What to do in London

Top attractions, eating, shopping and more

Things to see and do in London
Where to eat in London
Where to eat near London Business School
Best places for afternoon tea
Places to go shopping
Websites for more information

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is undoubtedly one of London’s most famous landmarks. Unique and beautiful, Tower Bridge is an icon of the London skyline and is definitely a must have picture or video any visitor to London will want to take home. As Tower Bridge is a working bridge, you can visit and enjoy its historic architecture but also experience the less seldom seen opening or as it is actually known the lifting of the bridge. This lifting really is a special opportunity to experience the wonder of seeing the fully working Tower Bridge of London in all its glory.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.

Trafalgar Square

Visit iconic Trafalgar Square and admire its wonderful fountains and architecture, or join in the several special events happening every year around this London landmark. Visit the National Gallery, on the square’s north side, and be amazed by more than 2,000 Western European paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Whitehall and Big Ben from the top of the stairs that from Trafalgar Square lead to the gallery. Then, pay a visit to historic St Martin-in-the- Fields church and grab a meal in the quirky Café in the Crypt downstairs.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a world-class shopping and dining destination attracting food-lovers and fashionistas alike. Buzzing with the excitement of the opera and theatreland, the area boasts some of the best shopping and dining destinations in London’s West End, from Mulberry to Petersham Nurseries and Balthazar to Frenchie. Offering a range of world-class fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores, Covent Garden is one of London’s hottest shopping destinations. From Apple to Tom Ford, Mulberry to Paul Smith and Petersham Nurseries to Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop, the area boasts a unique blend of global and independent brands curated to satisfy every shopping need in London.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most popular tourist destinations. Sit by the famous statue of Eros (a popular meeting point), or take some photos in front of the iconic advertising screens. From this location, you can easily walk to Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue or Regent Street. Situated near the River Thames.

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is one of capital’s most iconic buildings. Designed by Britain’s famed architect Sir Christopher Wren as part of the major rebuilding of the City after the 1666 Great Fire of London, the present St. Paul’s Cathedral was built between 1675 and 1710, and is one of London’s most popular places of interest. Sitting on the highest point of the City of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral has frequently been at the centre of national events through history from its consecration and surviving the Blitz to state funerals, royal weddings and more. Step inside and discover the Cathedral’s spectacular interiors, architectural design and breathtaking panoramic views across London.

The Tower of London

With nearly 1,000 years of shocking stories and gruesome tales contained within its ancient stone walls, the Tower of London offers a fascinating insight into London’s rich and complex heritage. Over the course of its existence, this worldfamous castle has served as a royal palace, prison, execution chamber, armoury, and even a zoo. Today, the Tower of London is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s premier attractions.

Kensington Palace

As one of central London’s royal residences, Kensington Palace has been a home and refuge to the royal family since the 17th century. Now, it is the official residence to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – otherwise known as our familiar Kate and Wills. Built in 1605, it has roots in Jacobean architecture and was first known as Nottingham House. Now it is one of London’s most exquisite palaces and comes with acres of manicured gardens and the world famous Orangery.

Coca-Cola London Eye

At 135m, Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000. It has won over 85 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement. In fact, it has become the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction. A remarkable feat of design and engineering, the London Eye gave London’s skyline a dramatic new addition and has been offering guests a new perspective on London ever since. Originally, it was intended as a temporary structure, able to be dismantled and transported to a new location, and had planning permission for just five years. But with millions boarding it every year, its popularity has prompted its lease to be extended. Today it is a permanent fixture on the London skyline and a beautiful symbol of modern London.

The Shard

London's highest and best view is situated at the top of the Shard, on floors 68, 69 and 72. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital, it offers visitors unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. There are also a number of Bars and Restaurants at The Shard.

Musicals and Theatre

There are a number of shows and musicals taking place daily. From classic '80s blockbusters like ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ to modern masterpieces like ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Matilda’, the London West End is up there with Broadway as the best place in the world to catch a musical theatre show. Visit any of the box offices in Leicester Square to get discounted tickets.

Bus Tours in London (Hop on Hop Off)

During the day, this is a good way to see London, taking a bus tour where you can get on and off and have a commentary about the buildings and sights you are seeing.

Bateaux London Boat Cruise

Bateaux London, Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6NU

 Tel: 020 7695 1800

Take a journey along the Thames Bateaux’s restaurant cruise. Travel through London whilst enjoying delicious food freshly cooked on board. The Bateaux restaurant cruise is a 'floating restaurant' and an unforgettable dining experience focusing on the quality of our food. Bateaux London run scheduled restaurant cruises on the Thames all year round, including Lunch, Sunday Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner cruise.

Balthazar Covent Garden

4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5HZ

Tel: 020 3301 1155

The original Balthazar was opened in New York City by Keith McNally in the spring of 1997. Balthazar London is located on the corner of Russell Street and Wellington Street in the heart of Covent Garden. The restaurant offers all-day brasserie dining and is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as an amazing weekend brunch. The French inspired menu includes fruits de mer from the raw bar as well as a wide selection of classical French brasserie and bistro dishes. There is plenty to tempt pre and post theatre diners too.

Brasserie Zedel

20 Sherwood Street, London, W1F 7ED

Tel: 020 7734 4888

A grand Parisian brasserie transported to the heart of London serving remarkable value, traditional French food in a historic Beaux Arts/Art Deco interior. SUSHISAMBA – 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N4AY. At SUSHISAMBA will you find a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culture and cuisine. SUSHISAMBA is born of the energy and spirit of these three distinct cultures; a tri- cultural coalition that took root in the early 20th century when thousands of Japanese emigrants travelled to South America’s fertile soil to cultivate coffee plantations and find their fortune. In bustling cities like Lima in Peru, and São Paulo in Brazil, the integration of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures flourished. This cultural phenomenon launched a culinary coup. Hearty moquecas and colorful seviches found a place at the table alongside simple miso soup and tender sashimi.

Southbank Centre Market

Southbank Centre Square

Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo

Southbank Centre Market is a food lover's destination. It offers a delicious range of street food and fresh, quality products for all tastes. The market takes place on site each weekend, including bank holidays.

Borough Market

8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL

Nearest Tube: London Bridge

Saturday 8am-5pm

Borough Market is London’s most renowned food market; a source of exceptional British and international produce. It is a haven for anybody who cares about the quality and provenance of the food they eat - chefs, restaurateurs, passionate amateur cooks and people who just happen to love eating and drinking. But it’s not just the sheer quality of the food on offer that makes Borough Market special – it is also about the people and the place.

There are also a lot of great pubs along the Southbank, a few are listed below:

1. Located at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, Swan is a beautiful Bar and Restaurant set over two floors, with stunning views of the Thames and St Paul’s. Open all day serving modern British food and are available for pre and post-theatre dining.

2. The Founders Arms

3. The Anchor Bankside

Searcy’s | The Gherkin

30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8EP

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street

Rising 180 metres above the city, Searcys Club | The Gherkin is located in one of the most striking buildings in the world, an iconic image of modern London. It is far more than just the UK’s highest Private Members’ Club. It will become your ideal location for all your business and social meetings. A beautiful, calm and luxurious setting that allows you to conduct your business in comfort and style. It is still possible to book a table although it is a members club.

Meantime Brewing Company

The Old Brewery, The Pepys Building, The Old Royal Naval College, London, SE10 9LW

Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark or get the Thames Clipper Riverboat Service (This is an additional charge for this on top of your travel card/Oyster).

Located within the grounds of The Old Royal Naval College, The Old Brewery is a stone's throw from the world's last tea clipper, the legendary Cutty Sark. A unique place to dine, The Old Brewery is also an experimental workshop. Our on-site brewers trial, tinker and ultimately create extraordinary quality, limited edition beers, many in a style unavailable anywhere else in the world.

Lemonia

89 Regent’s Park Road, London, NW1 8UY

Tel: 020 7586 7454

Lemonia was established in 1979 and remains in the same family. Originally based across the street in smaller premises it moved into its current location in 1992. This Greek restaurant continues to grow in popularity and goes from strength to strength. The welcome is friendly and the atmosphere is always buzzing.

The Providores and Tapa Room

109 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 4RX

Tel: 020 7935 6175

The Providores and Tapa Room offer the most exciting and innovative fusion food in the UK, and Britain’s largest range of New Zealand premium wines. 

New Zealander Peter Gordon first introduced Londoners to fusion and the love affair continues unabated in his swanky venue, spread over two "super—busy" floors on Marylebone High Street. The ear-splitting, no-bookings Tapa Room is permanently rammed with punters piling in for eclectic small plates such as octopus with green mango, green papaya, chilli, lime, crispy shallots and salted coconut. More bullish ideas star in the upstairs restaurant, where you can book and white linen prettifies the closely packed tables. So what's the deal? Tofu tempura pockets are stuffed with spiced dhal, pan—fried Arctic cod receives a hit from cucumber kimchi and tomato salsa, while roast lamb rump arrives with broad beans, new potato crisps, preserved lemon and raisin salsa. Desserts continue the fusion theme, breakfast and brunch are hot tickets, and the stonking wine list boasts premium Kiwi tipples.

Chiltern Firehouse

1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 7PA

Tel: 020 7073 7676

Nearest tube: Baker Street

Chiltern Firehouse celebrates contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking, with an underlying American accent. Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes draws on a career split between the United States and Europe to create a changing menu of reimagined classics and bold new flavours, with an emphasis on seasonality and healthy eating.

Briciole

20 Homer Street, London, W1H 4NA

Tel: 020 7723 00 40

Briciole is an Italian trattoria, café bar and deli under one roof, in the heart of Marylebone. The menus are inspired by favourite dishes from Latium and sit alongside other Italian classics and new dishes. The knowledgeable Italian staff are is on hand to recommend both food and wines.

OPSO

10 Paddington St, Marylebone, London, W1U 5QL

Tel: 020 7487 5088

Ideal for locals, visitors and neighbouring businesses alike, OPSO offers a great selection of light and comfort dishes for your choice of a quick or laid-back lunch. Opso's dinner menu provides further temptation, with highlights including 16-hour slow-cooked lamb shank giouvetsi, with tomato and lemongrass orzo, and mini fish burgers served in a squid ink bun. These are complemented by quirky creations such as snails and chips. At the weekend, Opso transforms into Marylebone's best brunch spot, perfect for lazy get-togethers with friends and family.

Aubaine

7 Moxon St, Marylebone, London, W1U 4EP

Tel: 020 3393 6330

Aubaine is a passionate marriage of French culinary creativity and the discerning standards of the London dining scene. The menu is a taste of modern France with a nod to the traditional. Aubaine blazes a trail to original and exciting creations while keeping the much-loved staples of French dining philosophy close to our heart. Namely, the best ingredients, the most delicious wine and thoughtful service.

Getti

42 Marylebone High Street, London, W1 U 5HD

Tel: 020 7486 3753

A modern, Vibrant, stylish Italian restaurant at the upper end of metropolitan Marleybone Village. Crisp blue and white decor, intimate alcoves, smooth wooden furniture sat on by an affluent clientele (Barbara Windsor and other famous BBC faces are regulars) - that's Getti. But that's not all. Overseen by Stefano Fraquelli — an established figure in the capital's restaurant scene — the menu is made up of a variety of traditional dishes from P0 Valley to Sardinia — that have stood the test of time.

The Potting Shed Restaurant & Bar

Dorset Square Hotel, 39-40 Dorset Square, Marylebone London, NW1 GQN

Tel: 020 3642 2046

True to the name, expect terracotta pots, garden ornaments and thick oak tables, smartened up with of-the-moment brasserie furnishings. Pictures of cricketers reference Dorset Square’s heritage as the original site of Lord’s Cricket Ground, while the menu compensates for any lack of surprises with bills that are extremely modest for Marylebone. Complimentary post—meal sorbets are another generous touch. Service is engaging and there’s a complete lack of pretence about the whole place.

Pakhooton

7 Edgware Rd, London, W2 2ER

Tel: 020 7706 1444

Experience the land of the North West Frontier Province through our food.The unique food culture of the Pashtun, a culture dating back to around 500 BC, is testament to human resourcefulness and skill, creating stunning, flavoursome dishes from sparse ingredients in a rugged land. In Pakhtooni cuisine, you can taste the elemental flavours of the earth, delicately spiced by the Chef.

Donostia

10 Seymour Place, Marylebone, London, W1H 7ND

Tel: 020 3620 1845

A marvellous and vibrant Spanish restaurant in the heart of Marbel Arch. Donostia kitchen serves the food and drink of San Sebastian and its environs against a backdrop of purest white, with touches of grained wood and marble. Excellent charcuterie dominates the selection of cold plates, while pintxos could be foie gras with walnuts and PX vinegar, jamén croquetas or tempura prawns with ham and mango. Bigger tapas dishes give meat and fish a starring role, as in lbérico pork shoulder with romesco sauce, crispy-fried cod cheeks with squid-ink a'ioli or marinated quail with spinach, pancetta and truffle oil. There are classic extras including blistered Padrén peppers and masterfully made tortilla too. Donostia’s owners started out in the wine import trade, and there’s quality in every
glass.

twotwentytwo

The Landmark Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 610

Tel: 020 76318000

Swathes of wood panelling & leather contribute to the clubby vibe at this underground bolthole attached to the opulent Landmark hotel. Food runs from sharing platters constructed from a long list of snackettes (including mini cheeseburgers, samosas, croque monsieur & chicken satay) to multinational food for all tastes & preferences — think beef carpaccio & prawn cocktail followed by seafood risotto, char-grilled Casterbridge rib-eye & chips or Thai green chicken curry. A well-to-do crowd also come here to sip from bottles of house Champagne (Drappier Brut NV) kept cold in ice buckets set into shiny-topped tables. Cocktails such as hello Kitty (Absolut Vanilla, Prosecco & raspberries) & absolutely fabulous (Chambord, pineapple & Champagne) seem a little out of step with their surrounds, but there’s also a reasonable whisky selection.

108 Brasserie & Bar

108 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U ZQUE

Tel: 020 7969 3900

Set in the heart of Marylebone, 108 Brasserie offers a truly local all-day dining experience. The new 108 Brasserie, just off Marylebone High Street at the top of Marylebone Lane, will house two distinctive areas; the bar, a chic drinking and dining area and the brasserie’s dining space, where its modern British dishes take centre stage. 108 Brasserie represents local dining at its best; hearty, uncomplicated food made from the highest quality ingredients centred around the restaurant’s Josper grill. 108 is open all day, seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner — great food, good wine and friendly service are the order of the day.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

17-21 Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9RP

Tel: 020 7324 7705

The best afternoon tea in London for: cakes from a pastry master. Last year, Cronut creator and regular trendsetter Dominique Ansel was voted the best pastry chef on the planet by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. And this year, he’s really proving his sweet skills with an afternoon-tea service at his first London bakery in Belgravia. It is not your average cucumber sarnie and dollop of clotted cream feast, so venture to charming Elizabeth Street if you’re after something a little more contemporary.

Dandelyan

Mondrian London, 20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD

Tel: 020 3747 1063

The best afternoon tea in London for: a fun and boozy affair. Dandelyan, voted the world’s best cocktail bar last year, has given afternoon tea a shake-up. Unsurprisingly, it involves cocktails: four typically innovative ones. The structure of Wyld Tea resembles a tasting menu, with a Fluff and Fold Royale – a sort of amuse-bouche – served with your pot of tea. A mix of lime, basil, cacao liqueur, orange bitters and prosecco, it is at once unexpectedly creamy, light and fresh. And that’s the beauty of all Dandelyan’s cocktails, they’re full of odd combinations, surprising flavours and interesting textures, and always have a dazzlingly delicious outcome.

Claridge's

Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1

Tel: 020 7629 8860

The best afternoon tea in London for: Stylish tea connoisseurs. There is a very skilled art in creating such an iconic experience as afternoon tea at Claridge's without the event becoming a parody of itself. This could become a tourist sideshow, something to 'tick off' the list. The skill in keeping its authenticity lies, as ever, with the staff who create this experience, keeping it a treat while keeping it real.

London Bus Afternoon Tea Tour 

8 Northumberland Avenue off Trafalgar Square, WC2

Tel: 020 7237 3392

The best afternoon tea in London for: Sightseers in heels. London buses: not a mode of transport you'd normally associate with such a sophisticated pastime as afternoon tea. But then you haven't been on BB Bakery's bus yet - aka 'Rodney', a shiny 1960s Routemaster, which the Covent Garden family-owned bakery recently restored and put back on the road for its new Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Served on vintage crockery in keeping with the retro bus, the tea includes dainty sandwiches, quiche, macaroons, cupcakes, lemon- meringue pie, strawberries-and-cream cakes, scones and particularly delightful brownies, with a flute of pink champagne and tea; English breakfast, Earl Grey, green and various other options (served in a less-delightful but reassuringly spill-resistant cup with a lid).

Oxford Street

The heart of London shopping, bustling Oxford Street has more than 300 shops, designer outlets and landmark stores: here you can find some of the best shopping in London. Home to the legendary Selfridges, it also boasts a range of famous department stores such as John Lewis and Debenhams scattered among every well-known high street chain imaginable. Grab some bargain fashion at Primark’s massive flagship store, and check the latest trends at Topshop in Oxford Circus. Get off the beaten track by slipping into a side street, such as St Christopher's Place and Berwick Street, where you'll find some real treats.

Carnaby

The birthplace of the fashion and cultural revolution during the Swinging 60s, the 13 streets that make up Carnaby are located between Oxford Street and Regent Street, and feature more than 100 brands and 60 restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs. Step under the iconic arch to findan intriguing mix of independent boutiques, heritage brands and new designer names, as well as a choice of cafes, restaurants, bars and great English pubs. Refuel at restaurant hub Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street.

Bond Street and Mayfair

Whether you want to splash out on the very best in designer clothes or just love luxury window shopping, Bond Street and Mayfair are the ideal places to go for some extravagant retail therapy. Popular with celebrities on a spree, this is probably London's most exclusive shopping area, home to big names, including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.

Westfield

Westfield has two major shopping centres in London at White City and Stratford. Westfield London is home to high street favourites including Debenhams, Next, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser, along with luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, All Saints and Ted Baker. There's also a cinema, gym, several bars and restaurants, all under one roof! If you're a fan of shopping centres, don't miss Westfield Stratford City in East London, which boasts 250 shops plus 70 places to dine, making it one of the largest shopping malls in Europe.

Knightsbridge

Visitors from around the world flock to Knightsbridge and Brompton Road to visit the illustrious shops and department stores. This is the place to go if you're looking for prestigious brands and up-to-the-minute trends from the world's fashion elite. Best known for Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Spitafields

Head to Spitafields for a great range of independent shops. A vibrant hub for young designers and creative businesses, Spitalfields hosts independent boutiques including Mercantile andCollectif Clothing, as well as renowned brands, such as Barbour and Belstaff. Don’t miss lively Old Spitalfields Market, with its array of stalls selling antiques, fashion and street food under a beautiful Victorian arcade.

Camden

Camden is the ideal shopping destination for lovers of alternative clothing. Here you can find some of the most unusual London shops. Get off the Tube at Camden Town, walk along Camden High Street, and you’ll find plenty of stores selling gothic fashion and punk clothing, alongside tattoo and piercing parlours. Further ahead, Camden Lock Market has it all, whether you are looking for a perfect birthday gift or a souvenir, from hand- crafted jewellery, to vintage leather bags. And don’t miss the futuristic cyber clothing shop Cyberdog.