London still remains my favorite European city. I may be biased, having lived there for so many years, but I’ve also visited enough other places, so I can confidently say that I believe no other European city can compare to London in all aspects, including culture, cuisine, nightlife, markets, shopping, green spaces, activities, theaters, and urban exploration areas. It’s time for a weekend getaway to London. How to spend a weekend in London this year When I was in London, I had the opportunity to show a first-time visitor around the city – something I used to do regularly when I lived in London, which is why I feel comfortable playing the role of a guide for my friends. That’s also why I believe it’s time to share my suggestions on how to spend a weekend in London with you.
Here’s my suggested 3-day itinerary for London, which includes must-see landmarks, afternoon tea, some of my favorite cultural museums, cool street art spots, the best walks and my favorite green spaces, delicious food, and evening activities. If you haven’t booked your London trip yet, you can check out the best vacation rentals in London on cozycozy.com.
Day one: Royal London and Iconic Landmarks
I usually start my London explorations with a walk from Victoria Station to St. Paul’s Cathedral, or if I’m not too tired, I may venture deeper into the “City of London” and enjoy the views from The Monument before heading to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Finally, I like to unwind with a drink at Leadenhall Market.
Starting from Victoria Station, follow the signs to Buckingham Palace. If you’re a true royal enthusiast, you can visit the palace during the summer (tickets start at £20.50). But for most people, catching a glimpse through the gates and snapping some photos of the splendidly dressed guards should suffice. The “Changing of the Guard” ceremony takes place at 11:30 AM (daily from April to July, every other day for the rest of the year) and is a fantastic spectacle to witness, and it’s free, so you might want to time your visit accordingly.
From Buckingham Palace, walk to Green Park and stroll along the lake to the Household Cavalry Museum, where you’ll encounter another quintessential London sight: the Household Cavalry Guard. As the name suggests, they guard the royal residences in their distinctive uniforms. From there, continue your walk through Whitehall, past Downing Street, and you’ll arrive at the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament across from Westminster Abbey. Cross Westminster Bridge and turn left onto the South Bank, following the Queen’s Walk along the riverside.
You can either stop here to take a ride on the London Eye (£19.35), or continue on to the Millennium Bridge, a pleasant walk of over a mile. Before crossing the bridge, be sure to visit the Tate Modern, London’s most famous contemporary art museum, which is housed in a former power station. It’s one of my favorite contemporary art museums in the world. Whether you’re a fan of modern art or not, a visit to the café is a good idea because the views from there are amazing.
After crossing the Millennium Bridge, you can decide whether to fully visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (starting at £18 for admission) or just take a look inside (I must say, it’s worth a peek even if you don’t pay for a full visit). If you choose not to visit the cathedral, you can continue walking east until you reach The Monument, a 202-foot (62-meter) tall standalone column, which at £4 may be the cheapest way to enjoy panoramic views of London. The catch? You’ll have to climb 311 steps to get to the top, as there’s no elevator. However, your efforts will be rewarded with a lovely certificate to prove your successful ascent.
Now, you’ve definitely earned a pint – walk 10 minutes from The Monument to Leadenhall Market, a beautiful indoor market with a history dating back to the 14th century (also known as Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter movie!). You might also encounter scores of “suits” there, especially if you visit on a weekday. Most banks have offices in this area of the City, and bankers, like most folks, tend to enjoy a drink or two after work. However, mingling with them can lead to interesting experiences.
Leadenhall Market also boasts a few restaurants – if you’re looking for a typical British pub dinner, head to the Lamb Tavern. Enjoy your evening!
Day Two: Notting Hill and Central London
Begin your second day with a delightful breakfast in the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill. Your day’s adventure will start by taking a leisurely walk along Portobello Road, allowing you to soak in the unique atmosphere of this iconic area. Along the way, you can explore some of the antique shops that Notting Hill is famous for, or simply enjoy the well-preserved Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian architecture that lines the streets. If you happen to be in London on a weekend, I highly recommend visiting on a Saturday when the renowned Portobello Road Antique Market is in full swing. However, it’s advisable to arrive early, as the market gets quite crowded around midday.
Here are some breakfast options on Portobello Road:
- Electric Diner: A popular spot for a classic breakfast, offering a variety of dishes to start your day right.
- Egg Slut: Located right next to Electric Diner, Egg Slut is known for its creative and delicious egg-based dishes.
- Lowry & Baker: Besides a great breakfast, this café is also an excellent choice for a cup of coffee to kickstart your morning.
- Granger & Co: Founded by the acclaimed Australian chef Bill Granger, this restaurant serves reasonably priced breakfast options, and it’s a local favorite.
After your delicious breakfast, embark on a picturesque journey through Notting Hill. For a more extended walk, I recommend turning right onto Westbourne Grove. Head south along this tree-lined avenue until you reach the serene Kensington Gardens. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a peaceful stroll in a beautiful park, which essentially serves as an extension of Hyde Park.
For art enthusiasts, the park houses the small yet intriguing Serpentine Gallery. It regularly hosts fascinating exhibitions, and the best part is that admission is free. Be sure to check out the latest exhibitions during your visit.
Continue your journey eastward through the park, and you’ll eventually arrive at the grand Marble Arch, a colossal arch located at the northeast corner of Hyde Park. This iconic landmark is worth admiring and makes for a great photo opportunity.
At this point, you’re perfectly situated to explore more of London’s central attractions, as Marble Arch is well-connected by public transport. You can easily access famous locations like Oxford Street, Regent Street, or make your way to some of London’s iconic landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, or the West End for a theater show. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the heart of London’s bustling city center!
In London, enjoying afternoon tea is a must-do experience.
During my last visit to London, I had the opportunity to indulge in some delightful afternoon teas. London is renowned for its diverse and exquisite afternoon tea offerings, and there are plenty of unique experiences to choose from. One standout experience I tried was the Street Food Afternoon Tea, which added an intriguing twist to the traditional tea. Instead of the usual mini sandwiches and scones, they served mini burgers, mozzarella cheese rice balls, vegetable skewers, and corn cakes. The sweet treats included delectable lightning eclairs, macarons, rice pudding, and fruit tarts, all paired with a selection of teas from their exquisite tea menu. They even had a vegetarian version for those who prefer it.
In my opinion, enjoying afternoon tea is an integral part of a London weekend, and fortunately, there are dozens of options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorite afternoon teas in London:
- Sanderson’s Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea: This whimsical tea is inspired by Alice in Wonderland and is a delight for the senses. The experience includes creative and colorful treats, and the Mad Hatter’s hat-themed desserts are a real highlight.
- The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea: This afternoon tea is perfect for fashion enthusiasts. The menu is inspired by the latest fashion trends and is an artistic culinary experience. You can expect to find pastries and desserts that resemble high-end fashion items.
- Fortnum & Mason: For a more traditional and classic afternoon tea experience, Fortnum & Mason is an excellent choice. This iconic department store offers a selection of fine teas, along with a variety of sandwiches and pastries in an elegant setting.
These are just a few of the many options for afternoon tea in London. Whether you’re looking for a quirky and themed experience or a classic and refined one, London’s afternoon tea scene has something for everyone. Be sure to consult a comprehensive guide like “Conde Nast Traveler” to discover the best afternoon teas in the city and make the most of your time in London.
I prefer dining in restaurants with an elegant and cozy atmosphere, which is the right choice before embarking on a shopping spree on Oxford Street. After shopping on London’s most iconic (and busiest) street, you may want to escape the hustle and bustle. Take a right (heading south) onto Regent Street just off Oxford Circus, which leads to Carnaby Street. Here, you’ll discover more independent shops, distinct from the major high street chains, and numerous quick dining or beverage options.
Continuing down Carnaby Street until the end, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of Soho, which truly comes to life after dark. If you, like me, are a fan of theater, I recommend concluding your day with a show in London’s West End. Comparetheatretickets.com is an excellent place to start looking for discounts on West End theatre tickets, offering a comprehensive guide to finding affordable tickets for West End plays.
If you’re not a fan of musicals or theatre, you can enjoy a drink or dinner in Soho to wrap up your day. Some of the places I recommend are:
- Franco Manca for pizza
- Oka for sushi
- Bao for Taiwanese street food
- Fernandez & Wells for snacks and wine
- Princi for Italian cuisine
- Busaba Eathai for Thai food
- Yalla Yalla for Lebanese food
For drinks, you can head to:
- French House for a selection of beers
- Lyric Tavern for an authentic British pub experience
- Mark’s Bar (below Hix restaurant) for exquisite cocktails
- If you’re interested in underground bars, you can try the Experimental Cocktail Club (best of luck finding it)
- For a speakeasy experience, go to Milk & Honey (reservations are a must)
I hope this provides you with a detailed plan for your day in London, covering shopping, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city!
Day Three: Exploring East London’s Markets and Street Art
If you’re visiting over the weekend, I’ve planned this day for a Sunday. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through Columbia Road Flower Market (only open on Sundays), or start your day at Brick Lane, where a bustling flea market takes place every Sunday. Take your time to appreciate the street art and the array of flea market stalls, then make your way to the Old Truman Brewery, which is now filled with art shops and galleries.
At the south end of Brick Lane, you’ll find numerous Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, which are famous in the area. Make sure your appetite is ready for some curry – here, you can enjoy some of the best curries in London. With so many restaurants to choose from, you might find it overwhelming. I recommend consulting TripAdvisor or Foursquare for recommendations, or checking the ratings of each curry restaurant on Brick Lane.
After lunch on your 3-day London itinerary, if you have a keen interest in fashion, head over to Petticoat Lane Market, where you can discover some amazing bargains (please note: this market is also open only on Sundays).
East London Street Art
If you have a passion for street art, I recommend exploring some of the fantastic graffiti scenes in East London (you’ve already seen some in Brick Lane). However, finding all the vibrant works can be a bit tricky, which is why I suggest taking a free tour with the London Street Art Walking Tour (don’t forget to tip!). Local guides will provide insights into the artists and East London. The tour runs five times a week at 2 p.m. and requires an online reservation.
As this day is all about markets, you can’t miss the famous Camden Market in North London, which can easily be a full-day activity. It’s easy to get lost in the vast maze of different markets that are all situated around the locks of the Regent’s Canal. Yes, it can get crowded, but it remains one of my favorite things to do in London, and the food stalls alone are worth a trip to Camden. If you still have energy after exploring the markets, you can walk south along the Regent’s Canal until you reach Primrose Hill. It’s a delightful stroll, and the view of London from the top of Primrose Hill is unparalleled on a sunny day.
Tips for Exploring London on a Budget with Little Time and Money:
First, I’ve prepared a detailed guide on how to explore London affordably – check it out! It complements the 3-day London itinerary and provides plenty of tips on saving money while traveling in London.
- Get an Oyster Card: Using an Oyster card for public transport will be much cheaper. With an Oyster card, a daily ticket costs only £6.50. If you purchase a one-day ticket without an Oyster card, it can go up to £12.10 (around $18.30 USD)!
- Consider the London Pass: If you plan to visit many non-free attractions like the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace, think about getting the London Pass. It costs £75 for two days and £89 for three days. This article explains when it’s worth buying the London Pass and when it’s better to skip it.
- Use Local Buses: London has two local bus routes that cover most major attractions and landmarks like Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, and Oxford Street. If you’re short on time, consider getting an Oyster Card and a one-day bus ticket for £4.50 (bus-only), which is much cheaper than the hop-on-hop-off buses that cover nearly the same routes.
- Visit Museums on Rainy Days: One of the great things about London is that many of its fantastic museums are free! My favorites include the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, the National History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your time and money while exploring London. Enjoy your trip!
