1. Kick Jet Lag with a Walking Tour

Whether you land early in the morning or sometime in the afternoon, do not let yourself nap! Instead, book a walking tour to get fresh air and keep your body moving. We did the Changing of the Guard Tour with The Tour Guide on our first day, and the timing was perfect. We were able to explore Westminster Abbey and see Buckingham Palace.

It happened to be The King’s Birthday Parade, so we got glimpses of King Charles and Princess Kate! Not a bad way to start a trip.

2. Check out the Views at Sky Garden

For a stunning view of the London skyline, reserve tickets to Sky Garden. Entry is completely free, but you do need tickets. You can book as early as 14 days out! It’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a coffee or cocktail while taking in sweeping views of the city.

3. Taste Your Way Through Brick Lane

We fell in love with Brick Lane in Shoreditch, where we enjoyed one of our favorite meals of the trip at Muhib Indian Cuisine. Rich curries, warm naan, and vibrant spices; truly unforgettable.

Afterward, don’t skip Beigel Bake. Their salt beef beigel sandwiches are legendary for a reason, totally living up to the hype.

4. See a Show

London’s theatre scene is world-renowned, and it’s worth making time for a performance. You’ve got iconic options in the theater district of West End or on the river at The Globe Theater. We saw Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre, and it was every bit as good as we imagined. Whether you’re into musicals, drama, or comedy, there’s something for everyone.

5. Cozy Dinner at Halepi

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than a comforting, home-style meal. We loved Halepi, a family-run Greek restaurant near Hyde Park (because of course I’m still eating Greek). The cozy atmosphere and welcoming service made it feel like we were dining in someone’s home, with incredible food to match!

6. Take a Live Class at Peloton Studios

If you’re a Peloton fan, don’t miss the chance to work out live at Peloton Studios London. I took a 30-minute R&B walk with Joslyn, and it was such a fun, energizing experience! Classes open up 5 weeks in advance on Thursdays at 5PM GMT, and they go fast, so plan ahead!

7. Shop and Eat in Shepherd’s Bush

We stayed in Shepherd’s Bush, and it turned out to be an amazing choice. Westfield London is perfect for shopping, and the area is packed with diverse, delicious food. We had amazing Syrian, Jamaican, and Szechuan meals. Pro tip: we booked our VRBO through Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, so we earned Bonvoy points for future hotel stays!

8. Explore Brixton Market

For one of the most vibrant, multicultural food scenes in the city, head to Brixton Market. From food stalls to spice shops, there’s something new around every corner.

We grabbed Jamaican patties from Healthy Eaters, and they were absolute perfection. The diversity of authentic food in the city was amazing!

9. Cruise the Thames on the Uber Boat

A fun, affordable way to see the city from the water? Hop on the Uber Boat! It’s part sightseeing, part transportation, and all-around a good time. We loved cruising past iconic buildings while avoiding the hustle of the Tube.

10. Take a Day Trip to Greenwich

If you’ve got a free day, head to Greenwich. It’s a charming area with beautiful parks and historic sites, including the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the Prime Meridian Line (a must for geography nerds like me). You can even take the Uber Boat to get there!

Going back to London after all these years was more than just a trip, it was a chance to relive memories and make new ones with my family! Whether we were wandering through bustling markets, sharing bites of incredible food, or spotting royalty on the streets (still pinching myself!), every moment reminded me why I fell in love with this city in the first place. If London’s been on your bucket list, consider this your sign to book the trip. And be on the look-out for what we did in Rome next!