48 hours in London: The Perfect Momcation Getaway
One of the things I loved about living in France was being within a two-hour flight radius of so many amazing places (gap year guide coming soon!). With hundreds of affordable, daily flights from mainland Europe alone, the travel planner in me was like a kid in a candy store! So when a friend mentioned her early arrival in London for a work trip, I seized the chance for a reunion and mini-getaway. London’s endless list of must-dos can be seriously dizzying, but with a bit of planning, you can indulge in an abundance of food, fun and some fabulous finds in just 48 hours. Here’s how two gals spent two perfect days in London.
Day One: Chic Stays and City Wanders
Choose the Right Home Base
To make the most of a short visit, if you can, stay central! You’ll be doing more, well, doing, and less commuting. I love the Kensington, Westminster, and South Bank neighbourhoods, because they’re very walkable, as central as can be, and are home to some of the must-see spots. Here are a just a few select choices (there are so many!) that promise both exceptional value and elegance, and an ideal base for exploring the city:
- Rubens at the Palace a luxurious, historic hotel in the heart of London, offering regal surroundings with sumptuous rooms and views overlooking Buckingham Palace.
- Sea Containers London directly along the River Thames, offers a trendy, nautical-themed experience with its sleek design, panoramic river views, and a location that puts London’s cultural treasures at your doorstep.
- Hotel Indigo London – Kensington a chic and vibrant boutique destination, nestled in a beautiful Victorian building blending classic charm with modern luxury right in the heart of the city.
Pro Tip!
As a Fora Travel Advisor I have access to exceptional perks at these and other preferred properties around the world. Here are just some of the benefits of booking with me:
- Room category upgrades (STA)
- Complimentary breakfast
- Early check-in / Late check-out (STA)
- Hotel credits at restaurants and/or spa facilities
- Welcome amenity (bubbly and chocolates anyone?)
Ask me how I can help you add exceptional value to your next hotel booking.
Getting Around
Navigating the city is super easy on the famous “Tube”. And getting in and out of stations is a breeze just by using a contactless credit card! No more queuing at a ticket booth or fumbling for change; simply swipe your card over the contactless ticket reader, and you’re off to the races! Just (as they say) mind the gap. Even better – the total daily amount caps at just over £8, so feel free to criss-cross the city knowing you’re not racking up charges. Check out this helpful site for more details on navigating London’s vast public transportation options.
Start with a Proper Cuppa
Our first stop: why, a proper high tea, of course! While there are as many afternoon tea options in London as there are red telephone booths, the Royal Albert Hall was our perfect choice. Not only does its tea room serve up multi-tiers of traditional bite-size pleasures, the building itself is steeped in history (yes, pun intended). While we sipped exotic tea and bubbly, and savoured delectable canapés, we admired the grand interior of a building that has hosted the most famous ballets, orchestras and performances, from the Beatles to Adele. This experience truly set the stage for our London escape.
Happily full with mini-sandwiches and cakes, we walked it all off exploring nearby Kensington Park, and the surrounding streets. If shopping’s your jam, don’t mis the Kensington neighbourhood! You can find all kinds of stores around here, from small boutique shops and popular brand stores, to the multi-level and over-the-top Harrod’s department store. There’s literally something for everyone and every budget! Even if your retail therapy involves popping in to a local café or a break at the Harrod’s champagne bar.
From there, it was an easy tube ride up to Camden Town, for a completely different vibe. This neighbourhood is known for its vibrant graffiti art, grungy pubs and a happening live music scene. We aimed to check out Camden market for some eclectic vintage wear, but it had just closed for the evening (the importance of planning ahead!). So strolling along, we passed by a statue of Amy Winehouse – a tribute to the iconic singer who called this neighbourhood home – and paid homage by raising a glass at her favourite haunt, The Hawley Arms. A visit to Camden Town isn’t truly complete without experiencing a live music gig at one of the many pubs and music halls. On any given day, there are plenty of acts playing a variety of genres to suit any mood. Check out this site to find what’s playing during your visit. We chose The Blues Kitchen for cocktails with a side of soulful R&B.
Day Two: From the Thames to the Sky
Uber-scenic River Views
We kicked off our second day on the Uberboat for a water’s-edge view of London splendour. This is not just an affordable (daily max of £23.50) and convenient (contactless tap) way to traverse the city, it’s truly an experience! Boarding at Westminster pier (the one closest to Big Ben), we rode along to Greenwich pier, while the Thames breezed by showcasing iconic sites like the Eye, Tower Bridge (from underneath!), the Tower of London and the sky scrapers at Canary Wharf. And don’t worry about missing Greenwich pier – just look for the Cutty Sark! Yes, this famous ship (and museum) can be seen – and visited – next to the pier. Just a couple minutes walk away is Greenwich market, a bustling hub of eclectic stalls, art, antiques, clothing, unique gifts, and super tasty street food from around the world (you must try Teriyaki-ya!), all set within a historic World Heritage building.
Making our way back to the pier, we got on the next Uberboat (here’s the timetable), and disembarked at London Bridge City Pier. The hot and summery day called for a day-drink at one of the pop-up bars on Queen’s Walk promenade along the river. Refreshingly hydrated, we walked north across London Bridge (if you’re thinking of the famous one, that one’s called Tower Bridge) for about 15 minutes to the building at 20 Fenchurch, commonly called the “walkie talkie” building. Enclosed under a massive glass dome, is a large public space offering 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline. We took in the sweeping views on the open-air terrace, and strolled through lush, landscaped gardens. There’s also a bar and three restaurants (by reservation) where you can enjoy an upscale meal with spectacular views.
Pro Tip!
Access to the Sky Garden is free, but it books up fast! Reserve your free ticket for a set time here to guarantee your access. Tickets become available about 4 weeks ahead but book up quickly (likely because it's a free attraction), so plan ahead. If you arrive at the street level entrance without a ticket, ask the ticket attendant if same-day spots are available as they may be able to add you to a same-day list. But without a prescheduled ticket, you risk having a long wait (spending precious site-seeing time standing in line) or no access at all.
From there we google-mapped our way on foot back across London Bridge to Borough Market (about a 15 minute walk), where we indulged in yet another endless array of delicious foods – this is truly a foodie’s paradise! We arrived hungry, and gave ourselves about an hour and a half to peruse the different stalls, try some samples (Look for the “Wild Mushroom Risotto” sign – hand down best you’ll ever have!), picked our fave (soooo hard to choose!) and took our time savouring every bite. I enjoyed a delicious beef bento box at Oroshi Japanese BBQ and my friend went for an Israeli-style pita stuffed with lamb and red cabbage and drizzled with tahini sauce. Those pitas are **chef’s kiss** Don’t forget to save room for the famous chocolate covered strawberries in a cup! You’re welcome 😉
With just enough time for one more activity, we decided to wrap up our whirlwind escapade by catching a play in London’s renowned theatre district. We jumped on todaytix.com to look for same-day tickets at a discount (I highly recommend this site!), and scored great seats for “Hamilton” at the famed Victoria Palace Theatre. Talk about ending our trip on a high note!
That’s a Wrap!
Our 48 hours in London was just the dash of excitement and elegance we needed. With a blend of sightseeing, culture, and delicious indulgences, we sampled the best of London, and left with countless memories and a promise to return, hopefully soon. If you’re planning your own quick getaway, remember to book ahead for popular attractions (like the Sky Garden) and leave room for unexpected delights. Enjoy every moment in this magnificent city!
