The Solo Girl’s Guide to London: Five Days of British Charm

Greenwich is located on the banks of the River Thames and is known for its rich maritime history. Don’t worry — if that sentence doesn’t float your boat, rest easy knowing that Greenwich is filled with gorgeous Baroque architecture, delicious food and exciting filming locations for a popular Netflix show.

Start your day at Greenwich Market, packed with shops and stalls selling vintage books, handmade jewelry, unique paintings and more. Take your time browsing the aisles, then sample street food in the food court for lunch.

Next, make your way to the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the grounds of the Royal Naval College, being sure to stop at the Painted Hall for a quick tour (it’s referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Britain). If you’re a Bridgerton fan, poke your head into the Chapel of St. Peter & St. Paul, which was the filming location for the wedding in season three. It’s a gorgeous chapel, regardless of whether you’ve seen the show or not.

For a break from city noise, walk to the Queen’s House, also featured in Bridgerton, located at the entrance to Greenwich Park. Sit on the steps and admire the view across the grounds. Then wander into Greenwich Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll and say hello to all the dogs. Bridgerton fans might detour to the west edge of the park and take a photo of The Ranger’s House, which serves as the exterior of the Bridgerton family home.

Take a break from the park to grab a bite and a pint at Trafalgar Tavern, whose happy exterior is matched indoors. If you’re there during summertime, you must order a Pimm's to fit in with the locals.

Return to the park to enjoy spectacular sunset views from the Royal Observatory.

On your second day, venture up to Hampstead, one of the oldest and wealthiest neighborhoods in London. Hampstead boasts quiet pedestrian streets, meadows filled with walking trails and a surprising number of celebrity residents.

Grab breakfast at Ginger & White, a quaint cafe tucked away on a side street that serves artisan coffee and pastries.

From there, get lost wandering the residential streets lined with charming houses covered in English ivy. Peek over the hedges and be inspired by the backyard gardens teeming with flora and fauna.

Feel like a walk? Visit Hampstead Heath, a large, well-kept park spanning miles, offering great views down into the city.

In more of a shopping mood? Hampstead has tons of boutiques.

Interested in some history? A tour of Kenwood House, a stately home built in the 17th century that now holds an art gallery, fits the bill. Be sure to have your Elizabeth Bennett moment on the grounds after the tour.

Enjoy a relaxing meal at 28 Church Row or Mezzaluna Hampstead. If you’re there on a Sunday, The Spaniards Inn or The Holly Bush will fix you up with a Sunday roast.

Remember that time Julia Roberts played a movie star who fell in love with a bookseller? Step into her shoes in the charming and eccentric Notting Hill neighborhood.

Grab a bun (or other pastry) from Buns from Home and enjoy it while strolling along Portobello Road. Browse the market stalls that line the street, taking in the antique wristwatches, vintage artwork and handmade clothing for sale. Be sure to stop by The Notting Hill Bookshop, featured in the movie. You can also grab the iconic “Notting Hill shopping bag” tote here.

If you need to kick up your feet and relax, catch a film at Electric Cinema, where you can lounge on a cozy sofa and enjoy food and drink from the bar.

Notting Hill has incredible shopping, particularly women’s clothing boutiques and vintage stores, so be sure to save time for this. The Appletree Boutique is a personal favorite.

Farm Girl is a great stop for lunch or a latte, offering health-conscious choices and a cute aesthetic.

Once you’ve had your fill of rom-com goodness, make your way south toward Kensington. Kensington Palace, the royal residence of William and Kate, is a focal point. Take your time strolling through Kensington Gardens, which turns into Hyde Park.

Not interested in the park stroll? Kensington is brimming with fantastic museums, including the Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as the Royal Albert Hall. Both museums are free to enter! A visit to Harrods is also a must-do while in London and is nearby.

Dinner at Dishoom Kensington or Jacuzzi will finish off the day.

You’ve had a few days of living like a local, but now it’s time to traverse like a tourist. We’re hitting some big sights today!

A great way to start is grabbing coffee from WatchHouse Marylebone. Then, wander around the gorgeous Marylebone area, heading toward Daunt Books. You might recognize this bookstore from its depiction on tote bags carried by countless locals (tote bags are huge in London). It's warm and cozy, and a great place to pick up the British cover of your favorite book. The Wallace Collection is a small art museum located in a gorgeous townhouse in the area that is free to enter. The Ivy Cafe Marylebone would be a great stop for lunch or a refreshing drink.

Keep walking south toward Mayfair and you’ll run across Oxford Street, a hot spot for excellent shopping. Browse iconic British stores like Selfridges and Liberty London, as well as worldwide favorites like Zara and Uniqlo. Further south, you’ll find Piccadilly, where Fortnum & Mason is a great spot to pick up beautifully packaged teas and treats.

Afternoon tea is an absolute must while in London, and my personal favorite is at The Wolseley, a grand Art Deco restaurant with gold and marble finishings. Be sure to reserve in advance.

Just beyond Piccadilly is Buckingham Palace. If you want to see the changing of the guard, this happens three times a week in the morning. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot. Continue east through the peaceful St. James’s Park to come upon Big Ben (the iconic clocktower of the Houses of Parliament), the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey.

If you’re still full from afternoon tea, consider popping by a Tesco Express to pick up some British snacks. Or grab a pint across the river at the Swiftie-famous Black Dog pub.

You can start your last full day in a number of ways. Maybe you’ve been wanting to tour the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels. Or perhaps you want to experience the reverent beauty of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Or, the only thing on your mind might be the chocolate-covered strawberries at Borough Market. Choose your own adventure in the morning, and then make your way toward Covent Garden in the afternoon.

On your way, you could stop by The National Gallery or The British Museum, two of London’s most famous museums, both free to enter.

In Covent Garden, you will be treated to incredible shopping and delicious dining. The Market Building is the crown jewel, where you could spend hours wandering. For more independent shops and cafes, venture to Neal’s Yard or Seven Dials. Book lovers will want to make sure to stroll down Cecil Court, often called “Booksellers Row,” where they can find antique and secondhand titles.

Grab sumptuous bao buns from Buns&Buns in the Piazza, or enjoy pasta while taking in the Instagram-worthy aesthetic at Ave Mario.

End your night in the audience of a West End performance, an absolute must-do for any London visitor.