Day 1: Westminster and Trafalgar Square

Day 1:

Tube: Take the Piccadilly Line and get off at Hyde Park Corner or Green Park. If you're staying near Victoria or Westminster, you can just walk to the start.

Buckingham Palace - The best view is from the Queen Victoria Statue (you can't miss it--it's right out front). From July through September, you can tour the State Rooms inside for 30 pounds from 9:30-5, but you must book in advance. I highly recommend the inside tour if you're visiting in the summer. If you don't care about the Changing of the Guard ceremony, then I suggest coming early because there won't be anyone around. People typically don't come until closer to 11 a.m.

Changing of the Guard - If you visit Buckingham Palace in the morning/early afternoon, it's worth sticking around to see the Changing of the Guard. There's a big band, lots of marching through the streets, and it's pretty cool. I like to watch from the Queen Victoria Statue, but some people like to get up close to the Palace gates. The time is usually 11 a.m. each day, but make sure to check here to confirm. It's hard to find public bathrooms nearby, so go before you come!

St. James's Park - This is the park you'll walk through to get to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. The walk is called "Birdcage Walk." You'll pass by the Guard's Chapel on your right, so you can see guards up close.

Imperial War Museum / Churchill War Rooms (I've never personally been here) - This is on our to-do list for our next visit because it's been recommended several times by friends. Open 9:30 - 6:00, adults 29 pounds; children 14.50 pounds.

Westminster Abbey - This Gothic Church has been the coronation church since 1066. You definitely want to see the outside, but if you have time, I recommend touring the inside. It's beautiful and it's also the burial site of many famous Kings, Queens, writers, scientists, military leaders, religious leaders, etc. Open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. M-F and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat. Closed for services on Sunday. Price is 25 pounds for adults; 11 pounds for kids 6-17, but I believe one kid can go for free per parent. Purchase in advance to guarantee admission. **Services on Sunday are free and a great way to see the inside while attending a church service.

***If you're going around Christmas, I HIGHLY recommend going to a Christmas service. Tickets are free, but they're sold on a lottery system. It's worth checking, as there are several services and events.

Big Ben/Parliament - You'll see this from Westminster or directly after walking outside of the Westminster Tube stop if you choose to start here. I recommend walking across the Westminster Bridge (over the river) and then going down the stairs on the right so you're right on the river walkway. This is where you'll get the BEST pictures because you can see everything. Or, take pictures from the bridge.

**You can tour inside Parliament on certain days. 29 pounds for adults; 13 pounds for children. (Or, you can watch an online virtual tour for free and just pretend). I don't think taking a tour is necessary unless you're really into English politics or history.

Tate Britain - If you like historic and contemporary British art, Tate Britain is an excellent museum south of Westminster. It's known for its Turner exhibit, but you might also recognize some of its more famous works, like Ophelia or The Lady of Shalott. Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., FREE.

Trafalgar Square - This is London's most famous public square. This is where they host events like public viewings of the Olympics, World Cup, etc. There are nice public bathrooms here, too. During Christmas, there is a great Christmas market with food and mulled wine.

National Gallery - In the corner of Trafalgar Square is this art museum. If you have 20 minutes to spare, I recommended popping inside because you'll see several pieces that you recognize. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (open until 9 on Fridays) each day, FREE.

Night Activities/Ideas:

Leicester Square - This is home to the Odeon Theater (think: Movie premiers), lots of restaurants/clubs, comedy shows, and musical theaters. This is a great place to grab dinner as you're RIGHT next to Chinatown, SoHo, and Covent Garden. During Christmas, there's a market right in the middle with holiday food and drinks. You can also purchase discounted tickets to many of the shows.

Piccadilly Circus - Keep walking through Leicester Square and you'll reach Piccadilly Circus, what some call the Times Square of London. You'll pass by lots of great shopping, restaurants, and if it's the holidays, AMAZING Christmas lights.

Covent Garden - Restaurants, theaters, high-tea (affordable), shopping, etc. This is one of my favorite areas at night, especially during Christmas!

The West End (Musicals) - I suggest searching for shows in advance, as most of the popular shows might sell out; however, many long-running shows like Wicked will always have availability. Many even offer CHEAP front row seats the morning of if you go to the box office.

Day 2: St. Paul's and London City

Day 2:

Tube: Take the Central Line to St. Paul's.

St. Paul's Cathedral - This Anglican church is beautiful! If you don't have time to go inside, you should at least view the outside and walk around it. If you do go inside, make sure you walk up to the dome and go outside. It's the highest point in London and the view is amazing. Warning: there are a LOT of stairs and it's a tight space. If you run out of time, I don't think the crypts below are all that special and can be skipped. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. M, T, Th, F, S and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. W; 18 pounds. You can book in advance or the day of.

Millennium Bridge - If you head down the street from St. Paul's (follow signs) you'll be able to cross over the Millenium Bridge. You might recognize it from being destroyed in Harry Potter. I recommend crossing so that you can be on this side of the river when you walk to the next stops.

Tate Modern - This is my favorite museum in London. It's filled with weird, nonsensical artwork and its kind of fun to see. The exhibits change regularly. Sometimes there are some *adult* pieces, but nothing too bad. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, FREE.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - This is a replica of the original theatre and still has shows regularly. For Shakespeare lovers... If you can get tickets, it's quite an experience to be a groundling, where you stand for the entirety of the show. Mind you, Shakespeare plays are often at least 3-3.5 hrs, so be mindful of your time and day if it's not something you've always been dying to see.

Borough Market - This is a giant outdoor market filled with every food and drink imaginable. There are lots of baked goods, cheeses, gluten-free/veggie options, etc. This is definitely a MUST DO. Open each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (only 3 p.m. on Sundays).

Tower Bridge - Often confused for the London Bridge (which is currently in Lake Havasu, AZ), this is the iconic bridge that connects the two sides of the river. Walk over the bridge to get to the Tower of London.

Tower of London - This is where King Henry VIII beheaded all of his wives, including Anne Bolyn, AND it's where they keep the crown jewels. You can see all the towers where they held prisoners throughout history and learn so much! This is Tom's favorite Must-do in London. I would recommend a few hours for this activity. Open each day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 30 pounds for adults; 15 pounds for children; specials for families. I would book in advance to avoid waiting in lines.

Night Activities/Ideas:

The London Eye - This giant Ferris wheel takes 30 minutes to go all the way around. You can see a lot, but if you already climbed to the top of St. Paul's, I'd skip it. It's 32 pounds each if you book in advance and 36 pounds the day of; 11 a.m to 6 p.m. I think it's okay to skip this, but if you do happen to go during the holidays, book in advance and get the pub pod (you can't do this with children). It's very similar in price but you get the whole pod to yourselves with a private bar and two drinks.

Tattershall Castle - ***My suggestion is to get drinks across the river at Tattershall Castle. You get an amazing view of the river, Big Ben, the London Eye, and more. The restaurant is on a boat on the river and it's a pretty neat spot. Open 11 a.m to 11 p.m. daily, and open to 2 a.m. Fri and Sat. I've never needed a reservation to get a drink on the deck.

Southbank - this area requires you to backtrack a little bit, but it's filled with great restaurants, a book market, a food market, The National Theatre, and more. It's a hip place to get food and drinks at night.

If you didn't see a show or visit Chinatown, Soho, or Coven Garden on night one, go tonight!

Day 3: British History

Day 3:

Tube: Take the Piccadilly Line to Russell Square

MUST DO:

The British Museum - This is the BEST museum in London and you could spend an entire day here. I recommend blocking out at least a few hours. You'll see everything from the Rosett Stone to Roman and Greek artifacts. My favorite exhibit is Egypt because it has so many mummies! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, FREE

The British Library - If you visit the British Museum, I recommend taking a quick walk to the British Library for 20 minutes. You can view the Gutenberg Bible, the Magna Carta, original Shakespeare texts, Da Vinci's original writings, the Beatles' original song lyrics, and more. It's a quick in and out experience and it's free! 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-Th; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. F-Sat; 11 a.m .to 5 p.m. Sun., FREE

Harry Potter Fan? Platform 9 3/4 - You're right around the corner from Kings Cross Station. They have an area set up for a great photo opportunity of Platform 9 3/4. :)

Options for the rest of your day:

Charles Dickens Museum (only if you're really into Dickens--this is not a must do, but it's nearby the British Museum) - If you want to see where Dickens used to live and write, this is a cool little museum. It also includes his original writings and newspaper articles. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday: 12.50 pounds per adult, 7.50 pounds per child.

Kensington area:

Natural History Museum - If you enjoy animals, natural phenomena, dinosaurs, etc., you'll enjoy this museum. 10 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. daily, FREE

Victoria and Albert Museum - World-famous museum for art and design. Think: Clothing through the ages. 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily; open until 10 p.m. Fridays; FREE

Kensington Palace - This is where Kate and Will live! I've never been inside, but it's a gorgeous view from the outside and it's located in a beautiful park. If you want to take a tour of the inside staterooms (at least, the parts they'll show you), it's open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. W-Sun, 20 pounds per adult; 10 pounds per child.

High Street Kensington - this is a famous shopping street that leads you toward Harrods, a giant/famous luxury store known for its 7 floors and 330 different departments.

Portobello Road Market - Famous street market (think: colorful houses in all the movies) with street food, souvenirs, clothing, and more. It's open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but I only think it's worth going to on weekends. This is also where you'll find the famous Blue Door from the movie Knotting Hill.

Beatles Fan? Abbey Road - If you head north from Portobello Market, you're only a few stops away from the iconic Abbey Road seen on the Beatles album. It's a great picture spot and you can also see their recording studio. The nearest station to Abbey Road is St John's Wood Tube station, which is on the Northern line. Follow the signs when you exit.

Day 4 and beyond...

If you have more days to explore, I highly suggest these great day trips!

Windsor Castle - This is the Queen's official residence. You can take tours of the staterooms and grounds, but because she lives there full time, some areas of the castle are occasionally closed because of events. Check ahead to see what's open. You'll need to take a train from London Waterloo Station (about an hour). Price varies depending on how early you book and the time of year.

Royal Botanic Kew Gardens - This is for anyone who really loves Botanic Gardens, relaxing walks, and flowers in general. This is the largest UNESCO World Heritage site. There are several greenhouses, a treetop walkway, and cute lunch spots. This is a great day for someone who has already seen all of London and wants a relaxing day picnicking and reading.10 a.m to 7 p.m. M,T,W,F; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Th; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. S, Su.; 15 pounds in advance, 20 pounds on the day. It's about an hour train ride on the District Line from central London.

Hampton Court Palace - This is where Henry VIII lived. You can tour the entire Palace because no one uses it as a private residence. Occasionally they'll hire actors to roam around and act out court life. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; check the website as there are temporary closures to do maintenance. 26 pounds per adult, 13 pounds per child. Book in advance. Take a train from London Waterloo Station. They run every 30 minutes. Price varies depending on when you book and the season.