If you’re planning a visit to the Big Smoke and want to tick off all those ‘quintessentially London’ things to do – keep reading. We’ve got you covered with the ultimate London bucket list of all the best things to eat, drink, see and do. We’ve even got recommendations of which lovely Hilton hotels you should stay in while you’re there. So, pick your favourite, book a room and enjoy your trip.
Ps. you should definitely check in with our friends over at Secret London for even more inspiration!
Hilton London Tower Bridge
Like to be in the centre of all the action? Book a room at the Hilton London Tower Bridge. You’ll be kept in comfort with great dining and drinking options, plus there’s a fitness centre on-site too if you want to keep up with your daily movement! Just a stone’s throw from the Thames, this lovely hotel has stunning views of The Shard from its terrace. It’s also perfectly situated if you want to check out the royal bling (and ravens) at the Tower of London, or watch the iconic Tower Bridge lift up. If you’re feeling particularly brave, traverse the glass walkway across the top of Tower Bridge for thrilling views of the river beneath you.
Or keep your feet on the ground and wander through Borough Market for great food options and a peek at Bridget Jones’s flat. Meanwhile, if it’s hidden gems you’re after, venture over to St Dunstan in the East to find a beautiful secret garden in the ruins of an old church.
Closest station: London Bridge
Hampton By Hilton London Waterloo
This sleek, modern hotel is the perfect base for exploring the vibrant Southbank area. Enjoy free hot breakfast to get you fueled up for a big day out and tick off bucket list spots like the London Eye, or Westminster Abbey and Big Ben just across the river.
If you’re big into theatre and live performances you’ll be happy to know that you’re just a short walk from the Young Vic and the Old Vic Theatre, plus the Southbank Centre is close by too. You could even catch a Shakespeare play at The Globe!
Closest station: Waterloo
DoubleTree by Hilton London – Marble Arch
Book a room in the DoubleTree by Hilton London – Marble Arch and you’ll find yourself in a dramatic 18th-century building in the heart of the city. Enjoy delicious Michelin-starred meals at the hotel’s restaurant and champagne lounge, texture, and delight in the fact that all guests get a warm cookie on arrival at this wonderful place!
The hotel is just around the corner from Oxford Street and Regent Street for a little retail therapy, and is five minutes from Hyde Park if you want to escape into some greenery. Sherlock Holmes’s famous stomping ground of Baker Street is close by, or if you’d rather walk in the footsteps of royalty, there’s always Buckingham Palace to explore. Wander through Marylebone, Mayfair and Soho and you’ll be able to indulge at some of the best restaurants, bars and cafés in the city. And, if you’re planning on seeing a West End show, you’ll be pleased to know that “Theatreland” isn’t far away either!
Closest station: Marble Arch
Hilton London Kensington
Shopaholics will love staying at the Hilton London Kensington as it’s a mere 10 minutes away from the Westfield London shopping centre. The O2 Shepherd’s Bush is also just a hop, skip and a jump away if you’re in London for an event.
But it’s also a great location if you fancy exploring the Notting Hill area – perhaps visiting the iconic Portobello Market or booking in for a yummy brunch. It’s also pretty easy to get to Kensington Palace and Gardens from here too!
Closest station: Shepherd’s Bush
Hilton London Olympia
Want more hotel options in west London? Allow us to suggest the Hilton London Olympia. There you’ll have Holland Park on your doorstep, where you can find a moment of zen in the peaceful Kyoto Garden. You’re just a short walk from all the events held at Olympia London, and less than 10 minutes from the innovative exhibitions of the Design Museum.
Ready for a big day out? Grab a Costa Coffee in the hotel lobby before heading down Kensington High Street to hit up the shops, or venture out a bit further and visit the department store of dreams, Harrods. You’re not far from the world-famous music venue that is the Royal Albert Hall, the Natural History Museum and the V&A.
Closest station: Kensington (Olympia)
Hilton London Canary Wharf
Feel like staying a bit further out from the hustle and bustle of the city? The Hilton London Canary Wharf is the perfect choice for you. There’s all-day dining at the hotel restaurant, drinks at the bar and, if you can’t bear to part with your four-legged friends, don’t worry, because pets are welcome!
Not only can you enjoy great shopping and dining in the Canary Wharf area, but you’ll also find the UK’s largest collection of outdoor public art there. They also regularly have buskers, outdoor film screenings, ice rinks and more in this part of town so keep an eye on what’s on! The O2 Arena is also very close to the hotel if you’re planning on catching a concert while you’re around.
Closest stations: South Quay, Heron Quays and Canary Wharf