Weekend in London
Whether you’re travelling from the continent on a weekend break or it’s part of a longer holiday in the UK, London's the perfect place for an action-packed weekend of culture, shopping and restaurants. Or, for the less active, sampling the local beers and chatting with locals in a neighborhood pub.
Hear the clock strike at Big Ben, see the soldiers at Buckingham Palace, watch your neck at the Tower of London or head to the top of St Paul's for jaw-dropping views. Boasting some of the world's most iconic museums and art galleries, you'll be spoilt for choice in London.
Will you walk among the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum or get experimental at the Science Museum, take in a Titian at the National Gallery or marvel at the modernists at the Tate Modern? Want to know more about London before you book? Need some inspiration for your next weekend away? Or just looking for unusual places you've not explored before? Just follow our guide, created for us by the local experts at Visit London.
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Making the most of your weekend
What to see
Many of London's iconic landmarks such as the Coca-Cola London Eye and the Tate Modern stand on the banks of the Thames. Look a little closer though and between the big names you'll find a few hidden gems.
When to visit
London has a busy events calendar, with something for everyone, whatever the season.
Spring
See the city in bloom when the lawns at Kew Gardens are covered in a carpet of spring flowers, and make the most of the milder weather with a turn around one of the city's boating lakes.
What to eat
You really can get the world on a plate in London and there are always new and exciting food experiences to try from around the globe. Eat like a Londoner and try delicious street food from one of the city's thriving markets or tuck into a British classic: traditional fish and chips.
Where to shop
Picture-perfect Neal's Yard in Covent Garden is a miniature shopping destination in itself, while the bustling Brick Lane market in East London is a great place to pick up something unique to take home.
You’ll have to visit at least one of the big department stores while you’re in London, always good on rainy days as you’ll find everything under the one roof.
Getting around
Central London's quite compact, so you're never more than a few underground stops or a short walk from where you want to be.
Bus is definitely the best way to see the city, especially from the upper deck where you'll get a totally different perspective of the streets. It's not the fastest way to travel however, as it is dependent on London traffic running smoothly, so best if you're not in a hurry.
How much to spend
Whatever your budget, there are lots of ways to enjoy a weekend in London. See the city on a shoestring, indulge in a luxury weekend or anything in between.
Low-cost London
• Make the most of the free museums
• Buy sightseeing passes in advance
• Stay a little further from the centre of the city
• Use an Oyster card or contactless payment on tubes and buses
• Walk shorter distances between attractions
Luxury London
• Explore the city's Michelin-starred restaurants
• Book a boutique hotel for a more bespoke stay
• Head to Knightsbridge to browse in flagship stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols
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