London is a city of contrasts, blending the old and the new, the stately and the subversive, the ceremonial and the spontaneous. From art, music, theatre, and history to festivals, markets, restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, and sports – the list of what to do and what to see is endless. Three days can only scratch the surface of a city many consider the capital of the world. But it’s worth trying, as long as you have two guarantees: a comfortable bed and comfortable shoes.
Day 1
Morning The first plan of action when arriving anywhere should be to get your bearings and a real sense of place. A walk along the river is a great way to start, from Westminster Bridge to as far east as you can manage, taking in vistas of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, the National Theatre, and an array of iconic buildings as you stroll along the curve of the Thames.
Lunch No trip to London would be complete without visiting a proper British pub, and The Anchor & Hope fits the bill perfectly. For over 20 years, this stalwart of the city’s pub scene has been nourishing tourists and locals alike. A fish stew or roast beef will re-energize any flagging sightseer and provide a real glimpse into how London’s pub culture has developed over the years. For those brisk walkers who make it as far as Tower Bridge, a special multi-course lunch at Two Michelin Star Story is a perfect reward – just be aware that it won’t be a flying visit.
Afternoon It’s now time for the Tate Modern, one of the largest modern art museums in the world and an integral part of London’s cultural landscape. Afterwards, head over the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s 17th-century masterpiece and one of the most recognizable landmarks in London.
Drinks Think ahead and make reservations for pre-dinner drinks at Europe’s highest hotel bar: GŎNG Bar on the 52nd floor of the Shangri-La at The Shard hotel. If you’re lucky enough to get a window table, you can stare down in wonder at London’s ever-changing skyline.
Dinner A table at Mountain will give you a clear idea of the capital’s culinary zeitgeist. The open kitchen adds real buzz to the room, where the open flames and wood-fired oven provide wonderful smoky flavors. If you want to see why London has such a great reputation for its Indian food, Trishna is a must – their brown crab is utterly delicious.
Hotel When the sun sets and it’s time for bed, the Ham Yard Hotel is a great choice. It may be in the lively Soho district, but it feels like a little oasis of calm and is run by a warm, welcoming team. It’s one of the bigger hotels in the Firmdale Group, but still has a boutique feel with contemporary design and style.
Day 2
Breakfast While the temptation for breakfast might be room service in a comfortable hotel, it’s worth getting out for breakfast at The Wolseley, just a short stroll away from Ham Yard. Imagine yourself in a PG Wodehouse novel as you enjoy the grilled kipper, while watching the great and the good at adjacent tables.
Morning The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to the public between July and September, so book a morning slot to be one of the first visitors. For those preferring a more languid start to the morning, go at 11 am for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which happens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. If the sun is shining, London’s Royal Parks should be explored; you can walk from Kensington Gardens to St James’s Park, via Hyde Park and Green Park.
Lunch Dinner by Heston Blumenthal overlooks Hyde Park, with dishes inspired by England’s oldest recipe books. Ask for a window seat to possibly see the guards on their horses passing by. Lunch can be a cheaper way of experiencing top-quality restaurants, as many offer special lunchtime menus. Elystan Street, with its well-judged, satisfying dishes, is a great example.
Afternoon Shopping in London evokes mixed feelings, but it’s a must-do. Explore famous department stores like Liberty, Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, or Fortnum & Mason. For streets, try Marylebone Road or Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross.
Dinner & Evening One evening of any London trip should be spent at the theatre. While Shaftesbury Avenue is the city’s best-known street for performing arts, smaller venues like The Almeida, the Bridge Theatre, Donmar Warehouse, and Hampstead Theatre often feature newer and less familiar plays. In the summer, check out the open-air theatre in Regent’s Park.
For pre- or post-theatre dining, J. Sheekey is a great option. This seafood restaurant has been feeding actors and theatregoers since 1896. Alternatively, Cora Pearl, near “The Actors’ Church,” focuses on seasonal British produce.
Drinks Extend your evening with a visit to Gordon’s Wine Bar, established in 1890, for its great atmosphere. For something more modern, head to the NoMad Hotel in Covent Garden, opposite the Royal Opera House.
Day 3
Breakfast Mount St has the greatest art collection of any restaurant in London and does a fabulous breakfast – the Omelette Arnold Bennett is particularly good – which you can enjoy while admiring paintings from artists like Lucian Freud and Henri Matisse.
Morning The morning means markets – whether that’s Portobello Road in Notting Hill, Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone, or Camden Market. If it’s a Sunday, the Columbia Road Flower Market is a must.
Lunch For those at Borough Market in the morning, time your visit to coincide with lunch. Akara offers a mix of West African and Brazilian cooking under the arches, showcasing the rich variety of cuisines on offer. If you’re shopping in Carnaby Street or exploring Covent Garden instead, Imad's Syrian Kitchen offers enticing Middle Eastern flavors for sharing.
Afternoon The National Gallery has over 2,300 paintings dating back to the 13th century, but The National Portrait Gallery, which reopened in 2023, is great for seeing more recognizable faces. Art and design enthusiasts will also want to visit The Victoria & Albert Museum, while the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are nearby.
Dinner In London’s trendiest quarter, Shoreditch, Lyle’s is a great spot for dinner with its laid-back, pared-down vibe and cleverly composed dishes. Alternatively, Popolo and Manteca are two very buzzy and well-priced Italian restaurants. Smokestak, a Bib Gourmand restaurant, is sure to satisfy, and Bubala offers Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes for sharing. Round off the evening with cocktails at Christina’s at the Mondrian London Shoreditch hotel.
For more recommendations contact me to talk about booking you London Trip.