Pop Across the Pond: Girls Weekend in London, England
TRAVEL DATES: MARCH 2023 + OCTOBER 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 22 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Itching for a trip to Europe but don’t have much PTO to spare?
A quick flight over from New York City, London is the perfect European metropolitan destination if you’re seeking a trip abroad but don’t have much PTO to spare! Catch an overnight flight and before you know it you’ll wake up in the United Kingdom. From seeing the typical tourists landmarks to hitting the high-street for a bit of shopping, there’s no better place to spend a girl’s weekend than London.
With only about two days to spare—you’ll need to make the most of your time. Craft your itinerary with an extra discerning eye to ensure this trip maximizes your endeavors with the best sites, bites, and things to do! Cue the following itinerary, specially curated and tested with lived experience to deliver the ultimate girl’s trip during a quick jaunt across the pond!
Girls Weekend in London Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed girls weekend in London guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
10:11 - 10:56 AM: 🚇 Travel from London Heathrow to the centrally-located Courthouse Hotel (45 min)
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM: 👗 Explore the mod heart of “Swinging London” that is Carnaby Street (40 min)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: 🥘 Dig into Michelin star, affordable Spanish tapas at Mountain on Beak Street (1 hr)
1:00 - 1:30 PM: 👛 Stroll past the high-end shops of curving Regent Street (30 min)
1:30 - 1:50 PM: 💂♂️ Pose in front of the house of British royalty at Buckingham Palace (20 min)
1:50 - 2:50 PM: 🎡 Pass by the London classics: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye (1 hr)
2:50 - 4:00 PM: 🖋️ Grab a book from Cecil Court then put your pen down at Choosing Keeping (1 hr 10 min)
4:00 - 5:00 PM: 🛍️ Shop for designer digs inside the luxurious department stores of Oxford Street (1 hr)
8:00 - 9:30 PM: 🎻 Enjoy dinner and a show from global hot spot Bagatelle London (1 hr 30 min)
9:30 - 10:30 PM: 🍸 Drink a cocktail underneath the most aesthetic bathroom ever at Sketch (1 hr)
Day 2
10:00 - 10:20 AM: ☕ Grab a cup of joe and a pastry for breakfast from Grind (20 min)
10:20 - 11:20 PM: 🦢 Escape the urban rush while strolling through tranquil Hyde Park (1 hr)
11:20 AM - 12:50 PM: 👜 Sift through vintage racks at Portobello Market (1 hr 30 min)
12:50 - 1:30 PM: 🏘️ Admire the colorful houses lining Notting Hill in a Julia Roberts-inspired moment (40 min)
1:30 - 2:30 PM: 🫖 Raise your pinky during afternoon tea at Soho Wala (1 hr)
2:30 - 4:00 PM: 🖼️ Gaze upon Rococo French art in the perfectly preserved Wallace Collection (1 hr 30 min)
6:30 - 7:30 PM: 🥪 Break open steamy buns during dinner at BAO (1 hr)
8:00 PM - 10:30: 🪩 Dance the night away to British house music at Roundhouse (2 hr 30 min)
How to Get Around London?
London’s iconic public transportation options make getting around the city in style a breeze! Hop on a bright red double decker bus, head underground to arguably the most iconic subway system (the Tube of course!), or dole out some extra cash for a private black cab ride. This network is bolstered with water buses on the River Thames, a slew of above ground trains and trams, cable cars, and the public bike-share program Santander Cycles if you prefer to man the helm of your own vehicle. Simply put, this web of convenient transit options ensures you’ll be able to get where you’re going, no matter where that is in London!
Unlike other European countries I’ve visited, I didn’t purchase a tourist transit pass to explore London. Given this itinerary entails a fair amount of walking, attractions within transit zones 1-2, and only lasts two days, I found paying for transit as I went along to be the most cost-effective. If you follow this itinerary to a tee—which cost me $26.16 for all Tube and bus fares—then I recommend you do the same, since you’d actually spend a bit more purchasing a £20 Visitor Oyster card plus the £5 activation fee. However, if you’re staying in London for a bit longer or plan to travel outside the city center, consider the following option:
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This physical, pay-as-you-go travel smartcard offers unlimited access to all of London’s public transportation, however you must purchase this card before you leave for London! Load £10-50 onto your card plus a £5 activation fee at the VisitBritain Shop. Your Visitor Oyster card will be mailed to your home address, fully activated and ready to use with credit deducted every time you make a journey.
Your daily expenses are capped between £8.10-21.20, meaning once you make a few journeys, any remaining transit for that day will be free with your ultimate London tour companion in hand! The daily maximum varies depending on which zones you travel in and the time of day, which also affects the individual journey rate. In general, traveling at peak times and through more than one zone is more expensive.
If you’re commuting from Heathrow Airport, start with a £20 card. This will cover a full day of travel since the daily cap for this zone range is set to £14.90. If you take the Heathrow Express instead of the Tube or Elizabeth line, you’ll need at least £30 credit since the standard £25 Heathrow Express rate still applies.
Once you’re in central London, a £10 card covers a full day of unlimited travel within zones 1 and 2 (which comprises the majority of the city center), since the daily cap is set to £8.10 for this area. Consider adding £10 for one day in London, £15 for two days, £25 for three days, and £30 for four days.
When riding most public transit, simply touch your card on the yellow reader of station gates or validators at the start and end of your journey. On buses and trams, only tap in at the start of your journey.
Add credit to your card at any transit station, one of the 4,000+ Oyster Ticket Stops, or Visitor Centres. At the end of your trip, get a refund for any remaining credit at Tube ticket machines, Visitor Centres, or by post.
How to Get from Heathrow Airport to London?
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FROM: Heathrow Central (accessible from Terminal 2 and 3) or Terminal 5 station (Hounslow TW6 1SD, United Kingdom)
TO: London Paddington (Praed St, London W2 1HU, United Kingdom)
TRANSPORTATION: Heathrow Express via Trainline (15 min, direct, £25)
Hopping on the Heathrow Express is undoubtedly the quickest way to get to central London from London Heathrow Airport (LHR). While it’s more expensive than taking other forms of public transportation, after a long-haul international flight I was more than happy to shell out some extra dollars for the quickest, non-stop route to my hotel.
For flights arriving into Terminal 2 or 3, simply board the Heathrow Express at Heathrow Central to take a short journey into London Paddington. If you arrive into Terminal 5, your Heathrow Express train will leave from the Terminal 5 station, adding 6 minutes onto your trip. Passengers flying into Terminal 4 will need to take a quick connecting bus service from this terminal to Heathrow Central.
One-way tickets can be purchased for £25 online from Trainline, via the Heathrow Express mobile app, or at physical ticket machines spread amongst the airport’s “Arrivals” floors in each terminal and Heathrow Express stations. Save 40% with a £15 early-bird ticket by booking at least 90 days in advance! Once at London Paddington, your onward journey into the rest of the capital couldn’t be easier.
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The Tube will take around 56 minutes via the Piccadilly line towards Cockfosters. Ride for 38 minutes with 13 stops before switching at Earl’s Court to the District line towards Edgware Road and continuing for another 10 minutes and 4 stops to London Paddington. On the bright side, this longer journey only costs £5.60.
Taxis are estimated to take 49 minutes and typically cost around £60, making them the most expensive transportation option by far.
A £12.20 ride on TFL Rail via the Elizabeth line towards Abbey Wood is estimated to take 27 minutes with 7 stops. Tickets for this longer albeit cheaper route can also be purchased from Trainline!
Where to Stay in London?
SOHO STEAL: Courthouse Hotel (5-star hotel for $965/night in October)
If you’re looking for a swanky girls weekend in London stay with the perfect location in the heart of Soho, look no further than the Courthouse Hotel. Situated at the interchange of stylish Mayfair, fashionable Soho, and thespian West End, this contemporary design hotel is within walking distance of London’s finest shopping streets, typical tourist attractions, and historic theaters where style meets sophistication.
With the Liberty department store located just outside this historic Grade II former courthouse, you can shop to your heart’s content, rejuvenate in the Sanook Spa, watch films in the private cinema, or take in views of the London skyline from the rooftop terrace. Attentive offerings such as 24-hour room service and concierge speak to the helpful nature of the staff, and quirky surprises hide around every corner—like the BAR housing original prison cell blocks as cozy VIP rooms where you can enjoy a nightcap.
We stayed in an earthy 25 m² Classic room furnished with a queen bed and all the amenities you’d expect an upscale hotel to offer, including a flat screen LCD television, writing desk, and mini fridge. While nothing was particularly notable about the room itself, it did the job it needed to do and I felt like the lodging rate was pretty on par with the quality of service provided as well as the hotel’s central location.
What to Do in London?
Day 1
Carnaby Street
Pop out of your Soho hotel directly onto Carnaby Street, which originated in the 1960s as the heart of "Swinging London." The mod and psychedelic styles of yesterday have since evolved into a lively pedestrian area filled with ritzy shops, independent boutiques, and flagship department stores. The ideal home base for your London weekend itinerary, you can choose to do a bit of damage around this area whenever the moment is right, since this chic commercial strip is located just outside your front door!
Be sure to pop into vintage-inspired RIXO, where splurge-worthy timeless silhouettes line the racks. Here you can get the London look and opt for a spiffy ensemble which reflects the city’s dapper sensibilities.
Lunch — Mountain
Assuming you’re feeling a bit hungry after your overnight flight across the pond, begin your girls weekend in London itinerary with small bites at the one Michelin star Mountain, located 5 minutes away by foot at the intersection of Carnaby and Beak Street. Potentially the most affordable Michelin meal you’ll ever have, these reasonably-priced Spanish tapas are perfect for sharing. The open-concept kitchen serves up the ideal side of people watching, and the cozy chic decor highlighting a curated catalog of wines makes this the perfect spot for a quick lunch!
During the late autumn afternoon of our visit, I began with a tangy Aperol pick-me-up paired with the deliciously spicy yet umami flavors of hot honey sopressatta toast. For my mains I dug into a spider crab omelette that tasted as rich as it sounds, and my carb of choice was smoky wood fired rice to top off this affordable gourmet meal!
Regent Street
After lunch, continue strolling through London’s premier shopping destination on your next target boulevard, Regent Street. One of the first planned shopping streets in the world, this commercial landscape is home to a mix of high-street brands, upmarket boutiques, and posh department stores like Liberty, which carries high-quality, fashion-forward products from AGOLDE, FARM Rio, Isabel Marant and the like at more accessible price points than traditional luxury designers. It's a place where tradition and contemporary retail converge, and if you’ve ever seen London pictured during Christmas you’ve undoubtedly seen the extravagant angel lights strung across this historic street.
The distinctive curve lined with Grade II Regency buildings was intended to connect King George IV's residence at Carlton House with Regent's Park, and while you’re strolling around this bend be sure to explore must-see shops like Hamleys, one of the oldest and largest toy stores, and Burberry’s flagship location, an iconic British luxury fashion house know for their heritage plaid print.
Buckingham Palace
Continue 20 minutes down Piccadilly Street and through Green Park to reach the London residence and administrative headquarters of United Kingdom monarchs: Buckingham Palace. A sustaining symbol of British aristocracy after originally being built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, Buckingham Palace is one of the most visited and recognized attractions in London.
During the summer—from July through September when the presiding monarch is not in residence—the magnificent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace can be explored for £32 from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Explore 19 lavishly decorated rooms where the monarch entertains subjects and visiting dignitaries—state banquets, royal ceremonies, and the monarch's weekly audience with the Prime Minister occur in the same rooms you’ll be walking through! Serving such important official functions, it’s no surprise that some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection furnish these hallowed halls.
The Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery are additional segments of the working royal palace which can be explored, however they have varying closure dates so be sure to check their respective schedules in advance!
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From the exterior of the palace, witness military tradition and royal pageantry in the 45-minute Changing of the Guard ceremony held at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Watch as the Old Guard, accompanied by military band and wearing traditional uniforms with bearskin hats, hands over the responsibility of protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace to the New Guard. This procession can be viewed from Buckingham Palace (ideally near the Queen Victoria statue), the Mall avenue, St. James’s Palace, or the Wellington Barracks.
Pro Tip:
If you’re keen on observing this event, arrive by 10:00 AM to secure a satisfactory viewing spot. Inclement weather, state occasions, and other events may impact this ceremony, so check the official schedule on the British Army or Royal Family websites before you arrive.
Westminster Abbey
Continuing down Birdcage Walk for 12 minutes before turning onto Storey’s Gate will bring you to the next icon of British heritage: Westminster Abbey. This Gothic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site while also serving as a working place of worship with daily services available for London residents, making it a site of Christian reverence for over 1,000 years. Religious practitioners will find themselves in the same coronation church (including the oldest door in Britain) used for English monarchs since 1066, hosting 39 ceremonies to date while also serving as the royal venue for occasions like Prince William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
Outside the church, the Abbey serves as the final resting place for over 3,300 people, including 17 British monarchs, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and the greatest English poets and writers in the Poet’s Corner. Household names like William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens lay here, making Westminster Abbey a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts as well.
Entry requires a £30 ticket which includes admission to the Cloisters, College Garden, Chapter House, and the Pyx Chamber every day except Sundays from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
Pro Tip:
If you purchase a ticket online you can upgrade it to an annual pass free of charge, enabling you to visit the Abbey three times for the price of one. Ask a member of the Visitor Experience team to upgrade your ticket when visiting and a new paper ticket which will be issued.
Big Ben
Just across the street you’ll spy Big Ben connected to the Houses of Parliament, which—besides being the world’s most famous clock—is often used in media to evoke the setting of London since its distinctive Gothic Revival architecture symbolizes the British way of life to people around the world. At the time of construction, the clock mechanism was one of the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clocks.
While "Big Ben" is actually a nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock, the entire structure was named the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. More than just a clock tower, this symbol of stability has chimed every hour with a sound that has been continuously broadcasted by the BBC, rarely stopping since 1923 even amidst two World Wars. These chimes also mark the start of the New Year for Brits, similar to the American Times Square ball drop tradition. Although popular tours inside the tower sell out months in advance, its exterior offers ample opportunities to capture the perfect “London” photo — London Eye in the background and all!
London Eye
Walking 10 more minutes across the River Thames onto The Queen’s Walk will bring you to the last of the best tourist spots in London for today: the London Eye. Also known as the Millennium Wheel after being constructed to celebrate the turn of the century, since its opening in 2000 this ferris wheel has become synonymous with the city's skyline and offers a panoramic, 443-foot high viewing experience from its capsules daily from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM for £29. This unparalleled vantage point, spanning 25 miles on clear days, offers a glimpse of famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace.
When it was erected, groundbreaking construction produced the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Blending historical significance with modern development, the Eye today represents London’s forward-looking perspective while being deeply rooted in the city's rich history.
Cecil Court
Circle back to Soho with a 17 minute winding route taking you through Whitehall onto Charing Cross Road until you reach Cecil Court, otherwise known as Bookseller’s Row. The West End’s most distinctive shopping street filled with antiquarian independent bookshops, this famous Victorian avenue specializes in the sale of rare out-of-print, collectible, and first-edition books. Serving as a hub for literary enthusiasts and collectors for over a century, you’re sure to find a page-turner in this charming world of antique books with a decidedly storied past.
If you’re considering putting your own pen to paper, continue 5 minutes down Upper St. Martin’s Lane to Choosing Keeping. This adorable stationary and scrapbooking store caters to all things crafting, whether you journal, paint with watercolors, or simply enjoy admiring aesthetic trinkets in this neatly organized shop. Many of their products—from pastels to ink fountain pens—are imported from Japan, so you know you’re getting the best of the best when it comes to fine craftsmanship, even if you’re in the market for a $600 pen! Bring back the art of a handwritten note or simply leave with a few laser-cut lace cards after your stop at this paper goods emporium!
Oxford Street
Your shopping circuit for today is almost complete, since it’d be a shame to do all this retail therapy without a strut down Oxford Street as well! Continue 20 minutes down Charing Cross Road and turn left onto A40, which eventually turns into this luxury shopping destination stretching over a mile with more than 300 shops. With distinctive white star lights strung across the street between orange brick façade housing even more stores to explore, if you still feel like splurging then the iconic British department store Selfridges is the place for you—which curates only the most expensive, top-of-the-line designers like Miu Miu and Loewe.
If you have time to spare before dinner, the upscale neighboring areas of Mayfair and Marylebone continue this refined, opulent feel, serving as the ideal boroughs for a late afternoon stroll where you can admire stately architecture like beautiful Georgian townhouses, chic hotels, and elegant public squares.
Dinner — Bagatelle London
Prepare for a spunky night ahead after retreating to your hotel; then, when it’s time for dinner, walk 11 minutes down Conduit Street to reach Bagatelle London. Serving up French Mediterranean dining in the heart of Mayfair, this global chain is the definition of dinner and a show—as in, you can expect lively entertainment like an electric violinist, magician, and salsa dancers to be provided throughout the evening! Combining outstanding service with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, masterfully mixed cocktails, and an impressive wine collection, the venue transforms into a stage at night with performers, DJs, and live music creating a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. As such, Bagatelle is a much better dinner spot rather than a cheeky lunch option.
Arriving without a reservation—which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend you do, since we had to be out by 9:30 PM sharp and the late evening is when the fun really picks up—I split the fresh and creamy tuna tartare and divine truffle cacio e pepe Roman pizza with my travel companion. After having tried the tartare before in Bagatelle’s Los Cabos location, I would undoubtedly recommend you give this delectable raw seafood appetizer a try! No matter what you order, the exquisite cuisine and joie de vivre spirit derived straight from the Côte d’Azur makes Bagatelle the ultimate French festive dining destination in the heart of London!
Drinks — Sketch
Head back in the direction of your hotel, taking the exact route in reverse for 8 minutes to reach Sketch on Conduit Street. This 18th-century townhouse tea room transforms into an artsy cocktail lounge every evening, hosting a variety of quirky experiences in various avant-garde rooms—each with their own decorative theme.
For breakfast, lunch, or to grab a drink at their respective bars, pop into the neo-90's Parlour or the “artwork in decoupage” Glade—a landscape forest inspired by 1900’s greeting cards. If afternoon tea suits your fancy, check out the luxe brasserie Gallery where you can also enjoy a delicious dinner. For a truly fine dining experience, look no further than French MasterChef Pierre Gagnaire's three Michelin star restaurant, the Lecture Room and Library. Assuming you’ve followed this itinerary to a tee, you will have already eaten—which means the East Bar and Pods are your destination for the evening!
After walking through the funky entryway chock full of bold modern art, make a pitstop in the bathroom—yes seriously, the bathroom—before heading into the East Bar. You’ll find two sweeping staircases flanking either side of the bar entrance, which lead directly up to the lavatory situated on top of the enclosed parlor. The rainbow checkerboard ceiling and egg-shaped pods you’ll find have become a modern symbol of London iconography (which you’ve likely seen pictured before on social media, although you may not have realized this was inside the Sketch bathroom), and this eccentric restroom is thus the perfect place for a mod photoshoot!
Once you’ve snapped some colorful candids, head back down to the igloo-shaped bar open Thursday through Sunday where you can walk-in without needing a reservation. Provoking drawn designs cover the ceiling of this circular structure, and while the drinks are flowing you can expect to hear sets from a lineup of up-and-coming DJs spinning the decks all night long!
Day 2
Coffee — Grind
Kickstart your second day of this girls weekend in London with an artisanal cup of joe from Grind in Soho, located right outside the hotel just 4 minutes down Carnaby Street. Aside from the edgy artwork, inside you’ll find breakfast pastries, cakes, and small bites served up alongside coffee and cocktails—their signature espresso martinis are to die for!
Hyde Park
FROM: Grind (19 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9RP, United Kingdom)
TO: Hyde Park (London, United Kingdom)
TRANSPORTATION: Oxford Circus → Marble Arch via Central line towards Hainault via Newbury Park on the Tube (2 min, 2 stops, £2.70)
Use your caffeine buzz to power a jaunt through Hyde Park. Take the Tube to Marble Arch then walk for about 40 minutes along the north edge of this vast, 350-acre green space within the heart of the city. Acquired from the monks of Westminster Abbey in 1536, it was intended to be used as hunting grounds by King Henry VIII. Since then, this Royal Park has evolved into a public space filled with a wealth of leisure activities, sports, and relaxation amongst nature.
If you take a more winding route, you’ll pass the man-made Serpentine Lake which is popular for boating and swimming amidst the large flock of swans who call this pond home. Princess Diana’s Memorial Fountain sits at the midpoint of the lake, with two free art galleries on either side hosting modern and contemporary art exhibitions— the Serpentine North and South Galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday.
In the summer, Hyde Park is a major concert and event venue, hosting the annual British Summer Time Hyde Park festival. In the winter, the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink opens next to the Rose Garden. Regardless of how much time you have to spare, even a simple park stroll will undoubtedly provide a tranquil retreat from the otherwise omnipresent urban atmosphere.
Notting Hill
Once you reach the edge of the park, you will have arrived in the colorful neighborhood of Notting Hill. You may have heard of this vibrant area from the romantic comedy which shares the same name, starring Julia Roberts and everyone’s favorite British heartthrob, Hugh Grant.
The picturesque streets are lined with Victorian townhouses, often painted in bright colors and adorned with beautiful window sill flower boxes. This quaint architectural charm makes Notting Hill the perfect place to snap a quintessential “London” flick for the ‘gram like my travel companion did!
If you happen to visit in August, the annual Notting Hill Carnival occurs at the end of the month featuring one of the world's largest street festivals known for celebrating Caribbean culture, music, and food.
Portobello Market
Continue down Bayswater Road for 12 minutes and turn right onto Pembridge Road to scour for antique treasures as this street forks left to become Portobello Road Market. A mile of hustle, haggle, color, and energy, this iconic street market is really a combination of several markets in one, offering cooked meals, fruit and veggies, fashion and clothing, bric-a-brac, arcade, and antique vendors on various days of the week.
Closed on Sundays, Portobello Market is open the rest of the week. You should prioritize visiting on Saturday since this is when the market is in full swing and all the resident vendors from each category are present. Self-described as the “world’s largest antiques market,” I was particularly keen to find some vintage jewelry and antique china, walking away with new silver rings and cutlery!
Pro Tip:
Given large crowds fill Portobello Road to the brim, petty thieves and pickpockets are also common fixtures. Be sure to stay diligent, keep an eye on your phone, and wear any bags across your body instead of just hanging them off your shoulder.
Afternoon — Tea Soho Wala
FROM: Hyde Park (London, United Kingdom)
TO: Soho Wala (21 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7HL, United Kingdom)
TRANSPORTATION: Notting Hill Gate → Oxford Circus via Central line towards Hainault via Newbury Park on the Tube (8 min, 5 stops, £2.70)
Head back to the hotel to relax while indulging in a quintessential English practice from the early 19th century: afternoon tea! The Soho Wala connected to the Courthouse Hotel conveniently serves up quite an affordable, three-tiered afternoon tea offering. For only £27, dig into four varieties of finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserve, and four varieties of sweets to try on top of a large pot of tea of your choosing! A few different menu types are offered depending on your taste preferences, catering to both vegetarian and vegan dietary restrictions while also providing Indian and summer afternoon tea options.
We selected the summer afternoon tea course, nibbling on dill smoked salmon and coronation chicken sandwiches washed down with cranberry and raspberry tea—which I’m convinced tasted like fruity Capri-Sun! A sweet summer fruits of forest financier and white chocolate, mango, and lavender delice were the cherries on top. Compared to the nearly $100 tea service I tried at Harrods previously, I truly could not tell any difference in quality between these two presentations, so save yourself some cash and opt for this tasty budget tea option!
Although the meticulously prepared delights appear to be on the smaller side, after eating all of this finger food I was sufficiently satiated—so definitely don’t arrive on a full stomach! Solo Wala offers high tea daily from 12:30 - 4:00 PM, and after raising my pinky finger during this perfectly posh afternoon I’d undoubtedly say high tea is a must-do activity when visiting London!
Wallace Collection
For one final free activity during your last night in London, head back towards Oxford Street and continue onto Marylebone Lane for 18 minutes until you reach the Wallace Collection. Embrace your artistic sensibilities and peruse the opulent interior of the dazzling Hertford House in which this private collection resides, a historic London mansion located in Manchester Square. A treasure trove of decorative arts—including Sèvres porcelain, intricate French clocks, gilded furniture, and fine objets d’art—the renowned 18th-century French art presented is displayed in an environment similar to its original setting. This is due to the fact that the terms of Lady Wallace’s bequest to the nation in 1897 prohibited items from being added or removed, preserving the integrity and historical context of the original assemblage.
The ground floor features one of the largest collections of arms and armor in the United Kingdom, including a unique selection of European and Oriental pieces from the medieval period through the 19th century. An extensive collection of Rococo paintings and furniture embellish the upper level, including Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s The Swing—which is one of the museum’s most famous pieces.
Dinner — BAO
Head back 22 minutes down Oxford Street and turn right onto Poland Street to enjoy one last dinner at BAO. The original Soho location on Lexington Street has been described as a poetic translation of Taiwanese Xiao Chi houses. The Michelin Bib Gourmand validated the excellence of these steamy buns and reimagined xiao chi snacks with awards spanning eight consecutive years, meaning a night at unpretentious BAO is sure to be an unforgettable treat! For only about £6 per bao, it’s truly mind boggling that your dishes will be prepared with the finest produce including bespoke beef rump aged for 40-50 days, hand-dived scallops, and edition-marked chi shang rice—the ‘champagne of rice’ in Taiwan.
Open daily from 12:00 - 9:00 PM, walk-ins are welcome with optional bookings offered online. Due to the small counter-style nature of the space, I’d recommend making a reservation if you have the foresight to do so. This light and affordable, yet totally satisfying meal is the perfect way to wrap up your short stint in London!
Roundhouse
FROM: BAO Soho (53 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom)
TO: Camden Roundhouse (Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH, United Kingdom)
TRANSPORTATION: Oxford Circus → Euston via the Victoria line towards Walthamstow Central → Chalk Farm via the Northern line towards Edgeware on the Tube (15 min, 2 stops then 2 stops, £2.80)
Go hard during your last evening in London by dancing the night away during a show at the Roundhouse in Camden. Originally constructed as a turntable engine shed for the London & Birmingham Railway, this performing arts venue now hosts live music, circus, and alternative theatre as a central hub for the UK's counterculture movement. Many of Britain’s greatest groundbreaking artists have graced these hallowed halls, including none other than Pink Floyd and Soft Machine, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors.
I happened to be in town when British house DJ Cloonee was hosting his only London performance of the year here, so it only felt right to see his show! We had the best time partying across the multiple floors of this circular venue, and if you happen by the outdoor bar be sure to order the Moth mixed cocktail cans—these were the best pre-mixed drinks I’ve ever tasted and they certainly packed a punch!
How Much Does One Girls Weekend in London Cost?
Following the above girls weekend in London trip totaled $996.95 costing me $332.32/day as a young 20-something:
Transportation
$65.46 - two one-way tickets on the Heathrow Express
$26.16 - all Tube and bus fees
Food
$6.48 - iced maple coffee from Costa in the London Heathrow airport
$54.46 - soppressata hot honey toast, wild rice, spider crab omelette, and cocktail shared at Mountain
$4.12 - espresso shot pick me up from Caffe Concerto
$109.36 - espresso martini, tuna tartare, and truffle pizza shared at Bagatelle London
$25.61 - cocktail from the East Bar at Sketch
$8.37 - smoothie from Joe and the Juice
$11.19 - coffee and croissant from Grind
$5.56 - cardamon bun from Fabrique in Portobello Road Market
$45.77 - two bao sandwiches and a scallop appetizer served during dinner at Bao
$48.09 - cocktail in a can drinks from Roundhouse
$8.65 - McDonald’s after dancing at Roundhouse
Activities
$55.09 - Roundhouse tickets to see Cloonee
$39.74 - summer afternoon tea at the Soho Wala
Lodging
$482.84 - two nights in the Courthouse Hotel in a Classic room, split amongst two people
You’ll incur greater expenses if you decide to actually tour any of the top tourist spots in London described above, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Staying at the Courthouse Hotel for additional nights or during peak season is sure to scale up your expenses as well.
If you’re on a tighter budget, staying at the Zedwell for the duration of your trip is a much more economical lodging option. Strictly sticking to public transportation rather than using expedited ride-sharing services or the Heathrow Express will slash your travel costs, plus expensive establishments like Bagatelle London could be replaced with more affordable alternatives like Bao or the £27 afternoon tea served at Soho Wala—and you certainly don’t need to purchase multiple drinks both days you’re in town!
What to Wear in London?
Get the London look! While this “look” isn’t as prescriptive as Rimmel’s old slogan would make you think, there are a few pervasive attributes to incorporate into your outfits when visiting the city. Classic tailoring of British heritage brands and traditional styles meets punk-inspired avant-garde designs on the London streets. But what does that mean for you?
Blend high fashion pieces with street style in this diverse and eclectic fashion scene. In practice, this entails pairing nicer pieces from your closet with vintage finds and high-street brands. This mix-and-match approach means you might wear a wool trench coat with black leather jeans, or a tweed blazer with studded boots—either way, be sure to account for the unpredictable British weather and keep an extra layer handy!
Black Leather
incorporate punk elements symbolizing the 1970’s spirit of rebellion and individuality
Structured Blazers
elevate simple staples with a tweed ode to quintessentially British garments
Tall Boots
blend high fashion with street savvy by rocking bold, knee-high boots
Slouchy Satchels
benefit from the practicality of carrying all your belongings in a relaxed bag without looking too serious
Dark Lenses
create an aura of mystery with dark lenses surrounded by patterned or textured frames
Posh Headband
embrace the Blair Waldorf aesthetic while keeping all your locks in place
Can You Take A Weekend Trip to London?
Prior to embarking on this ambitious international weekend trip, quite literally everyone I told about this plan informed me of how dumb an idea it was. Friends, family, coworkers, and even the local Brits we chatted with questioned why I would fly all the way across the pond to visit London for just one weekend —and to them I retorted, why not?
The shorter trek my travel companion took from New York City certainly made more sense, but even coming all the way from Los Angeles—AND without a direct flight on the way back—I’d say this extended journey is both completely feasible and worthwhile. If you’re short on PTO as the fiscal year comes to a close but don’t feel quite satisfied with Euro summer being over, you too can take a weekend trip to London!
All jokes aside, I do genuinely believe people treat international flights as a much bigger deal than they’d ought to be. If you have Google Flight notifications enabled and easily sleep on planes, a weekend trip to London can be both cost effective and a stellar use of your time. Think about it, you’re going to be sleeping in your bed on a Thursday night anyways, why not sleep on a flight instead and wake up in London!
To refute the many concerns I heard about the expensive nature of this quick stay, I’d counter that the longer you spend in a destination the more hotel nights you have to pay for—which is typically one of my largest trip expenses anyways. In other words, this itinerary can be cost-effective as long as you make the most of your time. You’ll certainly need caffeine to curtail any jet lag on the first day—and don’t even think about taking a nap!—but considering we spent more than 12 action-packed hours both days experiencing a grand swath of London’s sites, I’d say this was more than worth it and I’d even be willing to take a girl’s trip to London just for the weekend again!
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
London Customized Map (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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