{"id":35797,"date":"2014-12-04T07:00:10","date_gmt":"2014-12-03T21:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/blog\/?p=35797"},"modified":"2014-12-08T22:38:00","modified_gmt":"2014-12-08T22:38:00","slug":"london-calling-local-tips-for-mini-breaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/london-calling-local-tips-for-mini-breaks\/","title":{"rendered":"London calling? Local tips for mini breaks"},"content":{"rendered":"
Planning a short trip to London<\/a> and wondering how to make the most of the city and get a real \u201clocal” feel?<\/div>\n
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Here’s my personal itinerary to help you discover the hidden gems \ud83d\ude42
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\nFRIDAY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cross all the museums off your list today, but save the Tate Modern<\/a> for Sunday. Start early and after lunch, head to Trafalgar Square. The National Portrait Gallery<\/a> is there, so pop in and have a quick look. Then wander down to the Thames riverbank and check out Somerset House. Before you go, take a squiz at their website<\/a> to see if there’s any events or shows on. Then head to Gordon\u2019s Wine Bar<\/a>, the oldest in London, to sample a glass of wine and nibble on some cheese. After you\u2019ve worked up an appetite, cross the river and go to South Bank<\/a> for dinner.<\/p>\n

\"Somerset<\/a>

<\/p><\/div>\n

SATURDAY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Start your day with breakfast in Angel. My recommendations are The Breakfast Club<\/a> or Ottolenghi<\/a>. Beware the long queues, but both are worth the wait. After getting your fuel for the day, explore Camden Passage<\/a> and stroll through Upper Street. Make sure you pop by and see Regent\u2019s Canal if you can.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Camden<\/a>

That\u2019s me in Camden Passage, Islington<\/p><\/div>\n

Around noon, head over to Oxford Circus. If you fancy Japanese for lunch, I recommend Chishu<\/a> on Beauchamp Place. Other must-sees include:<\/p>\n

1. Liberty of London<\/a>
\n2. Carnaby Street
\n3. Afternoon tea at Camellia’s Tea House<\/a>, upstairs from Kingly Court<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Afternoon<\/a>

<\/p><\/div>\n

In the evening, walk to Charlotte Street. Start at the Charlotte Street Hotel’s Oscar Bar<\/a> and have a cocktail to get your appetite going. Then for dinner, if you want to splurge go to Roka<\/a> a few doors down. For cheap and cheerful, try one of the many Asian spots or go to Wahaca<\/a> for Mexican.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Start the day early by heading over to Borough Market<\/a> for breakfast and food tasting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Borough<\/a>

<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Borough<\/a>

<\/p><\/div>\n

Then wander along the Thames and pay a visit to the Tate Modern. After you’ve had your fill of culture, stroll across the Millennium Bridge and head back into the city. Find your way to the Underground, hop on the Northern line to Camden<\/a> and check out the markets there. Don’t miss the Stables Market, my personal favourite \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

You’ll probably be tired after your busy weekend, so have your last dinner close to your hotel<\/a>. Check out our awesome London accommodation<\/a> deals to find your ideal home base for exploring London like a local.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Thames<\/a>

Thames Riverside<\/p><\/div>\n

Do you have any local London tips? Share them with us in the comments!<\/strong><\/h3>\n