A Weekend’s Itinerary for Seeing the Best of London

September is undoubtedly one of the loveliest times to visit London. The weather is perfectly temperate – it isn’t too hot or cold, and the common tourist destinations are not nearly as crowded as in the bustling summer months. 

Since the autumn weather roughly stays at a warm 60-70 °F, there are also plenty of outdoor markets, activities, and landmarks to visit. But what if you only have a weekend to see all of the best places London has to offer? To help you plan your getaway, here are the top places you should visit on your September weekend in London.  

Browse the Borough Market

All foodies should definitely stop at the Borough Market before leaving London. Borough market is a historic food market that has been around since the 13th century. This outdoor market is a perfect way to spend your evening as there are plenty of delicious foods to snack on as you walk around. From fresh fruit to cheese, Borough Market has plenty of fun and vibrant shops that serve delicious artisanal foods. Although Septembers in London are generally beautiful, it can still rain unexpectedly, so it is important to prepare and pack a ladies lightweight waterproof jacket in your rucksack. Luckily, Borough Market is also partially indoors, so even if it does start to drizzle, you won’t be in the rain for long. 

View The City From the London Eye 

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, standing at 443 feet tall. It is considered an architectural masterpiece and has been a major tourist destination since it was first opened in 1999. From the London Eye, you can get a birds-eye view of the entirety of London, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Hyde Park. If you don’t have time to actually visit many of the London attractions, you may want to consider seeing them from the London Eye. In the summer, tourists from all over the world queue up in a giant, twisting line that can take hours to get to the end. But, visiting London in the Autumnal months of September or October, the weather is still often good and makes a quick stop at the London Eye during your September weekend getaway all the more simple. If you are short on time and want to be sure you can get on the ride quickly, you can also get a fast-track ticket. 

Walk Along The River Thames 

With beautiful weather, September is an excellent time to take a walk down the infamous Thames River. The River Thames is a beautiful 215-mile-long river that runs alongside the London Eye and has many famous bridges, such as Tower Bridge and London Bridge, that cross over it. It can be a beautiful experience walking the river over a long September weekend when the trees change their colour and the river meanders passed old cobbled roads and 18th century pubs . However,  if you are too exhausted to take a long walk during a short weekend trip you can also dine at a restaurant overlooking the river, book a ticket for the hop on hop off bus tour or take a high-speed river cruise. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the historical nature of the River Thames, but whether you are on foot, bus or boat, make sure you purchase a women’s waterproof coat with a hood before you set off so you can ward off unexpected showers without wasting time  

Explore the Buckingham Palace

Most people can only view Buckingham Palace from outside the ornate gates. However, September through to October is the perfect time to visit Buckingham Palace as they have designated days where you can actually take a tour inside the Palace. Be sure to check the website for more information on when viewing times are: State Rooms. Even if you cannot enter Buckingham Palace, it is still a sight to see. Buckingham Palace is a significant part of history and has been the official residence of British Royalty since 1837. The Changing of the Guard ceremony of Buckingham Palace is also a popular attraction, and the ceremony happens every two hours.  

Take in a Play At Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre 

Fans of theatre and literature ultimately cannot leave London without catching a show at Shakespeare’s globe theatre. This iconic globe is a reconstruction of William Shakespeare’s original playhouse, which was first opened in 1599. The globe is a world-famous cultural landmark and it still hosts plays including Shakespeare originals. Whether you watch “Titius Andronicus”, Shakespeare’s first revenge tragedy, or his comedic “Much Ado About Nothing,” you will find yourself completely enraptured by both his writing and the wonderful atmosphere. This outdoor theatre will make you feel like you are enjoying a play at the original Elizabethan Globe.