Business travel in London: the ultimate city guide

Hey there, business travellers!

At TravelPerk, we're always looking for ways to make your business trip the best experience it can be. Things like where to stay, where to eat, or where to go for a run when travelling for business are all part of that. As the fastest-growing business travel management platform in the world, we have access to all the information you need to make your business trip a success. That’s why we dug into our database, checked in with our clients, and consulted our partners to bring you the ultimate post-COVID business travel guide to London.

The TravelPerk City Guides are made for business travellers, by business travellers.

You’re welcome.

London’s business districts

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The City

The City of London is a renowned banking center and an internationally recognised hub of financial trade. It is home to one of the world’s most important stock exchanges and hosts over 500 banks including Standard Chartered, Lloyds Bank, Goldman Sachs, and the Royal Bank of Canada, to name a few.

Canary Wharf

The City’s little sibling, Canary Wharf is London’s second-largest business district. It’s one of the country’s, and indeed the continent’s, largest financial centers. Canary Wharf plays host to the likes of EY, HSBC, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, and KPMG. Although technically considered “Zone 2”, Canary Wharf is easy to access with London’s quick Jubilee line.

Westminster

London’s Westminster neighborhood is an undisputed center for business and government. It’s one of the city’s largest boroughs and is home to the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. Major companies with large-scale offices there include Astra-Zeneca, Marks & Spencer, and the BBC.

King’s Cross

King’s Cross is London’s new creative hub, attracting big-name businesses like YouTube. The neighborhood has undergone a transformation in recent years, with new bars and restaurants cropping up that are quickly becoming “London legends”. Many organisations are opening up impact hubs and studios in the area, including University College London and Samsung.

Shoreditch

Often called the “Silicon roundabout”, Shoreditch is the place to be for startups and budding businesses. It’s well connected to London’s major financial districts and is full of alternative gourmet restaurants, hipster cafes, creative and design agencies, and retail you just can’t find anywhere else. Companies like Wise and Lyst are based there.

London airports

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London has a staggering six airports to choose from. Few cities can boast having as many international airports as London, catering to different business and leisure needs.

London Heathrow

London’s most popular airport, Heathrow services over 90 airlines and connects travellers to 180+ destinations worldwide. There are five terminals, each dedicated to specific airlines and regions.

There are 2 main ways you can get to and from the airport. You can take the Piccadilly line, which can get you straight into sought-after neighborhoods like Covent Garden or South Kensington. It’s the most economic option, costing just £6 from central London. However, it can also take you anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour, making it the less efficient option.

If you’re looking to get in and out of the city quickly, then the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station is your best bet. It takes just 15 minutes to get you from point A to point B and is the option of preference for most business travellers thanks to its efficiency. It is, however, the more costly means of transport, easily reaching £25 for a one-way ticket at peak times.

London Gatwick

With just two terminals, the North and South terminals, the airport services about 55 different airlines. Here’s a quick tip for business travellers passing through Gatwick—for just £9.99, you can get a fast pass through passport control. Great for when you’re in a rush!

The quickest option to get to the airport is to take the Gatwick Express. It connects you to Victoria Station and takes just 30 minutes. Prices average at around £17.80. The more economical option is to take the Thameslink rail service for about £15.50 during peak times and £8.50 for off-peak times. This is a particularly good option for anyone in The City, as it leaves from London Bridge station or Blackfriars.

London City Airport

A business traveller’s favorite, London City Airport is by far the closest to the City of London. It’s ideally located for those jetting in and out of The City or Canary Wharf for a day trip or meeting, and primarily services British Airways and Swiss.

London City Airport is well connected to most of London’s neighborhoods. All you have to do is take the DLR to any number of stations, and you’ll be connected to some of the city’s most important underground lines including Jubilee, Central, and District. You can pay using an Oyster card or by contactless payment.

London Luton

London Luton is a great option for business travellers who need to get into King’s Cross or The City. It connects London to over 80 different destinations, focusing specifically on low-cost carriers like Wizz or RyanAir.

You can take a fast train to Luton Airport from St. Pancras International, Farringdon, Blackfriars, or City Thameslink and be at Luton Parkway in under 25 minutes. Just remember that once you get there, there’s a 10-minute shuttle to take you to the main building. It usually takes an average of about 40 minutes to get to Luton Airport from central London.

London Southend

Southend is probably best if you’re not travelling straight into Central London. The Greater Anglia rail line connects the airport to Liverpool Street station, however, its location at over 30 miles away from the city center is inconvenient for many business travellers. Fun fact: the airport has actually won multiple awards for the best and friendliest service!

It’ll take about an hour to get to Liverpool Street Station from London Southend Airport at a cost of £17.80. Once you’re there, you’re well connected to some of London’s most exciting areas, including Shoreditch, Spitalfields, and The City.

London Stansted

London Stansted is the best option for travellers needing to get into East London neighborhoods, like Shoreditch. Just take the Stansted Express into Liverpool Street Station! It takes about 45 minutes and costs £19.40. It’s a reliable service that can get you onto some of London’s trendiest streets in under an hour!

A note on taxis

You can also always take a taxi to and from any airport. This can cost you anywhere between ￡50 and ￡120 depending on the provider. Black Cabs calculate the cost based on the running meter, making this the option that varies most. Other companies will charge a fixed fee based on distance. Check out our section on Getting Around.

Getting around

The famous Black Cab

London is famous for the Black Cabs roaming its streets. If you see a Black Cab with a yellow light on the roof, that means it’s free and all you have to do is hail it. Stick out your hand and wait for them to pull over.

Word of warning: don’t just get in the back of the Black Cab. Talk to your driver through his or her window first to let them know where you’re going. They won’t appreciate it if you just hop right in without first asking them if they’re willing to take you where you need to go.

Black Cabs charge based on a running meter. That means that your fare will be lower with less traffic, or higher with more. Black Cab drivers are renowned for knowing London’s streets like the backs of their hands, and can often take you on alternate routes when the main roads are too full. You can pay by cash or card, just make sure to tell them in advance.

London’s 5 best taxi apps

Uber

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to download Uber for your next business trip to London. It’s a great way to quickly get a ride with a fixed fee based on distance.

Addison Lee

This is a favorite for most London-based professionals, as it offers business accounts for companies and their employees. Make a booking online or by phone.

London Lady Chauffeurs

Known as the “taxi service for women, driven by women”, this is a popular choice for women in the evenings. They offer nice cars and a safe way to get home.

Green Tomato Cars

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to travel around London, this is it! They double offset all C02 emissions and have London’s only zero-emission car fleet.

BA Transfer

This car service specialises in airport transfer, providing you with the best fees to and from any of London’s airports. Book through their app—but don’t expect anything too fancy.

Public transport

London is a busy city, and the quickest way to get around is by taking public transportation. Transport for London connects 6 zones through a web of underground lines, overground trains, and busses. It’ll get you anywhere you need to go quickly, just be wary of London’s infamous rush hour.

You can either purchase an Oyster card that you top up as you go or pay directly with your contactless card. Just make sure you tap in on the yellow sensor at the barriers when you enter the station, and tap out when you exit at your destination.

Download the Transport for London app or Citymapper for help figuring out the best and most efficient way to get around. Remember, London is a huge city, so going anywhere requires a bit of planning and time. These apps will help you stay on top of your options, will calculate how long it’ll take you to get somewhere, and will inform you of any maintenance works affecting your trip.

Where to stay

citizenM Tower of London Hotel

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If you’re looking for a trendy, high-tech hotel within walking distance of the financial district, look no further. citizenM Tower of London Hotel has it all! With 300+ rooms featuring iPads, iPod docking stations, 43-inch flat-screen TVs, and complimentary WiFi, this is a popular choice for digital nomad business travellers. The hotel is comfortable, stylish, and conveniently located.

Key features include: 24-hour front desk & business center, complimentary WiFi, meeting rooms, express check-in & check-out.

Montcalm East

An Autograph Collection hotel, the Montcalm East is a great option for travellers looking to stay in the trendy East London neighborhood. This 5-star hotel can easily connect you to all of London’s main business districts and is known for its sleek design, tech focus, and great health club.

Key features include: express check-in & check-out, business center, full-service spa, gym & health center, complimentary WiFi.

Kimpton Fitzroy London

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Fancy a touch of London class near the British Museum? The Kimpton Fitzroy will transport you to a different time where 19th-century English-chic meets modern London. Situated in a landmark building in the heart of London, it gives business travellers the opportunity to take in what makes London so special, while giving them what they need to get their work done.

Key features include: gym & health center, complimentary WiFi, express check-in & check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services.

The Ned London

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of hotel Winston Churchill would have stayed in, this is probably it. With its eclectic style and location in the heart of The City, this is the place for business travellers hoping to have a uniquely London experience. It’s fully equipped for business travellers, featuring 6 grade-1 listed meeting rooms and 2 terraces that are available for hire.

Key features include: complimentary WiF, concierge services, 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning/laundry services, complimentary newspaper, meeting rooms.

The London EDITION

The quintessential boutique hotel, The London EDITION gives business travellers everything. From the renowned Berner’s Tavern restaurant to bespoke cocktails at the Punch Bar, it’s the place to be for a swanky business trip with an Edwardian twist. Its central location on the edge of Soho and the West End makes it ideal for travellers hoping to do a little exploring.

Key features include: complimentary WiFi, concierge services, gym & health center, business center, limo/town car service, meeting rooms.

Claridge’s

Claridge’s is the definition of a classical, elegant, luxurious hotel in the heart of Mayfair. Most often known for its famous afternoon tea, Claridge’s is the answer to the question “where do I go to feel like royalty?”. It’s also the answer to another, more pertinent business question—”where do I go to impress my client?” If it’s the “wow factor” you’re looking for, you’ve found it.

Key features include: complimentary WiFi, concierge services, babysitting & childcare, business center, express check-out.

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

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It doesn’t get more iconic in London’s business circles than The Shard. Starting on level 34, the Shangri-La Hotel hotel guests have sweeping skyline views of the entire city. Its location in London’s financial district (and a stone's throw from Borough Market) makes it ideal for business travellers to retreat to after a long day in The City. It’s got multiple event and meeting rooms for hire, and a sky pool for you to relax.

Key features include: meeting rooms, complimentary WiFi, gym & health center, concierge services, complimentary newspaper, express check-in & check-out, conference & event space.

Corinthia Hotel London

If it’s elegance you’re looking for, the Corinthia Hotel London ticks all the right boxes. With views of the Thames and the London Eye, just walking distance from the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, this hotel is just right for business travellers hoping to turn this trip into something more. Not to mention that the luxurious, full-service spa will wash all your troubles away.

Key features include: full-service spa, gym & health center, complimentary WiFi, concierge services, babysitting & childcare, business center, conference & event space, limo/town car service.

Four Seasons London at Park Lane

OK, so we’re not exactly reinventing the wheel by recommending the Four Seasons London at Park Lane. It’s a world-renowned, luxurious hotel in a prime London location, offering great food, strong drinks, and a swoon-worthy spa. The hotel is accustomed to catering to high-end business travellers and is perfectly equipped to handle any business transaction in style.

Key features include: full-service spa, gym & health center, complimentary WiFi, concierge services, babysitting & childcare, business center, conference & event space, limo/town car service, express check-in and check-out.

L’oscar

Self-proclaimed “decadent by design”, L’oscar is a hotel that certainly doesn’t shy away from extravagance. Its heavy interiors and turn-of-the-century architecture make it the best choice for business travellers with a passion for design. Want to turn your business trip into a lasting memory? L’oscar is how to do that.

Key features include: complimentary WiFi, concierge services, meeting rooms, dry cleaning/laundry services, 24-hour front desk.

Where to work

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Looking for a quiet place to get some work done outside the office? Or maybe you’re in need of somewhere to work remotely while travelling to London for pleasure? Whatever the reason, we got you covered. Check out our hot list of the best cafes, libraries, and no-membership needed coworking spaces to work at in London.

No-membership needed co-working spaces

The Brew

The Brew’s “coffice” offers a great hot-desk system where you can book by the day or half-day at just £1.75 per hour. It’s got a great, relaxed, cafe-style atmosphere with speedy internet and more plugs than you can count. You are not required to have a membership to use this awesome facility in Shoreditch.

Find it at any of their four spaces at Eagle House, Ebenezer Street, Commercial Street, or Dickens House.

Work.Life

This is a great spot for anyone looking for a place to work on demand. You can rent your very own, private office or hot desk for a day or a week with no commitments or long-term contracts. Enjoy all the perks this space has to offer, including meeting rooms, coffee, and super-fast WiFi. Pay just £4 per hour to access all their London locations.

Find it in Barbican, Bermondsey, Camden, Fitzrovia, Hammersmith, Holborn, or Soho.

Uncommon

Grab a day pass to access this stylish and comfortable working space at a number of London locations. Pay for the time you need with no strings attached, connect to Uncommon’s lightning-speed internet, and stop by some of their great community events to make the most of your time in London! Book a day pass for £40 or £50 depending on the location.

Find it in Highbury & Islington, Borough, Fulham, or Liverpool Street.

Fora

Fancy an ergonomic desk and chair in a quiet, conducive work environment? Fora is your place! Get yourself a day pass and enjoy access to all the meeting rooms, wellness studios, and lounges that Fora has to offer. There’s even a concierge service to help you with any specific requests you may have.

Find it across London in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia, Soho, Spitalfields, Borough, Clerkenwell, and Southwark.

Labs

Beautifully designed breakout lounges, tech-savvy meeting rooms, and fully-equipped gyms are just a few of the incredible facilities Labs offers. For just £25 per day, you can enjoy a commitment-free working stint in West-Central London. If you’re hoping to do a spot of sightseeing after work, Labs is where you should go.

Find it at Victoria House, High Holborn, and Bloomsbury Way.

Alternative places to work

Wellcome Collection

The Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library on Euston Road where you can go and get some work done. Just book a free ticket in advance and head over to their gorgeous Reading Room, where you can access thousands of different titles if you’re ever in need of inspiration. You can also work at the Wellcome Cafe for a more collaborative atmosphere.

Find it at 183 Euston Road.

The Wren

With high ceilings, dark wood, and stained glass, this former church-turned-cafe is the perfect place to catch up on some emails. It’s simple, stylish, and serves a mean sourdough toast to really get your creative juices flowing. Found in the heart of the City of London, it’s a great place to go if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the financial district.

Find it at St Nicholas Cole Abbey, 114 Queen Victoria St.

Soho Works

If you travel to London frequently and need a place to work remotely, you might consider getting a membership to Soho House. Their workspaces, Soho Works, offer inspiring workspaces for professionals in the creative industries. Access all of their community events, meeting rooms, studios, and lounges with an annual membership.

Find it in locations across London including White City, Dean Street, Shoreditch, and Redchurch.

The Hoxton Hotel

Located in Holborn, Shoreditch, and Southwark, the hotels’ coworking space is called Working From. It’s full of comfortable sofas, a hot desk system, and a help-yourself pantry. The Hoxton Hotel became such a go-to place for remote workers over the past 15 years that they decided to open dedicated co-working spaces due to popular demand.

Find it in Holborn, Shoreditch, and Southwark.

Serata

Proudly boasting “bottomless coffee” and super-sonic WiFi, Serata offers professionals the ability to enjoy a hot desk any day of the week until 5 PM. Just drop by, take a seat, and get to work. And here’s the kicker—it’s totally free! Pay for what you eat and drink (we really recommend their hot chocolate), and enjoy a productive day at any one of their three locations.

Find it in Hackney, Brixton, and Old Street.

Where to eat and drink

We know what you’re thinking. Don’t you just hate it when you’re looking for a great restaurant or a bar to take your colleagues or clients, and all the recommendation lists come from tourists? Well, we got you covered. We made a few lists of restaurants and bars for different business-related situations so you can have a reliable source for where to eat or drink.

Top 5 restaurants to wine and dine a business partner

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Chiltern Firehouse

Charmingly retro interiors, polished service, and great food from renowned chef Nuno Mendes set Chiltern Firehouse apart from other London restaurants. The Michelin Guide describes it as “glamorous and contagiously fun and it’s all run with understated efficiency”. Definitely a great option for a client dinner where you want to leave a lasting impression.

Find it at 1 Chiltern St.

The Northall

The Northall, found in London’s chic Corinthia Hotel, presents a delicious menu of Colchester oysters, Cornish seabass, and marsh lamb. Its classic decor with a modern twist makes for an impressive dining experience. It’s the place to take corporate clients or business partners when you’re looking to wine and dine them into a great new deal.

Find it at 10a Northumberland Ave.

Barrica Tapas Bar

For when you need something a little more casual, take your clients to Barrica Tapas Bar. Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas like gazpacho, octopus, or charcoal-grilled chorizo. Its central London location and lively atmosphere set it up as the perfect place to go and build a friendly business relationship over a delicious meal and a glass of wine.

Find it at 62 Goodge St.

Berner’s Tavern

If you’re wining and dining with a client you really want to impress, head down to enjoy Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s cooking at Berner’s Tavern. It’s one of London’s most sought-after dinner reservations, so make sure you reserve a table in advance. You can book private dining for groups if you’re entertaining a particularly large group.

Find it at 10 Berners St.

Bob Bob Ricard

With two locations in Soho and the City, Bob Bob Ricard is a great choice for when you’re looking for something a little different. This Russian-inspired, eclectic restaurant serves British and Russian cuisine in its all-booth dining room. It’s the perfect set-up for a more intimate, private dinner with colleagues, clients, or business partners.

Find it at 1 Upper James St.

Top 5 takeaways for a quick bite alone

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Pret a Manger

With over 200 locations across London, Pret a Manger is every Londoner’s go-to place for a quick bite. It’s a great place to grab a breakfast coffee and a croissant when you’re hurrying to that early morning meeting, or a healthy lunch on the go. Pro tip: their breakfast porridge and famous “Christmas-stuffing” sandwich are not to be missed.

Itsu

Craving a bit of sushi but don’t have time to sit down? Stop by any of Itsu’s 50+ London locations all over the city for a fresh sushi box, chicken noodle soup, or salmon teriyaki salad. You’ll often find business people stopping in to grab their lunch and head back to the office—chopsticks in tow!

Planet Organic

For the business traveller on a health kick, Planet Organic is a must-try for a grab & go lunch. From flavorful curries to greek salads, Planet Organic has something for everyone. You can find Planet Organic in 6 locations all around the city, including Westbourne Grove, Torrington Place, Muswell Hill, and Islington.

Chipotle

If it’s a Mexican grill your heart desires, look no further than Chipotle. Specialising in tacos and mission burritos, this US-based fast-food chain puts together burritos, quesadillas, bowls, salads, and more using fresh ingredients. Just remember—tacos and burritos can get a little messy. So watch out if you’re wearing a white shirt!

Joe & the Juice

Fancy a simple (but great) turkey sandwich and an apple, turmeric, ginger, and pineapple juice? Head down to Joe & the Juice for a quick & healthy lunch in any one of the chain’s 40+ London locations. Pick it up or take 20 minutes to eat your lunch on a comfortable sofa with a great playlist in the background and organically sourced coffee.

Top 5 bars for after-work drinks with coworkers

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Rocket

For delicious cocktails, ice-cold beers, and a great food selection, try Rocket in Canary Wharf. Whether you’re hoping to keep going after a day at the office or wind down before going back to your hotel, this is the place to be. Grab a few colleagues for some ahem “teambuilding” over a Bramble or an Old Fashioned with views over the 02 Arena.

Patch St. Paul’s

Look no further than Patch St. Paul’s for a place that specialises in happy hour and a real London nightlife vibe. Grab your teammates and head down there for an evening of bonding that only a night at a bar can provide! Conveniently located in the heart of The City, this cocktail bar has everything you could want out of an after-work drinks venue and more.

The bar at Dukes Hotel

Are you on a quest to find the world’s best martini? The bar at the Dukes Hotel has the answer. This snazzy, Downton Abbey-esque bar has something for everyone, but it’s not the place to go if you’ve got a rowdy group of coworkers. Head over for a classy, peaceful after-work drink to wind down and get to know each other over a drink… or two.

Long Bar at the Sanderson

There’s nothing more “London” than going to a fancy hotel bar for after-work drinks. The Long Bar at the Sanderson Hotel boasts an 80-foot long bar, with climbing vines, and flowing wines. You can grab a “tipsy evening tea” from Thursdays to Saturdays, and enjoy inventive cocktails like Jasmine Margaritas with London’s “in crowd”.

Cask

For the beer-loving bunch, head over to Cask and enjoy some artisanal beers with your colleagues! Located in Pimlico, this beer bar offers daily recommendations for new things to try and sensational food menu. Bookings aren't mandatory, but are certainly encouraged.

Top 5 places to go for your morning coffee fix

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Rossyln

City folk flock to Rosslyn for a great coffee. Made of carefully sourced Brazilian single-origin roasts, and two-bean blends from Nicaragua, this is a sure-fire way to kickstart your day.

Find it at 78 Queen Victoria Street, EC4N 4SJ.

The Association

If you’re staying or working anywhere near the Gherkin, this is the place for you. Go through your morning emails while enjoying an awesome coffee and a pastel de nata.

Find it at 10-12 Creechurch Lane, EC3A 5AY

Curators Coffee Studio

When you’re in a bit of a rush and want a coffee to go, Curators Coffee Studio is the best place to combine quality and speed with expertly brewed coffee and mouthwatering local foods.

Find it at 9a Cullum St, EC3M 7JJ.

Gail’s Bakery

With fresh homemade bread, sourdoughs, pastries, and more, Gail’s is the ultimate place to go for a decadent breakfast. Accompany that with a fine cup of coffee and start your day right!

Find it at a number of locations across London.

Ozone Coffee Roasters

For the coffee aficionado, Ozone Coffee Roasters will help start your day on the right foot. They offer a range of single-roast coffees and some delicious food all day long.

Find it at 11 Leonard St, London EC2A 4AQ.

Where to work out and unwind

Staying fit and engaging in regular physical exercise is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. Squeezing in time to work out on a business trip can be almost impossible with meetings, lunches, dinners, conferences… But if you’ve got some time to spare, give some of these unique workouts in London a try!

London’s best running routes

St James Park to Hyde Park

Start your run with the pelicans in St James Park, head through The Mall, and towards Buckingham Palace. You’ll enjoy some of London’s most iconic sights, running through beautiful greenery in the heart of the city. Pass through Green Park towards Wellington Arch, and straight into Hyde Park. End your route on the grass in front of the Serpentine Gallery.

Victoria Park Loop

As one of London’s oldest parks, this is a popular spot for runners of all ages and abilities. With nice flat terrain, you’ll pass through numerous smaller parks and canals as you follow the wide paved path around the park. Get in through any of the park’s 19 entrances and just start running—stop when things start to look familiar. You’ve come full circle!

Westminster to Tower Bridge

Start at Embankment tube station and follow the river Thames through to St. Paul’s Cathedral and all the way down to the Tower of London. Once you cross the bridge to the South side, you’ll come across Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and enjoy a fully pedestrianised path as you head back to your starting point. See the London Eye in the distance? That’s the finish line.

Unique workouts to try something new

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The Arch Climbing Wall

More of a climber than a runner? Check out The Arch Climbing Wall in Bermondsey and enjoy 15,000 square feet of bouldering areas! Located in a former Damien Hirst gallery, scaling these walls will definitely be a great ice-breaker to tell new colleagues and business clients before you get down to business.

GoodGym

If you want to do some good for humanity while getting fit, there’s a way! GoodGym offers you the opportunity to participate in a number of community initiatives across the UK while running, power walking, or cycling. Run to visit an elderly person, or to help people with one-off tasks! Just sign up and start changing the world one bead of sweat at a time.

Rabble

Ever think back to your school days and think “man, I miss playing dodgeball or capture the flag”? Well, now you can! Rabble runs adult fitness classes based on old school game classics for people of all fitness levels. Just find a class near where you’re staying and book it! What a way to take a break in your busy working day.

The best pay-as-you-go gyms

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SoulCycle

For just £16 a session, you can cycle, sweat, and say goodbye to calories at Soul Cycle. The gym’s motto “from tired to inspired” will speak to business travellers as a great way to break their busy day in two with a healthy sweat session in the middle. For those who like spinning, there’s no better place to do it than SoulCycle.

Digme Fitness

To get the blood pumping without a membership or joining fee, look no further than Digme Fitness. To enjoy their HIIT workouts, yoga, and spinning, all you need to do is register to their studio and purchase a credit per class. Go work off the stress of the day and then enjoy their signature made-to-order smoothies to recharge before your next meeting!

1Rebel

For business travellers who are looking for fitness but are short on time, 1Rebels 30-45 minute classes might be just the ticket. Push yourself to the limit with one of their ride, rumble, or reshape classes that are made to help you achieve specific goals. With a high-end design gym and numerous locations across London, there’s no excuse not to get moving.

London’s best spas

ESPA Life at the Corinthia London

With a holistic approach to wellbeing, ESPA Life at Corinthia London is the spa of the future. It features private spa suites, a thermal floor, indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, sauna, an ice fountain, and marble heated loungers. Not to mention it offers a wide array of day spa experiences, massages, wraps, acupuncture, and other mouthwateringly relaxing treatments.

Aire Ancient Baths

For those looking to break with technology for an hour or two, Aire Ancient Baths offers an unparalleled relaxing experience. Entirely lit by candles, you can enjoy the spa’s tepidarium, marble steam room, plunge pool, and salt bath. Then let the discreet staff at Aire Ancient Baths take you through to a massage or body scrub treatment to prepare you for the meetings ahead.

Russian Bath House

Ever wondered what a traditional Russian banya experience would be like? Head over to the Russian Bath House to try it out! Start by getting warm in the sauna, then dive into the plunge pool before moving on to a deep tissue massage or a wrap. Take a break from your busy day to enjoy these mosaiced walls and Russian food and drinks.

36 work-free hours in London

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So, you've managed to turn this business trip into a bleisure trip? Good for you! No real London travel guide would be complete without a section dedicated to enjoying the city and making the most of your time there. For those of you with 36 hours to spare, check out our travel tips below.

Friday evening

18:00 Grab a quick bite or early dinner at Ceviche Soho on Frith Street. Don't miss out on trying one of their famous Pisco Sours.

19:30 Be at the West End ready to take in a show! Book your tickets in advance and try to catch one of the classics like The Lion King or something newer like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Saturday morning

09:00 Head over to Farm Girl in Notting Hill for an Australian-style breakfast to fill up your energy tank for the day ahead.

10:00 Walk around Notting Hill through to Portobello Road - the street where the riches of ages are stowed! (Bedknobs & Broomsticks) and browse through all the market's wonders.

13:00 Grab a light lunch at The Shed in Notting Hill Gate. With locally sourced ingredients and a 0KM culture, The Shed offers delicious food with the freshest ingredients. Head back to your hotel after lunch for a well-deserved break or even a nap!

Saturday afternoon

17:00 Head over to the Tate Modern and enjoy a bit of art. Squeezing in some time for a little culture can really help clear your mind from the busy week you just had.

19:00 Walk along the South Bank and pop in to Bala Baya for a Middle Eastern-inspired dinner by one of Ottolenghi's apprentices! Don't miss out on their mouthwatering aubergine mess.

21:00 Grab a drink with a view at the OXO Tower Bar! Found on the 8th floor of this iconic building, you can enjoy a modern cocktail as you watch the city sparkle from high above.

Sunday morning

09:00 Live out your deepest Audrey Hepburn-esque fantasies and grab breakfast at the Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods! Enjoy the luxury goods this landmark shopping center offers.

11:00 Walk through South Kensington and over to The Natural History Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum. Check out both if you have time!

13:00 Stroll along Hyde Park towards the Churchill Arms to enjoy lunch at a gastropub with a surprising twist—an incredible Thai kitchen serving delicious dishes all day.

A bit about London

London is the promised land for many business travellers. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in London. The capital of the United Kingdom, it’s a city that has everything to offer. Whether you work in the thrill of the trading world, want to get lost in a financial hub, seek the buzz of the creative industries, or find your passion in entrepreneurship, London’s got it all.

A modern, future-forward city with a rich history, London has a world-class reputation for business. It caters to all business needs—it has airports in every corner of the city, houses the headquarters (or at least, large offices) of every company imaginable, and spoils business travellers for choice on hotels, restaurants, and coworking spaces.

Few cities can match London for its innovation, culture, and business significance.

The ultimate business travel guide to London