✨ Lazy Girl Goes to London
A cozy, simple, real‑life guide from someone who’s actually been… multiple times
London is one of those cities that just works. It’s fun, safe, walkable, and packed with things to do — whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, taking your kids on a graduation trip, or squeezing in one perfect day after a cruise (been there, done all three).
I’ve visited London a few times now, and every trip has had its own vibe:
✨ A romantic anniversary trip with Brandon (fun fact: we booked through Costco — no points, no miles, the deal was too good to pass up)
🎓 A family trip to celebrate our oldest’s high school graduation
🚢 A post‑Norway‑cruise day in 2025 where I wandered the city with a coffee and zero plans
And through all of that, I’ve learned one thing:
London is the easiest international city you’ll ever visit. It’s safe, walkable, friendly, and full of magic around every corner.
Lazy Girl travel is about ease, flow, and simple systems that make the trip feel effortless — and London is the perfect place to practice it.
⭐ Want more cozy, simple travel tips?
Explore all my Lazy Girl City Guides — packing lists, hotel reviews, easy itineraries, and real‑life travel tips designed for stress‑free adventures.
This post may contain affiliate links for products or services I personally use and love. If you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend things that fit the Lazy Girl travel style — simple, helpful, and genuinely part of my real‑life routines.
☕ Lazy Girl Philosophy: London Edition
London is a “don’t overthink it” destination.
You don’t need a complicated itinerary. You don’t need to plan every minute. You don’t need to stress about transportation.
You just need:
comfortable shoes
tap‑to‑pay
a few pre‑booked highlights
and the freedom to wander
If you can navigate Target, you can navigate London.
🛬 Getting Into London (The Lazy Girl Way)
Heathrow
The easiest options:
Elizabeth Line — fast, clean, cheap, and drops you right into central London
Heathrow Express — pricier but very fast
Uber — only if you’re tired or carrying too much luggage
Lazy Girl Tip: Tap‑to‑pay with your credit card for Tube and trains. No Oyster card needed.
🏨 Where I’ve Stayed in London (And Why Each Trip Felt Totally Different)
One of my favorite things about London is that every neighborhood has its own personality — and every time I’ve stayed somewhere different, the trip has taken on a whole new vibe. I’ve stayed in three totally different parts of town, and honestly? All of them were amazing for completely different reasons.
The Royal Horseguards — Westminster (Anniversary Trip)
This was our anniversary hotel, and it felt classic London. Elegant, historic, and steps from the Thames, Trafalgar Square, and the government district. It’s the kind of place where you walk outside and immediately feel like you’re in the heart of London. Perfect for a romantic trip, slow mornings, and long walks along the river.
London Memories
Hilton London Bankside — South Bank (Family Trip)
This was our family trip for our oldest’s high school graduation, and it was PERFECT. We booked a family room deal through Hilton — one room at full price and the second room half off — and it saved us a ton. And because I had Hilton Diamond, we got:
Executive Lounge access
Heavy appetizers we treated as dinner most nights
Free wine + drinks
Full breakfast every morning
It was one of those trips where the hotel genuinely made everything easier. The South Bank location is walkable, modern, and calm — ideal for families.
Hyatt Regency Blackfriars — City of London (Post‑Cruise Day)
This was my post‑Norway‑cruise stay in 2025. The area is business‑y during the week but peaceful on weekends, and it’s incredibly convenient for walking to St. Paul’s, the Tate Modern, and the river. The hotel itself is polished, quiet, and exactly what you want after getting off a ship and needing one perfect London day.
Lazy Girl Tip: London doesn’t have one “right” neighborhood — it has many right neighborhoods. Pick the vibe you want, and you’ll be happy.
🎟️ What to Book Ahead (And What You Can Skip)
Book Ahead:
West End shows - we saw Hamilton in London!
British Museum
Skip the Reservations:
Borough Market
Covent Garden
Hyde Park
St. James’s Park
Walking the Thames
Westminster Abbey exterior
Lazy Girl Tip: Pick one big thing per day. Everything else is bonus.
😂 A Personal Note: The Churchill War Rooms
I have been to the Churchill War Rooms three times.
Three.
Brandon wanted to go.
Then the boys insisted.
Then Tanner insisted I take my dad.
So on my upcoming trip, if my friend Bree is dying to go on our upcoming trip… I’m going to need a moment. It’s a great museum — truly —, but I have served my time.
Lazy Girl Tip: If you’ve already done something, you don’t have to do it again. London has endless options.
🚇 Getting Around London (The Easiest Way)
London’s Tube system is simple:
Tap‑to‑pay
Follow the colored lines
Walk when it’s under 20 minutes
Use Google Maps or Citymapper
Lazy Girl Tip: If you can navigate Target, you can navigate the Tube.
A Little London Moment That Still Makes Me Laugh
Don’t forget to look the “wrong” way before crossing the street — I still giggle every time I think about my husband forgetting and stepping right out in front of a police officer. We were all laughing, even the officer. It’s one of those tiny London memories that sticks with you forever.
🍽️ Lazy Girl Eats (No Stress, No Reservations)
London has incredible food — but you don’t need fancy reservations.
Easy, reliable picks:
Dishoom
Pret (yes, it’s everywhere and yes, it’s good)
Wagamama
Borough Market stalls
Flat Iron Steak
Franco Manca
Lazy Girl Tip: Eat breakfast at your hotel or a café, lunch on the go, and dinner somewhere cozy.
👜 What to Pack (Carry‑On Only, Obviously)
London weather changes every 20 minutes. Pack layers.
Essentials:
Light rain jacket
Comfortable shoes
Crossbody bag
Portable charger
Umbrella (optional — buy one there)
Clothing:
Jeans
Black leggings
Neutral tops
One sweater
One “cute but comfy” outfit
Lazy Girl Tip: You don’t need to pack heavy. London shops are everywhere.
💗 More Lazy Girl Travel
If you love easy, stress‑free travel hacks like this, check out my full Lazy Girl Series — it’s packed with simple systems, smart stacking strategies, and real‑life wins that make travel feel effortless.
Heading to London? Here is what I am packing for my next trip
💳 Points & Miles Tips for London
What cards I use in London:
Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve (travel + dining)
Amex Platinum (lounges + FHR hotels)
Note: Amex isn’t widely accepted in Europe, so always carry a Visa/Mastercard backup.
I still bring it because the Amex Lounge at Heathrow is worth it.
💳 Lazy Girl London Tip: Use the Right Credit Card
London is one of the easiest cities to visit with points and miles — but only if you’re using the right card.
I always travel with cards that have no foreign transaction fees, and I recommend you do the same. It saves money, keeps things simple, and makes every purchase feel seamless.
And here’s the big one:
Always select to pay in pounds. Never choose the “convert to USD” option — it’s a sneaky upcharge and the bank will give you a better rate anyway.
This is one of those tiny travel habits that makes a big difference over a full trip.
📸 Lazy Girl Moments to Capture
Tower Bridge at sunset
Red phone booth + Big Ben
Notting Hill pastel houses
St. James’s Park
Covent Garden
A cozy pub
🧋 Lazy Girl’s Perfect London Day
Here’s the simple version:
Coffee + pastry
One big attraction
Lunch at Borough Market
Walk along the Thames
Tube to Covent Garden
Dinner at Dishoom
West End show
Night walk back to the hotel
Easy. Beautiful. Memorable.
🧋 Lazy Girl London Tip
I use Uber in London because it’s usually cheaper than cabs, especially for short rides. But after a show? I’ll grab a taxi every time. It’s just easier — they’re lined up, ready to go, and you don’t have to fight surge pricing or wait for a driver to navigate the crowds.
✨ Final Lazy Girl Thoughts
London is one of the easiest international cities you’ll ever visit. It’s safe, walkable, friendly, and full of magic around every corner.
You don’t need a complicated plan — you just need a few smart choices and the freedom to wander.
Lazy Girl approved.
About the Author Julie Davis is a travel- and cruise-loving mom, and creator of NoPointLeftBehind.net, where she teaches travelers how to explore the world using simple systems, cozy planning, and points‑and‑miles strategies that actually fit real life. She travels frequently thanks to points and miles — and shares the exact tips, wins, and easy habits that make travel feel stress‑free and attainable.
Learn how to start your own points journey in the Beginner Guide to Points.
