Planning a girls trip to London? London is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and charm, making it the perfect destination for a girls weekend.
I love to visit London, it’s such a fun city with so much to do and places to see. It doesn’t matter if you’re into history and museums or just want to eat, drink, and experience the night life London truly has it all.
From visiting Buckingham Palace to enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy and entertained. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the must-do experiences for a girls trip to London, so you can make the most of your time!
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, you’ll want to check out my posts on how to plan a weekend trip on a budget and ways to save money for your next vacation.
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How many days do you need to visit London for the first time?
It’s really going to depend on your personal preferences and interests, but typically, a first-time visitor to London would need about 4 to 5 days to see all the city’s major attractions and have a good taste of what the city has to offer.
This allows enough time to visit popular sites like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the National Gallery, while also taking time for afternoon tea, shopping, dining, and exploring the city’s neighborhoods.
The first time I visited London we only stayed for 3 nights. London is an expensive city so my wallet was happier, but we could have easily stayed longer without getting bored. Ultimately, the amount of time needed will heavily depend on your budget and interests.
If you’re looking for a detailed London travel itinerary, you should definitely check out this post 3 Days in London from one of my favorite travel bloggers!
1. Shopping in London
Shopping in London is a must-do experience for any girl’s trip. Whether you’re looking for luxury goods, vintage finds, or unique souvenirs, you’ll find them in London. From world-famous department stores to quaint boutiques and lively markets, there are countless opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy!
Here are some of the best shopping destinations in London that you won’t want to miss!
- Oxford Street is the busiest shopping street in Europe.
- Covent Garden is a charming and vibrant area known for its street performers, trendy boutiques, and independent shops.
- Westfield Shopping Centres: With two locations in London, Westfield Stratford City and Westfield London, you’ll find hundreds of shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema, bowling alley, and ice-skating rink.
- Bond Street is a luxurious shopping destination known for its high-end boutiques and designer labels. Here you’ll find iconic brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Gucci, as well as up-and-coming designers and jewelry shops.
2. Sightseeing in London
Like all major cities, London is rich in history, culture, and architecture. There are so many sights to see that would fit any type of traveler, even when on a girls trip to London.
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen and a symbol of the British monarchy. You can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, take a tour of the staterooms, or enjoy the view of the palace from outside the gates.
The Tower of London is a historic castle and former royal palace that is now home to the Crown Jewels. You can take a tour of the castle, see the famous ravens, and learn about the history of the royal family.
Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is now officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. Visitors can tour the Houses of Parliament, admire the clock tower, and learn about the history of the British government.
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy panoramic views of London from 135 meters above the ground.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the most famous landmarks in London.
Take a Big Bus Tour of London
When we visit a large city we always purchase a ticket for the Big Bus tours. In my opinion, it’s the best way to get around and you get a narrated tour at the same time! The Big Bus Tour in London is particularly great because it includes a one-way 30-minute river cruise on the Thames River.
If it wasn’t for our Big Bus tour we never would have been able to see as much as we did in such a short amount of time. It’s one of my favorite activities when we’re sightseeing!
3. Enjoy a show in the West End
The West End is the heart of London’s theater scene (referred to as “Theatreland”) and a must-visit destination for any culture lover. With about 40 or so world-famous theaters, a diverse range of shows, and some of the best actors and performers in the world, a night at the theater is perfect for a girls trip to London.
But the West End is not only about the theater, you’ll also find many restaurants, shops, entertainment and nightclubs. There’s also many sights to see like Picadilly Circus or The National Gallery.
4. Visit the London Markets
From food markets to vintage markets, London is full of diverse markets. Here are some of the top markets to visit on your girls’ trip to London.
Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and most famous food markets, offering a wide range of food and drink from around the world. Sample delicious street food, buy fresh ingredients for a picnic, or simply enjoy a coffee and people-watch.
Camden Market is one of London’s most vibrant and eclectic markets, offering a wide range of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and street food. Explore the market’s many stalls, admire the street art, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Portobello Road Market is one of London’s largest and most famous antique markets, offering a wide range of vintage and antique items.
Spitalfields Market is a bustling indoor market that offers a wide range of food, clothing, and handmade crafts. Enjoy street food, buy fresh produce, and explore the market’s many stalls and shops.
Brick Lane Market is a vibrant market where you can sample delicious curries, browse vintage clothing, and admire the street art that covers the surrounding buildings.
5. A Traditional British Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British experience that is perfect for a girls’ trip to London. Head to a traditional tea room or hotel to enjoy a spread of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, accompanied by a pot of tea… and if you’re feeling fancy a nice glass of champagne.
But don’t get it mixed up with High Tea. Afternoon tea is an indulgent experience that involves savoring a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and scones, all washed down with a pot of tea. High Tea is more of a light supper that includes a heavier meal of meat or fish.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in London:
The Ritz London is one of the city’s most iconic and luxurious hotels, and its afternoon tea is an experience. You’ll need to dress to impress to enjoy the spread which is served on fine china, in the hotel’s stunning Palm Court.
The Savoy is another of London’s iconic hotels, and its afternoon tea is a popular and much-loved tradition. You’ll enjoy the experience in the hotel’s elegant Thames Foyer.
Fortnum & Mason is a high-end department store that is famous for its afternoon tea. If you’re looking for a charming and traditional experience head to the store’s stunning Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
The Berkeley is a chic and stylish hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge, and its afternoon tea is a must-do activity for any foodie.
The Connaught is a luxury hotel in the heart of Mayfair, and its afternoon tea is an exquisite experience.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious experience, a chic and stylish setting, or simply a chance to savor the traditional British experience of afternoon tea, you can’t go wrong in London. Afternoon tea is popular so you’ll want to make reservations in advance.
6. Museums and galleries
London is home to some of the world’s finest museums and galleries. Even a girls trip to London should include some history and culture, plus you need something to do when you get stuck with a a cloudy and rainy day!
The British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, showcasing over two million years of human history.
The National Gallery is one of the largest art museums in the world and home to some of the greatest masterpieces of Western European art, including works by da Vinci, Botticelli, and Van Gogh.
The Tate Modern is London’s premier modern art museum, and is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art.
The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most famous science museums, where you can explore the museum’s vast collection of specimens, including the famous Diplodocus skeleton.
The Science Museum is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of science and technology. You’ll find the first jet engine, the first computer, and the first light bulb.
7. Take a Stroll in a Park
London is a green city, full of stunning parks and gardens that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Taking a stroll in one of London’s parks is the perfect way to relax and unwind on your girls’ trip.
Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous parks, and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some fresh air.
Regent’s Park is a beautiful park in the heart of London, offering stunning gardens, peaceful lakes, and plenty of open spaces to relax and unwind.
St James’s Park is a stunning park in the heart of Westminster, offering beautiful gardens, peaceful lakes, and plenty of open spaces to relax and unwind.
Greenwich Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Greenwich, offering stunning views of the city and peaceful gardens.
Kensington Gardens is a beautiful park in the heart of Kensington, admire the stunning flower beds, explore the park’s many walking trails, and enjoy a picnic or a game of croquet.
8. Visit a Pub
No trip to London is complete without visiting a traditional pub. These historic watering holes are a great place to grab a drink, listen to live music, and mingle with the locals. London is famous for its rich history of pubs, which have been a staple of the city’s social life for centuries.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy and traditional pub or a bustling and lively bar, London has something for everyone. And remember, when in London, don’t forget to try a pint of traditional English ale!
Let’s book a Girls trip to London!
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for some fun and relaxation you’ll find it on your girls trip to London.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a trip to London is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with your closest girlfriends. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in one of the world’s most iconic cities!
If you’re planning a brief visit to London, don’t miss my post on maximizing your time in the city!
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