24 Hours in London
March 22, 2010Where to Stay:
The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is a brand new hotel right across the bridge from the houses of Parliament and Big Ben. As the newest large hotel to open in London in 50 years, the hotel is already generating plenty of buzz, and with its central location, it is close to lots of attractions in the city. Walking around London is easy and quite enjoyable, but at least one ride in a classic black taxi is also a must.
12 p.m.: After landing at Heathrow, clearing customs and getting your luggage, get a taxi to the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Check in, shower, relax, and head downstairs to the Primo bar for a lunch of tapas. (The homemade pita bread and hummus and the chicken spring rolls are particularly delicious.) While you dine, admire the art installation inside the glass walls, which changes color every few minutes, constantly refreshing the mood.
1 p.m.: Walk outside to Westminster Bridge, and admire the scenery of Parliament and Big Ben. Take plenty of photos as you walk down the embankment towards the London Eye, passing the Aquarium and other classic buildings.
1:15 p.m.: Arrive at the Eye and pick up your tickets. Try to reserve a private capsule—this will let you skip the line and get right onboard. As the 443-foot wheel makes its enormous turn for the next 30 minutes, look out over 25 miles of London and the surrounding countryside. Take even more photos of all the famous buildings as they come into view.
1:45 p.m.: After finishing the Eye ride, head over to Piccadilly Circus. Take a deep breath, and get busy shopping. The streets in Soho and Mayfair have some of the best (and most famous) stores in the world, with bespoke tailors on Savile Row, classic shops like Chanel and Tiffany on Old Bond Street, and many others all within an easy walk. Be sure to visit the various Arcades—the original shopping centers, some of which date back to the 1850s. Inside the covered Arcades are independent shops with every kind of luxury good imaginable. Be sure to give a friendly wave to the Beadles who guard the Arcades on your way in and out.
3:15 p.m.: For Hgh Tea—that most English of customs—visit the Goring Hotel, which serves one of the most famous High Teas in all of London. Admire the tiered trays of 
scones, small sandwiches and other delicious snacks that accompany some of the finest teas in the world. (If tea isn't to your taste, ask for a champagne recommendation.) If the weather is good, ask to sit outside in the gardens—the tables cannot be reserved in advance, but should definitely be requested upon arrival. (As of this spring, croquet will be available in the gardens.)
4:30 p.m.: Fortified by tea and scones, walk outside and head over to Buckingham Palace, where you can hope to get a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth herself. Stroll through Green Park and Kensington Gardens and admire the gorgeous natural beauty in the heart of the urban jungle.
7 p.m.: Take in a West End show. Most performances begin at 7:30, but arriving early is always a good idea. Be sure to bring a few extra pounds along—unlike in America, theatre programmes (we call them Playbills on Broadway) are not complimentary with the show, and must be purchased either beforehand or at intermission. (They generally cost around three pounds.) Also be sure to get an ice cream from one of the in-theatre vendors at intermission—it’s a West End tradition!
Day Two
8 a.m.: Enjoy a traditional full English Breakfast at the hotel—the best way to get fortified for a day in the city! With eggs, several kinds of sausages, bacon, baked beans, potatoes, grilled tomatoes and toast, you'll have plenty of energy to burn.
9 a.m.: Take a taxi to the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the largest collections of art and design anywhere in the world. Spend the next several hours (at least!) exploring the different rooms and their treasures. Be sure to stop in the courtyard for tea—or even lunch—and visit the gift shop for some beautiful additions to your wall, mantle, coffee table or jewelry collection.
