LONDON
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With its rich history, vibrant culture, and endless attractions, London is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with friends. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or discovering hidden gems, this dynamic city is sure to leave you inspired and invigorated. So pack your bags, hit the streets, and embrace the magic of London—one unforgettable moment at a time. As Samuel Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” #LondonLoveAffair
Have a weekend to explore this amazing city destination? We’ve got the perfect itinerary for you to experience the bustling charm of London in just 36 hours. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this vibrant city has something for everyone. So, grab your friends, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of England!
Recommendations:
Key Stops:
Start your day with a stroll through Covent Garden, a lively district teeming with street performers, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Black Penny, known for its mouthwatering pancakes and artisanal coffee. Check out the menu here. As you wander the cobblestone streets, keep an eye out for Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard bursting with character and charm.
No trip to London is complete without a visit to the historic Tower of London. Dive into centuries of history as you explore the medieval fortress, home to the Crown Jewels and the iconic Beefeaters. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the famous ravens, guardians of the tower, and soak in the majestic views of the River Thames.
After working up an appetite, head to Borough Market for a culinary feast unlike any other. Indulge in gourmet delights from around the world, from artisan cheeses to freshly baked pastries. Join the locals as you sample mouthwatering street food and savor the vibrant atmosphere of this foodie paradise.
Take a leisurely stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames and soak in the stunning views of London’s iconic skyline. Admire architectural marvels like the Shard and the London Eye as you wander past bustling markets and cultural institutions. Be sure to stop by the Tate Modern, home to an impressive collection of contemporary art.
As night falls, make your way to Soho, the beating heart of London’s nightlife scene. Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure at Dishoom, a Bombay-inspired eatery known for its delectable Indian cuisine and vibrant ambiance. Check out the menu here. After dinner, explore the vibrant streets of Soho and discover hidden speakeasies and trendy cocktail bars.
No visit to London would be complete without catching a show in the West End. Check out the annual Free Weekend West End Live here. Immerse yourself in the magic of the theater as you enjoy a world-class performance in one of London’s iconic venues. From musicals to dramas, there’s something for every taste. Check out ticket offers and deals here.
Attractions:
South Bank Centre is the largest art centre in the UK offering a cornocopia of literature, exhibitions, classical music, gigs, performances, poetry, comedy, debates, open to all. Check out what’s on here.
London Coliseum home of the English National Opera is the largest theatre in London’s West End, hosting opera, ballet, musicals and more. Check out what’s on here.
Sadler’s Wells, London’s purpose built dance theatre. offering an electic genre of styles with both national and international artistes. Check out what’s on here
Explore London’s rich gardening heritage through its eight Royal Parks from the oldest St James’s at the heart of ceremonial London to Victoria Tower Gardens a small pocket of green space in the heart of Westminster. They offer ayear round calendar of activirties and events. Check what’s on here.
National Portrait Gallery the world’s greatest collection of portraits. Spanning six centuries, the artworks reveal the inspiring and sometimes surprising personal stories that have shaped, and continue to shape Britain- from global icons to local champions, national treasures to unsung heroes. Check out what’s on here.
Royal Botanical Gardens-KEW Founded in 1759, Kew gardens houses the World’s largest collection of living plants. Today is operates as a globally renowned scientific institution for plant and fungal research. With over 50,000 living plants to be found across it’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Check out what’s on here.
Royal Albert Hall Home of the Proms and you can’t get more British than that. From ballet to blockbusters, comedy to classical. Check out what’s on here.
London Mithraeum situated on the site of Bloomberg’s European headquarters, houses the reconstructed remains of the ancient Roman cult of Mithras, harking back to London AD240. Check out what’s on and book your free tickets here.
Restaurant & Bars:
Start your day with a stroll through Covent Garden, a lively district teeming with street performers, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Black Penny, known for its mouthwatering pancakes and artisanal coffee. Check out the menu here. As you wander the cobblestone streets, keep an eye out for Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard bursting with character and charm.
No trip to London is complete without a visit to the historic Tower of London. Dive into centuries of history as you explore the medieval fortress, home to the Crown Jewels and the iconic Beefeaters. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the famous ravens, guardians of the tower, and soak in the majestic views of the River Thames.
After working up an appetite, head to Borough Market for a culinary feast unlike any other. Indulge in gourmet delights from around the world, from artisan cheeses to freshly baked pastries. Join the locals as you sample mouthwatering street food and savor the vibrant atmosphere of this foodie paradise.
Take a leisurely stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames and soak in the stunning views of London’s iconic skyline. Admire architectural marvels like the Shard and the London Eye as you wander past bustling markets and cultural institutions. Be sure to stop by the Tate Modern, home to an impressive collection of contemporary art.
As night falls, make your way to Soho, the beating heart of London’s nightlife scene. Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure at Dishoom, a Bombay-inspired eatery known for its delectable Indian cuisine and vibrant ambiance. Check out the menu here. After dinner, explore the vibrant streets of Soho and discover hidden speakeasies and trendy cocktail bars.
No visit to London would be complete without catching a show in the West End. Check out the annual Free Weekend West End Live here. Immerse yourself in the magic of the theater as you enjoy a world-class performance in one of London’s iconic venues. From musicals to dramas, there’s something for every taste. Check out ticket offers and deals here.
Places of Interest:
The British Museum is a free public museum dedicated to human history, art and culture located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Its hosts the a permanent collection of eight million works, the largest in the world. Checkout special paid exhibitions here.
The free to visit Natural History Museum in London has a range of exhibits exploring 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history and its diverse wildlife. A great way to spend a day. To see what’s on or to explore special paid events check here.
The V&A South Kensington is home to amazing collections from ancient Chinese ceramics to Alexander McQueen evening dresses, with an opportunity to explore an incredible journey through 5000 years of human creativity. Free to visit and marvel at its displays. See what’s on here and explore paid special events.
The Museum of London- Docklands presents a history of the city from prehistoric to modern times, with a particular focus on its social history. Free to visit and explore. Check out what’s on here.
Buckingham Palace the home of serving Kings and Queen’s for centuries, The King Charles III’s official London residence and a working royal palace. Check out what’s on here.
British Library is the national library of the UK. With a collection of over 170 million items – a living collection that grows bigger every day. Check out what’s on here.
Westminster Abbey founded in 960AD is at the heart of British Royal Life. It remains a living church with coronations taking place since 1066 and the resting place of over 3000 great Britons. At the heart of Coronations, royal weddings, kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, heroes and villains – history happens here and you are welcome to discover it. Check out what’s on here.
Where To Stay:
The Londoner a luxury 5 star oasis in the heart of Leicester Square. Check out the deals and offers here.
Citizen M Tower of London for rooms with views you really can’t get closer to the heartbeat of London than this. Check out deals here.
One Hundred Shoreditch Elegant, contemporaray hotel with a great vibe for stays or plays. Check here for offers.
The Landmark London a 5 star magnificent Grande Dame hotel. Offering quintessential London charm in sumptuous surroundings. Luxurious, sophisticatd and serene. It offers a truly enchanting oasis in the heart of the world’s finest city. Check out offers here.
Kimpton Fitzroy London is a 19th-century beauty on the outside based in Bloomsbury, Inside, the beautifully considered, contemporary interiors beckon the discerning traveller to settle in and stay a while— the cocktails are reason enough to stay. Check out the latest deals here.
The Standard Hotel where nothing is erm’ standard, an excellent central locationwith King’s Cross on your doorstep. Check out their specials here.
Generator London a stone’s throw from the transport hubs at King’s Cross and Euston, this London hostel is housed in an old police station just 5 minutes from Russell Square station. With regular events and very reasonable prices its a hit with price conscious travellers. Check out offers here.
St Christopher’s Inns, with multiple venues across Europe and London you’re sure to find a location and style to suit your wallet. Offering female only options and with pubs below they have a solid reputation for partying. Check out offers here.
Getting Around:
Navigate London’s bustling streets with ease using the city’s extensive public transportation network. From the iconic red double-decker buses to the efficient Tube system, getting around has never been easier. Consider purchasing an Oyster card for convenient access to buses, trains, and trams throughout your stay. You can hop on tap your oyster card and hop off whwerever you like. You can also use apple pay or tap a bank card. No coins are accepted for payment on buses. Weather permitting- if you are a confident cyclists how about hiring a bike with a £3 per day, day pass with the transport for London cycling scheme check here for further information.
Itinerary:
- Drinks: Head to the cafe at Foyles Book shop, Charing Cross Road for a gentle ease into the weekend, surrounded by books, grab one or have a quick catch up with friends in a cosy environment.
- Early Evening: Head to Outernet London – a virtually real immersive experience offering art, culture and music experiences for all the family. With multiple events across multiple event spaces there is surely something to match your mood.
- Dinner: Having built up an appetite head to Blacklock- Soho you can check out the menu here you will not be disappointed.
- Night: Grab a show in London’s vibrant theatreland. Check out last minute tickets here.
Day 2:
- Morning: Nothing beats a brisk stroll through one of London’s Royal parks. Head to St. James’s Park a delightful oasis in the heart of London, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and serene spaces. Here are some things you can see and do in St. James’s Park:
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Duck Island and Diana Memorial Walk: Take a leisurely stroll to Duck Island, which is home to the park’s famous pelicans. You can also explore the seven-mile Diana Memorial Walk, which winds through four Royal Parks, including St. James’s Park.
- Enjoy Tea at St James’s Cafe , Storey’s Gate Cafe or any of the refreshment kiosks dotted around the park.
- You may also like to stroll down The Mall: The park is flanked by royal palaces, and The Mall serves as the historical processional route for landmark royal events. If you are lucky you may become part of a royal event, become a part of history whilst soaking in the regal atmosphere.
- Changing the Guard: St. James’s Park hosts weekly Changing the Guard ceremonies outside Buckingham Palace you can check out the schedule of events here. It’s a quintessentially British experience, and you can witness the precision and pageantry of the guards.
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Scenic Views: For the best views of Buckingham Palace and even The London Eye, stand on the Blue Bridge within the park. It’s a picturesque spot for photos.
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- Late Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll, you can walk from St. James’s Park to Westminster Abbey, formally known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster, it is a magnificent Gothic abbey church located just west of the Palace of Westminster in London. It’s a historic and iconic landmark that has witnessed centuries of British history and significant events. Whether you choose the subway, bus, or a pleasant walk, visiting Westminster Abbey is a must for anyone exploring London!
- Lunch: visit with free entry the British Museum where centuries of global historical artefacts are on public display.
- Dinner: Head to the Southbank for a meal or drink overlooking the river Thames at the heart of London life.
Day 3:
- Morning: On Sunday’s head for the intoxicating smell of flowers, cafes and people at the thriving historical Colombia Road Market
- Late Morning: Meander past independent stores towards Spitalfields to sample street food at it’s finest.
- Lunch: Then head over to Boxpark Shoreditch, there is sure to be an event on in this culture hive of activity, where everyday is a FUN day. Loads of free events and a very exuburant crowd.
- Afternoon: Grab a mid-week or Sunday Matinee ticket or check out live events- dance, poetry, comedy, literature- show, you will be spoilt for choice.
- Dinner: For a slower pace to the end of your London trip step into Jazz Cafe London for some great music and bites. Check out what’s on here.
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