Imagine if you only had 90 minutes to get in and out of London. What would you do and how would you day-trip the city in such a short time?
Well, fortunately, we have some answers. This post explores your possible options and how to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Sushi in the City
Sushi in the City is one of the most ethereal experiences you can have in London. While it is thoroughly British at its core, there are a number of Japanese artisans that have called the region home for many years, serving the business classes and their clients with some of the world’s finest food.
Kurumaya is an excellent example. This restaurant in London’s Square Mile is just next to Bank Station and Mansion House, offering an underground dining experience close to transport links. The fish is always fresh and prepared to perfection by the incredible chefs who operate the establishment.
Burger and bite next to Royal sites
Another option is to go for a burger and bites next to the Royal sites. That was a bit of a mouthful, but all it means is taking a trip to the West End. If you’re traveling through, you can leave most of your belongings at luggage storage in Victoria Station.
Honest Burgers is probably the best place to eat in this part of town. It offers plant-based meals so you still feel light and happy once you finish eating, even after devouring something delicious.
Then, once you’ve eaten, you can dash to The Mall and Buckingham Palace and then go to the Victoria Memorial. Then, once you’re done, it’s back on the train and out again, usually something you can complete in under 90 minutes if you don’t mind bringing food with you.
Afternoon tea on South Bank
Another option is to take afternoon tea on the South Bank, which sounds like something Jude Law would do. A lot of tourists go to The Swan, an old public house close to the Globe Theatre. Then, you can take a walk along the south side of the Thames until you get to the Tate Modern which offers a mix of modern art to indulge the senses.
The longest part of this trip is actually the traffic-free walk along the walkway to the Tate Art Gallery. This takes several minutes, even if you walk at pace. However, it’s well worth it because you also get to see some of the sights, including St. Paul’s and the City.
Brunch at Borough Market
You could also go for lunch at Borough Market. This thriving hub on the Thames’s south side sells nearly every type of food you can imagine from across the globe, allowing you to really experience other cultures on your doorstep. It’s also home to many food vans and stalls that will prepare meals for you with fresh ingredients, often in big recyclable containers.
Once you finish with brunch, you’re close to the Shard and other nearby attractions, like Tower Bridge. This part of town is amazing for taking pictures of your adventures that you will remember for a lifetime.
Bento in Soho
If you want to quickly travel to Leicester Square on the Elizabeth line for a bento box, you can do that too. The area, close to Soho and its bars, offers plenty of places to eat and enjoy a unique meal with flavours that are hard to find anywhere else outside Japan.
Once you conclude your dining, you can then head to the square to see a movie or watch entertainment outside. You can also head slightly away from the river for a drink and DJ sets, depending on the time of day you travel.
Pizza in Covent Garden
Finally, you could take a trip to Covent Garden, a mini city in the heart of London. It offers all sorts of boutique shops and market stalls, with some formal and informal areas. You can also catch a glimpse of one of the many entertainers that grace the public with their uni-cycle and juggling performances in the area.
Covent Garden has a cafe downstairs that sells pizza and other Italian-inspired food. It’s a wonderful location for a long afternoon chat or conversation, but they can also sell food quickly.
What’s nice about Covent Garden is the proximity of the tube station. You can do the entire area in a few minutes if you know where to go, with quick access to some of West End theaters if you do eventually decide to stay longer.
In short, even if you just have 90 minutes to spend in this exceptional city, London has a lot to offer.
