Day 1: Tower of London, Shoreditch, and East London Vibes

MORNING

• Tower of London – arrive early (opens at 9:00AM most days) to see the Crown Jewels and avoid the crowds. Book your tickets in advance to save time in line. Allow 2-3 hours to tour.
• Tower Bridge – cross for beautiful views and photo ops. There is a museum inside and you can choose to climb to the top for some stunning views. Expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour here. Get tickets ahead of time.

 AFTERNOON

• Lunch – Walk over to  Hung, Drawn & Quartered, a traditional British pub fare along with some of the best hand pies in the city.
• Leadenhall Market – historic Victorian market with boutique shops.
• Sky Garden – free public garden with stunning panoramic views. (Book a free ticket in advance or a table for an afternoon cocktail.)
• St. Paul’s Cathedral – sits on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in London. Take the Tube from St. Paul’s over to Dishoom for your dinner.

EVENING

• Dinner – Head to Dishoom Shoreditch, a trendy Indian restaurant with great ambiance.
• West End Shows – buy show tickets for an unforgettable evening

Day 2: British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Covent Garden

MORNING

• Breakfast – Go to Donutelier on Charing Cross Road. It is only a 15 minute walk from there to the British Museum.
• British Museum – Plan to arrive at the museum entrance at 9:50AM so you make sure you are among the first visitors admitted. Be sure not to miss the Rosetta Stone! Plan 2 – 3 hours here.

AFTERNOON

• Thomas Farthing – Shop here for classic English style vests, hats, and tweed jackets for men. Open 11:00AM – 6:00PM, closed Sundays.
• Afternoon Tea – Make a reservation at the Covent Garden Hotel for tea. It’s an elegant yet relaxed traditional tea experience.
• Neal’s Yard Dairy – Famous for British cheeses in a colorful hidden courtyard.
• Covent Garden Market – Explore all of the boutiques, street performers, and artisanal shops.
• The National Gallery – free art museum with special exhibits. Open until 9:00PM on Fridays so could do this after an early dinner.

 EVENING

• Dinner – Flat Iron Covent Garden – Simple but delicious steaks in a cozy setting.
• Enjoy Live Music or Cabaret
  • CellarDoor – A tiny, speakeasy-style bar with live jazz, cabaret, and burlesque.
  • The Piano Works (West End) – A lively bar where musicians play audience song requests.
  • Blame Gloria – A funky basement bar with retro vibes and occasional live music.

Day 3: Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Mayfair

MORNING

• Westminster Abbey – arrive right at opening time to avoid crowds. Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here.
• Houses of Parliament & Big Ben – walk by for some iconic photos.
• Walk to Buckingham Palace via St. James’s Park – enjoy the scenic route and feed the swans on your way.
• Buckingham Palace Tour – check and see if the palace is open for tours before you head on your trip. This is a must-see tour if it is available.

AFTERNOON

• Lunch – The Wolseley – classic British brasserie with an elegant setting.
• Harrods (Knightsbridge) – Browse luxury brands and the famous food halls.
• Kensington Gardens & Kensington Palace – stroll through the gardens and visit the palace if time allows.

EVENING

• Dinner – The Shed – unique ambiance with artistic décor and a great menu. Reservations required.