Day 1 - Tower Bridge and Tower of London
Tower Bridge is an iconic bridge in London along the Thames River. No trip to London is complete without a picture of Tower Bridge! The Tower of London is walkable from Tower Bridge, and tickets are available for purchase online. The Tower of London has a history as a fortress and prison dating back to the 11th century. It’s home to the Royal Family’s Crown Jewels, which are available for public viewing.
Day 2 - Afternoon Tea and Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe Theater is a replica of the original theater where plays were performed during his time. The most affordable tickets are in the middle standing section, but that section is exposed to the elements. Therefore, seats are worth a splurge. Head over to the Swan restaurant next door for afternoon tea with tasty sandwiches and treats.
Day 3 - Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and London Eye
Wear comfortable walking shoes, because there will be lots of walking today! Although entrance to Big Ben is closed to the public due to construction, it’s still worthwhile to walk around the beautiful building and take pictures. Afterwards, head to Buckingham Palace for changing of the guard, and more photo opportunities. Finally, end your day at the London Eye and view the beauty of London from high above!
Day 4 - Covent Garden and Leicester Square
Covent Garden is home to a market and many restaurants. On pleasant days, street performers entertain crowds standing in the street. After some shopping and a meal, head to Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. Pronounced “Lester” Square, Leicester Square also has many options for shopping. From there, walk to Trafalgar Square to view the majestic buildings. You can also visit the National Gallery museum in Trafalgar Square.
Day 5 - Day Trip to Greenwich
The fastest way to travel from London to Greenwich is by Uber boat that takes twenty minutes. In Greenwich, visit the Royal Observatory, where you can see the Meridian Line at exactly 0 degrees longitude. Then, walk around Greenwich Park and take in the breathtaking views of London. You can also visit the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College. Be sure to check the Uber boat schedule, so you don’t miss your boat back to London!
Day 6 - Day Trip to Bath
Bath is an ancient Roman city built in the first century. From London, the best way to get there is by train. While you are in Bath, make sure to see the Pulteney Bridge, Roman Baths, and Bath Abbey. Take a stroll down Green Street, and stop for some traditional British pub food at the Raven. If you are a fan of architecture, walk around the Royal Crescent to see one of the best Georgian buildings in England. Then, hop on the train back to London.
Day 7 - Hampstead Heath and Camden Market
For your last day in London, head northwest on the Underground to Hampstead Heath and Camden Market. Hampstead Heath is a beautiful park that is perfect for a picnic. From there, head to Camden Market to shop for unique souvenirs and clothing. It’s an easy tube ride back from Camden Station to central London or Heathrow airport. If you have extra time, be sure to travel north to Scotland for a long weekend.
Read more on budget-friendly tips for visiting London.
Best London Restaurants By Cuisine
Fish and Chips – The Golden Chippy, Soho Hobson’s Fish & Chips, and Fishcotheque
Indian food – Bonoo Indian Tapas, Taste of Nawab, and Bebs Kitchen
Italian food – Legare, Bucca di Lupo, and Fatto
Sushi – Nobu, Kamapai Kensington, Sticks ‘N Sushi, and Yo Sushi Finchley Road
5 Days in Paris: Vacation Itinerary
Day 1 - Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and Arc De Triomphe
Start your day at the Eiffel Tower. Buy a lift ticket to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of Paris. Try the restaurants and a champagne bar at the Eiffel Tower. After seeing Paris from above, walk or take a short taxi ride to Champs-Elysees. Walk along this famous street and explore the lavish stores, historic architecture, and world renowned restaurants. Grab a coffee and pastry at a local cafe along the way. Then, head to Arc de Triomphe and walk around this majestic monument. Tickets to explore the entire monument can be purchased online. Depending on your budget, you can find affordable Paris hotels on Booking.com or apartments on Airbnb.
Day 2 - Louvre Museum, Love Lock Bridge, and Musee D'Orsay
Spend today visiting two of the best museums in Paris, the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay. The Louvre contains numerous famous works, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. On the way to Musee D’Orsay, stop at the Love Lock Bridge for a stroll along this romantic spot. Although placing new locks on the bridge is illegal, it’s still a great place for a picture! Musee D’Orsay is a museum dedicated to French Impressionist paintings, and is definitely worth a visit.
Day 3 - Versailles
From Paris, take a 60-90 minute train ride to Versailles. Depending on the location of your Paris hotel, there are three train routes to Versailles. Purchase tickets to the Versailles Palace online to explore the entire castle and spectacular gardens at your leisure. Stop at La Table du 11 for a healthy and delicious French lunch. Take the train back to Paris, and have dinner and a drink at a modern rooftop restaurant with a Paris view.
Day 4 - Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is a 40-minute drive from Paris. Stay at one of the Disneyland hotels, or commute from your Paris hotel. Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Tickets to both parks are available online. There are numerous dining options at the Disneyland Paris hotels and parks. Whether you visit one or both parks, your family will have plenty to be entertained for the day!
Day 5 - Rodin Museum and Tuileries Garden
For your last day in Paris, visit the Rodin Museum. Don’t miss the sculptures in the garden, including the famous Thinker! Afterwards, walk or take a short train/taxi ride to Tuileries Garden. The Garden dates back to 1664, and is a great place to stroll through nature or relax. There are 3 restaurants on-site for a quick bite before you leave Paris.
If you love architecture and want to see the most beautiful buildings in Paris before you leave, check out this list of must-see Paris architecture!
4 Days in Rome: Vacation Itinerary
Day 1 - Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
Take a taxi or metro ride to the Colosseum, the amphitheater built by the ancient Romans. There are numerous tour options on-site as well as online. Be careful of scammers and pickpockets in this area. Only book tours with legitimate tour companies! Next, take a short taxi ride to the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple. From there, walk to the Trevi Fountain. End your day with delicious local pizza at Piccolo Buco.
To find the best hotels and apartments in Rome, book online at Booking.com, TripAdvisor.com, or Airbnb.com. Make sure that you stay in a central location, since Rome is a very walkable city!
Day 2 - Vatican City
Vatican City is a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, and the headquarters of the Roman Church. Make sure to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel to see some of the most famous artwork in the world. If you have time, visit the local museums as well. Try some high-quality yet affordable Italian food at Il Sorpasso, a restaurant steps away from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Day 3 - Palatine Hill and Italian Dinner
Palatine Hill is the commercial, political, and religious center of Ancient Rome. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love this ancient neighborhood that includes the Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestals. For dinner, enjoy excellent local Italian cuisine at Ad Hoc Ristorante.
Day 4 - Villa Borghese and Palazzo Colonna
For your last day in Rome, enjoy one of Rome’s largest parks, Villa Borghese. It features a number of buildings, museums, a lake, and beautiful green meadows! Afterwards, take a taxi ride to Palazzo Colonna and view a stunning Italian palace built in the mid-1600’s. Spend your last dinner at Acquaroof Terrazza Molineri, an excellent rooftop restaurant and bar with a view. Make a reservation for a sunset dinner, and make your last night in Rome memorable!
If you have more time to spend in Rome, check out these Top 5 Day Trips outside the city.