Nothing is certain in London but expense. William Shenstone
When we planned our last trip to Europe, we knew we wanted to go to London. I went when I was in college but it was David's first time. It was a completely different experience, as you grew old you see things with different eyes. I enjoyed to be able to show David places where I have been before and tell him my stories of traveling on a student budget.
London is a city full of history and landmarks that maybe will take years to discover all. We planned a 5 days itinerary in which we tried to eat, see, and experience the most quintessential sights. This is an itinerary planned for someone who visit London for the first time.
We didn't have time to do all we wanted to do. I will share what we did and what we didn't but wish we did. I will mark with * the ones we skipped or made a short visit. In order to save time we pre-booked some attractions.
Day 1
Walk from the hotel (Mondrien hotel) to the Westminster bridge. From there walk to the National Gallery and visit Picadilly circus.
Day 2
Eat crumpets for breakfast. Change of guard at Buckingham Palace. Walk around Hyde park. Shopping at Harrods. Visit the Natural History Museum. Ride the double decker.
Optional: Victoria and Albert Museum*
Day 3.
Breakfast at Sky Pod*. Tour the Tower of London. High tea at Fortnum&Mason. A total highlight of the trip. I recommend to book in advance.
Day 4.
Eat english breakfast at "The riding house cafe". Visit the British Museum (my favorite museum in London) and the British library. Walk to King Cross station to the Platform 9 3/4 (I am a Harry Potter fan).
Take the tube to go to Notthing hill*. (Sadly we didn't have enough time to walk around! An excuse to go back to London).
Day 5.
Ride on the London eye. Tour Westminster abbey. Shopping at Oxford St. 30 minutes photo shoot booked though Flytographer. Dinner at Oxo Tower Restaurant.