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I’ve traveled quite a bit in my lifetime. I’ve backpacked Europe solo, lived in Berlin, and even had my wedding in the rolling hills of Italy. Some of my favorite memories on trips have been the ones spent simply wandering a city with my best friend. And London is pretty hard to beat.
After five visits to London, I recently returned for 4 days in the fall with my best friend, and it reminded me why I keep coming back. From catching a West End show and indulging in afternoon tea to cruising along the Thames at sunset and sampling street food at London’s markets, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences to share.
If you’re planning a London girls’ trip, a best-friend getaway, or simply searching for fun things to do in London, here are the 10 best things to do in London with your best friend to add to your itinerary.
Why London Is the Perfect Best Friend Trip
When planning a trip with your best friend, London should be at the top of the list. London is a large European city, but it’s easy to navigate with endless things to do.
Reasons to consider London:
- Unforgettable experiences: See a West End show, enjoy afternoon tea, or cruise down the Thames at sunset.
- Shopping for every style: Browse boutiques in Notting Hill, vintage shops, and iconic department stores.
- Incredible nightlife: From cozy pubs to rooftop cocktails and late-night adventures, there’s something for every vibe.
- Foodie heaven: Explore food markets, try trendy brunch spots, and indulge in sweet treats together.
- Picture-perfect neighborhoods: Wander colorful streets, browse cute bookstores, and find endless photo opportunities.
- Something for every budget: Mix free museums and park picnics with special experiences worth splurging on.
- Easy to explore: Navigate the city with the Tube and spend less time stressing about transportation.
- The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation: Pack your days with sightseeing or slow down with coffee dates and hours of catching up.
The best part? London is just as much about the memories you make together as the places you visit.
1. Picnic Sunset on the Thames
Wherever you travel, whoever you travel with, a picnic at sunset is a must on your itinerary. The River Thames winds its way throughout London, and there’s plenty of places to have a picnic.
My favorite spot is near the Westminster Bridge. With view of Big Ben and Parliament, you can sip wine, eat, and laugh your heart out.
If you plan on having a picnic near the Westminster Bridge like the photo pictured below, catch the tube to Waterloo station. There are several grocery stores, like M&S Food or Sainsbury’s, located outside the station where you can pick up picnic supplies. We purchased sandwiches, chips and wine before making the short walk to the river.
This is my top activity when it comes to the 10 best things to do in London with your best friend because it fits every budget, keeps you present in the city, and leads a core memory being made.
2. Catch a show in the West End
London’s West End is the city’s answer to Broadway. The shows are incredibly moving, making it a great addition to your London itinerary. The lights and endless shows near Covent Garden make it a lively district. Grab dinner and drink in Covent Garden before checking out one of the epic live shows.
Shows I’ve seen in the West End:
- Mamma Mia
- Lion King
- Wicked
- Six
- Hadestown
You can book official tickets through London Theatre.
3. Indulging in afternoon tea
What’s a trip to England without sipping on warm tea and indulging in scones with clotted cream?! Trust me, you have to try the clotted cream.
Here are some ideas for Afternoon tea in London:
- Sketch: a more elaborate setting with dancing and ambiance – make reservations in advance
- Peter Pan afternoon tea at the shard: a unique experience
- 90 minute tea on a double decker bus – an eclectic type way to see the city and indulging in tea
- Afternoon tea cruise on the river Thames – a great way to see the city from another perspective
4. Shopping for matching watches in Notting Hill
Collecting a souvenir with your best friend? There’s no better way to commemorate your trip.
In Notting Hill, there’s the Portobello Road Market. Not only is Notting Hill a cute neighborhood in London that’s worth a visit, but the Portobello Road Market there has been a staple in the community since 1868.
The market is open daily, but busier on the weekends. You’ll find hundreds of table booths with a variety of items for sale, including watches!
5. Ride the London Eye at golden hour
If there’s one thing I love about traveling with my best friend, it’s finding experiences that feel a little more special than your everyday plans. Riding the London Eye is one of those classic London experiences that’s worth adding to your itinerary.
For the best views, try to book your ride around golden hour. You’ll get sweeping views of the Thames, Big Ben, and London’s skyline as the city transitions from daylight into evening.
It’s also a fun opportunity to snap some photos together and take a break from exploring the city on foot.
My tip: Book your tickets in advance, and check the sunset time for your travel dates if you want to catch the city in that beautiful golden light.
6. River cruise with drinks included
It would be a mistake to visit London and not enjoy time on the river. We planned our entire trip around an Abba themed night time cruise (it’s seasonal) however there’s many different cruise options on the river thames including:
- Lunch river cruise – 105 minutes and ideal for visiting London when it’s cooler weather
- 4 hours night time party river cruise – a party on the river is so much fun
- Dinner river cruise with live music
- Sunset river cruise – 2 hours
7. Drinks at London’s oldest wine bar
One of my favorite memories in London with my best friend was sharing a bottle of wine (or two) at Gordon’s Wine Bar. Gordon’s Wine Bar is London’s oldest wine bar, having opened its doors in 1890! I love the ambiance inside the wine bar. There are vaulted ceilings with a candlelit cellar surrounded by old oak barrels and photographs all over the walls.
We lucked out that there was no line when we went but if there is, I promise it’s’ worth the wait.
8. Go for brunch in London
Brunch with your best friend on vacation is an entire other form of fun. It’s a great opportunity to recap the trip so far and get excited for the rest of the trip plans. Farm Girl Cafe is a cute spot in Notting Hill. The avocado toast was incredible along with their coffee selection. Farm Girl Cafe was a perfect place to eat before going to Portobello Road Market.
Other brunch spots in London:
- Marylebone: Boxcar or Marylebone Corner
- Richmond: Peggy Jean Riverside Green
- St. James: Fallow
- Mayfair: Saltie Girl
9. Take photo booth pictures together
The photo booth photos I got with my best friend in London are my favorite photos of the entire trip. They are silly, chaotic, and depict us perfectly.
Luckily, there are photo booths all over London. Here are the ones I stumbled across on our 4 day London Itinerary:
- Market Place Food Hall Leicester Square (photos pictured below)
- Mercato Mayfair
- Selfridges
10. Explore London’s markets and street food
Exploring London’s markets and street food is a fun, less formal activity that balances out the more traditional experiences on your list. I like going to food halls with friends to be able to try more food and share with friends since most of the time, the portions are too big and you can only get one thing when you’re solo.
- Borough Market – try the Black Pig viral sandwich
- Camden Market
- Greenwich Market
Tips for Planning a London Trip With Your Best Friend
Planning a trip with your best friend can be easy, especially when it comes to a trip to London.
- Make a shared Google Maps list. Save all your must-visit cafes, restaurants, shops, and sightseeing spots so you can plan your days efficiently.
- Leave room for spontaneous exploring. Some of the best memories come from wandering colorful neighborhoods like Notting Hill without a strict itinerary.
- Book popular restaurants ahead of time. Reserve a brunch spot, a cozy pub, or a fun dinner location so you aren’t scrambling to find somewhere to eat.
- Mix sightseeing with shopping. Explore iconic landmarks in the morning, then spend the afternoon browsing boutiques, bookstores, and vintage shops.
- Use contactless payments for public transport. Tap in and out on the Tube and buses with a contactless card or mobile wallet, using the same payment method throughout your trip.
- Pack layers and comfortable shoes. London’s weather can change quickly, and you’ll likely walk more than you expect.
- Plan a few photo-worthy stops. Think pastel houses in Notting Hill, charming streets in Covent Garden, and golden-hour views along the Thames.
- Don’t over schedule your days. Group activities by neighborhood to spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the city together.
- Agree on a rough budget beforehand. Discuss accommodation, meals, shopping, and special activities so you can plan experiences you’re both excited about.
Decide on where to stay in London
There are plenty of neighborhoods to decide on where to stay in London. If it’s your first time – check out my London neighborhood guide.
- Covent Garden: best for a central locations, shopping, and theater
- South Kensington: my personal favorite
- Notting Hill: best for a neighborhood feel and botique shopping
- Soho: best for restaurants, nightlife, and lively atmosphere
- South Bank: best for riverside walks and views of major landmarks
Final Thoughts
London is one of those cities that gives you endless reasons to return, and visiting with your best friend makes it even more special. Whether you’re sharing afternoon tea, singing along at a West End show, exploring colorful neighborhoods, or simply catching up over a glass of wine, some of the best moments will be the ones you didn’t plan.
If you’re planning a London trip with your best friend, book the experiences you’re most excited about, agree on a budget, and leave plenty of room to explore together.
Looking for help planning the rest of your trip? Check out my London neighborhood guide to find the best area to stay, or use my London itinerary to plan your days in the city.
