bond Street and Piccadilly. It’s the perfect place to take a break in the middle of all the action and make like a Londoner. Pack a lunch in your nearby New York Habitat vacation rental and head to the park!

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom apartment in Mayfair -Westminster (LN-299) photo

Green Park is the smallest of the royal parks, neighboring both St. James’s and Hyde Parks so that past kings could walk or take a carriage ride through the center of the city without having to leave royal grounds. In fact, Constitution Hill got its name from King Charles II taking his daily walks there to improve his physical “constitution.”

Today, Green Park is a peaceful, grassy oasis for sunbathing, picnicking, jogging and leisurely strolling—yet it has a history of rebellions, duels and disasters (the Temple of Peace that once stood in the park was destroyed during a fireworks display). Even the park’s lack of manicured flowerbeds has its roots in an alleged royal scandal; when the queen saw her husband picking flowers for another woman, she supposedly had all the flora removed. Still, on spring days, the daffodils growing wildly in Green Park turn its grounds golden yellow.

To further enjoy Green Park, take a free guided tour to learn about its rich history, hear about surrounding buildings and architecture, and be entertained by royal anecdotes. Visitors can also celebrate the queen’s birthday there in early June and witness a spectacular 41-gun royal salute fired by the King’s Troops.

Although Green Park itself has some pretty great features, perhaps the best is its unbeatable location in the heart of London. It shares that trait with many choice New York Habitat accommodations, including:

•    A charming, classically decorated 2-bedroom vacation rental in Westminster-Mayfair (LN-299) on the third floor of a period walk-up. Conveniently located on Curzon Street, this spacious flat has a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom and two singles in the second bedroom. Smoking is permitted.

London Accommodation: 3-bedroom vacation rental in Mayfair - Westminster (LN-553) picture

•    A comfortable and homey 3-bedroom furnished rental in Westminster-Mayfair (LN-553) on the third floor of a period building with elevator and daytime doorman. The master bedroom has a double bed and en suite bathroom, the second bedroom has two singles and a bath, and the third bedroom has bunk beds, making it the ideal accommodation for a family vacation.

•    A chic 1-bedroom vacation rental in Westminster (LN-429) in a period mansion block with elevator, located just off the Strand. This apartment near the Thames River comes complete with a laundry/dryer, decorative fireplace and nice street views. Smoking is permitted.

To really get a feel for London, one must visit its parks. There’s nowhere better to start than in Green Park—and nowhere better to stay than in a New York Habitat vacation rental in the city’s center.

Let us know what you love about Green Park in a comment below.

When most people rave about their vacations in London, they generally don’t mention the city’s great skiing. Well, all that has changed with the opening of the (originally built as the Millennium Dome). The massive entertainment complex that regularly hosts concerts and live performances now boasts indoor slopes for skiing, snowboarding and tubing! So book a New York Habitat vacation rental near North Greenwich, grab your goggles and gear, and get ready to hit the slopes in one of the world’s newest winter sport hot spots.

London Accommodation: 1-bedroom rental in Greenwich (LN-554)

The O2 is London’s first-ever artificial indoor skiing destination, with twin slopes measuring forty-five meters each and covered in a material called “perma-matting” that simulates real snow. It is the ideal way for beginners to learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding, with four experienced instructors on hand, or for expert to get some practice in before heading out to the nearest mountains in northern England. For family fun, a romantic date or a day out with friends, the O2’s indoor slopes (open until the end of January) are tough to top. In fact, London’s usual tourist attractions may all seem downhill from there!

What makes the O2 slopes even more of a must-do is the convenience: Equipment can be rented as part of the reasonably priced hour or half-hour tickets, making the rest of your day in London much easier without having to carry skis while you sightsee or lug snow tubes onto the Tube! In addition, the arena itself is well-stocked with culinary choices—from fish and chips and traditional British pub grub to an elegant and eclectic Thai eatery, sushi restaurant and tapas bar. It has all the tastes of London under one roof (that, granted, resembles an overturned cockroach…you really do have to see it for yourself)—plus a charming slope-side cabin/café complete with evergreen trees to make you feel like you’re really in the mountains.

London Accommodation: 1-bedroom Vacation Rental (LN-556)

Best of all, the O2 arena is centrally located in North Greenwich, an area full of sightseeing delights, such as sprawling Greenwich Park, the stately Queen’s House, the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian, the Maritime Museum and some of the most memorable views of London. It’s one of the few places where you can go from the slopes to the riverside to the grassy, green hillside all in one afternoon.

To get the most out of Greenwich, stay in a nearby New York Habitat vacation accommodation, such as:

• A modern, well-appointed 1-bedroom apartment in Greenwich (LN-554) with an elevator, 24-hour concierge and terrace, walking distance from the O2 Arena and only one Tube stop from Canary Wharf.

• A sumptuous and stylish 1-bedroom rental in Greenwich (LN-555), on Greenwich Peninsula next to London’s contemporary financial center. This accommodation comes with the added bonuses of a balcony, blonde wood floors and chocolate brown leather seating.

• A warmly furnished, cream-colored 1-bedroom vacation rental in Greenwich (LN-556) with killer views! This Millennium Village accommodation is just a few short DLR stops to Tower Bridge and a fifteen-minute Tube ride to the city’s West End.

Though the holiday season may be over, there’s still time to enjoy winter sports by hitting the slopes in the heart of London!

Which unusual attraction have you enjoyed in London? Let us know in a comment below.