The perfect weekend in London

London has it all: eclectic shopping spots, gastronomic delights, quirky street tours and luxe hotels. The hardest part of spending a weekend in the city is deciding where to go and what to do. Worry not; Londoner Natalie Hughes has compiled the perfect 48-hour itinerary for foodies and culture vultures alike. Even better, Cathay Pacific's Cathay members will be able to enjoy exclusive perks along the way. 

Saturday

Morning

The best days start with art, so head straight to The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. As well as the impressive permanent collection of over 2,300 works (including Velázquez’s Rokeby Venus and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers), there are always excellent exhibitions. Witness the radical Impressionist works of Dega in Discover Degas and Miss La La before it ends on 1 September 2024.

Stop for brunch at nearby Fallow , a modern British restaurant whose signature croissant rolls have become somewhat legendary, and are as tasty as they are Instagrammable. Arrive hungry and order the “Royale with Cheese” alongside a mini bottle of the restaurant’s handmade sriracha – it’s delicious.

Afternoon

Time for some shopping in Soho. With its mock-Tudor facade, sweeping 1920s staircase and six floors of fashion and homeware, Liberty is a must-visit. Afterwards, wander down Lexington Street to Alex Eagle , a beautifully designed store featuring hand-picked fashion, art, rare books, and more. Then, make your way to Studio Nicholson , a British brand specialising in minimal, modular dressing. Finally, go treasure-hunting at Reign Vintage , which has womenswear and menswear from multiple decades.

Feeling peckish again? Dine at Quo Vadis , the legendary Soho restaurant and private members' club – and the former home of Karl Marx. Chef Jeremy Lee serves up a bold, changing menu depending on what’s in season, though the smoked eel sandwich (a most traditional British dish) is a fixture.

Evening

As evening falls, see a show at The London Palladium . Cathay Pacific’s partnership with LW Theatres means members can enjoy exclusive VIP experiences at this venue; purchase your tickets using Asia Miles and get access to The Palladium’s very own Cathay Lounge, where you can relax with a selection of drinks and snacks before the performance begins. Hello, Dolly!, starring Imelda Staunton, is at the top of our lists.

Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap at Bar Termini , a ’50s-inspired espresso and cocktail bar on Old Compton Street in the heart of Soho adorned with pistachio-green banquettes and lots of dark wood. The signature drink is a negroni, but Termini’s talented bartenders can whip up whatever cocktail your heart desires. Booking is highly recommended.

Finally, climb into bed at Claridge’s , arguably one of most luxurious hotels in the city. It first opened in 1856, but was transformed into the Art Deco jewel it is now in the 1920s. Since then, the Brook Street property has hosted everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Bing Crosby. During your stay, be sure to visit the heavenly Japanese-inspired spa, designed by noted Hong Kong interior architect André Fu – the man responsible for The Upper House’s award-winning design.

Sunday

Morning

Begin the day with breakfast in the clouds at Duck & Waffle , a 40th-floor dining room with epic views of London. The food is just as good as the vista; as well as the classics, there are some fresh interpretations including the “Duck Benedict”. The restaurant is open 24/7, which is convenient in case jetlag hits.

Next on the list is a street art tour. Shoreditch is known for its vibrant graffiti – much of which is by famous artists, including Banksy. Alternative London’s award-winning walking tour is a great way to explore the neighbourhood. Fancy a mid-tour espresso? Ozone and Attendant are our favourite nearby coffee spots.

Afternoon

Hungry? Have a big bowl of pasta at Campania . The cosy, southern Italian restaurant is stylish yet unfussy, and a favourite among creatives. Settle in and refuel with locally made bread and an ever-changing menu of risottos and pasta dishes.

Just around the corner from Campania, you can smell the roses at Columbia Road Flower Market , which takes place every Sunday. From 8am until around 3pm, you can stock up on your favourite flowers or plants, or simply drink in the sight and sounds. Keep an eye out for the independent boutiques, which surround the market stalls.

Evening 

Sup with the cool crowd at Brawn , a nearby neighbourhood restaurant that lives up to the hype. The menu is mercurial, but recent highlights include the pork loin with artichoke, peperonata and taggiasche olives, and the pistachio and raspberry choux bun. There's a comprehensive wine list, too.

When sleep calls, stay the night at Batty Langley's , a wonderfully decadent boutique hotel in Spitalfields – near to the vibrant market, and a mere stroll away from the Tower of London. Each of the 29 rooms is named after a notable East London figure from the 18th century and filled with antique furniture and plush furnishings that’ll make you feel as though you’re in a period drama.

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