London: Royal Parks, River Walks, Timeless Buzz

The best way to experience London is to slow down and explore it one neighborhood at a time. Start your mornings early before the crowds hit the museums, use an Oyster or contactless card for the Tube and buses, and always keep an umbrella handy — the weather changes fast. Walk whenever you can: many of London’s landmarks, from Covent Garden to Westminster, are closer than they look on the map. Skip chain restaurants and head to local markets like Borough or Camden for real flavor, and plan at least one free museum day — the National Gallery, Tate Modern, and British Museum are all worth hours. Finally, end the evening by the Thames or in a quiet pub garden; that’s where London truly slows its pulse and shows its charm.