Experiencing London: Where to Stay & Sights to See

London greeted us with a soft British fog the moment we stepped off the plane. After a long flight from Los Angeles, we landed at Heathrow and made our way into the city with ease. We hopped on the Elizabeth line from Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and rode straight into Tottenham Court Road. From there, it was an easy three-minute walk to The Bloomsbury Hotel, making the arrival into the city feel effortless and refreshingly simple. Checking in felt like stepping into a classic London novel; the rooms were refined yet welcoming, a perfect base for exploring this endlessly fascinating city.

Big Ben

The next morning, we took a short taxi ride to the Tower of London. Seeing the Crown Jewels, walking through the White Tower, and listening to the Yeoman Warders’ stories made the experience feel like stepping straight into centuries of history.

From the Tower, our stroll across Tower Bridge was postcard-perfect. Each step toward the Churchill War Rooms brought us deeper into London’s layered past, as we descended into the secret bunker where history was shaped during the Second World War.

In the evening, we sought out a slice of local life at Pride of Paddington, a cozy English pub where the ambiance feels like a friendly conversation with the city itself over hearty food and a pint.

Beer tasting at Pride of Paddington

The next morning, we set off for the British Museum, just a short walk from our hotel. The Rosetta Stone and the world’s most expansive collection of art and artifacts reminded us why London is a cultural capital. Just wandering these galleries felt like uncovering hidden treasures in every gallery.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Westminster Abbey. The late afternoon Evensong sung by the choir was extraordinary—a moment of calm and reverence amid the grandeur. As dusk settled, we grabbed dinner and drinks at Darwin Brasserie. The sweeping views from the Sky Garden added a modern twist to our historic exploration of the city.

We began day three with art—standing in awe beneath the soaring ceilings of the Tate Modern, where masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol stirred something unexpected in all of us.

A short walk brought us to Shakespeare’s Globe, savoring the atmosphere outside this iconic playhouse. Crossing the nearby Millennium Bridge, we arrived at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the awe-inspiring architecture commanded silence and respect.

St. Paul's Cathedral

From there, we ventured on foot to Borough Market—a paradise for food lovers. We wandered the historic stalls, tasted local cheeses, fresh pastries, and global delights, and felt the pulse of London through its incredible street-food culture.

As the sun dipped low, we found ourselves at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, an atmospheric pub steeped in character, where every corner felt like a story waiting to be told.

The next day, we spent a leisurely morning wandering through the historic City of London before making our way to the river. We hopped on an Uber Boat along the Thames, which offered a relaxed and scenic way to see the city from a completely different perspective.

Tower Bridge

Dinner that night at La Delizia 1986 was the perfect way to unwind. The warm atmosphere and exquisite food made it feel like we had discovered a hidden gem in the heart of London.

Our final full day began near Trafalgar Square, where we joined a free Royal Westminster tour that wove through nearly a millennium of British history. From the iconic Changing of the Guard to the serene paths of St James’s Park, every step felt like a chapter in a grand storybook. We finished surrounded by the towering presence of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

That night, we headed to Kingly Court—tucked just off Carnaby Street—for a vibrant dinner and drinks under the canopy of London’s lively energy.

The Royal Horseguards

On our final morning, we packed our memories along with our suitcases and headed back to Heathrow for our return flight to Los Angeles. London had welcomed us with centuries of stories, vibrant culture, and moments we’ll carry with us—a city both timeless and exciting, where every walk feels like a conversation with history.

London is an incredibly walkable city, but pairing walking with public transportation makes getting around effortless. The Underground and Elizabeth line are easy to use, and contactless credit cards work seamlessly without needing to buy tickets in advance. Museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern are free, so it is worth building in time to wander without rushing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as many of the best moments happen between landmarks. Lastly, I always recommend booking popular attractions and restaurants ahead of time, especially during spring and summer when the city is at its busiest.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our London page.