Winter Getaway: Why You Should Consider London for an Extended Weekend

Museums and galleries: The Tate Britain is my favorite museum to experience for their exhibits, not to mention just a lovely building to spend time in. They have such a vast array of exhibits across all genres that will allow everyone to find something to explore. The V&A also has one of the best cafes of all the London galleries, so I always make time for a visit.

The London Burough Market: This market is a foodie's heaven, with stalls selling foods from all over the world along with food truck-type venues allowing you to try a variety of different world cuisines. The rest of the year, I avoid this place because of the crowds, but during this low season I look forward to spending time here.

Theater: I love live theater, so one of my favorite things to do is show up at the half-price ticket booth in Leicester Square in the morning and choose what I want to see that evening. London is like NYC regarding the wonderful shows they have on offer and they are available year round.

Shopping: London is a shopper's paradise, and in the winter there are winter sales going on. I particularly like browsing Fortnum & Mason. I can get lost in their food hall for hours, and the tea selection is one of the best I have seen. I recommend a tin of their Albion blend tea to bring home with you. London also has a new shopping experience, The Battersea Power Station, that you can easily spend the day exploring if by chance you get a poor weather day while you are there.

South Bank: Even in winter, I will stroll along the south bank of the River Thames. It is such a beautiful walk and I especially like to hit it as the sun is setting, watching the lights come on across the river.

Afternoon tea: One of the things I always try to do when visiting London is go for afternoon tea. Only in the winter can you have afternoon tea while watching the sunset, and there is no better place to do this than The Aqua Shard, which is on the 34th floor and has double-heighted glass windows looking out over the river Thames with the city of London and Tower Bridge right in front of you. It is truly magical to watch the sunset and the beautiful lights of London come on all around you while enjoying your afternoon goodies.

The Darwin Brasserie at the Sky Garden: Another place I try to go to while visiting London in the winter is the Darwin Brasserie restaurant in the Sky Garden. The Sky Garden sits on top of one of the skyscrapers in the City of London where there is a garden surrounded by glass to look out over London. I make a reservation for a late lunch/early dinner so that I am there as the sun sets. Again, another beautiful view and the food and service are top-notch and not as expensive as you might think. And you can hang out in the garden and grab a drink from one of the bars once dinner is over to continue to enjoy the views.

Daylesford Organic: For brunch or lunch, I try to make it to Daylesford Organic in Chelsea. On the ground floor, there is an organic farm shop—right in the heart of London!—while on the second floor there is a lovely informal cafe where you can grab a nice hot drink and slice of cake or something more substantial if you have time. I enjoy sitting at the bench by the windows looking out at the street scene if I am on my own.

Waterstones Piccadilly: If I find myself in Piccadilly Circus on a nice day and want a little quiet and outdoor space with something to drink, I head to Waterstones bookstore. This is the largest bookstore in Europe, so I always have a look around as I make my way up to the top floor where they have an outside bar. And make sure to check out the events because you might just find an author you like doing a reading while you are in London.

Origin Kensington in the Royal Garden Hotel: Just outside of Kensington Gardens on Kensington High Street, you will find this gem of a restaurant. It has a very Scandinavian feel although the food is modern British. Their menus are seasonal and it is a very relaxed and quiet oasis peering over the walls of Kensington Gardens. I have never been disappointed and keep going back here for the calm atmosphere, wonderful food and friendly service.