My London: A Tale of Palaces, Pints & Perfect Moments

See a West End show ($50–$190 per ticket): London’s theatre district rivals Broadway, and there’s nothing like the buzz of a West End night. I booked Les Misérables and, yes, I cried (again). The joy is in the unexpected, too—at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square you can often snag last-minute seats for half the price.

Afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace ($75 per person): Across from Buckingham Palace, I spent an afternoon sipping Earl Grey while watching the Royal Mews horses being exercised outside the window. The tower of sandwiches, scones, and pastries was indulgent, but the setting made it unforgettable—tea with a royal backdrop.

Climb St. Paul’s Cathedral Dome ($25 entry): The Whispering Gallery is pure magic—whisper into the wall and hear your words carry around the dome. I climbed all the way to the top for sweeping views of London’s skyline. It was a workout, but the moment I looked out across the Thames, it felt like standing on history.

Explore the National Gallery & Tate Modern (free, donation encouraged): Two completely different moods, both essential. At the National Gallery, I lingered in front of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers until the crowd thinned, then crossed the river to the Tate Modern, where bold contemporary works jolted me awake. A perfect rainy-day pairing.

Walk the South Bank at sunset (free, with coffee $5): I wandered from Westminster Bridge toward the London Eye, coffee in hand, watching street musicians perform as the Thames sparkled under the city lights. It was one of those in-between moments—not planned, but deeply memorable.

Visit the Tower of London & Crown Jewels ($40 per adult): Stepping inside the Tower feels like stepping back centuries. The Beefeater tour was both hilarious and fascinating, and I was stunned by the sparkle of the Crown Jewels. (Tip: go early in the morning to avoid the heaviest crowds.)

Stroll Covent Garden Market (free, meals/shopping $15–$80): Street performers, boutique shops, and flower stalls—I spent half a day here without realizing it. I ducked into a cozy wine bar for a glass of rosé and people-watched as a violinist filled the piazza with music.

Take a Thames River cruise ($35–$55 per person): Seeing London from the water offers a completely different perspective. I boarded near Westminster and watched landmarks drift by—the London Eye, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s—all glowing in the golden light. It felt cinematic, like the city was putting on a private show.

Dishoom, Covent Garden ($20–$50 per person): My go-to for comfort food. The bacon naan roll at breakfast is worth waking up early for, and their black daal is slow-cooked to perfection. Warm, lively, and always buzzing.

The Wolseley, Piccadilly (afternoon tea $60, dinner $60–$90 per person): Grand café-style dining in a former bank building. I love coming here for a long, elegant breakfast or lingering over tea and scones while people-watching.

Sketch, Mayfair (tasting menu $160 per person): Dining here feels like stepping into a whimsical art installation. The famous pink dining room is playful yet refined, and the cocktails are as creative as the décor.

Claridge’s Bar, Mayfair (cocktails $28 each): Chic and glamorous. I ordered a martini here and instantly felt like I’d stepped into an old Hollywood film. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink.

The Churchill Arms, Kensington (pint $9, Thai mains $18–$25): One of London’s most photogenic pubs, covered in flowers outside. Inside, it’s cozy and filled with chatter. Their upstairs Thai restaurant is unexpectedly fantastic.

Rules, Covent Garden ($70–$100 per person): London’s oldest restaurant (founded in 1798). Known for classic British dishes—game, pies, and puddings—served in a wood-paneled setting dripping with history.

Duck & Waffle, Bishopsgate ($30–$60 per person): Open 24/7, with panoramic views from the 40th floor. I went at sunrise and ordered their signature duck confit with waffle, topped with a fried egg. Surreal and delicious.

Borough Market, Southwark ($15–$40 per person, depending on stalls): A food lover’s paradise. I wandered between artisan cheeses, fresh oysters, and warm pastries. It’s lively, local, and endlessly tempting.

Rules of Play—The American Bar at The Savoy (Cocktails $28–$35): One of the world’s most famous cocktail bars. The setting is classic and theatrical, and each drink feels like part of London’s glamorous past.