London is a dazzling and thrilling metropolis brimming with history, culture, diversity, grandeur, and royalty. The list of things to do, see and experience is inexhaustible; you could visit the city and its environs for months and most likely still only experience a fraction of what it has to offer.
Year after year London continuously ranks high on the list of most popular world destinations for tourists, and it’s no surprise why. This guide merely skims the surface of this incredible city and its boundless offerings. I wrote this post based on our first and only trip to London–so think of it as an introduction to London that highlights most of the major landmarks and experiences that all tourists, from novices to repeat visitors, should embark upon. Of course, as with any destination, it’s impossible to see, do, and eat all of the things [although I certainly do try, I can assure you!]. While we crammed in as much as we could during our time in London, there are of course things we missed.
Our five-day itinerary kept us in London for the majority of the time, with the exception of a single day trip to Bath, Stonehenge, and Windsor Castle.
Visiting London during the Christmas and New Year holiday season was extra-special, undoubtedly making our time there all the more enchanting and whimsical.
Below is what to see, do, eat, and experience during a multi-day whirlwind of a trip to London.
SEEING THE SIGHTS
Big Ben & Palace of Westminster
As one of the most quintessential architectural symbols of London, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are of course one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Foreign visitors can’t actually go inside the clock tower, however they can arrange to attend debates, watch hearings, and tour inside the Houses of Parliament.
Situated in the heart of the city, the tower with its massive bell has become synonymous with the city of London, as well as with the Houses of Parliament and its government institutions.
For more information, click here.
British Museum
Regarded as one of the best and most astounding museums in the world, The British Museum is a true marvel. The museum’s staggering collection of artifacts and awe-inspiring exhibits are beyond impressive and its expansive space is beautifully and meticulously designed. One of my favorite aspects of the museum is that it holds the largest collection of Egyptian objects outside of Egypt.
The museum is enormous, so unless you have multiple days to allocate here, you’ll need to prioritize. In addition to its admirable Egyptian collection, highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Greek sculptures that were once part of the Parthenon, and artifacts from Mesopotamia.
For more information on museum hours and tickets, click here.
Buckingham Palace
Deemed as the official London royal residence and administrative headquarters, Buckingham Palace has become a primary symbol of London and its prominent royal family. It’s only open during the summer months when the Queen is not in residence, so we weren’t able to tour its interior.
We did, however, watch the famous changing of the guard, a regal and prominent ceremony that shouldn’t be missed.
For more information about visiting Buckingham Palace, read here.
Kensington Palace
Another palace, another London landmark. If you’re looking for royalty overload, you’ve come to the right city. The sumptuous and imposing Kensington Palace is a royal residence that’s home to several Dukes and Duchesses, as well as a few princes and princesses. You know, just your average run-of-the-mill London commoners.
Kensington Palace is also the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth and has been a residence of significant historical importance for over 300 years. This grand residence is also the home where Princess Diana raised Princes Harry and William.
Highlights include the magnificent King’s Staircase and an exquisite collection of elegant gowns worn by the Queen, Diana, and Princess Margaret.
For more information about visiting Kensington Palace, read here.
London Eye
Is it super touristy? Good God yes. Should you do it? Hells yes. Here’s the thing: the London Eye is taller than the Statue of Liberty [by a lot] and rises above everything else in the city, making it a fabulous way to see some of the best unobstructed panoramic vistas of the city.
We opted to ride upon the iconic riverside wheel at night so that we could see the city in all of its lustrous glory. Flying above the sprawling illuminated city was an absolute blast, and its impressive vantage point is second to none. I often say, Sometimes things are touristy and popular for a reason. This is one of those things.
Lines can be insanely long. Highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance online to avoid the hassle.
For more information and tickets, click here.
National Gallery
Similar to most of the world’s major cities, London boasts an abundance of spectacular art museums. We like museums as much as the next person, but our idea of visiting a new city does not include enclosing ourselves within museum walls day in and day out. With that said, we chose to limit ourselves to two museums: the aforementioned British Museum and the world-renowned National Gallery of Art. Of course, this means that we missed the famous Tate Modern and Victoria and Albert museums, just to name a few, which means that I guess we’ll just have to go back.
Problem solved.
The National Gallery of Art houses one of the greatest collections of European paintings on the planet. It’s centrally located in the popular Trafalgar Square, a happening gathering spot brimming with fountains, stunning architecture and locals and tourists alike.
Free admission. Click here for museum hours and information.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Built and rebuilt five times, St. Paul’s Cathedral has graced the city of London for over 1,400 years. The cathedral’s magnificence is breathtaking; this was one of my favorite sites during our trip. From its iconic dome to its sweeping views of the city, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an absolute must on any sightseeing itinerary.
One of the most popular and terrifying ways to experience the cathedral is by scaling the dome’s interior. Climbing the 528 steps to the top is not for the faint of heart, and truth be told, it was here that I realized that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed somewhat of a fear of heights. Not a debilitating fear, per se, but definitely a noticeable one. But I digress.
Striking views of the city are available on the exterior platforms accessible from the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery.
P.S. I made it to the Stone Gallery [376-step climb] and left T to continue the nearly 150 additional steps to the Golden Gallery.
For more information on hours and sightseeing ticket prices, click here.
Tower Bridge
So. Many. Famous. Landmarks. Tower Bridge is yet another must-see site here. The famed suspension bridge spans across the equally famed Thames River. Pedestrians can walk across the bridge and visitors can purchase tickets for the Tower Bridge Experience . We did neither. Just the obligatory photo in front of it before heading to the nearest pub. #priorities
Tower of London
I love cities like London where there is a sprawling palatial mansion in the center of a bustling metropolis. Such is the Tower of London, one of the world’s best preserved medieval castles.
The tower has been used as a prison, and similar to many other places of interest in London, it has also served as a royal palace. It’s best known for its immaculate collection of crown jewels, which are stored in the Jewel House when they are not being used. Expect long lines to see these dazzling gems.
After the jewels, the next most popular exhibit here is the Royal Armory, which houses an expansive bevy of weaponry, including swords, and armor made for kings.
Click here for more information on visiting the Tower of London.
Westminster Abbey
Located in the heart of London, this world-renowned church is as royal as it is majestic. A place of worship, ceremonies, and celebration, Westminster Abbey is steeped in history. Since 1066, it has hosted every coronation and is the burial place of multiple kings, queens, politicians, artists, poets, and other prominent individuals throughout history. And if that’s not enough to impress you, the Abbey has also served as the setting of sixteen royal weddings.
Worshippers enter for free; tourists must pay an entrance free. For more information, click here.
FOOD & DRINK
Whoever says that London has bad food is eating at the wrong places. From pubs to markets to high-end restaurants, we ate very well during our time here. Do just a bit of research and I guarantee you’ll find a multitude of fabulous dining choices. Below are a some of our favorites.
Fish & Chips: A National Treasure
Cheesesteaks: Philly. Bagels: New York. Lobster: Maine. Gumbo: New Orleans. Fish and Chips: United Kingdom.
Some places just do it better and you’d be a fool not to sample all of the things in all of the places that do it best. That’s right. A fool.
I would bet that if you were to ask 50 different locals which fish and chip spot is their favorite, you’d probably hear 50 different places. I am sure that some may receive more votes than others, but our favorite was the popular Rock and Sole Plaice Fish and Chips. The name isn’t too shabby, either. Tourists and locals alike line up for their delicious deep-fried goodness, so expect to wait. But with most deliciously gluttonous things, the wait is so very worth it!
For hours and menus, click here.
Get Your Indian Food Fix On
Outside of India, London is one of the best places in the world for quality and authentic Indian food. As one of our all-time favorite cuisines, T and I were in Indian food heaven here. Our favorite spot and where we celebrated New Year’s Eve was at the Cinnamon Club. Set in a stunning book-lined former Victorian library, the Cinnamon club serves up modern and delicious Indian fare with creative cocktails to boot.
Similar to fish and chip eateries, there are an abundance of phenomenal Indian restaurants. If anything, the biggest problem you’ll probably have is choosing which one[s] to eat at!
We absolutely loved Cinnamon Club, and have sent friends there as well, who equally loved it, so this recommendation is trusted and true!
What else could a girl possibly want?
For menus and reservations, click here.
Hakkasan Hanway Place
The first established restaurant of this now tour-de-force empire launched in London, but since then Hakkasan has expanded to cities worldwide, including New York, Dubai, and Shanghai.
The Michelin-Starred restaurant is as striking as it is chic. Cantonese cuisine is the star here and every last morsel was as divine as the last. Each restaurant offers a nice balance of signature dishes and an Only At collection unique to its location.
For menus and reservations, click here.
High Tea at the Ritz
Enjoying High Tea at the Ritz, widely recognized as one of the most refined British traditions, was definitely a highlight of our trip. Deliciously baked scones, pastries, and teacakes, an assortment of sweet and savory cut sandwiches, and over a dozen types of loose-leaf teas to choose from…what’s not to love here?
The service is exceptional, the lavish setting is striking, and they replenish pastries upon request. Again, what’s not to love?
Reservations for timed seatings are required and should be made well in advance. Set prices for Traditional Afternoon Tea include the aforementioned offerings. Alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. Click here for reservations and pricing.
Immerse Yourself in London’s Glorious Pub Scene
London is often regarded as one of the best pub and scenes on the planet. It would be a travesty for you not to experience it.
From traditional pubs to trendy bars, to drinking dens, London pretty much has every type of bar, watering hole, pub, lounge, taproom, and tavern you can imagine.
Treat Yo Self: The Ledbury
Boasting two Michelin Stars and a steadfast place on the World’s Best Restaurants List, the acclaimed Ledbury is certainly worth the splurge and hype. Located in the affluent neighborhood of Notting Hill, the Ledbury is every bit as refined, elegant, innovative, and captivating as its neighborhood home.
Of course there are a plethora of high-end and award-winning dining establishments throughout the city, so if Ledbury doesn’t tickle your tastebuds, you’ll have no trouble finding one [or many!] other eateries that will.
For menus and reservations, click here.
MARKETS & SHOPPING
Apple Market
Apple Market is a charming little market that houses about 40 vendor stalls selling a variety of goods, including sweets and local delicacies, handmade art, candles and antiques. There are a number of local artisan crafts and souvenirs to satisfy your tourist shopping soul!
The holiday decor amplified its festive and inviting feel. A nice way to spend a bit of time in the city!
For more information on how to visit Apple Market, click here.
Borough Market
If you know me or read any of my blogs, then surely you’re familiar with my obsession with outdoor markets. London’s iconic food and drink market, Borough Market, did not disappoint and was pure market bliss.
Dating back to the twelfth century, the market has been a longtime London institution and is not only the city’s most popular market, but is also considered to be one of the best of its kind in the world.
Add the market’s festive decor: arches and market lanes decked out in brilliant Christmas decorations and dazzling lights, singing carolers and chiming bells, and pure holiday extravaganza bursting around nearly every corner, and this market is what a Christmas-time foodie lover’s dreams are made of.
Regardless of the time of year you visit, definitely add Borough Market to your travel itinerary.
For more information, read here.
Harrods
I mean did you even go to London if you didn’t step into its world-famous department store, Harrods? I think not.
But in all seriousness, Harrods really is department store. Albeit, a very nice one, but a department store nonetheless. So considering all of the things there are to do and see in London, I wouldn’t allocate more than an hour here. If that. There are just too many amazing things to do here than to waste all of your time enclosed in a mega-shopping emporium.
For hours and store directory, click here.
London Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
If you like Christmas markets even a little bit, then it’s worth venturing to London Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, an enormous Christmas explosion bursting with holiday cheer and festivities. A huge ice rink, kitschy Santa land, themed bars, Christmas stalls and countless rides games, are just the beginning at this fairytale winter wonderland park.
THEATER DISTRICT
Few cities in the world can rival London’s world-renowned theater scene. Similar to catching a show on Broadway in New York, if you’re a theater junkie like me and T, or even remotely enjoy attending a play, musical and/or live performance, then seeing a show in London is an absolute must.
I won’t even begin to list the extensive list of shows and venues. They’re all here. We chose to see something that we’d both never seen before, and we wanted to see classic. We saw Kiss Me Kate at the famous Old Vic Theatre [this was before all of the Kevin Spacey scandals, by the way] and absolutely loved it.
For more information on shows and tickets, click here.
BOTTOM LINE
London is a world-class metropolis steeped in sophistication, rich history, culture, and state-of-the art attractions. There truly is something for everyone in this global city. Until the next time we venture across the pond to return to this phenomenal destination!
Happy Traveling, All!
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I just love your take on places i have been to as well. We love ghe same stuff so I get to vicariously enjoy my long ago visits with you! Thanks for sharing. Hugs to you both and i hope you get to Cyprus soon to see the kids…well my kids and grands…