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Schedule a few extra days into your stay when in London for a conference, event or business meeting. Discover London’s best neighbourhoods and the top things to do to help you experience an iconic and unexpected side to London and make the most of your extended stay.
Explore London's neighbourhoods
Track down the best London attractions and sign up for London's top tours to get to know the capital's different districts.
Mayfair
Mayfair is one of the most prestigious areas of London and is located in the centre of the West End. The district is full of luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end boutiques. After a visit to Mayfair, catch a top musical or West End show.
Things to do in Mayfair
- Walk through the extraordinary Grosvenor Square to dive into the second largest courtyard in the city. While residents appreciate its green setting within the urban area, visitors can enjoy the luxurious environment of elegance and heritage.
- Head over to the Royal Academy of Arts at Burlington House to discover a cultural hub for the arts and science. The gallery hosts the work of some of the best artists and architects, alongside activities, exhibitions and food.
- Stop at Mercato Mayfair, a hip market located in a stained-glass sanctuary, full of food stands, eateries and a vaulted wine cellar. The rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy views of Mayfair on a sunny day in London.
- Seek out the unrivalled 46 boutiques in Burlington Arcade. Nominated as a jewel of Mayfair, the arcade is famous for its quirky mix of unique luxury goods, shoe-shine services and beadles wearing royal uniforms inspired by the Regency period.
- Gather with friends for a traditional afternoon tea served at Claridge’s hotel. Experience the popular and long-running British tradition of tea tasting, pastries and impeccable customer service.
South Bank
Discover arts, music and cultural venues south of the river in South Bank and spot iconic London locations.
Things to do in South Bank
- Seek out green space at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, home to more than 200 wild plants, alongside a cafe and bar.
- While you’re at Southbank Centre, explore the vast cultural programme on offer, from live music at Royal Festival Hall to art exhibitions at Hayward Gallery.
- Walk along the river before heading to Gabriel’s Wharf, the perfect place to grab lunch from independent shops and restaurants, while taking in iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral across the Thames.
- Gaze at ever-changing street art under the Leake Street Arches, an urban gem under Waterloo Station with quirky places to eat.
King’s Cross and St Pancras
King’s Cross and St Pancras are home to a historic railway station. The area is part of a huge regeneration project and offers modern accommodation and activities mixed with rich historical heritage.
Things to do in King’s Cross and St Pancras
- Walk through the cobbled streets of Coal Drops Yard and discover a mixture of modern architecture and historic brick arches. The shopping complex has stores and restaurants, including unexpected independent shops and renowned brands from all around the world.
- Jump onto a Regent’s Canal boat tour to experience the unseen side of central London as you navigate quiet and atmospheric waterways.
- Treat yourself with a glass of champagne at Searcys Champagne Bar inside St Pancras International station. Home to the longest champagne bar in Europe, this spot allows you to fall into the golden era, offering stunning views of the Victorian-style train station.
- Dive into a unique cultural experience at the British Library to discover one of the world’s largest ancient and contemporary collections of manuscripts, books and periodicals.
- Book lovers can stop at the antique floating bookshop Word on the Water. The bookstore, standing on a 100-year-old Dutch barge, offers first- and second-hand books and occasionally treats visitors to live jazz music.
Westminster
Visit the home of some of London's most famous buildings, including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, as well as many stunning parks and museums.
Things to do in Westminster
- Get a glimpse of what life was like during World War II at the Churchill War Rooms, the centre of operations for the British government during the war.
- Immerse yourself in one of London’s newest galleries, Frameless, a multi-dimensional art experience with works from Cezanne, Kadinsky, Rembrandt and plenty more established artists.
- Treat yourself to a luxury shopping experience at Harvey Nichols, home to designer fashion, accessories and beauty products.
- Catch riverboat services from Westminster Pier to explore the Thames by boat, with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers or join a sightseeing tour from City Cruises.
- Pop by the National Gallery and Tate Britain to explore art in world-leading galleries for free.
The City of London
The City of London is a business and financial district on the north side of the river Thames. Covering more than a millennium of history, the area offers a mixture of Roman legacies and modern buildings and hosts some of London’s most London’s famous attractions, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral.
Things to do in the City of London
- Head up to the Sky Garden to see the city’s highest public garden on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building. Don’t forget to check out the Biotecture wall, a living wall covered by 52,000 plants.
- Take a tour of the City of London Distillery, home to Whitley Neill gin and a great way to learn more about the only gin distillery in the City of London.
- Located between St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Stock Exchange, wander down to Paternoster Square to explore the Temple Bar, the ancient western gateway to the City of London.
- Marvel at the brutalist architecture of the Barbican and pop inside for a tour around the free conservatory, which houses extraordinary flora from around the world.
- Walk through the bombed-out ruins of the ancient St Dunstan in the East church garden. Located in the centre of modern buildings, the 1,100-year-old church has been converted into a stunning sustainable public garden, brimming with greenery, palm trees and vines.
Greenwich
Learn about one of London's most historic and beautiful neighbourhoods, Greenwich, and spend the day buying arts, crafts and trinkets at Greenwich Market, relaxing in Greenwich Park or learning about the stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Things to do in Greenwich
- Get the IFS Cloud Cable Car from Royal Victoria Dock to Greenwich Peninsula and enjoy 360-degree views 90 metres (295ft) above the Thames.
- Go where east meets west at the Meridian Line and visit London’s only planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where you can explore how scientists first mapped the seas and stars.
- Packed with local traders, Greenwich Market is a hidden gem to find everything from quirky gifts to antiques.
- Climb the rigging of one of London’s iconic ships at the Cutty Sark Rig Climb Experience or go to Up at The O2 for a view of historic Greenwich, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.
Shoreditch
Visit Shoreditch and find eclectic food and drink spots, music and arts venues, and shopping options for the trendy and vintage lovers.
Things to do in Shoreditch
- Check out Shoreditch’s thriving art scene with a street art tour that takes you along new pieces and colourful displays.
- Stroll along vibrant Brick Lane to taste delicious food on every corner. With Beigel Bake and a number of curry houses, visitors never leave hungry.
- See what’s happening at Boxpark Shoreditch. The world’s first pop-up shopping mall is home to select brands in fashion, art, food and drink.
- Head to dynamic arts centre Rich Mix to see what’s on. Experience expansive live music options, theatre and visual arts programmes.
Discover more exciting things to do on an extended London visit, including fascinating London areas, as well as 24-hour and seven-day itineraries.
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