24 Hours In…. London

London is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and home to over 8 million people. It’s also home to the Prax Group’s headquarters. We share our ultimate must-do list for a perfect visit if you only have 24 hours in this exciting and vibrant city….

Places To See And Things To Discover:

You could, of course, spend weeks wandering London’s many museums, which need no introduction, or visit 1,000 years of history represented in London’s architecture but with limited time available, you could do much worse than wander along the South Bank and Bankside. Along the south side of the River Thames, the path stretches from the London Eye, past theatres and concert halls, street performers, bars and restaurants, all the way to London Bridge. It’s the perfect vantage point to see the different parts of the city and, once you’ve finished, it’s a short walk across the river to head to the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch Street, more commonly known as the Walkie Talkie Tower. There, you’ll find three levels of public gardens with views that, on a good day, stretch 25 miles in every direction. It’s free, but you’ll need to book in advance!

Where To Eat:

You can’t leave London without trying the local food. But in such a global city, what really is local to London? You can have a whole animal BBQ at Temper in Soho, decide whether Din Tai Fung in Covent Garden really does have the best dumplings, go for Thai at Som Saa in Shoreditch or eat chops till you drop at Blacklock in the City. Or, if you’re in the mood to go upmarket and visiting Prax’s office in London, why not try the nearby Italian at Murano or go for a classic meal at the Chiltern Firehouse?

Where To Stay:

Ace Hotel, Shoreditch: As the business world of the City gives way to the vintage markets, street art and hipsters of Shoreditch, you’ll be able to see it all as you have a drink at the rooftop bar of this great boutique hotel.

The Standard, King’s Cross: In one of London’s latest quarters to be re-developed, brutalist architecture houses a great hotel with easy access to St Pancras International Station and the Eurostar, and Granary Square’s many bars and restaurants.

The Ned: In a converted bank in the heart of the City, this hotel has a rooftop pool, luxurious rooms and easy access to the building’s eight varied restaurants.

Night Life:

London’s pubs are on every corner, and there’s always a good choice of beers, but that isn’t really very adventurous, is it? Small, independent beer producers have popped up all over the city, so if you are in the mood to try something different, then look out for tap rooms attached to the breweries. From Beavertown in the north to Brixton in the south, there are scores of them (and they don’t all begin with B!).

If cocktails are your drink of choice, travel north to Dalston and try Untitled, or stay central and head for the rooftop of Aqua Spirit in Soho. Closer to ground level (in a basement, in fact), hang around Soho and set Google Maps to The Vault. You’ll need to go through the bookcase at the back of a whisky shop to find it, though!

If you’re in the mood for wine (and cheese), try Gordon’s at Embankment, which is apparently London’s oldest wine bar, and soak up the atmosphere.

If sleeping isn’t your thing, try late night cabaret at The Box in Soho or dance all night at the iconic Ministry of South in Elephant and Castle. And if that isn’t enough, why not head to London’s latest live music venue, the massive (and imaginatively named) Printworks in Canada Water, which used to be Western Europe’s largest, erm, printworks.

London Fast Facts:

Population: 8.17 million

Currency: Pounds Sterling

Time Zone: GMT

Languages: English (and pretty much every other language in the world!)