5 Days of Glam in London

After settling into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through Mayfair to get oriented. This neighborhood exudes old-world glamour with its Georgian townhouses and exclusive boutiques.

Head to Bond Street for window shopping at the world’s most prestigious brands. Even if you’re saving your serious shopping for tomorrow, it’s wonderful to browse Chanel, Dior, and the legendary jewelers that line this famous street.

Spend the afternoon at The Wallace Collection, one of London’s best-kept secrets. This stunning townhouse museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, furniture, and porcelain in an intimate setting. The paintings by Fragonard are absolutely swoon-worthy, and the armor collection is surprisingly fascinating. The best part? Admission is free!

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or nearby, and get to bed early—you’ll want to be fresh for tomorrow’s indulgences!

• Tip: The Wallace Collection’s courtyard restaurant is perfect for a light lunch or afternoon coffee in a beautiful glass-roofed space. It’s one of those hidden gem spots that feels very “in the know.”

Today is all about treating yourself! Start with a leisurely morning before heading to Harrods in Knightsbridge. Give yourself at least 2–3 hours here—this isn't just shopping—it's an experience. The Food Halls alone are worth the visit, with their stunning tile work and incredible displays. Don’t miss the Egyptian Escalator and the memorial to Dodi and Diana.

Stop by the beauty halls on the ground floor for complimentary makeovers or skincare consultations at brands like La Mer or Chanel. The fashion floors offer everything from high-street to haute couture, and the homeware section is dangerously tempting. Plus, the Christmas shop is so fun!

After working up an appetite, head to The Ritz London for their legendary afternoon tea. This is the quintessential London experience. The Palm Court’s Louis XVI décor, the tower of delicate sandwiches and pastries, the perfectly brewed tea, the live pianist—it’s all exactly as dreamy as you imagine. They have a champagne add-on too, of course. Gentlemen are required to wear jackets and ties, and ladies often dress up (think elegant dresses or smart separates), which adds to the special occasion feeling.

Spend the late afternoon relaxing at your hotel spa (splurge on a treatment or two!) or taking a peaceful walk through nearby Hyde Park.

For dinner, consider Sketch for its Instagram-famous pink Gallery room.

• Afternoon tea tip: Book your Ritz reservation months in advance—they’re incredibly popular and fill up quickly, especially for weekend slots. Request a table with a view of the Palm Court for the full experience. Also, pace yourself—the portions are generous, and you don’t want to be too full for dinner!

Start your day at Buckingham Palace. If you’re visiting during the summer, you can tour the State Rooms (book in advance). Year-round, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a quintessentially British spectacle—arrive early for a good viewing spot.

Walk through St. James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful royal parks, toward Westminster. Even if you don’t go inside, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben are stunning to photograph.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum, a paradise for anyone who loves fashion, jewelry, and decorative arts. The jewelry gallery is absolutely mesmerizing, and the fashion collection traces centuries of style evolution.

Tonight’s the night for The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in the West End! The show at the Dominion Theatre is a fabulous celebration of fashion, ambition, and finding yourself. Arrive early to soak in the theatre atmosphere and grab a glass of champagne at the bar.

After the show, the streets around Leicester Square and Covent Garden buzz with energy—perfect for a nightcap or late-night dessert.

• West End tip: Book your theatre tickets in advance for the best seats. Dress up for the occasion—it’s part of the fun! Many West End theaters are historic and beautiful inside, so arrive with time to explore and take photos. If The Devil Wears Prada isn’t running during your visit, other fabulous alternatives include Wicked, Mean Girls (coming 2026!), or Mamma Mia!

Start your day in the impossibly charming neighborhood of Notting Hill. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, the Portobello Road Market is an absolute must. This famous antiques market stretches for blocks, offering everything from vintage jewelry and designer consignment pieces to quirky collectibles and beautiful homeware. Even without the shopping, the colorful townhouses lining the streets are photo-worthy at every turn—think pastel blues, pinks, and yellows that look straight out of a movie (because they literally are!).

After exploring Notting Hill, make your way to Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana and current residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The King's State Apartments are opulent, and the fashion exhibitions featuring royal gowns are absolutely stunning. The sunken garden is particularly beautiful and serves as a touching memorial to Diana.

Stroll through Kensington Gardens toward the Serpentine Gallery if you’re an art lover, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscaping.

Spend your evening in Chelsea, one of London’s most elegant neighborhoods. Browse the boutiques along King’s Road and Sloane Street, where you’ll find everything from Chanel and Hermès to charming independent shops.

Annabel’s is London’s most exclusive members club with occasional opportunities for hotel concierges to secure reservations for guests—it’s worth asking! The interiors are absolutely jaw-dropping.

• Notting Hill tip: If you can’t make it on Saturday for the full market, Portobello Road still has antique shops and adorable cafés open throughout the week. The famous pastel houses (like the blue door from the Hugh Grant film) are on Westbourne Park Road—perfect for that classic London photo. Also, the surrounding streets of Notting Hill are full of mews houses and hidden gardens that are wonderful to wander and discover!

Spend your final morning revisiting a favorite neighborhood or doing some last-minute shopping.

If you have time, Peggy Porschen in Belgravia is the prettiest pastel pink café you’ll ever see—perfect for a final Instagram moment and delicious cakes.

Leave plenty of time for the airport and don’t forget to shop duty-free!

Something I love about London is how walkable it is—many of these experiences are close together, especially in central London. Invest in comfortable but stylish shoes, and don’t be afraid to use the Tube when needed, which can be used with Apple Pay. Also, London weather can be unpredictable, so always carry a chic umbrella and a light jacket, even in summer!