London: A Bucket List Trip Worth Every Second

For years, London sat at the very top of my bucket list. I’ve always been captivated by its deep sense of history and the allure of the monarchy—and let’s be honest, who can resist a British accent? There’s something about the way they speak that makes even the simplest sentence sound so incredibly polite. When we began mapping out our European getaway, I made it my mission to ensure this stunning capital was a priority on our itinerary.

Getting There: Paris to London

Our journey to London began in Paris, where we hopped on the Eurostar and arrived at the stunning St. Pancras International Station. One of the best parts about arriving there is that it’s directly connected to King’s Cross Station. For any fellow fans, this is where you’ll find the famous Platform 9 ¾ and a fantastic Harry Potter shop—the perfect "welcome" to the city!

Where We Stayed

The location of our hotel was absolutely perfect! We stayed in the Covent Garden area, which is exactly what you imagine when you think of London: vibrant streets lined with shops, amazing restaurants, and charming British pubs at every corner. It was so central that we were able to walk to almost every famous site on our list.

However, while the neighborhood was a 10/10, the hotel itself was a different story. We stayed at the Assembly Hotel and opted for a tiny "budget-friendly" room to save money, which we expected. What we didn't expect was our permanent roommate: a giant pink bunny statue. It didn't add anything to the ambiance—it just took up half the floor! We eventually named him Rupert (hehe) and had to move him into the shower just so we could get to the door without tripping. To top it off, the room had a persistent sewage smell. Despite multiple calls to the desk and promises that it was "fixed," it never was.

The Takeaway: Next time, we’ll spend a little extra per night to avoid the plumbing issues. And we’ve learned we can definitely live without Rupert!

What We Did

Day One

As soon as we arrived, our energy was through the roof. I had waited years to walk these streets, and I wasn't going to waste a single second! Since we were based in Covent Garden, we began our adventure there. Walking through the cobblestone streets of the Apple Market felt like stepping into a movie, and it was the perfect way to start our time together.

From there, we headed toward the River Thames to cross the Golden Jubilee Bridge. This pedestrian bridge offers some of the best views in the city—you can see the London Eye, Big Ben, and the historic skyline all at once. We followed the river to get a closer look at Big Ben. Even though it was partially covered in scaffolding for restoration, seeing it so close was still a "pinch-me" moment!

On our way to Buckingham Palace, we meandered through St. James’s Park. Bordered by three different royal palaces, this park serves as the heart of London’s ceremonial history. The real crescendo of the walk, of course, was finally seeing Buckingham Palace in person.

We managed to catch the Changing of the Guard, which is the ultimate London experience. Pro Tip: If you time it right, you can stand along The Mall and watch the Household Cavalry ride toward the palace on horseback. It was such a spectacular, unexpected surprise!

While seeing the city on foot is the best way to soak it all in, it certainly works up an appetite. After a full day of exploring (and putting our walking shoes to the test!), we were ready to rest our feet at a traditional British pub. We stumbled across The Salisbury, a spot overflowing with Victorian charm. It was exactly what we needed to end the day—a quiet corner, a historic atmosphere, and a perfect welcome to London!

Day Two

We woke up on our second day eager to see even more of this beautiful city. After fueling up with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe, we headed straight to the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral. Right outside stands one of those historic red telephone booths—they are such a classic symbol of London and, of course, make for the most charming photos!

From there, we took a scenic walk across the Millennium Bridge, which gave us a perfect view of The Shard piercing the skyline. Our next stop was the iconic Tower Bridge. We originally planned to just walk across the sidewalk, but we noticed a sign mentioning you could actually go up into the towers! We jumped at the chance and are so glad we did. Learning about the bridge's construction was fascinating, though walking across the glass-bottom floor was a bit nerve-wracking for someone like me who is scared of heights! An employee kindly assured me that "an elephant could stand on it," which gave me just enough courage to cross.

One of my biggest wishes for this trip was to experience a proper British afternoon tea, but the Marriott County Hall exceeded every expectation. We had a reservation in The Library, a breathtaking room lined with oak bookshelves. We sat at a massive oak table overlooking Big Ben and spent the afternoon sipping tea, toasting with champagne, and snacking on delicate finger foods. It was the ultimate "quality time" moment—highly recommend!

After resting our feet, we made our way to Hyde Park. It was a beautiful walk filled with blooming flowers, lush green fields, and even swans! As the sun began to set, we visited the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, a peaceful, circular fountain with a lovely walking path.

At the far end of the park sits Kensington Palace. Seeing it from the outside is beautiful, but you can also tour the interior if you’re looking to live out your own princess fairytale! Just beyond the palace is Palace Green, a high-security street home to various embassies. While you can't take photos there, it’s a beautiful walk lined with elegant buildings—we had fun trying to guess which country each flag belonged to.

To wrap up the day, we met some local friends for dinner. Since they live there and have amazing taste, we let them pick the spot: The Ivy Kensington Brasserie. The atmosphere was so elegant, with large front windows perfect for people-watching. The food was incredible, but a word of advice: save room for the profiteroles for dessert. They were the perfect end to an unforgettable day!

Day Three

By our third day, we decided to take the morning slowly, soaking in the London atmosphere before heading to Westminster Abbey. We hadn’t booked a tour in advance, and luckily, we had no trouble scheduling one right when we arrived. Pro Tip: Always check the Abbey’s calendar before you go! Since it’s a working church, they often close to visitors days in advance to prepare for royal ceremonies or major events.

Stepping inside was breathtaking. This incredible church has hosted countless royal weddings, funerals, and coronations. It serves as the resting place and memorial for some of history’s most famous figures, from Charles Darwin and Henry III to the memorial for Winston Churchill. While the main chapel is what you usually see on TV, the real hidden gem for me was the smaller, more intimate chapel tucked away behind the main altar—it felt so peaceful and sacred.

After all that history, we were ready to rest our feet. we headed to The Nell of Old Drury, a charming historic pub, to relax and grab a drink.

Of course, we couldn't leave the area without answering one very important question: Do you know the Muffin Man? We took a short walk over to Drury Lane to see it for ourselves. While we didn't find the Muffin Man (or many shops, for that matter!), it was such a fun "bucket list" moment to walk down the street from the famous nursery rhyme!

Day Four

Our final day in London arrived with a bittersweet feeling. While we were sad to see the trip end, we were determined to soak up every remaining second. With a few hours to spare before our afternoon plans, we headed to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The tour was a fascinating deep dive into the world of 17th-century performance. We were even lucky enough to witness a rehearsal for "The Scottish Play"—the one you aren't supposed to name aloud! 

Though the current structure is a faithful reconstruction of the original that burned down, it was built using traditional methods to preserve the authentic atmosphere of centuries ago. It was eye-opening to learn how the seating reflected social status: the "peasants" stood on the ground floor, while the wealthy sat in high balconies where they could be seen by everyone. Standing where so many legendary figures once walked was truly powerful.

Next up was a high-energy highlight: The London Eye! We had reserved the "Pub Pod," which turned out to be an absolute blast. As we took in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, we had a mini-mixology lesson and learned to make an Old Fashioned using the new Jameson Orange. You only have 30 minutes to finish your drink before the rotation ends, which made for a fun, fast-paced challenge! If you want the best views in London, the Eye is unbeatable.

To cap off the afternoon, we went on a mission for one last fix of British staples: fish and chips and a classic meat pie. After stuffing ourselves, we decided to walk off the meal and stumbled into Chinatown. It was a vibrant surprise, filled with colorful decorations and incredible energy. It was the perfect, high-spirited way to celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip.

The Planner’s Guide: Where to Eat & Drink in London

While it’s easy to stumble into a great meal in London just by following your nose, sometimes it’s nice to have a "tried and true" game plan. If you’re like me and love to know exactly where you’re headed, here are the spots we loved and highly recommend:

Historic Pubs with a Story

• Lamb & Flag (Covent Garden): This was easily one of our favorites. It’s one of the oldest pubs in London (dating back to the 1600s) and was a regular haunt for Charles Dickens. It has that cozy, "Bucket of Blood" history (ask the bartender about the nickname!) that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

• The Bear & Staff (Leicester Square): Located right in the heart of the action, this historic pub has a great connection to Charlie Chaplin. It’s the perfect spot for a post-theatre pint or a classic British pie in a room named in his honor.

• The White Swan (Covent Garden): A quintessential British tavern. If you’re looking for a reliable, traditional atmosphere with great cask ales and a warm welcome, this is a "can't-miss" corner spot.

• The Clarence (Whitehall/Mayfair): Whether you visit the one near Trafalgar Square or Mayfair, you’re in for a treat. They are known for their "London-themed" decor and hearty Sunday roasts—exactly what you want after a long day of sightseeing.

Unique & Modern Classics

• Mr. Fogg’s (Multiple Locations): This isn't just a bar; it’s an experience. Based on the fictional world of Phileas Fogg (Around the World in 80 Days), the decor is packed with Victorian artifacts and "treasures" from his travels. The cocktails are inventive, and the atmosphere is wonderfully whimsical.

• Bill’s (Soho): For a break from the traditional pub scene, Bill’s in Soho is a must. It’s vibrant, quirky, and serves everything from a legendary breakfast to great dinner options. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching in one of London’s most energetic neighborhoods.

A Quick Tip for Planners:

Most of these pubs are popular with locals and tourists alike. If you’re visiting during peak "after-work" hours (around 5:00 PM), expect a crowd! For restaurants like Bill’s or the more popular Mr. Fogg’s locations, it’s always a good idea to book a table online a day or two in advance.

Final Thoughts

London was a years-long dream in the making, and it exceeded every expectation. Whether I was marveling at ancient palaces or enjoying a meat pie in a cozy pub, I felt like I was walking through a fairytale. If you’ve been waiting for the "right time" to visit, this is your sign to go. You won’t be disappointed!