Christmastime Trip in London

Just walk, you can learn and find so much by just walking. Walk through Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. Walk along the Tower Bridge to get incredible photographs. You can create your own walking tour of street art through Shoreditch and of famous sites from Charles Dicken's life and works. And for any true crime fans, you can join the fascinating Jack the Ripper walking tour through Whitechapel. Download the citymapper app and you will navigate the city on foot, by bus and by the tube so easily. Also look into getting the London Pass which is a cheaper option to see multiple sites in London.

The Tower of London is a must see historical site with many tours available.

Westminster Abbey is beautiful and serene around Christmas time. It is stunning on it's own, but decorated for Christmas it's magical. Big Ben is also right outside and looks beautiful on a snowy night!

Hyde Park and Kensington Palace Gardens are both beautiful to walk through or sit down to read and enjoy a coffee.

Catch a West End Show and you won't be disappointed! Download the today tix app for tickets. This app also has the ability to let you see the stage view from different seats to help you choose. I walked through Chinatown on the way to the show and that is a really cool part of town too!

The British Museum is a controversial spot given that there is a long history of other countries' art, history, and treasure being taken here. However, it offers an opportunity to learn and see so much from all over the world.

You can spend hours at the National Gallery of Art looking at the timeless pieces. Monet's Water Lilies was there along with many of his other famous pieces. At Christmas, sparkling garland and giant Christmas trees are all throughout the building.

Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a must for any Harry Potter Fan. It is expensive, takes up a whole day, and must be reserved well in advance, but it is beyond worth it. The books and characters absolutley come to life and the making of the films is fascinating. There is also Platform 9 and 3/4 inside Kings Cross Station, but it's mostly a cool photo op.

Churchill War Rooms is a fascinating learning opportunity about World War II, England's role and Winston Churchill himself.

St. Paul's Cathedral is also gorgeously decorated for Christmas and offers large services that are open to the public by reservation on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Climb to the top (but brace yourself, it's 581 stairs) for a beautiful view of the snowy city.

Windsor Castle is the epitome of beauty around Christmas time. Take the train out of the city to tour this gorgeous estate and the adorable town surroudning it.

London also has some of the best shopping in the world. It's absolutely perfect for any kind of holiday shopping, especially in Covent Gardens. But there is also amazing shopping at Harrod's and down Regent and Oxford Streets. You can also try the Bourough and Camden Market for shopping and food.

The food and drink in London is amazing and really diverse! Here's a list of spots to try out:

Bob Bob Ricards: Great ambience, staff and food, with locations throughout London, including SOHO. It's absolutely delicious and a life-changing experience for a foodie. Please if you go anywhere, make it Bob Bob Ricards.

Emilia's: The bruschetta is required, the Aperol spritz are incredible and there is no pasta dish on the menu that won't blow your mind.

Gōng on the 52nd floor of the Shard in London offers amazing and fresh sushi and the best view of London by night. On Christmas Day night, this meal and the sparkling city were a beautiful way to celebrate the season.

Buns and Buns in Covent Gardens has great Korean buns!

The Black Pig in Bourough Market has quick and absolutely delicious food to break up the shopping and walking, try their port sandwich.

Churchill Arms is covered in Christmas lights, has the funniest bar staff and servers and also serves excellent Thai food.

For a homestyle Christmas Day meal: the Alexandra in Wimbledon makes you feel like you're in a cozy cottage surrounded by family on Christmas Day. Their eggnog is fantastic along their classic British menu.

For afternoon tea, try the Royal Horseguards Hotel and the Ivy at Windsor. Tea at the Ivy goes hand in hand with touring Windsor castle. And the strawberries and cream tea and the Royal Horseguards is incredible. Both places are warm and stunningly decorated for Christmas. If you're by yourself, bring a book and read and unwind. I strongly recommend making a reservation for both of these places so you're sure to get in!

Pubs

They're all over the city and so cozy at Christmas time! Here are some favorites: the Red Lion, the White Lion, Punch & Judy, The Sherlock Holmes Pub and Mr. Foggs.

And finally for cocktails, the Rockwell at the Trafalgar St. James. These are stunning in every possible way. The Rockwell is also known for it's incredible food, brunch and tea trays, but please, go and grab some of the most unique cocktails in Europe.