Did you know that tourism makes up twelve percent of London’s GDP?
This speaks volumes about its popularity among globe-trotters and the myriad of luxe experiences it offers. But a trip to London doesn’t need to be about jostling with crowds at popular tourist sites.
Instead, it could be a first-class voyage filled with private tours, Michelin-star dining, and decadent self-pampering. But it can be challenging to know how to plan a great trip to London since there are so many great things to do.
To make things easier for you, we’ve written a guide that dives deep into the intricacies of planning an unforgettable vacation to the historic city of London. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
London Transport Options
Choosing the best transport options in London begins with your airport transfer. Opt for a pre-booked luxury car service for a stress-free start to your vacation.
Your professional driver will whisk you from the airport to your hotel in comfort and style. To find out more, visit the EA Transfer website.
For city commuting, hiring a chauffeur-driven luxury car provides a private, comfortable and efficient way to navigate London’s bustling streets. Alternatively, consider the iconic London Black Cab.
Many of these cabs offer VIP services that have luxurious interiors. Both options provide personal space, flexibility, and convenience.
The Best Places to Visit
There are many dozens of historical sites to visit in London. If you will only be visiting the city for a few days, it is not possible to see everything. But here are several of the places you should make sure to check out.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a name synonymous with London itself. It serves as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837.
Today, it’s a working royal palace with a significant role in national celebrations and occasions. This majestic building features 775 rooms. This includes 52 royal and guest bedrooms.
It is not open to public visits all year round. But you can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside its gates. This is a must-see London experience.
For a real taste of luxury, consider staying in a nearby luxury hotel like The Goring, which is known for its royal ties and sumptuous English elegance.
Westminster Abbey
Our journey through London continues with Westminster Abbey. This is a striking Gothic church with over a thousand years of history.
It’s seen 16 royal weddings and is the final resting place for many of the nation’s Kings and Queens. A guided tour here takes you through centuries of British history, making it a must on your list of what to do in London.
The neighboring Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers a luxurious stay. It boasts views of the serene royal park and gourmet dining experiences.
The British Museum
This cultural treasure trove houses a vast collection of world art and artifacts. One of the best things about this museum is that it is absolutely free to the public.
Its exhibits cover over two million years of history and include marvels such as the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. You can elevate your experience by arranging a private, out-of-hours tour for a more intimate exploration.
Nearby, the Rosewood London, a luxury hotel in a restored Edwardian mansion, offers a lavish retreat.
The Tower of London
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is another iconic landmark not to miss. It offers a glimpse into a thousand years of history as a royal palace, prison, treasury, and even a zoo.
The Crown Jewels exhibition, featuring the imperial crown studded with over 2,000 diamonds, is a definite highlight. Consider staying at the nearby Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square.
The National Gallary
The National Gallery is located in the heart of Trafalgar Square. This world-class museum houses over 2,300 paintings spanning the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
This includes masterpieces by Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Turner.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience theatre as it was in the 16th century.
This meticulous reconstruction of the original Globe brings to life the world of Elizabethan drama. To visit, book a guided tour, where expert guides will regale you with important stories.
You’ll learn about the 1599 Globe, the reconstruction process, and the theatre today. Alternatively, for a truly immersive experience, book tickets for a performance.
With the actors just a few feet away and the audience standing in the ‘yard’ just like in Shakespeare’s day, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
The Best London Fine Dining
The London dining scene is as diverse and exquisite as the city itself.
For a lavish culinary experience, luxury restaurants like the Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, or Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, offer sublime menus crafted by world-renowned chefs.
If you fancy something different yet opulent, try Sexy Fish in Mayfair for high-end Asian cuisine in a stunning setting.
For breathtaking city views with your meal, visit Duck & Waffle. It is located on the 40th floor of a skyscraper.
Planning a Vacation to London
Since there are so many important sights and tourist attractions in the city of London, it can be difficult to know what to do. This is why you should do plenty of research when planning a vacation to London.
Make sure to visit the National Gallery, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abby. You should also take time to visit several of the city’s five-star restaurants. Lastly, take time to find the right transportation options.
Do you want to find out more about what it takes to plan a trip overseas? If so, make sure to check out the Travel section of our website.
