Two days in London? Yes, you can do it!

Only have a couple of days in Britain’s capital but want to make the most of it? Here are a few ideas for how to see, shop and eat enough of all things London!

Stay near the sights

Try the St James’ Court (formerly Crowne Plaza), located in Buckingham Gate. The hotel is literally around the corner from Buckingham Palace and other royal must-sees like the Horse Guards, and easy walking distance from attractions like Big Ben.

It’s four-star with a touch of old-school and is the perfect location for the weary traveller who still wants to see the sights. It’s also not far from Knightsbridge – head over to Harrods for a spot of tea, perhaps. Visit stjamescourthotel.co.uk

Shopping dream

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Walk down Oxford Street from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch. Here you’ll find numerous branches of your favourite chain stores – H&M, Gap, Marks & Spencer, Boots… you name it. And with Regent and Bond Streets on the way, you get to head off-course a little to favourites like Liberty and Selfridges.

Check out Designers at Debenhams, too. If you want to wander further afield for something unique, Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road are meccas for shopping, and walking down to Portobello Road from there will see you adding to your credit card bill in no time.

Transport

Buy an Oyster card – you can load it up with credit to travel all day on the Tube, which is the fastest way to get around London. It’ll save you money and time to have it in your pocket.

Pick a show, any show!

Want to head to the West End to see a play or a musical? There’s a TKTS ticket booth in Leicester Square, which offers discount tickets to shows on the day or up to a week before, and it’s well worth a look. Or you can try lastminute.com for deals on upcoming shows. London is all about theatre, so it’s well worth spending the money and seeing something while you’re there.

Eat up a storm

Fan of the celebrity chef? Then London is your town – from Ottelenghi cafe in Notting Hill to his restaurant in Soho, to Jamie Oliver’s empire (try Barbecoa, his steakhouse with views of St Paul’s), our own Bill Granger’s Granger & Co., Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner By Heston Blumenthal (lunch by Heston is just $70 for the set menu) and Gordon Ramsay’s Union Street Cafe in Southwark (once co-owned by David Beckham).