Weekend in London: A complete guide to making the most of your trip

A weekend trip to London, you say? Oh, why not! Anytime is a great time to venture into Britain's cosmopolitan bastion.

There's so much to see, do and eat that any short trip could be a memorable, exciting foray into one of the world's largest, most vibrant metropolises. But how do you make the most of your visit in such a short amount of time?

We've got a few tips to help create a riveting itinerary.

How do I make the most of a weekend in London?

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life," quotes the famous writer Samuel Johnson. There's so much to do in the city that it's impossible to squeeze it all into a lifetime, let alone a weekend.

However, if you're only in London for a couple of days, we've narrowed down the essential categories and visits to help you build an itinerary.

Attractions

Let's start with the must-see attractions on your London weekend. The following are all easily accessible and in proximity to each other.

Buckingham Palace: It's not a London visit without seeing the heart of the British monarchy - Buckingham Palace is simply a must for any London weekend visit.
Tower of London: One of London's oldest, most iconic citadels that's full of history and intrigue, situated in one of the most scenic spots in the city.
Westminster Abbey: Walk among Kings and Queens inside London's most famous cathedral, witnessing the splendour of its Gothic architecture and intricate interiors.
Shakespeare's Globe: Visit the historic theatre where all the plays you studied in school began, maybe even enjoying a performance while you're there.
London Dungeon: Screams, laughs and excitement await in one of London's most popular attractions, where you can learn the long history and experience the horrors of London's dark underworld.
The Shard: Take in magnificent views of the city and capture some picturesque snaps from the top of one of London's tallest buildings.

Dining

As one of the world's largest cities, London restaurants offer unbelievable dining experiences with many different cuisines. However, if you're only here for the weekend, here's where you should get a bite to eat.

Hard Rock Café: It may be cliché, but this is the Hard Rock Café where it all began. The food's still great, the atmosphere is electric and you'll get to dine while soaking in London's deep music history.
Hawksmoor: Mention where to find a good steak in London and almost everyone will say Hawksmoor, offering a fabulous dining atmosphere with its stunning art deco interiors.
The Ivy: This stylish and service-driven eatery has thrived to become one of London's most recognised fine dining institutions, offering magnificently presented dishes where every bite is a luxurious delicacy.
The Mayfair Chippy: Whether you're a native Brit or visiting from abroad, fish and chips are a must-have, and you won't find a more unique experience than the delicious Mayfair Chippy.
Dishoom: Indian cuisine in London has a glowing reputation as some of the best in the world, where Dishoom encapsulates all the best of these South Asian flavours. The brunch is simply a must-try!
Borough Market: And of course, what would be a London weekend without a stop at Borough Market? From exquisite street food to locally sourced triumphs, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

Souvenirs, clothes, quirky items, and more - it's all here in London. The city is the ultimate haven for any shopper with an overwhelming amount of choice. Still, we've narrowed down a couple of places you need to go.

Westfield Stratford: Easily accessible from central London, Westfield Stratford is a shopper's paradise, boasting over 280 shops to find something new for yourself.
Camden Market: The neighbourhood is known for being the alternative hub of London, where the street market always has something fascinating and fabulous to offer its shoppers.
Harrods: The pinnacle of London luxury, Harrods is a must-visit for even the window shoppers, perusing their immense range of designer and luxury goods.

Drinks

In a jam-packed weekend of London sights, sounds and tastes, we'll complete your guide with a couple of places to unwind. Here's where you can get a great drink while revelling in the local atmosphere.

The Grapes: There are two notable features about The Grapes. Famed actor Ian McKellen owns it, and it's got a terrace with fantastic views of the river, where you can sip on a cool drink and watch the world go by.
Mezcalito: Tucked away in the side streets of one of London's most affluent neighbourhoods is a thriving Mexican establishment with sumptuous margaritas that deliver the London weekend vibe you crave.
Swift Soho: You can't miss an opportunity to have a cocktail at one of the West End's most iconic bars, taking in all the excitement and eccentricity of the district.

Pick and choose your perfect London weekend

Whether you're a solo traveller or part of a big group, weekend trips to London can be a compelling experience. We know it can be overwhelming to cram all the things to do into only a couple of days, but the guide above can provide a solid foundation for you to get the best out of your short visit.

Just pick and choose from the recommendations above, and throttle into full London mode!