A long weekend in London: the ultimate itinerary
Full disclosure: I live in London. So I won’t be sharing advice on how to get here, where to stay, and what to pack (although I will tell you: the Elizabeth Line is better than the Heathrow Express, avoid Luton and Stansted Airports if you’re staying in central London, and don’t pack normal, casual clothes if you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb/ obvious tourist).
What I can tell you as a local is how to organise your itinerary so you get the most out of a long weekend in London.
When is the best time to visit London?
Honestly, you could visit at any time of year. In summer, it’s hot and very busy and there will probably still be some rain. In spring, it’s quieter but the weather is less predictable although you might be lucky with some sun. In autumn, it might be wet but the changing colours bring a cosy vibe to the city. Winter is cold but usually dry… It’s busy around Christmas but much quieter in January and February.
Is London expensive?
In a word: yes.
Compared to most other cities (with the exception of US and Canadian ones) London is pretty expensive. Eating and drinking out is hard to do on a budget, but is cheaper than some European and Scandinavian cities where prices are even higher. Transport is affordable but on the expensive side. And accommodation prices vary depending on where in the city you’re planning to stay. But don’t let that put you off… Capital cities are expensive, that’s not going to change. In my opinion, London is the greatest city in the world and it’s worth what you’ll spend to be here!
Day 1: Soho & Covent Garden
Let’s get the perceived ‘main attractions’ covered on day one. Soho and Covent Garden are in the heart of the city and, while locals will largely avoid these areas on weekend afternoons, they do still have an authentic London feel to them.
For shopping, Oxford Street and Regent Street have standard high street stores, but for something more unique or vintage, explore the streets of Soho and Carnaby Street instead.
Wander through Covent Garden Market, watching street performers and browsing the stalls. Grab lunch at Dishoom Carnaby (book ahead!) or Seven Dials Market for a lively food hall atmosphere. Then visit The National Gallery or The Photographers’ Gallery near Trafalgar Square.
If you’re staying in the area, all of this is within walking distance. If not, head to Leicester Square or Oxford Street stations depending on where you’re starting your day. And don’t make the classic tourist mistake of catching the tube between Leicester Square and Covent Garden… It's faster to walk!
In the evening, see a West End show or a cabaret and consider dinner at Soho favourites Barrafina, Palomar, or Kiln (again, book ahead!).
Finish the night with a cocktail at Swift or a late drink at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club.
Day 2: East London (Shoreditch, Spitalfields & Hackney)
Shoreditch and Hackney have a more local, neighbourhood vibe to them than Soho and Covent Garden, although they’re still very tourist-friendly. Depending on where you’re staying you’ll want to get the tube into Liverpool Street, Old Street, or Shoreditch High Street.
Start with brunch at Dishoom Shoreditch or The Attendant, and stroll along Brick Lane, dipping into vintage stores, record shops, and the Sunday UpMarket (if you’re there on Sunday).
Stop to admire the street art around Redchurch Street and Shoreditch High Street, and join a walking tour if this is something you’re especially interested in. Street art in this area has a long and interesting history.
In the afternoon, walk over to Spitalfields Market to browse the local designers and handmade items. On a Sunday, if you don’t mind the crowds, you can visit Columbia Road Flower Market (Sunday only) or for a slightly quieter option check out Broadway Market in Hackney for local food and coffee.
If you want something cultural, drop by the Whitechapel Gallery or Hackney Museum.
Some seriously good dining options in this area include Smoking Goat, Lahpet, BRAT, or Manteca (once again, book ahead!)
For drinks, head to The Ten Bells in Spitalfields, Callooh Callay near Old Street, or Three Sheets in Dalston. You could also check out live music at Village Underground or rooftop drinks at Boundary if the weather’s nice.
Day 3: South Bank & Borough Market
Back to central but south of the river this time, start your morning with a coffee from Monmouth Coffee at Borough Market, then graze your way through brunch… try Bread Ahead doughnuts or Padella pasta.
Explore Southwark Cathedral or have a drink by the river at The Anchor or The Swan. From Borough, walk west along the South Bank, taking in Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern gallery, and Millennium Bridge. From here, you can cross to explore St Paul’s Cathedral.
In the afternoon, continue your walk toward the London Eye and the Leake Street graffiti tunnel or cross to Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and head towards Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.
Or if you want something quieter, detour from Borough Market into Bermondsey and head to Maltby Street Market, a smaller, more local food market. While you’re here, you can also work your way through the breweries on the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
For a high-end dinner in this area, try PYRO or Seabird on the roof of the Hoxton Hotel in Southwark (theme: book ahead!) or if you want something casual there are no shortage of classic chains like Wahaca, Nando’s, and Wagamama in the area. Then, instead of jumping straight on the tube home, take a twilight stroll along the Thames… it’s magical after dark.
Day 4: Notting Hill & Kensington
Get the tube to Notting Hill Gate or Holland Park and wander through the leafy parks and streets lined with pastel houses. Stop for breakfast at Farm Girl or Ottolenghi Notting Hill and explore Portobello Road Market starting with the antiques and heading towards the fashion stalls.
In the afternoon, stroll through Holland Park and the Japanese Garden or Kensington Gardens to Hyde Park, or visit The Design Museum or V&A for one last dose of culture. Stop for lunch or drinks at The Churchill Arms (the famous pub covered in flowers) or The Orangery at Kensington Palace.
And you can head home feeling like you’ve covered the best of London.
Want to explore more of the UK? Check out our UK travel itineraries here.