… And want to know what to do from the perspective of a local? Well, you are in luck! I have broken out my London recommendations based on how much time you have in my new home city. And because I’d like to think my photos are better than stock photos I have linked to Instagram’s or blog posts where I have visited these spots so you can get a sense!
If You Have Three Days
- Visit The Houses of Parliament & Big Ben (beware though, Ben is getting a face lift until 2020)
- Take a ride on the London Eye (first thing in the morning or sunset are best)
- Walk along the South Bank of the Thames (Including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre) (here)
- Enjoy fish and chips at a traditional pub
- Walk across Tower Bridge (here)
- Tower of London and Crown Jewels
- Walk around Covent Garden (here)
- Visit Hyde Park and the Serpitne (here)
- High Tea at the Ivy in Soho (the most economical and tasty one I have found, even better than this)
- Shop at Harrods, the world famous department store
- Pose outside Buckingham Palace (you can only go in during August with tickets bought months in advance)
- Cocktails in Soho at the Ham Yard Hotel, 68&Boston, Experimental Cocktail Club, or the Mandrake Hotel
If You Have Five Days
- (everything above, and..)
- Take pictures at King’s Cross, Platform 9 3/4 and St. Pancras (here)
- Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (and Gordon’s wine bar) (here)
- Trafalgar Square (here)
- Explore the Columbia Road flower market (Sunday only)
- Take in London from the top of the London Eye (here and here)
- See a play in the West End
- Take the ferry to Greenwich and the Observatory
- Enjoy brunch at London’s Avobar (here)
If You Have Seven Days
- (everything above, and..)
- Explore Angel and Islington (with Italian food at Mangia Bene or Tapas at La Forla Cafe) (here, here)
- Buy tickets to a soccer (football) match
- Explore Notting Hill and the Venice Canals (here and here)
- The National Gallery (like the Met)
- The British Museum (like the Guggenheim)
- Tour Kensington Palace and the Princess Diana collection (here)
- Check out the Wallace Collection (here)
- Enjoy a Sunday roast at a local pub
- Explore Shoreditch and take in the markets and street art
If you have Even More Time
- (everything above, and..)
- Explore nearby cities of Cambridge, Bath, or Oxford on a Day Trip
- Visit Richmond and Hampton Court Palace
- Visit the Harry Potter Studios
And then a fifth list because clearly I am still in work mode and because just because I have not done something, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Here are the items still left to do on my London list that I hope I cross off soon and that many have highly recommended.
- See the Churchill War Rooms
- Visit the Royal Academy
- Mercado Metropolitano (food stalls and wine store)
- Go to the Top of the Shard
- Brunch at Sketch
- Visit Abbey Road
- Have a drink at the Churchill Arms
- Tour the Royal Opera House
- Ice skate at Somerset House
Have you been to London? What is your favorite thing?
Snapshots from a Sunny London Tourist Weekend
10 Surprising Things After One Month in London
Moving to England: Q&A Session
An Afternoon at British High Tea
Lucy says
I do not have plans to visit London this year but maybe next year – this is an awesome list, Kelly!
Aimee says
The London Eye was so much fun to go on. We planned a sunset time so it was great to see the skyline during the day and watch it change into dusk.
Then all the lights come on and Big Ben is lit up spectacularly 👍😍.
A must see during any visit.
Roberta says
Perfect timing. My girlfriend who’s one of your avid blog readers just sent this to me. I’m planning a trip for next May and this really helps me take a look at all the things that I might want to do when I am there. You’re a lifesaver.
Casey says
A few years ago I was lucky enough to be in London when Buckingham Palace was open. I highly recommend it if you are there when tours are given.
THe artwork was museum quality. It was wonderful to see where all the royal portraits are taken, where the princess used to run around when they were little. The Queen’s office where she entertained all of her Prime Minsters.
Her coronation gown is featured with all of the jewels and furs etc… a real treat.
Pam says
I adore London and go whenever I can add on a few days to a trip and stop there. I have always been in love with the Tower of London, the Beefeaters there are dressed perfectly and the tour guides make relive how it was back in the day with people being locked in the tower etc..
Of course the crowning, hahaha best thing in the tower is the jewels. I could spend an hour looking at those alone.
Great list Kelly.