A week in London!
We spent a week in London the week of Thanksgiving in 2024. It was amazing and we enjoyed exploring all the neighborhoods and each one is unique, beautiful and worth a stroll through.
Covent Garden: Covent Garden is one of the most popular areas of the city with some of the best theaters. We saw Mrs. Doubtfire while we were here and it was amazing! I would highly recommend seeing a show if you have time. Regent Street is a high-end shopping street in this area and it’s a great way to spend the afternoon checking out all the shops.
SoHo: A vibrant and exciting part of the city that is home to an amazing range of pubs, jazz bars. Carnaby Street is a mix of famous shopping experience line-up paired with streets offering respite from the hustle and bustle of the West End.
Kensington + Chelsea: This borough is home to some of London’s most posh shops and luxurious residents. It’s also home to Notting Hill which has become an up-and-coming, trendy neighborhood.
Camden: Famous for being the alternative center of London where hippies and punks tread the streets together. It is home to a lively mix of music venues, markets, eateries and boutiques.
The City of London: The City is actually only about a square mile in size, and is home to London’s biggest skyscrapers and financial district.
Westminster: The tourist center of London, sights include the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Visitors can see the British Government in action by visiting the Strangers’ Gallery at the House of Commons.
London is home to many vibrant and diverse markets, each offering unique experiences, products, and atmospheres. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular and well-loved markets in the city:
Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the oldest and most famous food markets in London and is a haven for food lovers, offering produce, artisanal foods, street food and international delicacies. There are also prepared foods like gourmet sandwiches, paella and pastries and more! We ate chocolate covered strawberries here and they were amazing!
Camden Market
Camden Market is a sprawling, eclectic market known for its alternative fashion, handmade goods, vintage clothing and unique crafts. Camden is also famous for its alternative culture, street art, and lively atmosphere and is a great place for international street food. The market has several areas, including Camden Lock, offering a mix of clothing, jewelry and artwork.
Southbank Centre Food Market
Southbank is a vibrant food market that offers a diverse range of street food. Located by the Thames, it’s a great place to enjoy international flavors while enjoying the riverside views. There is a great selection of street food vendors offering everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to Indian curry and Latin American specialties. It’s a great spot to grab lunch while taking in views of the London skyline.
Museums
The Natural History Museum: A family favorite, this museum is home to one of the best natural history collections in the world. It’s housed in a beautiful Victorian building and offers a fascinating journey through the natural world. Favorite spots are the dinosaur skeletons, the blue whale model, and interactive exhibits about evolution and Earth’s history.
The Tate Modern & Tate Britain: London’s two major art galleries are Tate Modern and Tate Britain and are must-visit destinations for art lovers. Tate Modern houses contemporary and modern art, while Tate Britain focuses on British art. You can view works by artists like Picasso, Matisse, Turner and Constable at Tate Britain and contemporary works at Tate Modern housed in a former power station. It’s easy to spend a few hours here and then heading to another activity afterwards.
Buckingham Palace & The Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guards happens on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays most weeks at 11:00AM. Make sure to check the palace website for more information the week of your visit. If you go to the changing of the guards, make sure you get there early – about an hour to get a good spot. Free of watch the Changing of the Guard spans three locations including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Wellington Place. It is worth the hassle of getting there early and waiting for a bit as the ceremony great to see and is part of London.
Windsor Castle
Add this to your list to visit! It takes about an hour to get here from central London, we took an Uber and it was a nice drive. Windsor Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom and the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It has been the home of British kings and queens for over 1,000 years and has been the home to numerous monarchs, including Queen Victoria, King Henry VIII and the Queen Elizabeth II. It has also witnessed significant events in British history, including royal weddings and state occasions. It was an amazing place to visit and spend the day at.
Tower of London, Tower Bridge and London Eye
Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the London Eye are both another great spot to visit with kids. My kids loved all 3 of these activities and I booked our tickets all on Viator. When I use Viator (download the app) you will accumulate rewards you can use at a future booking….so it’s a win-win. It’s easy to access your tickets on the app too. We took a 1 hour Tower of London tour where the tour lead explained all the history and then the Tower Bridge is next door (have to purchase a separate ticket to go up to the top of the Tower Bridge). After we did both activities we rode the London Eye which took about 30 minutes to ride and was amazing!
Visiting London is a truly unforgettable experience and it offers a mix of culture, attractions, history and traditions. The city is a perfect blend of ancient landmarks, like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, alongside iconic modern sites, such as The Shard and the London Eye. Whether you’re exploring museums like the or soaking up the atmosphere at the markets or strolling through iconic neighborhoods like Notting Hill….I’ve found that London caters to all types of travelers. I traveled with my kids and they loved every minute of it!
John Doe
