What to do in the king (or queen) of all capitals
You’d be forgiven for wondering where to start when it comes to a break in London. The city’s size, scale and layers of history mean the options can seem overwhelming. But combine a few famous sights with a sprinkle of lesser known gems and you’ll soon see why London is the city that everyone falls in love with. And why millions of people from around the world have made it their home.
A short round-up of London’s must-see sights…
St Paul’s Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren’s domed masterpiece, offering the best views over the city from the Golden Gallery, a gasp-inducing 528 steps up.
Tate Modern: The best international modern art showcased in a former power station on the Thames, with an awe-inspiring turbine hall.
National Gallery: Masterpiece follows masterpiece, set in Trafalgar Square and watched over by Nelson’s column – and several thousand pigeons.
Buckingham Palace: Look out for the flag – if it’s at full mast, the Queen’s at home.
Tower of London: The crown jewels, 1000 years of history and ravens all in one place.
Westminster Abbey: Visit the place where royalty are crowned, married and buried. Poet’s Corner is the final resting place of legendary writers from Chaucer to Dickens.
...and some ideas to round off your trip
Magical markets
If you’re in the city at a weekend, make time for street markets. For independent arts and crafts, head to Spitalfields. Colombia Road Flower Market fills the street with blooms as far as the eye can see – get there early for the best picks. Portobello Road is the destination for antiques and to admire the pastel facades of the upmarket Notting Hill area. And Borough Market is a mecca for food and drink – including (probably) the best toasted cheese sandwich in the world.
Parks & gardens
London isn’t short of green spaces. Historic Hyde Park sits proudly in the centre of the city, and is famously endorsed by the royals. But venture just over the Thames and Battersea Park is a hidden gem – with gardens, a boating lake and a children’s zoo. Just north of the centre, leafy Hampstead Heath has city views and swimming ponds that are open all year if you’re brave enough.
Jaunts on the water
The beating heart of the city, the River Thames connects many of London’s best sights and you can easily base a day around its banks. After a ride on the London Eye, taking in Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, stroll along the scenic Southbank. Grab a coffee on a riverside terrace, or stop at a pop-up bar for a craft beer. Then hop onto a river bus for a cruise east, past the glass towers of Canary Wharf, to Greenwich – where you’ll find the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and… another palace.
What — and where — to eat in London
For dinner with a view…
When you’re on the 31st floor of London’s tallest building, you’re guaranteed a vista. Aqua at the Shard doesn’t disappoint.
For afternoon tea…
The city is your oyster for this most quintessential of English traditions – but for a quirky, one-of-a-kind experience try sketch.
For a roast…
Britons take Sunday lunch very seriously. Head to a gastropub like The Harwood Arms for the best offerings.
For fish and chips…
This is where your local chippy outshines most of the top offerings. Douse your chips in vinegar and lashings of ketchup.
For international flavours…
Brixton Market is a must-visit for a true taste of the melting pot that is London. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants there are gaining serious reputations.
For celebrity spotters…
The Chiltern Firehouse is a safe bet if you’ve got your eyes peeled for A-listers.
Where to stay
The Ampersand Hotel... Unique interiors inspired by London’s most famous museums, including the V&A.
The Franklin... Gatsby-era glamour round the corner from the luxury shopping of Knightsbridge.
Vintry & Mercer... Quirky luxury boasting an exclusive speakeasy bar and a roof terrace restaurant with skyline views.
DUKES LONDON... A sophisticated home-from-home, featuring the bar that inspired James Bond’s famous martini.
The Prince Akatoki London... Minimalist, clean décor with Japanese influences, and a fine selection of whiskies and sakes to indulge in after a day in town.
Flemings Mayfair... A chic townhouse hotel in one of London’s most exclusive addresses.
The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse... Enviably located just yards from Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
The Academy... Straight from a Georgian period drama complete with library – the perfect spot for a craft gin cocktail.
The Mitre Hampton Court... A pet-friendly riverside retreat with royal connections and waterfront dining.
Share this article
Latest stories
10 of the best hotel rooftop bars to take in the views
There’s a particular pleasure in seeing a city or a landscape from above. Rooftops offer a different perspective on familiar streets — whether that means a cocktail in Soho, a pool overlooking the rooftops of Seville or a table with the Mediterranean stretching out beyond it. From polished hotel bars
Surfing holidays: where to stay for the best waves
From Costa Rica and Brazil to Bali and Spain, the world’s best surfing destinations combine serious swells and beginner-friendly breaks with a laidback lifestyle and nature. This is our pick of seven top spots around the globe for catching waves – and the boutique hotels to stay at.
The Wellbeing Collection turns one
As the Wellbeing Collection celebrates its first anniversary, we take a closer look at some of the hotels shaping the world’s most restorative wellness experiences. Each is deeply rooted in its sense of place, with the surrounding landscape, local traditions and cultural heritage shaping everything from treatments and food to
The new boutique hotels for August bringing destinations to life
This month’s edit of new boutique hotels focuses on places with stories to tell, from historic estates in the likes of Ireland and Romania and a family-owned vineyard in Champagne to a remote retreat in Ladakh shaped by local traditions.
