London is a big city with almost too many things to do and places to be. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun in London if you’re only there for the weekend. Even just two days are enough to make for a memorable time – if you know where to go and what to do that is. This quick weekend in London survival guide has everything you need to know in order to make the most out of a limited time in the city.
Treat your Palate
One thing London is known for is its restaurants. Aside from having one of the most culturally diverse restaurant scenes in the world, the city is famous for being home to a whopping amount of Michelin-starred restaurants; 73 to be exact. If you’re a foodie, a couple of days in the city are more than enough for you to cross a couple of places off your list.
If you’re into tapas and everything Spanish, you can’t go wrong with Barrafina on Dean St., Soho. Out of the restaurant’s five locations, their original one on Dean St. is the one currently holding a Michelin star. It’s also the one that doesn’t take bookings. The good news is, you can always order drinks and snacks while you wait.
Meanwhile, if you’d like to treat yourself to a meal in a more sophisticated setting, head to Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester for an unforgettable experience. The restaurant offers contemporary French haute cuisine and they pride themselves on their impeccable service.
Go Wild for the Night
London is notorious for its elegant and exclusive nightclubs. In fact, it’s very common to find people just in London for the weekend to hit up the best clubs. Especially when a celebrity is in town, there’s a lot of demand for a Tape London table, since it’s one of the most known celebrity hotspots in the city. More often than not, Tape is where celebrities go to party after their performances. That’s why Mayfair can be really buzzing during times like Wireless Festival weekend.
As for the clubbing experience in the city, it’s characterised by glamour. To start, everyone is dressed to impress. There’s a dedicated waiter for every table ready to take care of every request. All the while, world-class entertainers are waiting for the night to start so they can dazzle their audience. You can expect fire performers, aerialists, close-up magicians, dancers, and more.
Sunset from The Shard
There’s nothing like watching the sun set over the London skyline, and the best place to do that is The Shard. First off, it’s the tallest building in the UK. It’s also home to a number of elegant restaurants and bars which make for the perfect place to watch a memorable sunset.
For a romantic date spot and an all-around great place to enjoy a professionally crafted cocktail, you can visit The Sky Lounge at Shangri-La The Shard. Of course, keep in mind to book in advance and make sure you’re dressed in smart casual attire, as per the lounge’s policy.
You can also head to the Shanghai Bar at Hutong for a Chinese-inspired cocktail menu. Alongside a remarkable view of the city, you’ll be able to indulge in a range of cocktails that are not only inspired by authentic flavours and ingredients, but also the five elements of Chinese philosophy.
Catch a Theatre Performance
If you’re a theatre aficionado, no doubt catching a West End performance is on your bucket list. While you can find A-listers and big names starring in productions there most of the time, experiencing West End theatre is a remarkable experience on its own – watching an A-lister perform is just an added bonus. With a total of 39 theatres in the area, you shouldn’t really have any trouble finding a production that piques your interest. All you have to do is pick a venue and visit their website for the programme. Just make sure you book ahead of time because seats can fill up quite fast.
There you have it, how to survive London if you’re there for the weekend. All you have to do is tap into the city’s essence, and London is all about elegance and providing luxury experiences. This means, the best restaurants and bars, the best exclusive nightclubs, and the best theatre performances. One thing to keep in mind is that booking ahead of time is crucial if you don’t want to face any disappointments. Most nightclubs and restaurants (with the exception of Barrafina) rarely accept walk-ins. So, if you want the smoothest time in the city, make sure to take the time to book in advance.
OTS News on Social Media