Westminster Abbey is a uniquely historic site in London and a fascinating place to visit.

A royal church with over a thousand years of history, the Abbey is probably the most famous place of worship in the world, and the center of many national events and celebrations.

When visiting the Tower of London, you’ll see much of what you came to London for: soldiers marching in red uniforms, 1,000-year-old buildings rich in history, and royal jewels.

Plus, the Tower of London is located right on the banks of the River Thames, close to other iconic sites such as Tower Bridge. 

The Houses of Parliament is an iconic building in London, and it was magnificent to visit the inside.

Also known as the Palace of Westminster, you can tour the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. There is also a tour of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.

You can visit Parliament in about two hours, and it’s a memorable place to visit.

St. Dunstan-in-the-East is a picturesque oasis in the City of London.

The historic church that once stood here was mostly destroyed during the Blitz of the Second World War, and today it is a lush, photogenic public garden among the ruins.

The City of London is the oldest and most historic part of Greater London. It is the home of modern skyscrapers as well as the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Join us on a walking tour of this iconic and photogenic district.

Shoreditch is London’s funky center of nightlife and street art. During the day, Shoreditch features busy markets and famous street art.

At night, the clubs and bars come alive until dawn.

We had a great time visiting Portugal during Christmas week and for the New Year.

Visiting the big cities of Lisbon and Porto in December and January, with the mild weather and festive atmosphere, creates a special kind of liveliness during the holiday season.

A range of Christmas fairs & markets, festive lights, decorations and holiday celebrations make for a memorable visit. 

Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Greenwich is best known for its maritime history and famous attractions like the Royal Observatory, which established the Greenwich Meridian line, and the Cutty Sark. 

Brighton is a vibrant, eclectic city synonymous with the beach, but it offers so much more such as the North Laine area and the Royal Pavilion. 

If you add the beach to all the other things to do, you’ll have an epic day in Brighton.

A walk along the River Thames is a great way to see and photograph many of London’s iconic attractions.

Aveiro is a great day trip from Porto. It is easily reached by train and offers all the charms of an upscale seaport town.

Famed for its canals, colorful boats, salt flats and proximity to beautiful beaches, Aveiro is a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike.

The small village of Óbidos is a popular stop for visitors to Portugal, due to its authentic medieval charm and easy access from Lisbon. It’s good for a solid couple hour visit, especially if combined with other stops in the area.

What we enjoyed most in Óbidos was walking along the fortified walls to take in the views, exploring the quaint cobblestoned Rua Direita, and indulging in some delicious Ginja de Obidos, the traditional cherry liquor of the region served in a little chocolate cup.

Fatima is a major Christian pilgrimage site in Portugal, drawing millions of pilgrims annually from around the world.

There are three main points of interest to visit at the pilgrimage site in Fatima: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary,  The Sanctuary of Fatima, and The Basílica of the Holy Trinity.

Porto is home to incredible city views, stunning architecture, amazing food, and Port wine. 

Porto is absolutely worth a visit. 

Among our favorite things to do are enjoying the view from the bridge, wine tasting in Gaia, and visiting the blue-tiled buildings.

Lisbon has an abundance of transportation options. There is a modern metro system, trams (new lines and iconic old ones), affordable cabs, even more affordable Ubers, funiculars, tuk-tuks, and buses. 

While Lisbon is walkable, the city is very hilly so it’s best to use one of the many options to eliminate an uphill hike. 

As the main monument to ancient Lisbon, São Jorge Castle is a very popular tourist attraction. Of course this means it can get crowded - always a bit frustrating when you’re traveling. But we think the castle is worth visiting. You just might need to apply a little strategy. 

In this post, we offer ideas and info for planning a satisfying experience at São Jorge Castle.

Since Lisbon is now a crowded tourist destination and your time is limited we’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions, things to do, and tips on how to make the most of your visit. 

Nazaré is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Portugal. It’s best known for its giant waves but it offers visitors a lot more. 

It is located near other destinations like Fatima, Obidos, and the Batalha Monastery so many people and tours bundle these sights into a great day trip from Lisbon.

Portugal is a fishing country so it is well known for its delicious array of quality seafood.

But Portuguese cuisine doesn’t end there! A wide variety of unique dishes - from savory pork sandwiches & spicy Piri-piri chicken to sweet Pastéis de Nata - also brighten the palate in this welcoming, beautiful country.

Sintra is a fascinating and memorable stop during a trip to Portugal. But with world-class attractions like Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira come large crowds and long lines.