Insight Guides: Pocket London - APA (2016)

A PERFECT DAY IN LONDON

9.30am

Breakfast

Get the day off to a good start with a full English breakfast, either at your hotel or from the superb breakfast menu at The Wolseley on Piccadilly.

10.00am

Royal Park

Take a morning stroll in one of London’s leafy central parks - St James’s, Green or Hyde. Catch the Changing of the Guard on the hour (10am-4pm) at Horse Guards Parade or at 11.30am at Buckingham Palace (only every other day Aug-Apr).

12 noon

Culture fix

Take the Piccadilly line to Russell Square and walk to the British Museum, a treasure trove of world artefacts. Among the highlights are the Elgin Marbles and the stunning Egyptian collection. If you’re hungry, grab a snack at the café in the magnificent Great Court.

2.00pm

Covent Garden

Head south via Seven Dials towards Covent Garden, where retail therapy options abound. Meander along Neal Street, lined with fashion-forward boutiques, to Long Acre, where upmarket chain stores offer a more high-street experience.

3.30pm

Art and cake

Ten minutes’ walk away is the National Portrait Gallery, where you can check out some famous royal portraits, then settle into the rooftop Portrait Restaurant, with its spectacular views of Westminster, for an extended traditional afternoon tea.

5.00pm

Westminster

Take a walk through Trafalgar Square and south along Whitehall to Parliament Square, where you will find Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Then head across the Thames on Westminster Bridge to the South Bank.

6.30pm

Southbank sunset

Just north of Westminster Bridge is the London Eye, a great way to get a bird’s eye view of London at sunset, or the city lights at night. If you’re ready for another rest stop, Gordon’s Wine Bar, the oldest in London, is just across the Hungerford Bridge at 47 Villiers Street.

8.30pm

East End dining

Get the District line from Embankment to Aldgate East, a short walk from vibrant Brick Lane. Try Tayyabs on nearby Fieldgate Street for a cheap, authentic curry. Alternatively, get off at Cannon Street, walk past St Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy great views as you have a drink or dine at Madison on the rooftop of the One New Change shopping

10.30pm

On the town

Time for a nightcap. Stay on Brick Lane for eclectic tunes and a relaxed vibe at 93 Feet East; alternatively, get a cab, the no. 67 bus or walk up to Shoreditch, which is teeming with great bars. Start at hip but friendly Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, then party the rest of the night away at Cargo (83 Rivington Street), a trusted favourite.