2024 has been a year of change for me. I had amazing opportunities visiting new places and was able to make a major career change after working in the same company for 12 years (wasn’t an easy decision I’ll say) One of the highlights from 2024 was being able to take a month off and travel to London, looking back I think the last time I had a whole month off was probably when I was in my school days.

I know probably not the first destination that comes to mind when thinking to disconnect and reboot before starting a new job. It was far away from the beaches and resorts that commercially promote tranquillity and rejuvenation, but the trip gave my Mom (travel buddy) and I experiences to new places and connecting with wonderful people. London has a soft spot in our hearts.

I know 4 weeks seems much but trust me when I say the city never disappoints in keeping you entertained. I don’t have an itinerary for a whole month, but for those that are interested in visiting London, or the UK can consider some of the highlights and suggestions in this blog post. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay like mine, London has something for everyone.

The city is alive with history, culture, and an endless list of things to see. I’ll admit, I didn’t always appreciate it as much when I was younger, but with age comes perspective, and made me appreciate it more in a slower pace. It’s a place where tradition meets new, and no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to see and discover.

Exploring by Foot

One of my favorite ways to experience London is by foot. Sure, the public transportation system is great, but there’s nothing quite like walking through the city streets and truly soaking in the place. On my first days, I made it a point to just wander around downtown London. Staying centrally located gave me easy access to landmarks, parks, and hidden gems. Whether it was iconic sights like Hyde Park or cute little cafés hidden on quiet streets, every corner had something special to offer. So if you do plan on visiting make sure to spend time getting lost.

A Day in Camden

If I had to pick a highlight from my trip, Camden would be at the top of the list. This was my first real experience of the area, and it did not disappoint. Camden has such a unique vibe, with its mix of old rock-and-roll culture, live performances, and bustling markets. The food scene there is incredible, with so many options it’s almost overwhelming.

Foodie tip: bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer because you’re going to get messy trying out all the great food.

During my visit, there was even a Bollywood festival happening, which added an extra layer of excitement. The area’s vibrant energy is something, and whether you’re browsing the market stalls or just people-watching, Camden is a must-visit.

Theatre Magic, Leicester Square and Soho Halal Sliders

No trip to London is complete without experiencing the theatre, I’m just saying! I was lucky enough to see the Japanese production of Spirited Away during my stay, and it was breath taking. The show had English subtitles, incredible music which felt like a teleportation back to my childhood. The state-of-the-art effects brought the film to life in a way I never imagined. If you’re planning a trip to London consider catching a show.

While in the area of the theatre district you explore cute places for sweets and treats. I checked out Knoop’s, a hot chocolate and iced chocolate shop I’d seen all over Instagram. Their iced chocolate with salted caramel lived up to the hype and was the perfect treat on a summer day. Not far from Leicester is the wonderful Soho. After a long day of seeing a show and walking around Leicester was able to end my day with meeting friends to enjoy some delicious halal sliders at Burgeri.

Stepping Outside of London

While the majority of my time was spent in London, I was able to explore beyond the city visiting places like the historic city of Bath, Windsor and Oxford.

Bath

We took a train from Paddington Station, and in just a couple of hours, we reached Bath. Famous for its Georgian architecture and its history, dating back to Roman times. The city is named after its ancient Roman baths, which were built around natural hot springs. I have to say the most memorable moment was joining a walking tour of the city. We wandered through the old cobblestone streets and learned so much about Bath’s history and charm from our guide (I’m not gonna lie most of which I can’t remember, but I did get to take some cool photos)

We had the chance to visit Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, which is said to be one of the world’s oldest restaurants/ cafes. Famous for its iconic Sally Lunn Bun. We had to try. I’m not gonna lie the bun was just OK. Tasted like a spread of butter and jam on toast, not that I’m complaining kinda. I love a good butter and jam toast, but just the hype about it and waiting in a cue to get in didn’t meet my expectations.

Windsor

I had the chance to visit Windsor with my cousin and his family, and it was such a lovely experience. One of the highlights of our day was going on a cruise along the River Thames. The views were beautiful, with charming scenery all around. Windsor itself gave me kind of a Hamptons vibe- not that I’ve been to the Hamptons, but it definitely had that upscale, picturesque vibe. The area and streets felt refined and timeless.

Another cool thing that we got to see in Windsor City was the old Windsor Castle which was ginormous you definitely cannot miss it as soon as you reach the city.

Oxford

Home to the world-famous university, Oxford had a unique charm, blending history, academia and nature.

Visiting during the month of August you could not not notice the crowds of students and their families touring the city centre. It was so nice to see the excitement and energy of people discovering the university for the first time.

One thing I particularly loved about Oxford was the landscaping! I know random, but the green spaces and gardens were so well-maintained and looked beautiful.

I noticed a lot of stores selling Harry Potter memorabilia! which later made sense, considering many scenes from the Harry Potter films were inspired by or shot in Oxford, but it was still so exciting to see all the themed shops. Another quirky thing I noticed were of cow statues or sculptures scattered around the city. They were colorful and artistic, but I couldn’t quite figure out the meaning behind them.

Overall, the city was fun and I’d recommend it to anyone who appreciates history, architecture, or just searching for a peaceful day out with a touch of whimsy.

Museums, shopping and more sightseeing

No trip to London is complete without exploring its incredible museums. I was so excited to not only visit the iconic V&A Museum but also experience the exhibition dedicated to legendary Ms. Naomi Campbell. I know I’ve already given the title of trip ‘highlights earlier’, but this was, without a doubt, one of my top three highlights of the trip.

The exhibition was perfectly situated in the middle of the costumes and clothing displays, housed in its own pavilion. Spanning two levels, every corner celebrated Naomi’s career and the stunning work of the designers she collaborated with. If you’re in London before April 6 2025 and have an appreciation for fashion and Naomi, this exhibition is a must see.

Another gem in London’s art scene was Frameless, a newly opened space that explores art beyond the frames. This art experience redefines the way you engage with masterpieces, blending classic and modern art into dynamic, interactive displays. Each section of the space is allocated to different themes and each area makes you feel like you’re walking into the work of your favorite artists and their imagination. If you’re in London and looking for something unique, Frameless is absolutely worth a visit.

London is also pretty popular for its shopping scene. If you’re looking for more high street brands, definitely Oxford Street is a great choice. We were able to also visit Westfield Mall and Wembley Outlet Mall both of which had great options and varieties.

On the more luxurious side, there’s the famous Regent Street and, of course, Harrods. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, walking through Harrods is an experience in itself. The luxury and opulent displays are incredible. I mostly just enjoyed people watching and café hopping in these places, still fun and felt like a classical thing to do or see as part of the London experience.

If you’ve been to London or are planning a trip, I’d love to hear your favorite spots and recommendations in the comments. Thanks for reading, and I hope this inspires your next adventure to the city!

Love from the moon,

Mona <3

A Month in the UK: A Time to Reset