Your Guide to an Unforgettable Weekend in London

London is a massive city with endless possibilities. It is a city you will most likely need to visit more than once, but we whittled down the options to have (what we think) is the best weekend possible. Whether you want to visit top attractions, see a show, have a spot of afternoon tea, explore museums or browse London markets, we got you covered.

AXS and trivago have partnered up to help you make a night of it, and to celebrate, we’re giving away an all-expenses-paid trip for two to London—be sure to sign up here. Now, here are our tips to help you make a night of it, and make it epic.

Pick Out Your Pad for the Weekend

The first thing you will want to take care of is booking your hotel for the weekend. One of our favourites is the Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone, the perfect base from which to explore the delights in the centre of the city. The rooms are cozy and colourful with skyline views of some of London’s iconic landmarks. This hotel will make you feel like a kid again. The Tower Hotel sits right on the River Thames, overlooking Tower Bridge in the middle of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, St Katherine’s Docks, and the Shard. The Café Royal Hotel is located right where St. James, Mayfair, and Soho converge. The hotel has been around for over 150 years and has welcomed many iconic guests, including David Bowie and Winston Churchill. No matter where you decide to stay, make sure to check out the best deals on bookings at trivago.co.uk.

Take a Stroll Through Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is the Times Square of London. Filled with enormous neon signs, double decker red buses, street performers and shops as far as the eye can see, Piccadilly Circus is the most action-packed area of London. Whatever you’re in the mood to explore, you will find it here.

Take in the Awe-Inspiring Art of the Tate Modern

Tate Modern is London’s most famous contemporary art museum, housed in a former power station. The museum, which is free and open to all, holds over a hundred years’ worth of art from the most legendary artists. Their cafe also offers fantastic views of the river and the city.

Get Lost in the Bustle in Covent Garden

Located in the West End, Covent Garden is filled with cool shops, pubs, and restaurants. There are always fun events going on no matter the season. You can make it a quick trip or spend all day in this area.

Be a Tourist at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge

Now if it’s your first time in London, you have to see the big three attractions. Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the royal family. Not only is the architecture beautiful, but you can also see the changing of the guard ceremony if you get there at the right time. Big Ben may be the landmark most synonymous with London and is a great spot to take some photos. The Tower of London dates back to 1066, making it a huge piece of English history. It has been used as a prison and a royal home, but now houses the crown jewels.

Get a Reset at Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a long-standing British tradition consisting of sandwiches, cakes, scones, and tea. Cafe Concerto has many locations across London, making it easy to stop by no matter where your travels take you. If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, check out the Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea at Sanderson or take your tea on the go with the B Bakery bus tours.

Treat Yourself to a World-Class Culinary Experience

Michelin-starred Brat serves grilled seafood, lamb, beef, and mostly seasonal fruit and vegetables from all over with a mix of his Welsh roots and Spanish cooking style. This is a must-try, but make sure you make reservations well in advance.

With multiple locations, award-winning Dishoom pays homage to Irani cafés and the food of Bombay and has quickly become a local favorite.

Koya Soho is one of London’s most acclaimed Japanese restaurants. The menu includes noodles made in-house, tempura prawn, seasonal vegetables, mixed in with piping hot broth. They also offer ever-changing small plates showcasing the best of modern British cooking.

Hit The Town

Oblix East is located inside the 72-story skyscraper, The Shard. The venue is split into East and West, with East looking out to amazing views through the glass walls. You may not find a better presentation of your cocktails with glassware ranging from a barrel to a replica of the Shard. Even if you already had dinner, you’ll want to try some of the bar snacks including fried chicken with caviar and wagyu sliders.

Over in Shoreditch, Cocktail Trading Co is a small secretive bar that will make you laugh on the arrival of your cocktails, which are served in all kinds of wacky containers with golf balls as ice cubes or garnished with a set of dentures. The incredibly friendly staff will have you feeling right at home.

Simmons is a late-night cocktail bar offering a phenomenal happy hour, eclectic music, and retro video games. With multiple locations around London, you may want to visit more than one, with each location offering its own quirky charm.