Charing Cross sits right in the heart of London, surrounded by some of the city's most iconic landmarks, historic pubs, theaters, and cultural institutions. It's an area most people pass through on their way somewhere else, but there's plenty worth stopping for. From the National Portrait Gallery and Trafalgar Square to tucked-away wine bars and centuries-old pubs, it's a surprisingly good spot for an afternoon of art, history, and a drink or two. Best for: Art galleries, historic pubs, classic London landmarks, theater, hidden wine bars.

COFFEE | Page Common Coffee House, Notes Coffee Roasters & Bar, Joe Blake's, The Portrait Pavilion by Audrey Green, Kiss the Hippo Coffee Covent Garden, Audrey Green (inside the National Portrait Gallery)

TO DRINK | Gordon's Wine Bar (historic candlelit wine cellar), Garrick Arms (traditional pub), St George Coffee Shop & Wine Bar (wine bar), Larry's at the National Portrait Gallery (cocktails), The Harp (real ales), The Sherlock Holmes (historic pub). 

TO EAT | The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan (British dining with skyline views), Hobson's Fish & Chips Charing Cross (fish and chips), Ochre at the National Gallery (European brasserie), Café in the Crypt (historic underground cafe), Baaria - Italian Café, Wine and Cocktail Bar (Italian), 50 Kalò (Neapolitan pizza). 

TO DO | National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields (concerts and historic crypt), Benjamin Franklin House, Victoria Embankment Gardens, Admiralty Arch, Somerset House.