Four-day guide for visiting London in the fall

Windsor Castle

London is one of the most well-known and iconic metropolises. Founded by the Romans as Londinium, it grew to be one of the largest cities in the world. London is known for its Royal family, massive museums, red double-deckers, afternoon tea, and more.

The travel season for London is June-August, when the weather is the best. Here is my guide for traveling to London in the fall. September and October are the best times to visit- you won't have a heat stroke, you'll avoid the crowds, and find better deals on your vacation. And the rain is there in every season, so don't worry about missing a traditional gray day.

In the fall, the temperatures are still decent, and all the attractions are available. Wear waterproof shoes and a jacket, and you'll be fine.

I recommend picking a hotel close to the subway (tube) because it's the best transportation mode. It is easy to use, especially with the help of Google.

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Day 1

Most museums in London have free entry, with an option to donate a sum of your choice. So start your visit with a cultural trip. I love the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as the British Museum and the Queen's House.

At the Victoria and Albert Museum, don't miss the Portrait of Madame de Pompadour, the Young Man Among Roses, Tippoo's Tiger, and the sculpture of Samson Slaying a Philistine. The entry is free and you don't need to book a time slot to visit. Stop at The Queen's Arms pub for a burger or fish and chips. For a fancy tea experience nearby, go to Fait Maison Salon de Thé.

The British Museum has a vast collection as well, from Egyptian to Greek pieces and more. Here, you need to see the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Sculptures, Crouching Venus, the Aztec Serpent, and Hoa Hakananai'a. These pieces and more represent different cultures from around the world, their spirit kept safe for anyone to see. It is advisable to book a time slot, but you can also just walk in. The time slot is more important during summer when the Museum is at its busiest.

The Museum Tavern serves fish and chips, and steak and ale pie.

You can also make a reservation for a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Montague on The Gardens hotel.

The Queen's House is an art gallery in Greenwich. It was built in the 1600s and is the first building made in the classical style in the country. Take in the Great Hall and the Tulip Staircase. Also check out the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, View of San Sebastian, The Parting Cheer, Henry VIII, and The Boat Builder's Yard- just some of the major pieces in this gallery. The entry here is also free, you can book a time slot, though. Grab a scone and cake at Monsoon Cafe. Or enjoy traditional pub food at The Plume of Feathers.

If you're into Warhol and fun expos, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art by Hyde Park, a great culture and nature walk combo. Book tickets in advance, they're usually under 20 pounds. Have tea at The Parlour at Marylebone. Close by, Sound Cafe serves American-inspired dishes and live music.

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Day 2

Set apart a day for a fun road trip. You can visit Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, the Cliffs of Dover, the Cotswolds, and Canterbury, on different tours.

I would recommend the Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath excursion packages.

Or, you can go on your own and spend the day in lovely Windsor. We took the subway to Waterloo Station and hopped on the train from there. It was an hour-long train ride, which passed quickly. For the subway, we used the tap option for the entry. You need one credit/debit card per person to do this, otherwise, you can buy tickets at the kiosk. For the train, we bought tickets at the interactive kiosk, it was 25 pounds per person for the round trip.

Windsor Castle has been a royal residence since the 11th century, making it the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Queen Elizabeth grew up here, and it remained one of her favorite residences. We started the tour with the State Apartments, which are still used for personal and state functions. It was amazing to see these opulent rooms with luxurious decor. The downside is that you cannot take photos inside, as it's still in use by the royals. There's also no wifi, so be prepared.

The line for the Queen Mary's Doll House is usually long. We skipped that but got to see some dollhouse pieces in the Waterloo Chamber. The doll house celebrates 100 years, and many companies contributed back then to the furniture and decorations of it.

After the State Apartments, you can stop at St. George's Chapel. This is where many Kings and Queens are laid to rest, as are Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Follow the black slabs on the floor to find King Henry VIII, he is buried with his 3rd wife, Jane Seymour. Next, stop for souvenirs or walk towards the town for a snack.

We stopped at Rex Artisan Bakery for sandwiches and a scone. It was very tasty, the scone was perfect. They have won awards for their bread.

As for the other royal residences, plan and book in advance. Sign up for the Buckingham Palace newsletter so you know when the fall tours begin.

Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, is also a great place to visit in the fall.

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Day 3

A day in London can be spent walking around and taking photos of attractions and Buckingham Palace.

Of course, you cannot miss Fortnum and Mason, an 18th-century department store in Piccadilly. It supplies quality food, teas, sweets, and gourmet gifts. I imagine all the local aristocracy sending Fortnum and Mason gift hampers back and forth. They also have great Christmas gifts, like Advent calendars and decorations. I picked some Highgrove organic products, from the estate of the Prince of Wales.

You can stop for a scone at The Parlour or reserve a full afternoon tea experience at The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason.

As we didn't have a reservation, we ended up at The Wolseley. The afternoon tea here is affordable and served in an elegant atmosphere. The 1921 building retains its old-world charm, with an Art Deco style.

For an amazingly sweet experience, walk to Cakes and Bubbles by Albert Adrià. The 3 Michelin-starred chef Albert Adrià offers a selection of unique bites and desserts, served with Champagne. Definitely a romantic, special occasion type of place.

A great ending after a day of photos and shopping, is a show in the West End. The theaters are spread across London, each playing a popular show. I would recommend Wicked for a fun show, with an original point of view. If you find yourself going to Victoria Palace Theatre or Apollo Victoria Theatre, get a quick bite at The Duke of York.

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Day 4

Borough Market is a great place to taste local produce and specialty foods. It's spread over several streets, and you can find anything from spices to cheeses and crafts. You come across tourist traps and novelty shops too, like the social media-famous Chocolicious, which offers overpriced strawberries topped with melted chocolate.

Oma restaurant is hidden up the stairs, and has great small plates inspired by Greek cuisine.

A few steps over, you can try more small plates and beer at the Flat Iron Square. It is a sports bar with indoor and outdoor tables, which hosts various events, like a pop-up Oktoberfest.

After a few bites, I recommend heading towards Big Ben in Westminster. Walk along the Thames and take a ride in the London Eye. Depending on the season, you can also book a short river cruise with a meal. Cross the Westminster Bridge to see Big Ben, and take a tour of the Palace of Westminster, and famous Westminster Abbey.

Have a snack and scone at Cellarium Cafe and Terrace, a modern space in Westminster Abbey.

There are many more museums, historic sites, and attractions in London, I hope my guide will help you get started.