London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, is home to around 9 million people. A central feature of London is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of King Charles and the location of many royal ceremonies. The palace is well-known for its routine changing of the guards and its beautiful gardens. The Tower of London, a former residence of the royals, is a historic castle where you can see the crown jewels and look out over the beautiful Tower Bridge. The “City of London,” otherwise known as “the City,” is the historic and financial heart of London. West End is the district for all musical shows and theatrical performances in London – it is to London what Broadway is to New York. One perk of visiting London is that all state museums are free!

What could you do in your free time?

Visit the Westminster Area, including the Abbey where royal weddings and coronations take place. About 30 kings and queens are buried in the church, including other famous individuals such as Charles Dickens!

North of Westminster, stroll along the River Thames where you will find London’s iconic national timepiece, Big Ben, the House of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square.

Eat lunch or have a drink in the café in the crypt at St. Martin in the Fields, located nearby Trafalgar Square. The café features 18th-century stone floors and tombstones and serves British food at reasonable prices. Sometimes they have fish and chips and occasionally they will sell homemade pies!

Explore the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to see famous works by da Vinci, Bellini, van Eyck, and others.

London’s British Museum is one of the largest in the world, showcasing over 2 million years of human history, art, and culture. See the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial, and Assyrian Lion Head reliefs.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, houses over 2.8 million items, including famous Renaissance portraits by Botticelli and Tintoretto.

Visit the M&M Store in Leicester Square, the largest in the world! Here you can create your own M&Ms and take your photo with M&M characters crossing Abbey Road, inspired by the famous Beatles album cover.

Harrods, the most luxurious department store in London, offers exclusive designer clothes and excellent food options. On the ground floor, you can find a memorial for Dodi and Lady Di.

Piccadilly Circus, a famous road junction and public space in West End, is well known for all of its neon lights. There are many restaurants, theaters, and shops to try in the area.