Curator’s statement
My sisters and I were craving a girls’ weekend, and London was the perfect choice with its incredible food scene, shopping, theatre, and easy access from the East Coast. In just 48 hours, we squeezed in afternoon tea, shopping on Bond Street, a stop by The Black Dog (of course), and a show in the West End. The perfect long-weekend getaway.
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Day 1: Shopping & a show
Toasties and champagne at The Rubens at the Palace
After landing in the morning, drop your bags at the hotel and freshen up before heading to a nearby café for tea and a scone to start the day. From there, make your way to Bond Street for some shopping and exploring. Wander through Soho and be sure to stop by Crème for their incredible cookies—the white chocolate miso is easily one of the best I’ve ever had.
If you’re in the mood for a bit of sightseeing, grab a black cab or Uber over to Big Ben for photos (or TikToks, if you’re anything like us). Consider booking London Eye tickets in advance for a truly incredible view of the city. After taking in the sights, head back to your hotel to check in and get ready for the evening.
Make an early dinner reservation at The Black Dog for cocktails and excellent fish and chips before heading to the West End for a show. End the night with room service—if you’re staying at The Rubens at the Palace, the toasties are a must—and get a good night’s rest to help beat the jet lag.
Day 2: A day designed around food
Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester
Enjoy a slower start to the morning before heading to Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester—an unforgettable London classic. Sketch is another iconic option for high tea if you’re looking for something equally special.
After tea, make your way to Borough Market to try the viral chocolate-covered strawberries. Be sure to arrive before closing— 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. We made it just in time for ours!
From there, take a stroll along the river toward the iconic Tower Bridge. It’s one of the most scenic walks in the city, and if you’re lucky like we were, you might even catch a rainbow along the way.
In the evening, dress up and head to the Heron Tower location of Sushi Samba for cocktails and appetizers—the vibe is perfect for a girls’ weekend. Afterwards, continue on to Isobel Mayfair for dinner to end the night on a high note.
Day 3: So long, London!
Tea and scone for the road
Get an early start to your last day with a walk through Hyde Park and one last tea and scone. Pick up souvenirs and any last shopping items you decided you can’t leave London without! Head to the airport for an early afternoon flight back home.
Need to know
London is a wonderful destination for trips of any length. Having visited a few times, I found that a long weekend was the perfect amount of time for this trip, though there is certainly much more to see if you have additional days. We visited in February, and while the weather was a bit dreary—as expected—the temperatures were mild. It’s truly a city that’s enjoyable to visit at any time of year.
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