Explore London in 4 Days

Once you land at Heathrow, likely on an overnight flight, it’s best to beat the jetlag and spend the day out exploring. Plan on taking the new Elizabeth line to central London (the newest and cheapest transport option) or the Heathrow Express, which only takes you to Paddington Station. Insider tip: Book Fora Reserve partner Fleming’s Mayfair, which includes a free airport transfer with VIP perks.

Once you have dropped your luggage and freshened up, grab a coffee and head out to explore. On my most recent trip, I hopped on the underground tube (Citymapper is a must-have app) and ventured to Borough Market for a diverse lunch experience from the market stalls before spending the afternoon at the Tate Modern museum. Once you have had your fill of modern art, head over to the Millennium Bridge (aka the Harry Potter bridge) to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. Famously known as Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding venue, its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of the London skyline. By this time you may need to rest your tired legs, so stop into Sabine for a cocktail on their rooftop garden terrace.

Whether your jetlag has started or not depends on where the day takes you. I would head back to the hotel to take a quick rest before heading out to dinner. I dream about the black dahl at Dishoom, so make sure to indulge at this Bombay-inspired restaurant at least once. My recent solo travel had me wiped by late afternoon, so I indulged in room service before heading to an early bedtime.

After a good night's rest and allowing your body to acclimate to the time change, the following days are your oyster to be spent exploring historical and cultural landmarks. Some of my favorites are:

Love history and the Royal family?

• The Tower of London and Tower Bridge: Symbols of the city's medieval past right in the center of a thriving modern metropolis. Plan an early morning private tour where you explore the UNESCO-listed Tower of London. Meet your guide in the morning at the Tower, and head right in with skip-the-line tickets. You’ll explore highlights like the White Tower, the Tower Green (site of royal executions), the Crown Jewels and more — and will even have a private audience with a Beefeater.

• The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, which represent the heart of British politics and history. Fun fact: after a recent renovation, it was found that the face of Big Ben is actually blue!

• Westminster Abbey: Visit this historic church, the coronation site of British monarchs, and see the Poets' Corner.

• Book a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill War Rooms. With a private tour, you will be able to visit behind the glass and walk the top-secret corridors to see what life was like for Winston Churchill and the British government during the tense days and nights of the Second World War.

• Buckingham Palace: Witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, a centuries-old tradition that takes place daily during the summer months and every other day during the rest of the year. Arrive early to secure a good spot close to the majestic gates and witness this spectacle of precision and tradition. If visiting in summer, tour the State Rooms. (Insider tip: the tickets sell out for these tours, so act fast!)

• Kensington Palace: Explore the former residence of Princess Diana and the beautiful Kensington Gardens. Make sure to check on what the exhibit will be while you are visiting. My family was able to see the famous Princess Diana's fashion, and it was spectacular.

Love museums?

Head to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where you can discover art and design treasures spanning 5,000 years. Or try the Natural History Museum to marvel at the dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits. The British Museum is also a must-do if near the Bloomsbury neighborhood. Dive into a world of history with exhibits like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. Entry is free at all three.

Love the theater?

Spend an evening in the dazzling West End. Shows are plentiful, but my suggestion is to try something truly British like the Mousetrap. I personally want to see Cabaret at the Kit Kat club when I visit this summer.

Feel like treating yourself to some shopping?

Then make sure to leave time for Bond Street for every luxury store you can dream of. Harrods is a British icon, while Liberty of London shows off more upcoming designers and brands. My personal favorite is to dig my way through the vintage shops of Covent Garden. Must-hit stores are Good and Picknweight!

Need a little nature and open space?

Wander through natural beauty in some of the city's best parks. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens offer peaceful retreats in the heart of the city. Visiting in the winter? Hyde Park transforms into Winter Wonderland full of rides, games, food stalls and more. Greenwich Park provides stunning views and the historic Royal Observatory.

Want a different perspective of the city's landmarks, do a Thames river cruise. Or even use Uber boats for a hop-on/ hop-off experience.

Want to spend the day in some of the charming London neighborhoods?

• Notting Hill: Known for its colorful houses and the famous Portobello Road Market. Pop into a British pub for Scottish eggs and a pint while you show off your treasures.

• Shoreditch: A hub for creativity with its street art (do a graffiti tour), quirky shops and trendy eateries. Explore the various markets in the area, such as the Old Spitalfields Market, where you can browse for vintage clothing, unique crafts and delicious street food.

Day Trips:

Had enough of the city's hustle and bustle?

Visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and a favorite residence of the Queen. Some other ideas are Stonehedge, Bath, Oxford or the Cotswolds for their historical and cultural significance.

• Dishoom: Bombay-inspired mouth-watering Indian food with several locations across the city. Get the black dahl, house chaat, and chicken tikka with a side of rice and garlic naan. I dream about this exact order often!

• Keeping with Indian, try Gymkhana for tandoor oven roasts, sigri charcoal grills and seasonal curries.

• Pavyllon London: Recently awarded its first Michelin star, the talented team draws inspiration from seasonal British produce and global gastronomic traditions. They create an interactive neighborhood dining experience with highly crafted, innovative yet unpretentious plates, created from a live-open kitchen centered around expansive countertop seating.

• Must try the eclectic food stalls within the Borough Market.

• Feel like a traditional high tea? Some favorites are Wolseley, The Ritz, Fortum and Mason, The Langham and especially for kids— One Aldwych Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea.

• Connaught Bar for a table-side martini.

• Try any of Mr. Fogg's adventurous cocktail spots. My favorites are Mr. Fogg's Residence and Mr. Fogg's Apothecary, which are both in Mayfair.