A First-Timer's Guide to London

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

Want to feel like a royal? Take a walk down The Mall towards the entrance to Buckingham Palace. Make sure to get there around 10:30 for a viewing of Changing of the Guard. If you are in London during the summer months, be sure to check out the admission tickets to enter the Palace!

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and London Eye

Once you get off the underground at Westminster, you will be greeted by the Elizabeth Tower. The most known British cultural landmark! If you take a look next to the tower, you will find the Houses of Parliament. Take a walk over Westminster Bridge and get the full view of Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye! The best spot for all those iconic photos.

Westminster Abbey

This royal church in the center of London has been around since 1066 and is the church for coronations and weddings within the monarch. This church is around the corner from Houses of Parliament, so be sure to book time to go inside afterwards!

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Don't forget to book tickets for the historic Tower of London, which is also home to the crown jewels. After a visit to the citadel and castle, take a walk over the iconic Tower Bridge. Take in the panoramic views from the bridge, which crosses over the River Thames.

Covent Garden

Located in the West End of London, this area is known for shopping and dining! If you are in the mood for a shopping break, this is the perfect spot for you.

Kensington Palace and Gardens

Take a long stroll through Kensington Gardens and enjoy the beauty of London's greenery! There are so many gardens and parks around London, but this one is so special as it has Kensington Palace and various monuments. Located to the west of Hyde Park, you can spend a morning here and go inside Kensington Palace.

Notting Hill

As seen in many iconic films, Notting Hill is the quintessential London neighborhood. Be sure to check out local bakeries and boutiques in the area. Check out Portobello Road Market on the weekends, which includes various trading posts and vintage shops!

Borough Market and Camden Market

These are two markets that are filled with vendor stalls from local spots all around London, and the options are limitless! Borough Market is located along the South Bank of London, while Camden Market is nestled between Camden Town and Chalk Farm tube stations. Spend the morning at either of these and be sure to get there early as the lines usually get long!

The Regents Park and Primrose Hill

Another Royal Park in London, this is home to the London Zoo and Queen Mary's Gardens. This is the perfect spot for an afternoon walk to check out more of London's greenery. After this park, grab some coffee and walk through Primrose Hill and take in the panoramic views from the top of the hill — from here you can see all of London!

Day trips:

Brighton: Take a one-hour train ride from London and you will find yourself on the southern coast of England. This is the perfect day in the summer months — you can lay on the beach and take in that seaside atmosphere. This is a day trip you can't miss out on!

Cambridge: Another short train ride from London is the well-established Cambridge. A town known for their universities, you can spend the day walking around the quaint city, which also has tons of shopping and dining. I highly recommend going punting when you are there (similar to a boat ride) where a guide takes you down River Cam and explains the history of Cambridge.

Windsor: By taking the short 40-minute journey to Windsor, you get to explore Windsor Castle and all of its beauty. Be sure to book a ticket in advance to go inside. From here, you can also shop and dine at all of the local boutiques and pubs.

• Manteca: Located in Shoreditch, this Italian restaurant is one you can't miss. From handmade pastas to fire-cooked meat, it is fantastic. Not to mention, the wine here is so good as well.

• Gold Notting Hill: If I were to recommend one place in London, this would be my top restaurant. Located on Portobello Road, they focus on seasonal plates and have an amazing open kitchen inside. I highly recommend the braised beef short rib agnolotti, it is amazing!

• The Tamil Crown + The Tamil Prince: Two restaurants under the same owners with Indian-inspired dishes. These are two of my favorite places in London. They both have that laid-back pub feel to them, and while most dishes are meant to be shared, they put their own twist on classic Indian dishes. Although they are separate places, they can both be found in Islington.

• The Pig and Butcher: You simply can't go to London without having a Sunday Roast. I can proudly say that I am the biggest fan of Sunday Roasts and with that I am very particular with them. The Pig and Butcher is my top-rated roast restaurant. From the selection of meats to the cozy vibes inside, this is the place to be. I would recommend trying their Scotch eggs here, they are so delicious!

• The Holly Bush: Nestled in Hampstead, this cozy pub is the perfect spot for a pint or a glass of wine. On a nice day, you can hang out outside or on a winter day, bundle up inside. Take a stroll around Hampstead after, as there are many dining spots in the area as well!

• The Hero: Located in Maida Vale, this pub is great for a dinner with friends. Not only is their drink selection great, but their food is also amazing. From shareables to mains, everything on their menu is a showstopper. I recommend the pie for two with a side of mash. You won't regret it!

• Bottagra: If you are looking to have more of a boujee lunch or dinner, Bottagra in Chelsea would be the best Mediterranean option. They have loads of shareable plates and main courses. This restaurant is fairly new, but the menu is so good and the vibes inside are very elevated.

• It's Bagels: Craving a New York-style bagel while in England? It's Bagels is your spot for this. As an East Coast girl, I can confirm these bagels are the best. The quality of the ingredients is so fresh, and it tastes just like a NY bagel (maybe even healthier and better).

• Trullo: Another great Italian spot in Islington, the dishes here are super authentic and fresh. Have a glass of wine and enjoy the cozy vibe of this restaurant. I recommend the beef shin ragu!

• Supernova: If you suddenly get that smashburger craving, Supernova is the best! Not your typical greasy burger but a classic smashburger with fries. You can't beat the quality and the taste. They are hidden in Soho, but once you find this spot, you won't want any other smashburgers again!