A Four-Day Itinerary Through London’s Icons & Hidden Corners

Start your trip with London at its most iconic by strolling through St. James’ Park, one of the city’s prettiest green spaces. Continue to Buckingham Palace for the guard ceremony or a guided visit (seasonal). It’s a gentle, scenic way to ease into the city.

Head to Westminster to explore the Churchill War Rooms, the underground nerve center where Winston Churchill led Britain through WWII. This museum is brilliantly done, immersive, thoughtful, and surprisingly moving.

For lunch, walk to The Blue Boar, a modern British gastropub with a relaxed vibe. Expect elevated classics, seasonal produce, and one of the better Sunday roasts in the area (if timing aligns).

After lunch, make your way to the Tower of London to walk the defensive walls, admire the crown jewels, enter the Fortress and Medieval Palace, and watch the live theatre performances retracing London’s history.

Spend the morning wandering the world’s leading museum of art, design, and craftsmanship: the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Don’t miss the Jewelry Gallery, Cast Courts, and the Fashion collection. For lunch, walk over to Ceru, South Kensington for fresh, vibrant Eastern Mediterranean dishes perfect for sharing. Head to Little Venice, one of London’s most unexpectedly peaceful pockets.

Walk along the canal to Regent’s Park, take a short canal boat ride to Camden (seasonal) and stop for tea or a drink at one of the floating cafés. Extend until dinner time and enjoy light seafood plates overlooking the water at The Summerhouse.

This morning is about fashion. Start by exploring Selfridges, named the “Best Department Store” in the world four times—I love the architecture and wood paneling. Continue on to nearby Marylebone Village, for quieter boutique shopping. Soho or Carnaby if you want something lively and creative. Lunch will be in Chinatown today for delicious dim sum or dumplings at Baozilnn. Afterwards, wander through Covent Garden and enjoy the street performers, boutiques, indie shops, and small galleries.

Stop for a glass of wine at The Crusting Pipe or wander into Neal’s Yard for a colorful hidden corner.

This morning visit Sir John Sloane’s Museum, a true London treasure. Architect Sir John Sloane filled his home with antiquities, architectural fragments, paintings, and curiosities—kept exactly as he left it in 1837. It feels like stepping inside someone’s imagination.

After leaving Sloane’s eclectic world, take a slow walk through Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London’s largest public square and one of its most elegant green spaces surrounded by historic buildings and quiet pathways.

Stop for lunch at Holborn Dining Room, a stylish British brasserie, home to the Holborn Pie Room, so anything from the pie list is a standout: chicken, girolles & tarragon pie, beef, bacon & red wine pie, mushroom & truffle pie (great vegetarian option).

They come beautifully baked and are incredibly flavorful. End your day with a river ride departing from Blackfriars Pier on the Thames Clipper. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to see London from the water, no crowds, no rush. Ride to Greenwich or Battersea, depending on your dinner plans.