London offers a wide range of accommodations, from charming boutique hotels to iconic, grand properties that reflect their price tag. As in any major city, the key is deciding where to base yourself and choosing a hotel that works well for the whole family. Here are a few of our tried-and-true favorites:

• One Aldwych (Covent Garden) - A stylish, design-forward hotel with spacious suites and family rooms, just steps from restaurants, shops, museums, and theaters. Kids will love the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory–inspired afternoon tea, and other thoughtful touches for families throughout.

• ME London (Covent Garden) - A sleek, modern option in Covent Garden at a more approachable price point than many nearby luxury hotels. It offers fewer traditional frills, but we’ve stayed multiple times and have always found it stylish and comfortable.

• Holmes Hotel (Marylebone) - Modern and welcoming for families, this mid-range hotel sits in a quiet spot on the edge of a trendy neighborhood. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, it offers flexible family rooms and thoughtful welcome gifts and toiletries that make kids feel right at home.

• The Laslett (Notting Hill) - A boutique hotel with a relaxed, residential feel just off Portobello Road. Select rooms and suites can accommodate three guests, and connecting rooms for bigger families are available upon request.

Beyond hotels, London has excellent Airbnb options across many neighborhoods. For families who need more space than a standard hotel room for two, this is often the most economical and practical choice. Reach out to us for recommendations based on your trip needs.

London’s food scene is as diverse and exciting as any of the world’s greatest metropolitan cities, with incredible options spanning every cuisine you can imagine, not just traditional British fare. These are just a few places that were a hit for the whole family:

• Dishoom (several locations) – Hugely popular, casual Indian spot with a lively atmosphere. The line moves fairly quickly, but it’s still best to go early for dinner or book ahead for breakfast.

• Ottolenghi (several locations) – Bright, casual café-deli known for vibrant Middle Eastern–inspired dishes, beautiful salads, and standout pastries. Great for a relaxed lunch or takeaway.

• Sabor (Mayfair) - Great one-star Michelin option that still felt approachable for our family, with distinct dining spaces that each offer a different style and menu. The food was outstanding, and the staff was genuinely warm and sweet with our kids.

• The Wilton Arms (Belgravia) - Lively, classic pub for a high-quality traditional meal. Relatively easy to reserve (still recommended) and a reliable choice.

• Ave Mario (Covent Garden) - Colorful, high-energy Italian restaurant in Covent Garden. We’ve been to several Big Mamma Group restaurants, and they’re always fun and consistently a crowd-pleaser.

• Coppa Club (Tower Bridge) - Relaxed, scenic spot near Tower Bridge with a broad, approachable menu that works well for families.

Depending on interests and ages, families can choose from a huge range of activities in London. Kids might be enchanted by Harry Potter–themed experiences, fascinated by historic landmarks, or thrilled to explore the city’s parks and playgrounds. You can catch a world-class theater show, wander bustling streets, or simply soak up the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

These are a select few of our top recommendations for all families:

• Big Red Bus Tour – A must-do for first-timers and repeat visitors alike, riding up top on a double-decker is a fun way to take in the sights and get oriented. Our kids insist on doing this every time we visit London and it’s a nice break for parents to rest.

• Bird’s-Eye View of the City – For sweeping views, head up to Sky Garden or take a spin on the London Eye. It’s a memorable way to see the city skyline and appreciate just how vast London really is.

• Afternoon Tea – A quintessential London experience. Our kids are already begging to return to the Science Tea at The Ampersand, while for a more classic setting we’ve enjoyed afternoon tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

• Princess Diana Memorial Playground – Tucked inside Kensington Gardens, this imaginative pirate-ship playground was declared the “best park ever” by our kids, who happily spent hours here!

• Museums – Many of London’s top museums are free for kids, making them easy to pop into between other plans. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are big hits for our family, and the London Transport Museum (ticketed) is especially great for younger kids.

• See a Show (West End) – Catching a performance in London’s West End is a memorable night out, whether it’s a long-running musical or a family-friendly production. It’s an easy way to add a special evening to your trip.

London is a great city for shopping, with something for every taste. There’s no shortage of charming British souvenirs and treats that kids will love hunting for, alongside everything from international brands to iconic British labels. And of course, no trip is complete without a visit to one of the city’s world-famous department stores.

• Fortnum & Mason – A classic stop for beautifully packaged teas, biscuits, and quintessential British gifts that make perfect souvenirs.

• Covent Garden – A lively mix of charming boutiques, specialty shops, and familiar brands, all easy to explore in one area.

• Regent Street – One of London’s premier shopping streets, lined with flagship stores and major international brands.

• Portobello Road Market – Famous for antiques and vintage finds, this Notting Hill market is as fun to browse as it is to shop.