If you’re coming into the city a little later in the day or only half a day to spend here, it doesn’t have to mean missing out on any of the excitement London has to offer. If you happen to be staying in one of the stylish hotels near Liverpool Street Station, you’re perfectly positioned to sample some of the fantastic culture, delicious food and great nightlife that makes London such a brilliant place to visit.
So drop off your bags, freshen up, and read on to head out how to spend a fun few hours out in the city.
Just a short, ten minute walk away from the Montcalm Royal London House, the Barbican Centre is one of London’s most fascinating cultural sights. You’ll find brilliant live performances, art exhibitions, and even one of the city’s most relaxing indoor gardens.
It’s the perfect place to head to when you fancy easing into London life slowly after you arrive in the city. You’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants in and around the centre, so enjoy a refreshing drink or a coffee to boost your energy levels. If the weather’s bright, the Lakeside Terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, but you’ll also find some comfy spots inside too.
There will often be a variety of free and paid events taking place, so it’s always worth having a stroll around the intriguing building. At selected weekends through the year, the Barbican Centre also opens up its Conservatory, where you’ll find a rich array of plant life for an exotic escape from the chaos of the city.
London is filled with fantastic food and places to eat, and there is no excuse for missing out on some of the great culinary treats on offer, when you have plenty of tempting restaurants near Finsbury Square to choose again. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent sweet treat, or a satisfying meal, there is plenty to take your pick from.
You’ll find delicious nibbles and gourmet burgers in the Long Arm Pub, where the in-house brewery also brews its own excellent craft beer under the same roof. Or if you need to boost your health and energy levels a bit, take a walk up to the Redemption Bar in Shoreditch, one of the city’s top non-alcoholic, vegan bars, where you’ll find beautifully presented food that’s tantalising and nourishing.
It’s hard to visit London and not want to hit some of the brilliant boutiques and shops in the city. As a capital of fashion, beauty, technology and more, you’ll find plenty to tempt your wallet.
The good news is that you don’t need to venture that far away from the Montcalm Royal London House before you discover some great shopping gems, making it a great option when you don’t have a huge amount of time to spend in the city.
Just ten minutes’ walk away, you’ll find the diverse and fascinating Old Spitalfields Market – one of the biggest indoor market spaces in the city, which feature everything from delicious street food and snacks, to innovative contemporary art and clothing and accessories from independent designers, as well as some unique and quirky vintage treasures. It’s always worth browsing the stalls for a surprising find or a special gift, and you’ll also find some top designer brands in the boutique stores around it, too.
Of course, if you’ve found hitting the shops to be a little too tiring on your first few hours in London, don’t worry. You’ll find a fantastic wellness and fitness centre inside the hotel, where you can unwind with a sauna or Jacuzzi treatment, or take a quick dip in the pool, to leave you feeling refreshed and energised for the rest of the day.
With over two millennia of history to discover, London is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities to explore and learn about. Close to the Montcalm Club Lounge, you’ll find some insightful and intriguing places to learn more about London’s past.
If you’re visiting London with family, the Museum of London is a great choice to enjoy a couple of leisurely hours discovering a little more. You’ll be able to explore prehistoric artefacts that take you back hundreds of thousands of years, when the area that later became London was once run by wild beasts. And you’ll also find out more about how the city came to be, from its Roman incarnation as Londinium, to the vibrant culture and heritage of the medieval era.
If you fancy a closer look at Roman London, don’t miss out on the chance to see the last remnants of the original London Wall. Take a short Tube ride down to Tower Hill, where you can soak up the historic atmosphere around it.
If you’re in London in time for the evening, skip the jet lag and head out to enjoy a night out in London. You’ll find the diverse and lively neighbourhood of Shoreditch a short walk away from the hotels near Liverpool Street Station, making it easy to explore the area and find the perfect place to have a drink or hit the dance floor.
Shoreditch has a great range of bars and pubs where you’ll find delicious cocktails and stylish spots full of surprises, as well as more low-key places to simply relax and unwind in. check out Callooh Callay, the Lewis Caroll-themed bar filled with quirky décor, and equally quirky cocktail creations on the menu.
If you’re still feeling lively late at night, then head to some of the top live music venues around the area, or strut your stuff in one of Shoreditch’s iconic clubs. The legendary XOYO features brilliant club nights and live music through the week, ensuring you never have to spend a quiet night in.
Phew, after all that fun jam-packed into an afternoon and evening, you’re sure to be exhausted. We’ll see you back at the hotel!
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