London

MORNING

Wake up at the Hoxton in Shoreditch, the hip East London neighborhood. After breakfast (try the pastries, including the goat cheese za’atar brioche galette) before setting out to stroll streets filled with cafes, arty shops, and gastropubs.

DAY

Grab lunch at Brat, the Michelin-starred spot serving rustic, Basque-influenced cuisine. After lunch, spend the afternoon shopping at the 350-year old Old Spitalfields Market, browsing through vinyl records and ogling antiques. Head across the street to Spitalfields Market E1, for more shopping and a treat at Jenki Matcha Bar or Mamma’s Goodies. A detour on the tube to iconic department store and printmaker Liberty of London is worth the time.

EVENING

For dinner, make a reservation at Lyle’s, recently named to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, for modern British fare in an understated dining room.

MORNING

Start the day with a pot of tea at Cafe in the Crypt—a snug cafe sits upon ancient tombstones under vaulted brick ceilings—tucked below St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square. Stroll along the Thames afterward to the Tower of London—spend a few hours perusing the historic site, and don’t miss the crown jewels.

DAY

For unparalleled views of the city, reserve free tickets to the Sky Garden, located on the top floor of a skyscraper. The venue has plenty of programming, from yoga classes to live music, but make sure to stop into the City Garden bar for a cocktail with a lofty 360-degree look at London.

EVENING

Ottolenghi Spitalfields, a chic gem of a cafe serving delicious Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, is a perfectly understated spot for dinner. Afterwards, head back down the Thames, this time on a river cruise with an altogether different perspective of the sparkling city skyline.

MORNING

For an epic breakfast, taste your way through the historic Borough Market in central London, stopping at stalls selling cheese, hot cross buns, Spanish olives and so much more.

DAY

Next, wander through the Victoria and Albert museum to see some of its vast collection of decorative arts and design pieces, and make sure to stop in the gift shop, one of the best in the city. A visit to London isn’t complete without the traditional afternoon tea. Choose among myriad family-friendly options, including the children’s tea at the Savoy, and the fashion-themed Prêt-à-Portea at the Berkeley.

EVENING

Make a reservation at St. John Bread and Wine for dinner—it’s a lively spot for traditional British cuisine. Kids will love the made-to-order madeleines for dessert, and parents will appreciate the robust wine list.