Three Days in London, From a Local Editor
You could set aside every weekend of the year to explore London, and you still wouldn’t begin to scratch the surface. Despite considering myself a Londoner (does 18 years count?), it’s a city that constantly surprises me, revealing more of itself with each passing year of living here. While we proudly shout about London's big-hitting
After nearly two decades in London I still find new corners to love. To get the best of the city in a short visit, combine headline attractions with smaller, local discoveries. Below is a three-day plan focused on food markets, lesser-known galleries, standout bars and a joyful late-night finish.
Where to stay
- Claridge’s: the archetypal grand hotel—worth a look around the lobby even if you’re not a guest.
- The Ned: a transportive experience with a subterranean spa, martinis at the Library Bar, Lutyens Grill and a rooftop pool.
- Rosewood: elegant, centrally located; Scarfes Bar is not to be missed.
- Broadwick Soho: a lively new hotel with a disco-chic rooftop called Flute.
- NoMad London: set in a former magistrates’ court in Covent Garden; book a facial with Katie England and try Twenty8 NoMad.
- The Standard, King’s Cross: retro-futuristic, with a great 10th-floor restaurant (Decimo).
Day 1 — Mayfair
Breakfast: Start with classic morning dishes at Mount Street Restaurant.
Morning: Stroll through Hyde Park—one of the largest Royal Parks. The Serpentine, Speaker’s Corner and various memorials make for a serene walk any time of year.
Lunch: Grab a light bite at Arôme Bakery.
Afternoon: Spend a few hours at the Wallace Collection, housed in a beautiful town house and showcasing fine and decorative arts.
Dinner: Keep it simple and satisfying at The Hart for classic pub fare.
Evening: Catch live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s. Book in advance, order a cocktail and enjoy the intimate, storied atmosphere.
Day 2 — Broadway Market and Hackney
Breakfast: Head to Bistrotheque for a generous brunch—try the pork Benedict if you’re feeling indulgent.
Morning: Roam the stalls of Broadway Market and pick up artisan goods and souvenirs.
Lunch: For an unfussy, excellent sandwich, try Deeney’s.
Afternoon: Visit Hackney City Farm to meet animals and enjoy a quieter slice of east London life.
Dinner: Eat canal-side at Cafe Cecilia for seasonal, farm-to-table dishes; reservations recommended.
Evening: End the night with cocktails at Satan’s Whiskers, a convivial bar with well-crafted drinks.
Day 3 — Shoreditch and Brick Lane
Breakfast: Start with coffee at Jolene on Redchurch Street.
Morning: Explore Brick Lane’s market stalls, vintage shops and street-food stalls—ideal for snacking and people-watching.
Lunch: Dive into classic salt beef and bagels from Beigel Bake, an East End institution.
Afternoon: Recharge at Sauna and Plunge for a restorative wellness session.
Dinner: Enjoy comforting Thai classics at Singburi.
Evening: Finish with karaoke and dumplings at BAO Noodle Shop (Bao Shoreditch) for a fun, lively finale.
Practical tip
Mix famous sights with neighborhood wandering to get a fuller sense of London. Book popular restaurants and shows in advance, but leave time to explore without a schedule—some of the city’s best moments happen off-plan.