My London Itinerary

June has officially knocked us into summer and it seems like the perfect time to take a vacation. My most recent international trip was during spring to London, England and I had an amazing time. I also met some really nice people. When I start reminiscing about my last trip, I know that it is a sign to start planning the next one. Thousands of ideas and destinations come to mind. A weekend vacay (how about a road trip?), something international, or even a sandy destination is a great idea. Maybe you have already planned and paid for your summer destinations but when you think about your next trip, be sure to keep in mind London. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the scenery, history, people, and places. Now, packing for a vacation can seem like hard work but planning your itinerary also takes A LOT of dedication! Thats why I’m so excited to finally share my London itinerary!

Westminster Abbey

What’s not to love about Westminster Abbey? Royalty is crowned here. Kings and Queens are married here. Poets, artists, and other notable men and women are buried here. There is also a restaurant and gift shop inside! If you plan to visit, my suggestion is to arrive early. The historical site is popular and the entry line can get packed very quickly.

Admission: Viator offers an entrance ticket including a free audio guide for $25 USD

This is where Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. I have one word: amazing.

It often rains in London but I was fortunate enough to have the sun follow me from Texas. The only day that it rained was the day that I visited Westminster Abbey. The rain wasn’t going to stop me from a selfie at the abbey!

The London Eye

Ok I have to be honest, I wasn’t that overjoyed about visiting a Ferris Wheel. It just seemed like something to do while in London. I’m so happy that I kept it on my list because the seats on the London Eye are front row to the best views in the city! Towering over River Thames, there is a fantastic opportunity to view landmarks for miles! Also, you don’t ride alone – the pods can hold a group of people and you can also walk around inside them.

Admission: Tickets to the London Eye are normally $30 USD but I decided to buy a Fast Track ticket for $40 USD that would get me to the front of the line! Ticket prices are the same on both the attraction website and Viator.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

I saw the Houses of Parliament and Queen Elizabeth Tower (aka ‘Big Ben’) but as you can tell on my photos, both are under construction at the moment. I wasn’t able to get a tour inside Parliament either (as you have to schedule one in advance). But I’m not mad about the construction or anything else – I mean if I had been working since 1859, I would want a vacation too! I’ll be sure to come back in August of 2021 when the clock is ticking again and the construction is complete!

Churchill War Rooms

Here’s my tip about the Churchill War Rooms: you need a whole day for this! I wasn’t prepared. The museum sits underground. You get to tour the war bunker of Winston Churchill and there is an adjacent history museum dedicated to his life. I am definitely a Winston Churchill fan after visiting this awesome place.

Admission: I bought my entry ticket on the attraction website for £22.00, which is approximately $28 USD.

Trafalgar Square and The National Portrait Gallery

Trafalgar Square has to be one of my favorite places in London. Its a beautiful area where people commune outside. You can watch street performers, dine at nearby restaurants, or catch the latest show nearby. Trafalgar Square is also adjacent to the National Portrait Gallery, which is a really beautiful museum filled with the portraits and paintings from British history.

Admission: Walking around Trafalgar Square is FREE and when the crowds die down (choose early morning or sunset) it is the perfect place for photos. The National Portrait Gallery is also free but there is a charge for some temporary exhibitions.

The British Museum

The British Museum is chock-full of gems like the Bronze Plates from the Benin Empire, the Rosetta Stone, and the Parthenon Marbles. I would suggest dedicating an entire day to the museum as well. There is a restaurant and gift shop inside.

Admission: The British Museum is free. There are donation stalls where you are able to contribute to the ongoing upkeep of the museum and artifacts.

Do you have a selfie with the Rosetta Stone?

This was taken in the Africa wing. You can’t see my face but I’m crying here. It’s just so beautiful.

The British Library

When you walk into the British Library the gift shop will be on your left. Pass it, go up the stairs to the next room on your left. There you’ll find unbelievable treasures. I saw handwritten notes from the Beatles AND Mozart. The Magna Carta is also inside (my picture is below). You can also view Leonardo Da Vinci’s notes as well. It’s just unreal that this is all there for you to see FOR FREE. Follow my directions folks – don’t get lost and lose valuable time like I did!

Admission: Free

The Brasserie Zédel and the Crazy Coqs

I wanted a local spot where I could have dinner, maybe a drink, and some live entertainment all in one. The Brasserie Zédel and the Crazy Coqs was the perfect spot! Randolph J. Matthews was incredibly talented and put on a great show. My tip: if you plan to eat at the restaurant don’t forget to make a reservation. You also must buy your tickets in advance for the live entertainment.

Admission: To watch the entertainment at The Crazy Coqs, Admission is £20.00, which is approximately $25 USD.

Buckingham Palace

It was wonderful to finally see the glorious Buckingham Palace, home of Queen Elizabeth II. I have heard so many stories but to actually see it for myself was remarkable. Tourists are only allowed to enter once a year (during the fall season) when the Queen is not home. I hope to be able to return during that time for a tour inside. Make sure you visit to watch the Changing of the Royal Guard that begins on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:00 sharp (on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays- schedule subject to change) and lasts approximately 45 minutes. It is free to watch but I would suggest arriving at 10:15 for a good spot.

Queen’s Gallery

After your visit to Buckingham Palace, make your way over to The Queen’s Gallery. To ‘sum it up’ it is basically a place where you can view heirlooms of the Royal Family. You’ll get to view portraits, furniture, jewelry, weapons – you name it! And the best part is that the collection is changed frequently so every time you go, there is something different on display. When I visited, I was able to learn about the Russian ancestry of Queen Elizabeth II.

Admission: The entry fee is £12.00 which is approximately $15 USD

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historical castle that protects the Crown Jewels. It has served many purposes which include an armoury, a public record office, a royal residence, and even a prison. I really enjoyed visiting this site, especially the Crown Jewels. If you want to see silver, gold, diamonds, orbs, scepters, and crowns – this is the place to be. Take note, no cell phone use or videography is allowed inside! You can spend a whole day on the site as there are many things to do. There is also a restaurant and gift shop on the premises.

Price: Viator offers an entrance ticket, including Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour for $30 USD

I recommend the Beefeater tour. The Beefeaters live at the Tower of London with their families and protect the Crown Jewels.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a historical landmark that connects one side of the River Thames to the other. Take the walking tour, catch amazing views, and learn about how the bridge was built.

Admission: The entry fee is £8.70 which is approximately $11 USD.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Swan Restaurant

All my years throughout high school I learned about Shakespeare and his plays. It was incredible to actually tour a replica of his original theatre. Shakespeare’s Globe tour was fascinating and our tour guide was very enthusiastic. After the tour, I recommend walking right next door to the Swan Restaurant for an authentic English afternoon tea.

Price: Buy a combination package from Viator that includes a theatre and exhibition tour and afternoon tea at the Swan Restaurant for $60 USD

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Directly across River Thames from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is St. Paul’s Cathedral. This landmark is a historical cathedral in London that was founded in 1675. It is the second biggest dome in the world behind St. Peters in Rome. This is another place where cell phone use and videography is prohibited. In my opinion the renaissance architecture and English baroque style is absolutely beautiful – but you don’t have to take my word for it! Go and see if for yourself!

Price: Admission Ticket from Viator is $20 USD

One New Change

One New Change is a modern shopping mall next door to St. Paul’s Cathedral. There are also restaurants inside. If you take the elevator all the way to the top level, there is a terrace where you are able to catch really great views of London as well as a wonderful photo in front of Cathedral.

Eating: What to Expect

Fish and chips with a side of peas is largely popular in London. It’s pretty much on every menu. If you are American like me, this would be similar to battered and fried fish with french fries plus mushy peas. If you would rather have something else, London has variety of authentic restaurants that I really enjoyed. One of my favorites was an Asian restaurant called China House that was within walking distance of my hotel. It had the best fried rice!

Getting Around

My entire trip was located within two map zones and it was cost effective to buy a pass to ride The Tube, London’s underground rail system. The pass is called the Oyster Card and the price was £35.10 ($45 USD) for 7 days.

You can receive guided city tours on the iconic red double decker buses. These are also known as Hop on Hop Off Bus Tours. At night, I also used Uber and the prices were the same as America.

What’s Next

One week in London just wasn’t enough. I have a full list of places and things to do when I visit again that include: The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum, going inside Buckingham Palace when its open, Coppa Club, Windsor Castle, and Portobello Road Market. I felt welcomed in London and that is something I will never forget. I can’t wait to return.