Shoreditch is quickly transforming into London’s hippest hot spot, and its hotel is no less luxurious. Photo from www.shoreditchhouse.com.

Welcome to England’s capital of cool. This iconic city is home to some of the world’s most forward-thinking art, design and fashion, and travelers flock to area to scope out the trends. Here, we give you an inside peek at the top five spots to make the local scene.

The Hotel: Shoreditch House

Shoreditch is quickly transforming into London’s hippest hot spot, and this way-cool hotel more than nods to the trend. Each room is designed to reach the pinnacle of chic minimalism, and the on-site entertainment options include a bowling alley, rooftop pool and high-tech spa. Plus, on the weekends, local DJs turn the hotel’s bar into a must-experience club. This hotel defines the new era of Shoreditch chic.

The Brunch Spot: Balthazar

The London outpost of this New York institution has already become one of the city’s most buzzed-about eateries. One glance at the menu, and it’s easy to see why; Balthazar’s delectable onion soup, shepard’s pie and gratin dauphinois all made the hop across the pond, and new dishes capture every bit of the original’s charm. For our money, however, brunch is the time to visit. The scene is decidedly relaxed, and self-described hangover drinks like mimosas and bloody marys take the edge off any late-night revelry.

The Shopping District: Covent Garden

London is packed with can’t-miss shopping district, but Covent Garden is the best place to scope out what’s new and next. Kiehl’s and Chanel’s latest pop-up offer top-of-the-line skincare products, Opening Ceremony and Orla Kelly cater to fashion-forward cool hunters, and Rokit is a vintage paradise. Make sure to bring your credit card and plan your trip with AmEx UK Platinum Travel; you might just earn a few reward points on a retro Marimekko dress or pair of Prada pumps.

The Evening Eatery: Bull & Last

Forget those crystal-chandelier dining rooms: London’s newest foodies are all about local goods, quality techniques and unfussy preparation. Bull & Last is one of the best places to see this practice in action, and the cool crowd routinely lines up out the door for a taste of their cured fish, slow-cooked meats and super-crispy chips. Make sure to order a pint; the wine list is expertly curated, but you don’t want to miss the local brewery products.

The After-Hours Club: Fabric

Fabric is London’s biggest club, and it’s also one of the world’s most renowned. This sprawling space plays host to some of the hottest DJs and producers, and every weekend is a veritable treasure trove of cutting-edge sounds, creatively dressed patrons and pulsating visuals. Definitely plan to hit this spot on your tour of London’s chicest scenes, but go prepared to wait; the long lines here are famous unless you reserve your tickets ahead of time.

Editor’s note: Catherine Lavinia has generously provided this article and compensation in order to help continue spreading the voice of women around the world. We are proud of the content we publish and stand by it! Click here to read our full disclosure statement.