London successfully combines a broad range of cultural influences with a strong sense of character, and is one of the world’s great cities. The capital sprawls for over 30 miles either side of the River Thames, its main artery and the city’s lifeblood. Spoilt for choice, many visitors from the UK and Europe choose to limit their exposure to London’s lights by booking a weekend city break to the capital. And it’s easy to see why a weekend spent shopping, eating out and taking in the sights is such a popular option. The capital’s shops, restaurants and theatres are famous the world over. Whether you’re visiting for the first or the hundredth time, it’s always well worth checking out the London hotels deals to be found online.

Hitting the Shops

Start your weekend trip by heading west and hitting the shops. As well the most exclusive brands and familiar high street names, you’ll find department stores that have become national institutions, such as Liberty, Selfridges and John Lewis. But if you’re looking to pick up a bargain, check out London’s street and covered markets. Hop on the tube to Portobello Road, where you’ll find a meandering street market crammed with great stalls selling bric-a-brac, antiques and new and second-hand clothes. Or, situated in the heart of London’s East End, the covered market in Spitalfields is great for hip accessories and vintage fashion.

London for Foodies

Following a long day spent trawling the shops, you’ll almost certainly be craving a good meal. Luckily, London boasts an abundance of top restaurants, where you can either grab a quick bite to eat or something more substantial. Many show-goers opt for one of the wide range of restaurants in Soho or Covent Garden, just a short walk from some of the capital’s main theatres. However, if you would like something a bit different, you can find restaurants serving cuisine from every corner of the globe in London. Curry-lovers flock to Brick Lane, in the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community, but, for a little less well-trodden path, the Vietnamese restaurants that line the Kingsland Road are a delicious and affordable option. For fine dining in the capital, head to the luxury London hotels, where Michelin-starred chefs, such as Alain Ducasse and Marcus Wareing, have restaurants.

Curtain Up

In 2007, over 13 million people went to see a show at one of London’s theatres. London’s famous theatres offer something for everyone, ranging from Shakespeare at The Globe to West End musicals.  Sondheim and Lloyd Webber classics continue to get packed crowds dancing in the aisles, Denys Lasdun’s National Theatre puts on world premieres by the some of the most famous living playwrights, while the rebuilt Globe Theatre stages critically acclaimed productions of Shakespeare’s plays throughout the summer.

London’s dynamism and the constant creation of new cultural, shopping and culinary attractions mean it will continue to be a popular destination for weekend getaways with visitors from the UK and all over Europe. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or taking the chance to see things you haven’t before, you can be confident of finding some great – and surprisingly affordable – London hotels online.