A few weeks ago, my friends and I packed our bags and headed to London for a girls’ weekend getaway. The city was bursting with that early summer energy — perfect for strolling around, sipping cocktails, and discovering hidden gems.
London has always been one of those cities that seems to have something for everyone. Whether you’re into history, culture, shopping, or just good food and drinks, it’s a place that always delivers.
With so much to do and see, we didn’t want to break the bank but still wanted the full London experience. Here’s a recap of what we did, what we loved, and what we’d absolutely do again on our next trip.
We stayed at Mentone Hotel in Bloomsbury, and it was honestly the perfect choice for a girls’ trip. The rooms were simple, clean, and super central, which meant we didn’t waste any time on transport. Walking to Soho in 15 minutes? Chef’s kiss. It’s rare to find a place that combines comfort with a budget-friendly price tag in such a prime location. We could easily head back to freshen up before hitting the next spot — no stress, just convenience. So, to say the least, we’d 100% choose the same place again!
Day 1: Exploring the City
Morning
We kicked off our first day with breakfast at a charming café, Farm Girl tucked away in Notting Hill. With coffee in hand and a pastry in the other, we admired the colorful buildings and the peaceful vibe of the area. Notting Hill is always a great way to start the day, whether you’re window shopping or people watching.
Walk through Covent Garden:
After breakfast, we wandered over to Covent Garden. If you’ve never been, it’s a must-visit — especially on a sunny day. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutique shops, cute cafes, and street performers who bring an infectious energy to the place. We grabbed a fresh juice and stood by the performers, taking in the lively atmosphere. There’s something so special about Covent Garden that makes it feel both historic and fresh.
Afternoon
Next, we decided to get a little culture in. The Tate Modern was on our radar, and it did not disappoint. From contemporary art to installations that made us stop and think, it was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours. If you’re not really into museums, there are plenty of quirky, offbeat options in London to explore — like the Hunterian Museum or the Sir John Soane’s Museum. These museums are free, but it’s small and can get crowded and may require booking in advance. Visiting on a weekday or early in the day is ideal.
Evening
As evening set in, we made our way to one of the best rooftop bars in London: Sky Garden. With panoramic views of the city skyline and cocktails in hand, we watched the sunset and soaked in the buzz of London below us. Given its growing popularity, particularly due to its free entry and incredible views. It has become more well-known in recent years
Day 2: Finding London’s Secret Spots
Morning
Day two started with a walk through Hyde Park. There’s something magical about walking through this vast green space in the middle of the city. We stopped by Serpentine Lake, watched the swans, and just enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. It’s the kind of place you could spend hours in, but we had more to discover.
Brunch in Shoreditch
We headed to Shoreditch for a delicious brunch. The area is full of cool spots with street art, quirky cafés, and great food. We popped into Bobo & Wild, where the menu is as fun as the decor. From avocado toast to indulgent pancakes, it was the perfect pick-me-up before heading out again.
Hidden Gems:
After brunch, we explored some of London’s lesser-known treasures. Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden is one of those places that feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. The colorful buildings and peaceful vibe make it a little slice of magic in the city. Another favorite was Leadenhall Market, a stunning Victorian covered market that’s perfect for snapping a few photos.
Afternoon
After wandering around, we decided to take a Thames River Cruise. We boarded at Westminster and cruised along the river, enjoying a fresh perspective of the city. From Big Ben to Tower Bridge, it was a great way to see London’s iconic landmarks without the crowds.
Evening
By the time the evening rolled around, we were ready to chill. We headed to The Ledbury, a cozy pub tucked away in the Notting Hill area. With a relaxed vibe and a good wine list, we spent the rest of the night chatting, laughing, and reflecting on our weekend.
What We Loved
It’s hard to choose just a few things that we loved, but here are the highlights:
- Sky Garden: A stunning place for drinks with incredible views.
- The hidden gems like Neal’s Yard and Leadenhall Market.
- Exploring local neighborhoods on foot — there’s always something unexpected to stumble upon.
- The food. From breakfast cafés to brunch spots, the food scene in London is top-notch.
What We’d 100% Do Again
If we’re being honest, there wasn’t a single thing we’d skip on our next trip to London. We’d definitely revisit the Sky Garden for more sunset cocktails, take another stroll through Hyde Park, and stay at the Mentone Hotel again because it was just so perfect for a weekend city break. We might even return to the Thames River Cruise to see more of the city from the water.
Final Thoughts
Our girls’ trip to London was everything we wanted and more. The city’s combination of history, culture, and excitement is a winner every time. From rooftop bars to secret corners of the city, there’s always something new to discover.
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable, and relaxed weekend getaway, London should be at the top of your list. And who knows? We might just find even more hidden gems on our next visit.