Are you visiting London on business? You might be in the city to work, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend your whole trip in your hotel room! Ditch the room service and escape to a fabulous restaurant, squeeze in some sightseeing between meetings or congratulate yourself on a job well done with a drink and panoramic views. Whether you’re in town solo or with colleagues, here’s our guide to the best places to visit if you’re in London on business.
Madison
Just a stone's throw from St Paul’s Cathedral, this rooftop bar and tapas restaurant is the perfect spot to head to after a day’s work in The City. Perched on the penthouse, there’s a modern restaurant which is always packed with City workers who love its buzzing atmosphere, but the real star of the show is the outdoor terrace. Their rooftop bar has one of the best views of St Paul’s you’ll find anywhere; whatever time of day you visit you’ll love the panorama of the London skyline but at night is when it’s truly spectacular!
Duck & Waffle
If your tight schedule means you finish work late (or later than planned), don’t worry as there are plenty of good options in the city for late-night dining. One of these is Duck & Waffle, which you’ll find on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower. A modern restaurant serving British and European cuisine 24 hours a day, they take all-day dining to the next level! This stunning space will wow you with its floor-to-ceiling windows, experimental cocktails, and sophisticated menu which lifts traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
Catch a last minute show in the West End
Find yourself with an evening free? What better way to spend a night off in London than to experience its world famous West End for yourself. Even if you haven’t booked tickets in advance, you’ll be able to find last minute tickets for a show or play with no trouble. If you know what you’d like to see, head straight to the box office of your chosen theatre, but if you’re not sure simply head to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square where you’ll find same day tickets for dozens of shows. Or for a truly special evening, you might be lucky enough to get a last minute ticket for a performance at the stunning Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Last minute tickets are released online every Friday for the following week through their Friday Rush scheme - take a look at what’s on here.
Walk from Tower Hill to Westminster
What better way to see the city the by exploring it on foot? Strolling along the banks of the River Thames from Westminster to Tower Hill (or vice versa!) is the best way to see many of London’s most famous attractions in a limited time. The walk takes just over an hour, but if you meander or stop to check out some of the sights it would be a little longer. You’ll be able to see landmarks of the London skyline like Tower Bridge, The Shard, the London Eye, and Big Ben, as well as soak up the buzzing atmosphere on Southbank and get a sense of history at Westminster where you can see the UK parliament and Westminster Abbey. If you’ve got time, meander a little further from the river itself and stop by Borough Market to pick up some delicious street food or treats to take home with you!
Sky Garden
With one of the best views across the city, try to squeeze in a visit to Sky Garden if you can! Atop the famous “Walkie Talkie” building at 20 Fenchurch Street, step out of the lift and into an impressive urban jungle that has 360-degree views of London from its floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll be able to spot all of London’s landmarks and get a unique perspective on the city. The leafy gardens are a public space, what better way to enjoy the view than with a cocktail in hand? Sky Garden is home to two stunning bars, as well as two restaurants. Book a table at the Darwin Brasserie or the Fenchurch Restaurant for exquisite, contemporary British cuisine and the best view in town.
Hang out with a local Londoner
If you're still struggling for ideas, ways to fill your time or you just fancy some good company then you're best off booking a couple of hours with a local. Companies like CityUnscripted are great for this. Their locals live for the city, not just in it, and are passionate about showing you the best and brightest of their home. In just a couple of hours you'll be able to see anything you fancy; whether that's some of the famous sights or simply some locally loved pubs. All locals are carefully handpicked for each guest based on their personality and interests - so there's no danger of awkward silences or conflicting interests. Best of all these are real people, not just tour guides, so the experience is totally unique and flexible to you; it's basically just hanging out with a really knowledgeable pal.
Hey curious traveler, visiting London soon? Hey curious traveler, visiting London soon? At City Unscripted, we create personalized city experiences led by passionate locals who share London’s stories in a way no guidebook can. Whether you’re seeking hidden gems or exploring iconic landmarks, your experience is flexible and designed just for you — without the rigid structure of a tour. Discover the culture, history, and character of London with a host who adapts the journey to your interests, making every moment feel unique and unscripted.
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We’ll pair you with the perfect host
There is no better way to see a city than with a friend who lives there. This is why we carefully match guests with their perfect host based on interested, personality and type of experience so they can discover a city beyond the tourist trail.
