From scrumptious foods and drinks spots, to essentially the most well-known sights, this information will make it easier to plan a weekend escape from Paris to London.
If you happen to’re craving a fast metropolis break filled with tradition, world-class meals and that unmistakable buzz, London makes for the proper weekend escape from Paris. Having lived in London for years (and solely lately moved out), I nonetheless get a little bit thrill each time I return! Not solely is it stunning and historic, it’s someplace that feels prefer it’s at all times evolving. Every time I return, I uncover a brand new restaurant I wish to go to or a lovely boutique I wish to store in!
It’s actually accessible too. I do know I’ve some readers who plan journeys from Europe to London, so I needed to create this information to point out it’s easy to plan a Paris to London trip by train. Earlier than you already know it, you’re swapping croissants for cream teas and café terraces for cosy pubs!
On this information I’ll offer you a fast rundown of the way to spend 48 hours in London. From seeing essentially the most well-known sights, to exploring a couple of hidden gems, this information will make it easier to profit from your time.
Able to plan your weekend in London? Right here’s the way to spend 48 hours exploring my favorite corners of town.
A Weekend in London Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
I at all times suggest beginning your London journey with a stroll alongside the River Thames. Not solely is it a stunning technique to really feel such as you’ve arrived within the metropolis, however you’ll additionally get to see a handful of essentially the most iconic sights. You could possibly begin by The London Eye, having fun with views over the river to Huge Ben and the Homes of Parliament. Then head alongside the Thames Path to see the Tate Trendy artwork gallery (free to enter) and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Finally you’ll attain London’s most well-known meals market, Borough Market, which is a good place to cease and eat. Lastly, proceed on till you see the well-known sight of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. This stroll will take a couple of hours at a relaxed tempo, and there’s loads of time for coffees, snacks and images alongside the way in which!
Lunch
Personally, I’d suggest you propose your day so that you simply attain Borough Market round lunchtime. You’ll discover so many cuisines underneath one roof, from tasty bowls of paella, to Argentine grills and Indian avenue meals. After I lived close by, it was the place most of my cash went! Save area for a candy deal with too – the donuts from Bread Forward are unimaginable!
When you’ve refuelled, it’s time to swap the busy marketplace for a slower tempo and a few stunning river views.
Afternoon
After lunch, hop on a ship from Tower Bridge to Greenwich. Lots of vacationers keep inside the central areas of London, however I’ve at all times had such a tender spot for Greenwich. This space to the south of London is reachable by boat, and is house to iconic spots such because the Previous Royal Naval School and the Royal Observatory. If you happen to catch it on a sunny day, it’s one of many prettiest areas of London!
The climb as much as the observatory is properly price it for the views alone. You’ll see the London skyline in a complete new method! There’s additionally a stunning market in Greenwich, together with loads of cafes and eating places, so you possibly can take pleasure in a snack once you get peckish!
Night
For dinner, I’d suggest you head to Soho. This smallish space is packed stuffed with full of life eating places and bars. You’ll discover just about each delicacies represented on this zone too, from scrumptious sourdough pizzas to vibrant tacos and flavoursome dumplings. If you happen to’ve acquired a longing for Asian meals, Chinatown has a spread of Chinese language, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese choices. My prime picks embody Kiln (wonderful Thai meals) and Fallow (fashionable British meals), which is only a quick stroll south of Soho.
Day 2
Morning
London is a good metropolis for brunching in! As you’ll have seen a lot of central London on day one, I believe it’s enjoyable to see how completely different the vibe is as you head east to Shoreditch. This space is famed for its hipster fashion, cool cafés, city boutiques and avenue artwork. Two of my favorite brunch spots round listed here are Gaia Bistro and BOBO & WILD. You possibly can’t go incorrect!
After brunch, I’d suggest a mooch Brick Lane and Spitalfields. Right here you’ll discover an eclectic mixture of classic shops, meals stalls and boutiques. If you happen to’re nonetheless peckish after brunch, then Brick Lane Beigel Bake is an establishment. It’s open 24 hours a day and is busy in any respect hours!
Afternoon
Within the afternoon, catch the tube to South Kensington to discover certainly one of London’s world-class museums. The Pure Historical past Museum and the V&A are each unimaginable (and free to enter). If the solar is shining, I like nothing greater than having fun with a stroll by Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. London’s parks are so energetic, it’s enjoyable simply grabbing a cuppa and watching the world go by.
Night
To your closing night time, I’d suggest taking a visit to King’s Cross. This space has utterly remodeled in recent times and has a really cool vibe. I like the eating places round Coal Drop’s Yard and Granary Sq.. I’d suggest Dishoom (top-rated Indian delicacies), Caravan (an all-day brasserie which at all times has an incredible vibe), Hoppers (scrumptious Sri Lankan meals) or Barrafina (fashionable Spanish joint).
I hope this information to visiting London from Paris helps you propose the very best journey potential. Whereas Paris is a tremendous metropolis, London will at all times be my primary! While you see the vary of wonderful actions, foods and drinks choices and historical past, it’s straightforward to see why.
The very best half? You actually can expertise all of this in a single weekend. With Paris solely a brief prepare journey away, you may as properly make this cross-Channel escape an everyday factor.
