**This is a collaborative post**
London is the capital of the UK and therefore a popular spot for many tourists to visit. Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time in the big capital, there is a wealth of activities to do and places to see, so much so that you could certainly spend a long weekend or more here.
From historic locations to local pubs and bars, there’s something for all age groups to enjoy, making it a popular spot for young couples, families, and everyone in between.
With that being said, here’s a helpful guide on how to spend a long weekend in London this year.
Take a trip to the markets
There are a number of notable markets in town that are worth exploring, especially when it comes to food and drink. Borough Market is known for its diverse food stalls and various culinary delights where you could easily spend your entire weekend if needed.
You’ve also got a lot of markets around the city to enjoy if you’re looking for local talents like the Covent Garden Market for example. Camden is also known for its markets when it comes to clothing and there are also plenty of markets in areas like Notting Hill and Chelsea to enjoy.
With so many markets available, you could very easily spend a small fortune during this part of your stay in the city. It’s recommended you give yourself at least half a day to navigate each one of the markets, especially with some of them being particularly busy during the peak seasons.
Visit a museum or two
When it comes to city travel, there are a lot of places in London that can keep you entertained regardless of who is travelling with your party. Have young ones that need entertaining? There are a variety of museums that can be explored, especially aimed towards those who need a little more interaction and entertainment.
There are plenty of museums worth adding to your to-do list so if you need a few to get started on, then here are some to look at:
National History Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum
Tate Britain
Cutty Sark
Science Museum
Some of these museums will likely be available to buy as a package deal so that you’re getting more out of your visit but not need to spend a fortune to see some of the history that London has to offer.
Take a hop-on, hop-off bus
As is the case with many cities across the world, the hop-on, hop-off bus is readily available to enjoy the delights of central London by bus. While you can pretty much walk everywhere or take an underground tube to navigate London, if you’re looking to rest your feet and still enjoy a view, these buses are a must-use.
These buses are easy enough to find and will have multiple pick-up and drop points through central London. For a one-day pass, you’ll typically pay around £39. A 24-hour pass will cost £45 and a 48-hour tour will cost you £53. This is per person, so it’s worth weighing up the costs versus what else you’d like to do while visiting the city.
If it’s your first time, taking the bus even for a day is going to help you figure out all the best spots you’ll want to spend your time in the most.
Check out the Royal London spots
The city of London and the UK in general is known for its Royals. Currently sitting on the throne as of writing is King Charles III and while you might not be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the King arriving at Buckingham Palace, many tourists flock to this location to grab an iconic selfie in front of the building.
There are plenty of Royal spots to go and explore or that are notably regal in their history. Such examples include the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, which sites alongside the Houses of Parliament.
Considering London is a central hub for a lot of businesses and is therefore built up into a sort of concrete jungle, you’ve still got plenty of history littered throughout the city that can be enjoyed.
Take a break in one of the 4,000 pubs open
The UK is certainly known for its pubs and its love of pub establishments. In fact, there are over 4,000 pubs in existence in London alone, which means you have plenty of them to explore during your long weekend in the city.
Some of the best pubs in London will offer a vast array of ales and craft beers depending on the one you find yourself in. Each pub will have its own history, with some existing since the 1600s and others a more modern establishment that has grown in popularity for any number of reasons.
No two pubs are the same and while some might be spacious in their appearance, you have others like The Harp near Convent Garden, which is particularly small in size but has plenty of punters lining the streets with a pint in hand.
Enjoy the vast array of culinary experiences the city has to offer
One of the biggest benefits of living in a city like London is how diverse the place is. There are a multitude of cultures due to people from all different races and backgrounds flocking to London over the years to start a life in the city.
Whether it’s from other parts of the UK or across Europe, you will find a wealth of culture and culinary experiences from the many people who live in the city. That means you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to dine every day and evening.
Try to switch it up and keep it different each time so that you’re trying out different cuisines and ones that you might not get in your own local area.
London truly is a sight to behold and a place worth visiting in your lifetime if you haven’t already.