Planning the best time in London, especially when it comes to nighttime activities, can be a bit challenging. After all, it’s quite a big city with almost too much to do. Nevertheless, this guide will help you with the best tips for going out and planning a magical time in the city.
The Prequel to a Wild Night
London has some of the best restaurants in the world, but more importantly, you can’t drink on an empty stomach. If you’re planning a legendary night, you’ve got to pre-plan a nice meal before. Ideally, you’ll want your restaurant to be in Mayfair since it’s the place to be.
In Mayfair, you have a selection of some of the best restaurants in London, from Bagatelle to Park Chinois. You’ve got Sexy Fish, known for their elegant interior design and some of the best seafood in London. There’s also Hakkasan and Park Chinois, two of Alan Yau’s best restaurants and the ideal places to experience Chinese cuisine in all its glory.
As a perfect follow-up to your dinner, and right before the main event of the night, there’s only one thing to do. Mayfair is known to house its fair share of elegant cocktail bars. This means you’ve got a chance to try some of the best-crafted cocktails at the luminous Aqua Spirit or the elegant bar at the world-famous Claridge’s hotel bar.
Cultural Expedition: London’s Historic and Modern Marvels
For those who prefer to weave a bit of culture into their London adventure, the city offers an array of historical and modern attractions that are sure to enchant. Begin your cultural journey at the Tower of London, a historic castle that has stood on the River Thames since the Norman Conquest. Here, you can explore centuries of history, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and uncover tales of intrigue and imprisonment. Transition from history to modernity with a visit to the Tate Modern, a temple of contemporary art housed in a former power station. End your cultural day with a stroll along the South Bank, where street performers, food stalls, and breathtaking views of the city skyline await.
A Stroll Through London’s Royal Parks
No visit to London is complete without spending some time in its famous royal parks. Start your day with a peaceful walk through Hyde Park, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Serpentine Lake, visit the poignant Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and even catch a lively debate at Speakers’ Corner. Continue your green escape to Kensington Gardens to admire the stunning Albert Memorial and explore Kensington Palace, the residence of several members of the Royal Family. For those looking to escape further from the city’s hustle and bustle, Richmond Park, a National Nature Reserve, offers expansive views, beautiful landscapes, and the chance to spot herds of deer roaming freely.
Shopping Spree in London’s Retail Havens
London is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end luxury to unique vintage finds. Regent Street and Bond Street are must-visit destinations for those looking to indulge in luxury brands and designer labels. For a more eclectic shopping experience, head to Covent Garden, where you can find a mix of independent shops, fashion stores, and artisanal craft stalls. Don’t miss out on exploring the vibrant markets such as Camden Market for quirky clothing and Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill for antiques and vintage treasures.
The Main Event
For the main event, you can’t miss out on London’s exclusive parties and events. Mayfair is home to some of the best London night clubs, and this means partying with celebrities, models, and the city’s socialites. In addition to hosting celebrities and a sophisticated crowd, these spots are known for their elegant parties. Unforgettable champagne shows, wild performances by dancers, fire performers, acrobats, and aerialists, and don’t forget the music.
Of course, when it comes to in-demand venues and exclusive spots, you need to book as early as possible. Otherwise, you may risk the plan falling apart. That said, once you’ve booked your spot or table, all you need to do is dress to impress and bring a physical ID, and you’ll be all good to party the night away.
And if seeing celebrities is your main goal, then it’s always a good idea to plan your visit around the Wireless festival or your favorite artist’s tour. Chances are, they’ll be heading to the same places you are to party after their performances. Just keep in mind to book extra early for times like these because you can be sure it’s going to be busy.
In the Morning
Now, you’ve had a day to remember and partied the night away, what next? Whether you’re spending the day with your friends or with a special someone you met the night before, next on the list is a hearty brunch. Extra points if it’s a bottomless brunch, but where can you find such a perfect spot for the morning after a wild night?
There’s no shortage of bottomless brunches around London, but here are the top spots for a great meal:
First and foremost, there’s Aqua Kyoto, located in Soho. It’s the place to be if you’re not just looking for an elegant bottomless brunch that offers glass after glass of wine, beer prosecco, and Champagne, but also a place that serves an authentic Japanese breakfast.
Next up, there’s Smith’s Bar and Grill and their Saturday bottomless brunches. Located in Paddington, the restaurant offers Prosseco, Mimosas, and Bellinis as part of their bottomless brunch. The best part? The food is also bottomless. Whether you’re getting an avocado burger, eggs Florentine, or steak and eggs, you can just keep the food coming.
Last but not least, Double Standard, located inside The Standard Hotel at King’s Cross, and their Another Bloody Brunch Sundays. Aside from their legendary chicken and waffles, Double Standard is known for its Build-Your-Own Bloody Marys. No worries though if you’re not a fan of the cocktail. The restaurant also offers bottomless Mimosas and Prosecco.
There you go, the keys to planning a magical time in London in under five minutes. It’s all about finding the right area, then you’ll feel like everything is planning itself. The main thing to keep in mind is to always book in advance. A lot of establishments in London don’t allow walk-ins, especially exclusive places and those with limited-time offers, like bottomless brunch. To be safe, take the time to book ahead, and don’t forget to look over the booking details once the booking is confirmed.
