There’s nothing more fitting than ending the Fourth of July weekend by talking about Merry Old England. London is one of the world’s great cities. Whether you’re a fan of Doctor Who, The Beatles, or royal pageantry there’s something for everyone. Learn from my last trip to London, and build your perfect one-day itinerary. Regardless of if you’re going on a Viking Cruise or not, I hope this guide helps make your next trip to Central London a smashing success!

My Last Visit to Central London

After extensive research and comparing flight costs, we found that flying into London was much cheaper than flying into anywhere closer to our embarkation port of Basel, Switzerland. To better adjust to the time change, we took a red-eye flight, hoping to sleep on the plane. Unfortunately, this did not work out too well.

• Top tip – Do not count on getting sleep on an overnight flight!

Anyway, we arrived at Heathrow Airport at 7:05 in the morning and took a classic, London black cab to our hotel. There was a lot of traffic, so it took about an hour and a half to reach our destination.

• Top tip – Do your best to avoid Monday morning travel to important business cities. Monday morning specifically is the most common time for business-related travel, and since London is a major financial center, tons of extra flight passengers and people traveling from the airport were there on Monday morning.

After checking in at the hotel and having a little breakfast, we went to check out the British Museum. It was at this point that my mom started feeling really unwell. It turns out that she was experiencing some side effects from her medication that may have been triggered by our flight.

• Top tip – If you take a medication with side effects including swelling or edema, please consult with your doctor before flying because airplane travel can trigger or worsen these side effects.

Following a brief hiatus for her to rest and recover, we ventured back out to Buckingham Palace. Walking towards the Westminster area through St. James’s Park afterward was a real treat! Once in Westminster, we saw Big Ben and attended Westminster Abbey’s Evensong. We then boarded a Thames Clipper, saw the Tower of London, and finally ate at Nando’s for dinner.

All in all, it was a successful trip to London despite the rocky start.

Where We Stayed in Central London

The Hilton London Euston – Located in the Euston neighborhood, right next to St. Pancras International Station and King’s Cross Station, this is the ideal place to stay if you’re traveling to somewhere else during your stay across the pond. The last thing you want is to rush to St. Pancras through morning traffic because you chose a hotel far away. Also in the area is the University College of London, Russell Square Garden, and the British Museum all accessible from a short walk.

• Top tip – Don’t forget to use hotel points if possible. If you belong to any hotel group rewards like Hilton, IHG, etc., not only can your points go further in Europe, but your rewards status may get you more perks than in the states. Once, when we stayed at Cadbury House in Bristol, we were given complimentary wine every day!

What We Saw in Central London

The British Museum – If you’re a historian, history buff, or just having a passing interest in the past, the British Museum is a must-see! The contents of the museum, and the ways they were acquired, are not without controversy. While the history of artifact theft cannot be ignored, don’t completely rule out the museum because of it. The museum affords once in a lifetime opportunities to see artifacts like the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, and other priceless antiquities. Most importantly, the museum is free as well!

Buckingham Palace – Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the royal family, and ceremonies such as the Changing of the Guard have become iconic symbols of London.

St. James’s Park – Located between Buckingham Palace and the rest of the tourist areas in Westminster, St. James’s Park is a quiet respite from the busy city. With food stalls, strolling paths, and ample benches, St. James’s Park is an ideal place for a break.

Big Ben – Perhaps the most iconic piece of the London skyline, Big Ben is impressive to see in person. Built in 1859, the tower is a perfect place to take pictures and serves as a major landmark in the Westminster area.

Westminster Abbey – The spiritual center of England, Westminster Abbey has been a major cultural institution since the 1000s. In fact, William the Conqueror was crowned there in 1066. The Abbey is stunning both inside and out, complete with carvings, statues, and stained glass.

• Top tip – Consider attending a service at Westminster Abbey instead of taking the tour. Evensong and other choral services from the Abbey are famously good, with both the devout and atheists alike enjoying them. There is a large tourist contingent at each service, so as long as you’re respectful in dress and behavior, you won’t be out of place. Additionally, this allows you to see the interior of the Abbey without paying the £29 fee. If you wish to still contribute to the Abbey, consider making a donation!

Thames Clipper – There are tons of companies offering river cruises on the Thames, from commuter ferries to real tours. The Thames Clippers are definitely on the commuter ferry side and are ideal for straightforward travel on the river. The boats do offer some food and drinks, but there are few other frills.

• Top tip – If you’re looking for a more comprehensive tour on the river, consider another company. There are multitudes listed on TripAdvisor that offer commentary for tourists.

Tower of London – The Tower of London is another major icon of London. Used as a prison, castle, and currently a museum, the Tower is certainly worth a visit. Currently holding the crown jewels, tickets start at £34.80. This is definitely a bit steep, but this is a truly unique site.

Where We Ate

Nando’s – From classic British TV to FX’s Atlanta, you’ve probably heard of Nando’s. Founded in 1987, this fast casual chain specializes in Portuguese-style Peri-Peri chicken. We enjoyed dining at the location on Lime Street, a short walk from the Tower of London. This Nando’s had a warm atmosphere and fast service.

What We Wish We Could Have Seen

Borough Market – Perhaps the oldest market in London, Borough claims to be over 1,000 years old. This cultural pillar of the Southwark area has tremendous opportunities to try local and international specialties across tons of food stalls. This is the ideal spot to have lunch, perhaps after seeing London Bridge, the Winchester Palace ruins, or the Shard.

Harrod’s – One of the most iconic department stores in the world, Harrod’s was founded in 1849. Famous for being a place where you could purchase anything, and long before Walmart, this is a place I’ve always wanted to go. The food courts, with Michelin-starred chefs and impeccable restaurants, are legendary.

Most Underrated Attraction in Central London

St. James’s Park – Virtually none of the sources I read when planning this trip seemed to mention this park. I found it to be a lovely oasis within the heart of busy Westminster. Watch the swans and enjoy some ice cream while you take a break from sightseeing. If you feel like you need a rest, or just to relax, this would be on the top of my list.

Most Overrated Attraction in Central London

Buckingham Palace – Unless there’s a major ceremony happening, or you’re able to tour the Palace your enjoyment will be limited. It’s often crowded outside the gate, and during ceremonies or not, this is a highly active area for pickpockets. Personally, there are plenty of other interesting things in the Westminster area to see.

If you’re interested in booking a Viking cruise and seeing how I visited London as a pre-cruise destination, look at the first article in this series here.

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