London for a 15th Birthday: An Adventure Full of Culture, Fun & Celebration

Where we stayed: Conrad London St. James

Our home base for four nights was the Conrad London St. James, a beautiful hotel perfectly located across from St. James’ Park and within walking distance of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. The staff couldn’t have been more welcoming, and the contemporary design paired beautifully with the historic charm of its surroundings.

After settling into the Conrad and getting some rest, we headed out for dinner at Street Burger, one of Gordon Ramsay’s casual spots located in Covent Garden, London’s vibrant West End shopping and entertainment hub. The area centers on the car-free Piazza, home to fashion boutiques, craft stalls at the Apple Market, and the Royal Opera House. When we arrived for an early dinner, the neighborhood buzzed with Londoners heading to pubs and meeting friends after work.

Dinner was fantastic—the burgers were made as ordered, with great sides like truffle fries, and a cool and lively atmosphere. Afterward, we returned to the Conrad for a nightcap at The Hedgerow, the hotel’s lounge and cocktail bar, enjoying tea and sticky toffee pudding—a delicious way to end our first night in London.

Friday was all about food, starting with a Secret Food Tour through Borough Market. Our guide, Gary, and the small group made the experience even more fun. We sampled traditional English dishes like fish and chips, and sausage rolls, alongside market discoveries like crème brûlée donuts and chocolate-covered strawberries. Along the way, we visited London’s oldest pub and another tucked under London Bridge, learning stories about the city as we went.

After the food tour, we needed a little break from tasting, so we headed to the Fanatics Collectibles Store in Piccadilly. The birthday boy had a blast picking up sports cards and admiring the impressive displays of signed memorabilia. Just before heading back to the hotel, we stopped for tea at Java Whiskers Cat Café—a relaxing wind-down for a cat-obsessed teen.

Dinner that evening was at Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food, located in a different part of Covent Garden. The restaurant offered a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lively setting, and the surrounding neighborhood was dotted with small venues for comedy shows and hip little pubs, adding to the energetic, youthful vibe.

Saturday began with the Tower of London Early Access, Beefeaters & Changing of Guards Tour. Our guide, Jo, brought centuries of history to life. We watched the Changing of the Guard and the Ceremony of the Keys, saw the resident ravens, and marveled at the dazzling Crown Jewels.

From the Tower, Jo led us on a scenic boat ride across the Thames, sharing stories about Parliament, the royal family, and more. A short walk from the boat brought us to Horse Guards Parade to watch the ceremonial inspection of horses and riders—a striking display of tradition and pageantry in the heart of London. The tour ended at Buckingham Palace, just a short walk from the hotel.

Lunch for the adults was at The Blue Boar, the Conrad’s pub, where classic British dishes and salad hit just the right note. While the birthday teen indulged in his first room service experience—truffle fries and a margherita pizza.

Dinner that night was at Real Beijing Food House, a bustling hot-pot restaurant located in Chinatown, London. The neighborhood was hopping with crowds, neon lights, and weekend energy. From there, it was just a short walk to MJ The Musical, where the incredible talent and music made for an unforgettable evening.

Sunday started leisurely with breakfast at the Conrad, which truly deserves a spotlight. The buffet and à la carte options were spectacular, and we enjoyed getting to know the warm, friendly staff who made each morning feel special.

Next, we headed to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for NFL London 2025, where the New York Jets faced the Denver Broncos. The atmosphere was electric, with both the US and UK national anthems being played, and fans cheering in unison. The music, chanting, and energy of seeing American football in an English stadium was unforgettable—even if our team didn’t win.

Dinner that night was at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, located in the One New Change shopping and office development near St. Paul’s Cathedral. A more upscale meal for the last dinner, with something on the menu for everyone. Though it was a quieter Sunday evening, it was the perfect setting to relax after a busy day, and the food was excellent.

Monday morning, we visited the Churchill War Rooms, just a five-minute walk from the Conrad. Walking through the preserved bunkers and offices was fascinating. The experience offered a vivid glimpse into wartime history and Churchill’s leadership.

Afterward, we enjoyed a relaxed stroll back toward the hotel, and soaked in the city one last time before heading to Heathrow for our flight home—tired, happy, and full of memories.