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We absolutely love London, a city that truly captures our hearts. So much so that we’ve already visited this vibrant and bustling city three times, and we fully expect to visit again in the near future. There’s just so much to do here, with an incredible amount of fascinating history, and we always find something new to explore and enjoy. Here are some of our top favorite spots in London that we hope you will enjoy too, as much as we have.

1. WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Westminster Abbey is one of the most popular things to do in London and we can see why. This iconic religious building is rich in history and features an impressive array of royal tombs, along with many other significant artifacts and monuments that showcase its architectural grandeur and cultural importance.

The most famous grave located at Westminster Abbey is that of Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of Anne Boleyn and the infamous King Henry VIII. Her reign, which is often celebrated as the Elizabethan era, spanned an impressive 44 years. She shares her final resting place within the abbey with her half-sister, Mary I.

Coronation Hall of Westminster Abbey in London — Coronation Hall

Royal tomb of Westminster Abbey — One of many Royal tombs

2. TOWER OF LONDON

We both have a deep appreciation for learning about London’s rich history, and if you share that interest, the Tower of London stands out as a must-visit destination. Today, the Tower of London proudly serves as the home to all the Crown Jewels of England, which are estimated to be worth between three and five billion pounds, making it an extraordinary attraction for visitors.

However, long before it became a symbol of royal splendor, this historic site was once a zoo that showcased a variety of exotic animals from the 1200s all the way to 1835. In addition to its roles as a royal fortress and a zoo, it also served as a notorious place of imprisonment and incarceration. One of the most famous and tragic incidents in history occurred here, when King Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, was executed on these grounds.

3. THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD CEREMONY

The Changing of the Guard ceremony dates back to Henry VII’s reign from 1485-1509. Initially, it was designed to showcase military discipline and the formalities of royal service. However, the version of the ceremony that we recognize today began to take shape in the late 1800s. This modern ceremony involves active duty soldiers who undertake various military responsibilities, with guarding the Queen or King being just one aspect of their extensive service.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony usually takes place at 11 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes.

4. SKY GARDEN

The Sky Garden is an absolutely beautiful and breathtaking attraction that is a must-stop when visiting London. It’s situated 155 meters high up on the Walkie Talkie building and offers you truly spectacular views of the sprawling city of London. Housed within a stunning glass dome, the space itself is incredibly impressive, featuring an indoor garden, a stylish bar, a lovely restaurant, and plenty of comfortable seating for guests to enjoy.

You can also take a step outside onto the terrace to experience an incredible view of some of London’s most famous icons, including the magnificent London Bridge. The best part of this experience is that it’s completely free! Just be sure to book your visit online in advance to secure your spot.

View of London Bridge from Sky Garden’s terrace

5. OXFORD CIRCUS

We truly enjoy exploring the vibrant shopping scene around Oxford Circus, the iconic intersection of Oxford Street and Regent Street. There are a multitude of shops, charming boutiques, and department stores, making it one of the busiest and most popular shopping streets in all of Europe. We were fortunate enough to visit during the month of November when Oxford Street is adorned with its stunning and festive Christmas lights, adding a magical touch to the bustling atmosphere.

6. BOROUGH MARKET

Borough Market is a vibrant and lively place where visitors can easily spend hours walking around to discover unique food stalls representing diverse culinary traditions from all over the world. As one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, it stands out as one of the best places to indulge in amazing cuisines.

This expansive place is quite large and boasts an impressive array of food options, so it’s definitely worth taking your time to stroll around and carefully consider what they have to offer. You certainly don’t want to settle on the very first thing you encounter, as you might miss out on something you would have preferred much more. You might even want to consider doing a food tour here to get the best of everything.

7. HAMPTON COURT PALACE

As we mentioned earlier, we are a bit obsessed with British history, but we are especially fascinated by the dramatic stories surrounding King Henry VIII’s reign, as well as his six wives. If you consider yourself a fan of his historical era, you simply must visit Hampton Court Palace, the magnificent home of Henry VIII and the illustrious Tudor dynasty.

Even if you do not share our intense fascination with King Henry VIII, this location is also an area of significant interest for Bridgerton fans, as a number of beautiful locations such as Fountain Court, The Privy Garden, and Master Carpenters Court were filmed here for the widely popular show.

Taking a picture of the King Henry VIII portrait at Hampton Court Palace — Portrait of King Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace

8. COVENT GARDEN

Covent Garden is a cute and colorful area with lots of pubs, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping. Our favorite stop was Neal’s Yard tucked away in a corner by Short's Gardens and Monmouth Street. As soon as we arrived, our eyes were immediately drawn to the adorably colorful buildings that are beautifully nestled in a charming little courtyard. Hidden away in plain sight, this delightful spot feels like a serene world away from the constant hustle and bustle of the busy surrounding streets.

Neal’s Yard at Covent Garden — Neal’s Yard

9. SCIENCE AFTERNOON TEA AT THE DRAWING ROOMS

London is known for their afternoon teas so of course you have to experience it while you’re there. However, if you are searching for a truly unique afternoon tea experience, consider trying the Science Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Rooms located at The Ampersand Hotel.

We had an absolute blast engaging in our little experiments, such as “digging for fossils” and concocting our drinks using science-inspired beakers and syringes. The overall presentation was equally entertaining, featuring an array of whimsical desserts shaped like planets and astronauts, all enhanced by smoke swirling out from the planetary treats.

Science Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Rooms

10. KENSINGTON PALACE

Kensington Palace is a historical site where Queen Victoria, the Queen of England from 1837 to 1901, spent her formative childhood years and grew up until she ascended to the throne at the young age of just 18 years old. We have a deep admiration for everything about Queen Victoria - her braveness in navigating the challenges of her reign, her extensive family with an incredible number of children, and her heartfelt true love story with Prince Albert.

The palace features a variety of interesting exhibits that showcase its rich history and elaborate architecture, and there are also some great souvenirs available at the gift shops that make for perfect mementos. Also, the path leading to Kensington Palace is not only beautiful but also offers a serene walk through well-maintained gardens and lush greenery, enhancing the overall experience.

If you want a more in-depth tour of Kensington Palace, we suggest the VIP Kensington Palace Tour that ends with an exclusive royal afternoon tea for the complete British experience.

Kensington Palace exterior — Kensington Palace

11. THE RED PHONE BOOTH

The iconic red phone booths of London are definitely eye-catching and have become one of the top attractions for tourists. We feel like we have to take a picture with one every single time we visit London, as they hold a special charm. There are a couple of fantastic locations that serve as prime spots for capturing those perfect red phone booth pictures.

Both of these spots are conveniently located in the Westminster area; one offers the Big Ben clock in the background, while the other is situated by the banks of the Thames, where the iconic London Eye ferris wheel provides a stunning backdrop.

12. PHOTOSHOOT EXPERIENCE TOUR

If you’re looking to capture your trip in London through photos, we highly suggest considering a photoshoot tour. We do this on almost all of our trips now, and we absolutely love the experience it provides. We usually find fantastic photographers on platforms like Airbnb Experiences, offering a variety of options.

The photoshoot tour is great because not only do you end up with beautiful, high-quality pictures, but you also enjoy a short tour of London itself, all while learning interesting tidbits about the city from the local photographer.

Photoshoot tour in London — **Photoshoot tour in 2022**

13. SKETCH

Sketch is an iconic and artsy restaurant renowned for its stunning lounge area and unique space pod bathroom. It’s truly a fun and original dining establishment that offers excellent food alongside a captivating atmosphere.

You will most likely need to make reservations to secure a table at The Gallery; however, even if you don’t have a reservation, you can still explore other fascinating areas of Sketch, like we did, which are just as intriguing as the more popular rooms. We particularly enjoyed having breakfast at The Parlour and were amused by the glitzy bathroom that played interesting music.

14. PEGGY PORSCHEN

Peggy Porschen Cakes has the cutest pink storefront and it’s the perfect spot to take adorable pictures. After you’re done taking your pictures outside, head on inside for more cuteness. Every corner of the interior is beautifully decorated in various shades of pink adorned with lovely flowers.

Make sure to indulge in Peggy Porschen’s famous cupcakes as well. She’s an award-winning cake designer with an impressive client list including Kate Moss, Elton John, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. Everyone is always amazed by her edible works of art.

Taking a peek inside the restaurant — Peggy Porschen at 116 Ebury Street

15. LONDON BRIDGE

Most likely, during your visit to London, you’ll see the famous London Bridge while you are in transit to one of the city's many iconic and noteworthy locations. We highly recommend taking a moment to walk across the bridge, as you’ll be able to enjoy some truly great views of the beautiful River Thames and the historical Tower of London, all while also taking in the stunning backdrop of London’s more modern cityscape filled with tall skyscrapers and contemporary architecture.

16. CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

If you are interested in learning the history of World War II, then a visit to the Churchill War Rooms is a must. This underground complex served as a crucial British government command center throughout the duration of WWII, operating until August 1945. It is also home to a museum dedicated to the legacy of Winston Churchill himself. During our visit, we learned a great deal more about Churchill and all of his significant accomplishments, which greatly enriched our understanding.

17. LEADENHALL MARKET

Leadenhall Market is a very eye-catching covered market that dates back to 1321. It was originally a meat, poultry, and game market, but now it’s home to a number of boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, and an award-winning pub. You can either relax here and have a glass of wine or do a walk-through and marvel at the beautiful architecture.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you probably already know that this was the filming location for some of the movie as well. Make sure to take some pastries back to the hotel with you from Aux Merveilleux de Fred. It’s one of the best French bakeries in London.

Leadenhall Market in London — Leadenhall Market

18. TREEHOUSE HOTEL LOUNGES & RESTAURANTS

We had the pleasure of staying the Treehouse Hotel London during our recent visit and we absolutely fell in love with this charming hotel. The entire hotel showcases a delightful outdoor themed decor that is both unique and intricately designed.

During our stay, we made sure to check out all of its inviting lounges and restaurants, as they are all beautifully crafted and offer a warm ambiance. Be sure to check out Madera, Pizzeria Mozza, and/or The Nest for an exceptional meal.

Madera bar at Treehouse Hotel London — Madera at Treehouse Hotel London

19. THE KING’S CROSS LIGHT TUNNEL

We happened to pass by this incredibly cool tunnel while making a transfer at King's Cross station. Despite still traveling with all of our luggage in tow, we felt compelled to stop and take in the mesmerizing LED light show.

This impressive tunnel stretches an impressive 90 meters long and features an 'art wall' constructed entirely from vibrant LED lights, which is utilized to showcase a variety of artistic commissions from talented creators.

20. BRITYARD

If you’re craving something sweet alongside a delightful cup of coffee and perhaps some indulgent wine and artisanal cheese, Brityard definitely hits all of these delicious notes. Brityard is a unique mixed-use retail space that features four different retailers all conveniently located in one spot, which includes Assembly Coffee, Grape & Fig, Blondies Kitchen, and NYE Timber. We particularly loved the warm matcha cookie, which literally melted in your mouth and left us wanting more.