Travel

The Perfect Weekend in London: A Step-by-Step Itinerary

There’s no denying that there are plenty of cool things to see and do in London. However, this can make planning a trip to the UK’s capital a little difficult, as you have so many options to choose from!

With that in mind, here’s the perfect weekend itinerary for you to follow during your time in the big smoke!

Friday. 

Ideally, you should aim to arrive in London as early as possible on Friday. This means that you’re giving yourself more time to explore!

  • Upon arrival, purchase an oyster card or a three-day TFL travel card. This will make it much easier to get around the city, as it can be used on the bus, trains or underground system. 
  • Download the CityMapper app on your phone. This will help you figure out the quickest or cheapest route from A to B, which is typically a little more memorable than Google Maps. This is because it provides real-time updates on station closures and delays.
  • Drop off your bags and cases at your hotel or accommodation. If it’s too early to check in and you don’t have access to the space, head to a nearby luggage storage spot. 
  • Head to central London to participate in a free walking tour. Not only will this help you to learn more about the city, but it will also help you to get your bearings and figure out exactly where things are. 
  • Head to one of the oldest pubs in London for a nice drink and a delicious meal. Fortunately, you have plenty to choose from in this regard, from the Mayflower in Rotherhithe to the Punch Bowl in Mayfair. 
Photo by Charles Postiaux on Unsplash

Saturday. 

  • Book tickets for a West End show. You can get the best price for on-the-day tickets by downloading the TodayTix app and entering the rush for your chosen show at 10 am. This will provide you with access to the best available seats for £25-30. 
  • Visit one of London’s world-famous museums, whether that’s the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum. You have plenty of options to choose from, and while you may need to prebook, the vast majority are entirely free to enter.
  • Alternatively, head to a tourist attraction or historical site, such as the Tower of London. Ideally, you should book your tickets for these attractions as far in advance as possible, as you can often get the best price by doing so. It also means that you can avoid ticket queues on arrival. If visiting the tower of London, you can join a free guided tour led by a Beefeater -check the schedule ahead of time so that you do not miss out.
  • Visit one of London’s markets for a bite to eat. Again, there are countless to choose from, including Spitalfields Market and Borough Market. Here, you can enjoy food from all around the world. If you’re looking for a “classic” British meal, however, you cannot go wrong with Fish and Chips.
  • Indulge in a little retail therapy. A trip to London is not complete without first indulging in a spot of retail therapy. While there are (again) endless places to shop, be sure to stop by Fortnum and Masons or Harrods, which are some of the city’s most well-known department stores and are well worth a browse.
  • Grab a bite to eat before dinner. Want to save money? Download the Fork or First Table app to find restaurants offering exclusive discounts. This can cut your food bill down by as much as 50%. Ideally, you should try to find a restaurant in the vicinity of the theatre you will be attending! 
  • Head to the theatre. Try to arrive at least thirty minutes before the show begins. This gives you plenty of time to grab a drink, go to the bathroom, and find your seat before the show begins. 
  • Grab a drink in Soho. If you’re not ready for the night to end after the show, head to Soho for a drink! Whether you’re hoping for a wild night on the town, you’ll find plenty of clubs or jazz bars – but there are plenty more low-key options, too! 
Photo by Alessandro Russo on Unsplash

Sunday.

  • While you may be tempted to sleep in, wake up as early as you can. This will allow you to make the most of your time in London, especially if you aren’t leaving til later on in the day. Ask your hotel if they’ll keep hold of your luggage so that you do not need to carry it around with you!
  • Find a place to eat brunch. London is often described as a Foodie’s paradise, which means that you’re in for a real treat when it comes to dining out. As such, you should be sure to treat yourself to a delicious brunch on your final day. Alternatively, you could head to Brick Lane to enjoy one of the world-famous Brick Lane Beigels. However, this is an incredibly popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, so brace yourself for a bit of a queue – especially on a Sunday. 
  • If the sun is shining, visit one of London’s greenspaces to enjoy some calm and tranquillity before heading home. Again, there are many different places that you can visit, including Greenwich, which is one of the city’s hidden gems just south of the river. After a stroll through the Park (one of Bridgertons filming locations), be sure to stop by the market to pick up some souvenirs or sweet treats. 

Book your next London trip

So, there you have it! The perfect weekend itinerary for your trip to London! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you are practically a local, this will allow you to make the most of your time in the city while also enjoying the perfect mix of history and culture. 

From spending time shopping in Oxford Street to sitting and enjoying a pint at one of the city’s oldest pubs, the itinerary outlined above makes for an incredibly enjoyable trip. Be sure to have your camera tonhand to take plenty of pictures!

Top photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

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