Things to do in London and other cities.
General Notes: If you are in a pub order at the bar unless told otherwise. Keep personal items safe at all times. Ride the Tube (Underground) at least once.
Traveling around - Get the Oyster Card - you can use it on Buses and the Tube. Uber can also be time saving and convenient. Take the Tube, walking is super easy and one of the most famous in the world. Take the bus at some point you see so much more.
Must See
Tower Bridge/ dungeons - expensive to go in (jewels/ dungeons but whether you go in or not you can get the iconic view of the bridge from the london bridge millennium bridge.
Insider Tip - walk from the tower towards millennium bridge along river lots of photo ops.
London Eye - fun, great view and 4d video prior to boarding.
Downing street - (see the guards if you do not see the changing of the guard or Buckingham palace) The Coldstream guards on horses are told to look straight ahead with no emotion but it is fun to try to distract them. Accepted as long as you do not get too close or touch them.
Covent Garden - so fun to walk around (indoor market) nice cafes for afternoon teas and a pub upstairs.
Hamleys (magical toy shop) more like a museum
Harrolds - cool too, the basement has a deli and pub. Buy tea if you like tea and a forever (reusable) bag.
Changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10.45am and lasts around 45 minutes, with the actual handover taking place at 11am. - check link first HERE
Sherlock Holmes pub - near Tower of London if I remember rightly.Used to be fun haven’t been for many years but worth a beer or Sunday Roast.
Westminster Abbey is beautiful outside and in - as is the Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament is one of my favorite buildings on the planet.
Portobello Market in Notting Hill - you can see locations from the movie, the market has a great vibe also on a street with lots of great thrift stores.
Kensington Palace (also Notting Hill)
The Lookout- be sure to book a free ticket amazing view.
The Garden 120 - free - no ticket needed garden on 14th floor with views of Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Gherkin
Museums- are free but some def in the summer you need to book a time for so check on the site.
British Museum - make sure you book - it is free but if you leave it to the last minute you will be disappointed.
Imperial war museum - very unique insight into war in the UK plus tour of the bunkers for the Prime Minister.
Theatre
Find something you like - but go to or call the Theatre direct do not buy in Leicester Square (Discount Tickets are more often than not an American Tourist Trap.)
If you go order your drink for the intermission when you first go in. You used to be able to do this and the drinks are waiting, no need to queue. Genius - hope they still do it. Yes they do we went to the Prince of Wales Theater 2026 - look for the Pre-order sign.
Other things:
Afternoon tea
Paddington afternoon bus tour - I have no idea but this seems fun to me.
You could also get scones and tea at Selfridges (Dollys or Hives) or Marks and Spencers
Walk a lot - have fun
Let me know if you find anything to add. I am always being asked.
There is a zoo and aquarium which are great but not so extra special if you have been to others before.
Places to Stay
Pre or post flight
Hilton Terminal 5 hotel - great hotel to stay before or after a flight close to Terminal 5 and on the Heathrow shuttle pick up route. You will need to take the shuttle back to Heathrow to get the tube or get an Uber into London if you are a group. Has a nice spa and you can get a reasonable price especially if you do the meal deal. Amazing breakfast, nice rooms. Great for Terminal 5 British Airways - but you will need a taxi or über to any other terminals.
Hilton Garden Terminal 2/3 - good location for United and the Star Alliance. You can walk in or out from Terminal two.
VRBO in Notting Hill - Great VRBO in a wonderful location - close to Portobello Market and Kensington Palace. Lots of great places to eat. Host is fantastic. You can leave your luggage early and late while the place is being cleaned. Two bedrooms, one sofa bed.
Great location 4 minute walk to Tower Bridge lots of restaurants and a Tesco Express right next to flat. Fantastic host and well equipped kitchen. Highly recommend.