A weekend in London can be a bit like spending the afternoon in an all-you-can-eat chocolate bar— the treats may be tempting, but your body will give up long before you’ve tasted everything. Undertaking this historical city is no small feat, so here are a few tips and Must-Sees to help you map out your fabulous mini-break.

An iconic double-decker bus chugs toward the Victoria Tower, part of the Houses of Parliament.
The London Underground

Posh Spice didn’t get her nickname grabbing her daily coffee to go at Starbucks. Take a walk in her stilettos by breakfasting at The Wolseley, located on Piccadilly, one of London’s celebrity dining hot spots. Didn’t make a reservation last year? Don’t worry, breakfast isn’t a formal affair, and it comes sans the hefty celeb-worthy price tag.

Sightseeing in London has become synonymous with catching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. This sacred ceremony occurs at 11:30 every day in the summer and every other day in the winter. It is best to get to the palace at least twenty minutes early to garner a prime viewing spot, however, if watching uniformed men march around the palace grounds gets old (and after 45 minutes, it just might), nearby St. James Park offers a gorgeous backdrop to daydream about nabbing yourself a royal some day.

Buckingham Palace guards on horseback

London is host to countless museums with admission prices that can’t be beat: free. Introductory guided tours are often included in the deal, and are a great way to scope out the best galleries for further perusal. The Victoria and Albert is a must see, especially the display of Princess Di’s iconic Elvis Dress in the Fashion Gallery. Pricier museums such as Winston Churchill’s War Rooms and the Tower of London are staples of London tourism, and while the experience is well worth its weight in pounds, half price tickets are available for those who have traveled to London by train.

The Tower of London
A memorial to some of those who lost their heads at the Tower of London, including Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife, Anne Boleyn

Take advantage of nice London weather by hopping aboard Jason’s Trip, a gorgeous forty-five minute river barge tour up Regent’s Canal from Little Venice to Caffè Crema in Camden. Camden is home to the Camden Markets, where street performers mingle with street vendors selling the latest in offbeat fashion, hand made crafts, and delicious treats. For a more traditional market excursion, visit Portobello in Notting Hill, where quaint streets lined with boutiques, coffee shops, and antique stores give way to market stalls brimming with fine china, vintage clothing, and weathered classics.

Visitors peruse the Camden Lock markets
Alice’s, an antique shop in Portobello

If the parade of fashionistas strutting by you on the streets stir up some new clothes cravings, pay a visit to Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush/White City (yes, it is that big), where you can shop anything from Prada to Tiffany’s to H&M. For proper shopping, Harrods, located in Knightsbridge, delights with its fantastic maze of high-end couture spread across seven floors. If you aren’t made of money, Harrods is also a lovely place to have an afternoon crème tea.

Harrods in all her enormous glory, stretched out impressively to fill the shot

For the hard charger in you, try out one of London Walks' daily afternoon and evening walking tours. For seven quid, an animated tour guide will dish up the secrets, scandals, and private lives of those who have pounded history’s pavement, from Jack the Ripper, to the Beatles, to J.K. Rowling. If your sightseeing style is less cardio and more meditation, head across the Thames to the London Eye. This modern take on a luxury ferris wheel carries you high above the city in a relaxing thirty minute ride, unlocking the breathtaking landscape of London bit by bit.

The London Eye

Attending an evening service or Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral is an absolute London must, as both famous churches have been the sight of worship for over a millennium. Organ recitals take place every Sunday at Westminster Abbey at 5:45, and at St. Paul’s at 4:45. All services are open to the public free of charge.

St. Paul’s Cathedral on a gorgeous London day

London serves up a few precious hours of twilight that belong unequivocally to the theatre. To catch a musical in the West End for half price, queue for same day discount tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. These tickets are often some of the best seats in the house, but they go quickly, so get in the queue as early in the day as possible. For a real theatrical treat during the warmer months, pay a visit to the newly reconstructed Globe Theatre. Cross the river to Bankside by way of the Millennium Bridge for a gorgeous panoramic of the city at night, and then experience Shakespeare’s works in an authentic replication of the Bard’s original playhouse.

Smash Broadway hit, Billy Elliot, at the Victoria Palace in the West End
Shakespeare’s Globe as it would have looked four hundred years ago… set against a decidedly modern backdrop.

For a slice of London nightlife at its finest, head to SoHo, where the streets are brimming with enough pubs, clubs, and people to guarantee a top night. If you are looking for a unique night, try Club Aquarium located on Old Street London. Grab a pub dinner at the detached bar around the corner, and then head in to the club to dance or take a dip in the indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

Whatever your fancy, London lives to please.

by Heather Routt
all photos by Tanya Schurr