Earlier this month, international travelers and locals alike celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, honoring the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne during a special weekend of four days. Millions of viewers in the UK and beyond tuned in to an evening of musical tributes on June 4 from some of music’s biggest names, including Alicia Keys, Duran Duran, Diana Ross and George Ezra. The following day was marked by a grand Jubilee Parade, culminating in one-on-one singing led by Ed Sheeran, as well as thousands of street parties across the city.
Following this action-packed event, London continues to stand out as a vibrant and culture-rich travel destination with a variety of excellent restaurants, attractions and entertainment. HYPEBEAST partnered with Visit London to discover some of the city’s best deals for a weekend – or week – in London.
Registration in shipping containers
What: Located along the south bank of the River Thames, this unique hotel is inspired by the branding of a 1920s transatlantic cruise ship. Sea Containers has over 300 rooms and suites and is also home to an experimental cocktail bar on the ground floor. ground floor and a rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of London. From its riverside location, guests have the city at their fingertips and can start their day with a walk on Queen’s Walk, a promenade between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge.
Where: 20 Upper Ground London, London SE1 9PD
Try the tasting menu at Marcus
What: British chef Marcus Wareing serves contemporary European cuisine at his eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant in Belgravia. The elegant restaurant is made up of the main dining room and two private spaces, where guests can enjoy fine dishes from one of Marcus’ tasting menus, such as Gigha Halibut and Wild Nettle Risotto .
Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL
Visit an exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery
What: Selections from the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world, are currently on display at the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Art lovers can enjoy its current exhibition, Japan: courts and culturewhich explores the historical relationship between the royal courts of Britain and Japan through samurai armor, porcelain and silkscreen.
Where: Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1A 1AA
Dine at Imad’s Syrian cuisine
What: Located off Carnaby Street in the city’s popular shopping district, Imad Alarnab launched his restaurant just a few years after fleeing Damascus and settling in London. Imad’s Syrian Kitchen offers updated versions of Middle Eastern classics with an emphasis on customer sharing dishes and a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Where: 2.14 Top Floor Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW
Catch a show in the West End
What: At the heart of late night entertainment is London’s West End. Famous for its acclaimed theatrical productions, travelers can book an evening to catch one of the must-see musicals and plays currently on rotation. For a dose of British history, SIXlive at the Théâtre du Vaudeville, offers a reinterpretation of the six wives of Henry VIII in the style of a pop music concert.
Where: 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH
Take a ride on the London Eye
What: With an average of over three million visitors each year, the London Eye has established itself as the UK’s most popular tourist attraction. Standing 135 meters (443 feet) tall, the Observation Wheel offers sweeping views of the city with views of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Where: County Hall Riverside Building Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
Enjoy afternoon tea at The Dorchester
What: Dating back to 1840, afternoon tea has been part of the country’s tradition for almost 200 years. While most locals don’t indulge in it every day, afternoon tea is a quintessentially British custom. A standard afternoon tea consists of three courses, starting with sandwiches, followed by scones with clotted cream and jam and completed with a layer of cakes and small desserts.
Where: 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Stop at the Tower of London
What: This castle has become a landmark since its construction in the 1070s, having previously served as an armory, treasury, and zoo for wild animals, among other uses. Today, visitors can tour the tower to learn more about the fortress’s role in the city’s history and take a look at its collection of crown jewels.
Where: London EC3N 4AB
Have a drink at the Seed Library
What: End the evening with a drink or snack at the Seed Library, located in the basement of the new One Hundred Shoreditch hotel. The bar features a sleek lo-fi design with dim lighting and a jazz club-style vibe. On weekends, guests can catch DJ sets spinning late into the night.
Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6JQ
