{"id":94945,"date":"2019-12-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/weekend-in-london-trip\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:56:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:56:08","slug":"weekend-in-london-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/weekend-in-london-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"A Weekend in London: Top Tips for Your London Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let\u2019s be honest. Whether it\u2019s a family visit, business trip or extended layover, London is becoming an increasingly popular destination for many South Africans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting there has never been easier with a non-stop, eleven-hour flight from Johannesburg on Virgin Atlantic<\/strong>. Their evening flights mean that you can enjoy a premium meal service followed by some shut-eye after you\u2019ve browsed the multitude of inflight entertainment options. The cabin crew are wonderful, and no request is too big or too small. You\u2019ll be woken up just in time for breakfast before touching down at Heathrow. The Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge<\/strong> is freely available to passengers flying Upper Class, where hot showers and a breakfast buffet await for those on the move.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019ve landed, how can you get the most out of a short stay in possibly the busiest city in the world? We reveal how to make the most of your London<\/a> trip in just two or three days. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Get Cultured\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

London\u2019s history needs no introduction unless you\u2019re new to the city, then it definitely does! With a history dating back to 43 AD, there are endless tours that\u2019ll give you the lowdown on how London came to be one of the most successful cities in the world. Make time to go on a walking tour or bus tour, navigating the streets as you learn about their history and the significance of the major landmarks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Trafalgar Square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An absolute must for theatre buffs is The Royal Albert Hall<\/strong>. Built by Queen Victoria in memory of her late husband, Prince Albert, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re stepping back in time the moment you set foot inside the auditorium, having graced the likes of Churchill, Einstein, Cirque du Soleil, Muhammed Ali and Adele. A personal tour with their extremely passionate and knowledgeable guides is well worth the \u00a311 ticket. Complete your royal outing with a high tea in the upstairs tearoom, where you can look forward to all the typical English favourites.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Royal Albert Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Experience the Food Scene<\/span><\/h2>\n

Among the city’s many treasures, London’s food scene is out of this world. If you have a flair for the finer things, there are plenty of trendy dinner spots around Soho, Mayfair, Covent Garden<\/strong> and Fitzrovia<\/strong>. From test kitchens and pop-up caf\u00e9s to award-winning Michelin feasts, or a simple pub lunch, you\u2019ll have a hard time finding a place that isn\u2019t proud of its culinary creations.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sticks ‘n Sushi, Soho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Places tend to get pretty packed over the weekend, so if you\u2019ve got your heart (and stomach) set on somewhere in particular, best to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Your hotel can assist you with this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

London\u2019s weekend brunch scene is particularly intriguing where long, lazy brunches are the order of the day. King\u2019s Cross\u2019 Granary Square<\/strong> is especially popular, as well as the hot-buttered crumpets washed down with Bloody Marys at Dean Street Townhouse in Soho.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your food budget is on the low end, fear not. Indulge yourself silly to the street food scene, which you can find just about anywhere, and tuck into the free food samples at Borough Market<\/strong>. A super tasty snack on-the-go is caramel-roasted peanuts \u2013 you\u2019ll see locals roasting them on the street corners for \u00a32 a cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make a turn at one of these street markets, where you can find anything from spit roasts and Ethiopian stews to Korean vegan dishes and soft-shell crab burgers. The choices are endless!<\/span><\/p>\n