Perfect London Girls Day Out and Girls Weekend Itinerary

Are you planning a girls weekend in London and you need the perfect girls weekend London itinerary? Or are you planning a fun girls day out in London?

Either way, I have you covered!

A day out or a girls’ weekend in London is the perfect chance to create lifelong memories with your closest friends. London charms visitors with its history, modernity, culture, and style. 

With all the girls weekend essentials–iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, amazing cuisine, excellent spas, and world-class shopping–London is a fantastic choice for a girls weekend. 

If you just have time for a girl’s day out in London, you’ll have so many choices of fun things to do!

London is easy to get to from the United States or Europe, making it a perfect weekend destination for a girls trip with your best friends, no matter where you’re all traveling from. 

Whether you and your friends want to explore history, soak up arts and culture, relax and be pampered, or enjoy the nightlife, London has loads for you to do. 

I recently spent a weekend in London with two of my girlfriends, and we had so much fun! Lucky for me, one of my friends is a Londoner, so I was able to get a local’s perspective on what to do in London for a girls weekend!

This post is full of ideas for the best things to do on a London girls weekend or girls day out, the perfect 3 day itinerary for a girls weekend in London, and tips for a girls day out in London. 

12 Best Things To Do On a Girls Weekend or Girls Day Out in London

These are the must-do experiences when you’re in London for a girls weekend or having a girls day out in London!

1. Sightseeing

London is an ancient city, rich in history, culture, and tradition. You’ll be surrounded by incredible art and architecture. There’s simply no way to see it all in one weekend in London. 

2. Museums and galleries

London’s museums and galleries are incredible. Whether you’re interested in art, design, natural history, or social history, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Some of my favorite museums are the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Museum of London Docklands. If art galleries are your passion, you’ll want to see the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Also, don’t miss less visited sites like the galleries at the British Library, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the Garden Museum, or the Museum of Brands.

3. The Theatre

You’ll be spoilt for choices of shows in London!

Venture to the West End, also known as “Theatreland,” where you’ll find about forty theatres, including the Adelphi Theatre, the Apollo Victoria Theatre, the Dominion Theatre, and the London Palladium, among others!

Or venture down to Waterloo to see a show at the Old Vic or the Young Vic. 

4. Shopping

London is home to many famous stores, including Harrods and Liberty London. You’ll find famous shopping streets, like Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Savile Row. You’ll find flagship stores for luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Gucci.

And you’ll find plenty of more affordable options like Oliver Bonas, Monsoon, and Marks and Spencer, plus loads of independent boutique shops. 

If you want expert shopping guidance, book a London shopping tour that includes Carnaby Street, Bond Street, and Marylebone.

5. London Markets

If you’d like to look for treasures, check out London’s many markets. Portobello Road Market is London’s most famous antiques market, where you can score unusual vintage finds.

Borough Market is one of London’s oldest food markets, where you can buy meals, ingredients, and treats from every corner of the world.

Markets like Spitalfields Market or Camden Market offer an eclectic array of handmade clothing, perfumes, jewelry, and foods. 

6. London Parks

To be such an immense and dense city, London has a delightful number of gardens and parks.

You can enjoy a picnic lunch, take a stroll, people watch, and enjoy stunning views.

Allow some time to stroll through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park, or The Regent’s Park. Venture farther afield to Kew Gardens or Hampstead Heath.

7. Bus Tour

Beloved by London tourists for years, bus tours are a great way to see all the sights of London while you rest your feet. This is perfect on a girls trip to London when some of your group are tired and need a break, and others want to see everything!

A Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-Off tour is a great way to start your girls weekend in London if you’ve never been to this gorgeous city before! You’ll see famous sites as well as other points of interest that you might miss if you’re exploring the city on your own, like Trafalgar Square, the Marble Arch, and Leicester Square. This option includes a river cruise on the River Thames.

You can also choose to have afternoon tea on the top deck of a double-decker bus. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea menu (with a glass of Prosecco) while seeing the sights of London. The English Afternoon Tea Bus is adorable, and you’ll leave with a cute souvenir cup.

If you’d prefer to see illuminated London, take a London by Night Sightseeing Tour. You’ll beat the daytime traffic jams and get a different perspective on London.

8. Spa Treatments

A girls weekend is all about spending time with your besties and treating yourself. Indulge in a facial, massage, and relaxing soak, with a glass of champagne, at one of the many spas in London.

You can’t go wrong at the Four Seasons Spa, Aire Ancient Baths near Covent Garden, or the Spa at the Bulgari Hotel.

A trip to the spa is definitely one of the best girly things to do in London!

9. Traditional Afternoon Tea

What’s a girls weekend in London without finger sandwiches, dainty cookies, and a pot of delicious tea? Afternoon tea is a British tradition that you don’t want to miss!

Classic spots include Fortnum & Mason, Kensington Palace Gardens, The Ritz London, The Palace Hotel, and The Savoy. 

10. An English Pub

If you’re in London, stop into a pub for a traditional pub lunch and a pint of English Ale.

You’ll find plenty of traditional English pubs with a cozy, intimate feel. If you need a full meal or a few drinks, an English pub will set you right. 

If you want to really explore the pub scene, book a pub crawl and visit four historic London pubs.

11. Gin

London is known for its gin!  This tradition dates back to 1689, and gin-making has had a renaissance since 2008, with small gin distilleries opening throughout London.

Go on a Gin Safari around London, via bicycle, to taste gin and learn about its history in London. Or just visit different cocktail bars and try their specialities!

12. Food

London is a foodie’s delight! You’ll find English classics like fish and chips with mushy peas as well as national cuisines from more than 80 countries.

No matter your dietary restrictions or preferences, you’ll love eating your way through London!

Perfect Three Day Itinerary London Girls Weekend

Day 1 Girls Weekend London: Iconic London Landmarks

Let’s start your girls weekend in London with some of the things London is famous for!

Start your girls weekend by exploring central London. After breakfast or brunch, head to Westminster Bridge.

From Westminster Bridge, you’ll get the perfect view of Big Ben (officially Elizabeth Tower), the world’s most famous clock, and the Palace of Westminster where the Houses of Parliament meet.

Head to Westminster Abbey, the spectacular location of the coronations of 40 monarchs and the location of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.

From Westminster Abbey, stroll through St. James’s Park on your way to Buckingham Palace, traditionally home to the British royal family and the administrative headquarters of the monarchy. 

The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are only open to visitors for ten weeks each summer, usually mid-July to mid-September.

Check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard before you go.

From Buckingham Palace, visit two iconic London department stores, Harvey Nichols and Harrods. After you’ve shopped and maybe had a bite to eat at one of Harrods’ many restaurants, continue on!

Your next stop is the Victoria and Albert Museum, with a rich and eclectic collection of art, design, fashion, and jewelry. Take a private tour to maximize your time there.

Depending on your schedule, you could have afternoon tea at the V&A Cafe or Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Gardens at the Pavilion of Kensington Palace, your next stop.

Kensington Palace was the residence of Princess Diana, and is now home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka, Will and Kate). Tour Kensington Palace and explore the Kensington Palace Gardens. Don’t miss the Princess Diana Memorial Garden.

(If you can’t get enough of the British royal family, take the Treasures of London tour to get a local’s insight and see sights of significance to the royal family.)

Leave Kensington Gardens and stroll through Hyde Park. Either walk or take the Underground to the West End for dinner, perhaps at Burger and Lobster Soho or Barrafina.

After dinner, take in a show at one of the many West End theaters or try the Crystal Maze Live Experience.

Finally, enjoy dessert or drinks in Covent Garden before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2 Girls Weekend London: Explore and Shop

Today’s a day to immerse yourself in some of the many treasures and pleasures that London offers.

Start your day with breakfast or brunch. Then decide how much time to allow to immerse yourself in history, be pampered at a spa, and shop!

The British Museum is the perfect place for a history buff to spend some time. The British Museum has more than 8 million items, most of which come from other regions of the world. Take a guided tour customized to your your interests.

After touring the British Museum, have a pub lunch at the nearby Museum Tavern.

If one pub lunch isn’t enough, take this London Walking Food Tour and explore pub classic and learn about London’s gastronomic trends.

You could also opt to spend the morning or afternoon (or all day) at a spa.

If you’re heading to the spa after the British Museum, head to 7 Sky Spa for Balinese massage and skin treatments or AIRE Ancient Baths, a Roman baths experience in the center of London featuring soaking pools and massage treatments.

If you’re skipping the British Museum to spend more time at the spa, you could opt for complete decadence at the Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel London or the Bulgari Hotel spa.

Next on the itinerary is some shopping!

Use London’s Central Line to explore any of these shopping destinations:

• Notting Hill, where you can explore Portobello Market for vintage and antique treasures.
• Bond Street, Oxford Street, and Savile Row. Be sure to stop by Liberty London and allow time to have afternoon tea at Sketch.
• Spitalfields Market, by way of the Liverpool Street Station, is a great place to find quirky jewelry, handmade clothing and crafts, as well as delicious foods and street art. 

Head to your hotel to drop off your bags and freshen up for a girls night out.

Grab some pre-dinner drinks at a cocktail bar. Then dine at one of London’s amazing Indian or Thai restaurants.

Day 3 Girls Weekend London: London Old and New

After breakfast or brunch, start your day at St Paul’s Cathedral. This gorgeous cathedral was completed in 1711 . You’ll love seeing the colorful mosaics and somber memorials, while imagining all the history St. Paul’s has witnessed. Don’t miss the Whispering Gallery, where you can whisper to your friends on the other side of the dome.

Next, head to Sky Garden, an observation deck at the top of “Walkie-Talkie” building. Sky Garden is a lush oashic with a 360-degree view of London . There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, plus special events with live music, yoga, and more. 

Your next stop will be the Tower of London. This historic castle dates back to the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. The Tower has been a home, an arsenal, and a prison. Now, you’ll find the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom on display, see a collection of historic weapons and armor, and learn about the role of the Tower in English history.

Cross the Tower Bridge across the River Thames, for excellent views of the London Bridge.

Continue on to the Fashion and Textile Museum to explore exhibits about, you guessed it, fashion and textiles, as well as jewelry and design.

If Sky Garden’s view didn’t wow you, head to The Shard. The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe, so you’ll have an amazing view of London! There are several cocktail bars and restaurants in the Shard, so you can enjoy a libation or a meal with the view.

Next stop is Borough Market, and I hope you’re hungry! Borough Market is a foodie’s delight! It’s the perfect spot for lunch, with a seemingly endless number of food stalls featuring cheeses, fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, as well as a huge selection of street food vendors with great food from cuisines around the world. Don’t leave without a donut or pastry to satisfy your sweet tooth!

A short walk from Borough Market, head to the Globe Theatre. This faithful reproduction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is the perfect thing to do for any Shakespeare fan or English major.

A five minute walk away, you’ll find the Tate Modern, with a renowned contemporary and modern art collection.

After you’ve had your fill of Picasso, Warhol, and Hockey, head to the South Bank. Take a ride on the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel with glass-enclosed capsules that allow for an incredible view of London.

If you’d like, add a libations tour to your day. Depending on whether you prefer beer or gin, choose either the Historical Pub Walking Tour of London (starts near St. Paul’s) or the London Gin Safari (starts by Waterloo station, close to the London Eye).

End your day, and your girls trip to London, with a celebratory dinner!

Tips for A Girls Day out in London

What if you’re going to London for a girls day out, and you only have one whole day to do fun girly things in London?

Chances are, if you’re heading to London for a day trip with your besties, you’ve probably been to London before. And if you’ve been to this beautiful big city already, I’m going to guess you’ve see loads of the historic sites.

Maybe you’re coming to London for a hen party, a birthday celebration, or another special occasion that merits a girls day in London. Maybe London is just the ideal location to escape from the business of everyday life and catch up with your dearest friends.

Here are some tips for making the most of a girls day out in London:

1. Eat well

Delicious food is essential to a successful London girls day out! Choose where you want to go in advance and make reservations! Whether you choose brunch at Brigit’s Bakery near Piccadilly Circus or dinner at one of the Ottolenghi restaurants, make reservations in advance.

2. Go to the theatre

If you want to see a show, also book those tickets early. With so many theatres in London, there’s sure to be a show you haven’t seen before.

3. Be adventurous

Try one of London’s many unique experiences!

• Go on a hot tub boat tour and check out East London’s docks from an unusual perspective.

• Take a London Instagram tour. An expert local will show you the most Instagrammable places in different locations in London, so you can up your social media game.

• Go on a Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tour through London’s West End.

• For a more serene experience, tour the Secret Gardens of the City.

• Create a Bespoke Scavenger Hunt. This adventure is customized to your group!

Best Time to Visit London for a Girls Weekend

The best time of year to visit London is in the spring and fall. The best months to visit London are April, May, and June and September, October, and November.

London in July and August is often very crowded.  If you can visit during the off-season, you’ll have an easier time securing lodging, restaurant reservations, tickets to tourist attractions. 

Winters in London tend to be wetter and cooler, with average temperatures between 40 and 49 degrees Farenheit from December through February.

Where to Stay in London for a Girls Weekend

Here are three of the best hotels to stay in for a ladies weekend in London!

My Top 3 Picks: Girls Weekend in London Hotels

Getting Around London

Getting around in London is easy!

You have several options for how to navigate the sprawling metropolis that is London. 

1. Walking

I’ve planned this London girls weekend itinerary so you can walk to all the destinations on each day’s itinerary, if you don’t mind a bit of walking. 

Use your maps app on your phone to point you in the correct direction, and you’ll be on your way to your next destination. 

2. The London Underground

To travel via the Underground (also known as the Tube), you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the Tube map.

Each line represents a different route, and each station is clearly marked. It’s easy to follow the signs to transfer between lines. 

To pay for your Tube rides, you can purchase an Oyster Card at any Underground station.

Or you can use a contactless credit or debit card to “tap” in and out of the gates. (Be sure to remember which credit or debit card you used, so you use the same card at the start and end of your Underground journey.)

If you’re traveling on the Underground for the first time, don’t worry: there’s great signage and plenty of maps to help you figure out where to go. 

3. Hop-on, Hop-off Bus

A sightseeing bus like the Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-Off tour is a great introduction to all the sights of London, if you don’t want to miss anything, but don’t have a lot of time in London.

A double-decker bus tour is a great introduction to London for a first-time visitor.

Taking a London by Night Sightseeing Tour bus is a fun way to relax at the end of a full day and get a different perspective on London Landmarks. 

4. Black Cabs

Of course, on your London Girls Weekend, you might want to travel in one of London’s famous black cabs.

Oddly enough, “black cabs” don’t have to be black. All black cabs will have a yellow TAXI sign.

You can hail a cab on the street, but if you’re traveling with a large group of girlfriends on your ladies weekend in London, you can easily find multiple black cabs at designated taxi ranks, such as at train stations, Tube stations, and bus stations.

Your fare will be metered, and you’ll pay at the end of the ride. Rounding up or adding a small tip is nice, but not necessary. 

FAQs About a Girls Trip to London

Is a weekend enough time in London?

A weekend is not enough time to see everything London has to offer.

But a weekend, or a long weekend, is perfect for a London girls weekend event!

You’ll have time to tour historic sights, explore London icons, do lots of souvenir shopping, eat amazing meals and drink delicious cocktails or pints, and shop ‘til you drop. 

Should I take my daughter to London?

Yes! London is the perfect destination for a mother-daughter trip! If you’re celebrating special occasions like a milestone birthday, high school graduation, or college graduation, a mother-daughter London trip is perfect!

Depending on your daughter’s age, you might need to skip the cocktails and boozy tours, but afternoon tea is for everyone!

For a mother-daughter trip to London, I would recommend the London shopping tour , Portobello Market, Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Gardens or English Afternoon Tea Bus, plus any museums and galleries your daughter is interested in!

Do I need to Buy Tickets in Advance in London?

Yes! It’s always a good idea to buy tickets and make restaurant reservations in advance in London, especially if you’re traveling with a large group.

Final Thoughts: Girls Weekend in London

With so much to do and something for everyone, London really is the perfect destination for a girls weekend trip!

Take the itinerary, tips, and suggestions, and design the perfect weekend or day to suit your interests. The hardest thing about your weekend with friends in London will be choosing what unique things to do!

There are so many iconic sites, you’re bound to take loads of photos to remember your girls day out in London! (These London Instagram captions will be just what you need to share your London girls weekend!)

No matter what historic, cultural, or girly things you choose to see and do in London, I’m certain your trip will be full of quality time, good food and drinks, and amazing memories! 

London is one of the best places you could go to spend time with your friends and make memories!

I hope you have the perfect girls weekend in London, full of laughter, fun, and unforgettable moments!