London

We lived in London for two years twenty years ago -- both are boys were born there. So even though we visited recently, this page will be a bit different. I have seen most tourist attractions, walked the city, and experienced most neighborhoods. I have a few recommendations. London is a sprawling city and it is difficult to appreciate in a weekend. Just do what interests you and call it good. I hope you are able to visit many times and simply try something new each visit.

Historical Fiction Books About London: Philippa Gregory's books are fantastic. My favorite was The Other Boleyn Girl. These books provide a fantastic background for a trip to The Tower of London.

Enjoy the Show

Plan ahead. The best way to experience London is to go to events.

Book a theatre performance. I joke that London has the A-Team when it comes to Broadway Shows. See any show that interests you. You will be amazed.
Search for concerts. So many incredible bands play in London and the venues can be both historical and beautiful. The best way to see the Royal Albert Hall is to see a concert!
Book a ticket at Shakespeare's original Globe Theatre. Don't do a tour -- go see a show!
Go to a game. Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham... go! (Season: August to May)
Go to Wimbledon. July. You can try and get tickets or wait in line.
Attend mass at St. James or Westminster (even if you aren't religious, take the time to appreciate the space).

Free Museums

Each museum below is free, however each has a special exhibit that costs money. It is worth looking at the featured exhibits at each of the museums below. These museums get the best exhibits the world has to offer.

The British Museum -- British Imperialism led to a lot of stolen antiquities, and a lot of the world's best history and art are preserved in the museum's walls. The Rosetta Stone is here! Major portions of the Athens Parthenon are on display. The Egyptian section is kind of mind blowing. The museum isn't in the cutest most happening area, but it is definitely worth a trip.

Tate Modern. I love this museum. It is an old power station and has one of the worlds largest art spaces. I always check the display happening in this area when I visit. My favorite temporary exhibit was a sunset where people laid out towels and watched the sun continuously set and rise. The scale of this exhibit space is exceptionally unusual because of its size. There aren't many places where you can experience art at this massive scale. There is also always a rotating exhibit worth considering buying a ticket for. There is of course a free section -- the art can be incredibly weird.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Natural History Museum

Attractions

The Tower of London. I love this place. Even though it is a tourist mecca, the history is so incredible. This structure has been here 1000 years and has so many ghosts and a somber historical presence. I recommend reading Philippa Gregory's The Other Queen or Princes in the Tower to gain some appreciation of the place. Take a Yoeman tour. They are absolutely fantastic and telling the stories and guiding you through this fantastic place. You see where Anne Boleyn got decapitated, prisoner graffiti, and torture chambers. You can also buy a ticket to see the jewels. Yes, you should do this. When history unfolds (weddings, coronations, anniversaries) these jewels are actually worn. It makes you appreciate British events on TV etc.

Walk the South Bank of the Thames from the Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge. It is about an hour walk You pass the Globe Theater, the Tate Modern, The London Eye, and have a view of Big Ben and Parliament.

Tower Bridge. It is worth going inside. There is a lot of history to appreciate and the views are fantastic. Go up to the second level.

The London Eye. It can be crowded so buy tickets in advance and don't wait in line. The Eye is on the south bank of the Thames and you have a beautiful view, rain or shine, of the Parliament Buildings and Big Ben. Note: The Eye is near (at least on the same side of the Themes) the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. If you don't do the eye, at least go up for a coffee at the Tate Modern Granville Grossman Members Bar at the top.

Westminster. Go to church. Even if you aren't religious, it is a fantastic way to appreciate the space. We went to Christmas Mass and wow. There are so many famous scientists, kings and queens buried there. It adds a lot of gravity to the space. Additionally, coronations and weddings occur in Westminster. It is always nice to have a reference point to appreciate and conceptualize the space where Prince William will eventually be coronated.

Buckingham Palace and The Mall. I am not sure you need to do a tour of the inside. I did it and it is a lot of gold and pomp and a traditional decor. If you are Royals fan however, this is a must. It is exactly what you would expect, but there is a weirdness to it. I had a hard time comprehending that Queen Elizabeth lived here -- now King Charles. The Mall, the street leading to the palace is extraordinary. Again, history repeats itself here. When Prince Charles dies, he will be taken down this mall. It appears and reappears on TV screens and it is nice to comprehend the space. The changing of the guards is OK. But in my opinion, people get way to excited about this. There are too many selfies and people around to truly appreciate the tradition. Take a walk around the parks nearby (The Green Park and St. James Park).

If you are a history buff, The Churchill War rooms are good (if you aren't interested in World War II history, I would skip.

Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery and Piccadilly Circus (only a half mile walk) can be explored together. The famous square with the Lions and Nelson's Column is just in front of the National Gallery. It is worth popping in to see famous works -- look here, you will recognize several. The exhibit is free. Then walk to Piccadilly to see the "Times Square" of London. It is busy here with shops, theaters, and iconic pubs.

Bus Tours. I am not a fan of bus tours, but this one is an exception. The open air, double decker tour allows you to hop on and off all day, and gives you commentary and a tour of the city and "free" transportation all day. You can check out the routes here.

Restaurants and Bars

Contrary to popular belief, London has fantastic food. I might pass on the traditional British food (except for the breakfasts -- those are great). Below are a few recommendations.

High Tea at the Orangery near Kensington Palace (where Princess Diana took residence after her divorce) is something to be appreciated. Bring your appetite because it there is a lot of food offered and it is exceptionally good. Scones with clotted cream is to die for. Make a reservation. After, walk Hyde Park, see the fountain dedicated to Diana. It is a massive park full of green spaces. Or, pop over to see the "Ambassador Row" -- London's most expensive street. It is just beyond Kensington Palace.

Tate Modern Restaurant & Coffee Bar at the top of the Tate Modern has some the best views of London. Despite the name, you can get in without being a member.

Go to a pub and get a "cask ale." I loved the Churchhill Arms. But there are so many well maintained old pubs. If one looks like a good fit, it is.

There are so may fantastic bars and restaurants, you don't need to travel far from your hotel to find one. There is no way to recommend the right fit. I think it's best to google the neighborhood you are staying in ahead of time and find "best local pubs" or ask your hotel to help you before you arrive. I find Time out London to be the best resource. Restaurants with a view are always nice. Interesting bars are also fun. But the best thing is to just explore the area you are in. And then book a hotel in another area the next time you go.

Tips

Half Price Broadway show tickets. The Leicester Square Box Office sells same day tickets for half off. I used to go there and buy tickets a lot. It is harder to get tickets for shows on the weekend and for new shows, but you never know what you will find. I would just ask "what shows have available tickets today" and they would give me a list.

Buskers. Street music is incredible. Sometimes symphony musicians will just practice in the street. Stop and listen.

Pick pockets are next level here. Don't walk around or sit on the tube when the doors close with your phone unlocked. And if you are watching a street performer or taking a photo, hold on to your valuables. Don't wear backpacks.

Hotel

I think it is most important to book the correct area. If you are seeing a broadway show, book near Convent Garden. We stayed at NoMad last time we were here. It is near Convent Garden, the Theatre District, and SoHo. It is also near tube stops, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Staying in Westminster area puts you near landmarks. SOHO is closest to restaurants and clubs.