72 Hours in London, England

By: Curated5 Blogazine

If you only have a couple of hours on a layover or are planning a full-blown vacation, London is always a good idea. One of the very few global cities, London boasts an amazing transportation network, a world-class selection of restaurants and shopping opportunities as well as breathtaking views and sights.

Only have a couple of hours? Hop on one of the sightseeing buses to make sure you get to what is most important. Alternatively, take a crosstown bus (such as the number 11) to get a good feel for London (just be aware there might be lots of traffic). If you have three full days to spare, here is what we recommend you do:

via Visit London

FRIDAY

Kick off your day with a stroll through Borough Market and try all the amazing food (plus, you also get to see where Bridget Jones lives in the movies). While you are there, make sure to grab a coffee at Monmouth. Be prepared to queue – it is definitely worth it.

After that you might want to head into town for some shopping. If you really have to go to Oxford Street, it is advisable to do so whilst most people are still at work. Alternatively, you might want to check out enjoy Carnaby Street. In terms of department stores, it does not always have to be Harrods (which is also a bit out of the way): check out modern Selfridges, historic Liberty (you will love the building), and quintessentially British Fortnum & Mason.

If it is still winter when you come to town, you might want to squeeze in some ice skating at Somerset House or the Natural History Museum. Otherwise, how do dinner and drinks at hip Hoxton Hotel in Holborn and manicures at adjacent Cheeky parlour sound?

SATURDAY

Start your weekend with a traditional full English breakfast (above, most places also serve a vegetarian alternative these days) in one of the many restaurants in the Covent Garden and Seven Dials area.

Afterwards, cross the Golden Jubilee footbridges connecting Embankment and Waterloo and stroll down the South Bank to see London Bridge and maybe even Tower Bridge if you are feeling like it. If you make it that far, you might want to have a peek at hidden St Katherine Docks and check out the Tower of London. If you do not want to walk that far, once you get to Tate Modern, cross the Millennium Bridge to have a look at St. Paul’s Cathedral (above).

Then, head to Notting Hill (above) for Portobello Road Market, rows of cute and colourful houses, and have a pint at the Duke of Wellington pub (Canadian readers will also find a taste of home nearby with London’s only Second Cup being up the road).

A trip to London would not be complete without proper English Afternoon Tea. There are many places to choose from. Our current favourite: The Ham Yard Hotel in Soho.

If you are happy to do more exploring afterwards, why not check out Little Venice (it is exactly what it sounds like), then stroll past house boats moored in Regent’s Canal (above, Richard Branson has one there too), and either head to see Regent’s Park (the prettiest park in London if you ask us), and Primrose Hill (amazing London views, cute little houses, and, potentially, the chance to spot Kate Moss or Jude Law who live in the area).

Otherwise, head further until you get to the King’s Cross (above) for some beautiful modern architecture and dinner at the Grain Store, Granger & Co, or the German Gymnasium (prior reservations are recommended for all to avoid waiting times).

SUNDAY

Head to Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday morning and then through Shoreditch’s Brick Lane Market (if you fancy bagels, Brick Lane is also the place to get them – currently it is all about rainbow bagels) as well as Spitalfields. You might also want to consider having a traditional Sunday Roast at one of London’s many pubs.

To end your stay in London, either go up the Shard (above), London’s tallest and skyline-defining building. You can either get a ticket or go up for free for drinks and food in one of the restaurants and bars. Alternatively, and this is one of our favourites, if you pre-book well in advance, the Sky Garden (below) in London’s ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building is a great and completely free alternative.

If you have more than 72 hours to spend in London:

We also recommend quaint Richmond, Hampstead Heath or Alexandra Palace for the views.

Gritty Camden and fun Soho for its nightlife, food, and drinks, Chinatown, hip Angel or London Fields, the Olympic Park (below) and Europe’s biggest shopping mall, Westfield, in Stratford.

Canary Wharf for modern architecture, maritime Greenwich, upscale Chelsea and Marylebone High Street, South Kensington for a taste of France, and Kensington High Street for a Kensington Palace visit.

For more London tips, have a look on our Instagram and get in touch if you have any specific questions. Curated5 look forward to welcoming you to London

 

 

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