There’s so much to do in London that you could spend years there and still not scratch the surface. Let’s help you discover a different side to the city that packs a mix of culture, great food, amazing sights and best places to shop all in 48 hours. Enjoy a relaxing yet fun weekend with a touch of sophistication with this itinerary
With a direct view of the London eye, even the Queen would be envious of your room at the Savoy, one of London’s most luxurious hotels. It is conveniently located in the heart of the art district. You can not only stroll around the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square but also plan easy day trips from here.
Kaspar’s sets the scene right at the entrance. You will be welcomed by classical music being played live on the grand piano and an Art Deco interior that will transport you to the 1930s. Pick a table outdoors overlooking the Thames, and order a full English breakfast. The beautiful backdrop and a great, satisfying meal will set you up for more exciting things in the day.
Tate Modern is a four-minute drive from the Savoy. Although, we would suggest you take a ferry instead to soak in the breathtaking views on the way.
The place will be your cultural fix for the weekend. Every floor is packed with contemporary art exhibits and has lots of ongoing workshops on offer. Get hold of a travel guide to show you around.
Plan your trip: Entry is free at the Tate so are a lot of workshops for kids and adults. Charges are applicable only for special exhibitions. For more information see here
Walk up to the nearby Westminster Bridge for an up-close view of the magnificent London eye. After a photo session, you can head up to restaurants in the vicinity for some juicy stakes or afternoon tea.
Plan your trip: If you are in a mood to splurge, book the ‘Dining at 135’ at the top of the eye in advance for dinner. You can exclusively hire it after the closing hours. You will be welcomed with Champagne and a three-course gourmet meal as the eye rotates.
Even though it’s a very touristy thing to do – your trip to London would be incomplete without a tour of the majestic Buckingham Palace. It’s highly unlikely that you will get to spot any member of the Royal family but you will have the chance to see incredible architecture and marvel at the intricately-designed state rooms.
Plan your trip: Book your tickets here.
For a truly romantic way to spend an evening, head to the Electric cinema at Notting Hill. It gives you an old world film watching experience with plush leather armchairs and foot stools. A lavish in-house cocktail bar will serve you drinks and delicious snacks, as you enjoy your movie.
The Sushi Samba restaurant should be on your must-visit list simply for its picturesque décor and illuminated view of the city from above. The restaurant offers an eclectic mix of Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese cuisines and has something to appeal to everyone’s taste buds.
If you are a fan of feisty Gordon Ramsay, you would know how often he talks about his beef Wellington and perfectly mashed potatoes. Savour it along with his other signature dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie, foie gras and chicken liver pate, and a mille-feuille for dessert.
Plan your trip: It gets pretty busy over the weekend so book well in advance.
London is a heaven for shoppers. From makeup to dresses, branded totes to customized jewellery, you can get the best of high-street fashion here. Start with Selfridge at Oxford Street to pick up indigenous designer brands such as Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Aquascutum and many more.
From there, make your way to Harrods for an afternoon tea with macaroons and pastries at Florian followed by a stroll around the curious exhibits on display. There is Marylin Monroe’s autograph on sale for £16,000 and Mahatma Gandhi’s for £25,000. If that seems like a bit much, you can pick up souvenirs of crown key rings, hand-picked tea leaves, freshly ground coffee or jams and tea sets.
Plan your trip: Be sure to bring an extra suitcase to carry all the goodies with you!
Visit the Liberty store next on Regent Street. It is one of the most iconic buildings in London made of timbres reclaimed from Royal Navy ships. The store has its own line of Liberty print fabrics that are high-quality and are quite reasonably priced along with customized stationery items that will make great gifts for your family. You will also find a range of quirky home décor pieces here.
The Phantom of the Opera is one of the hottest shows in town. Running since 1986, it still continues to captivate the audience.
Plan your trip: If opera is not your style, you can opt for a relaxing spa session at Aman Spa, the Connaught to unwind after a busy day of shopping. It will be the perfect way to end your luxury weekend in London!