How To Spend 36 Hours in London As Business Traveller

36 Hours in London: Power, Prestige & Polished Plans

Where Luxury Travel Meets Global Innovation

People often ask if London is always raining, we reply "it's always grey". But the beauty and diversity which London offers doesn't stop people from walking it's many streets and learning the history. From the Big Ben to the Business centers, London is a city of legacy and leadership. London is where historic institutions meet futuristic fintech, and where meetings over flat whites can lead to million-pound deals. With over 20 million visitors every year, here's a locals guide to 36 hours In London, every moment is a masterclass in culture, commerce and cosmopolitan living.

The Flight

Highlight: British Airways Club Suite offers privacy, fine dining, and Heathrow T5 fast-track lanes.
Lowlight: Expect long waits at border control if you skip fast-track. Book Heathrow VIP or use the e-gates if eligible.

Top tip : use the Elizabeth Line to travel into the City straight to Bond Street, Liverpool Street or Canary Wharf.

Where to Stay

The Connaught in Mayfair – old-school elegance meets new-world comfort. With a Michelin-starred restaurant, world-class martinis at The Connaught Bar, and discreet service that knows when to knock. Otherwise, we recommend something more laid back and in the city, like the Tower Suites which have a great view of Tower of London, the Tower Castle and The Shard from your window.

Day 1

8:00 AM: Breakfast meeting at Chiltern Firehouse. Think media elites and tech founders dining under leafy pergolas.
10:00 AM: Head to The Shard or The Gherkin for a meeting with a view – both have members-only business lounges.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Grind – a London born business. The frappes are delicious, salads tasty and the vibe chilled.
3:00 PM: Afternoon walk through Somerset House or browse innovation exhibits at The Design Museum. Remember, London museums are free so why not use it as the backdrop of a business meeting?
5:00 PM: Check in to your hotel and refresh. Good time for an afternoon tea - Yorkshire gold with a splash of milk and scones with cream and jam (cream first.)
7:30 PM: Dinner at Gymkhana – refined Indian cuisine in the heart of Mayfair, perfect for high-level conversation and unforgettable flavour.

Day 2

7:00 AM: Sunrise walk along the Thames or Hyde Park jog – you’ll pass palaces and high-rises in equal measure.
9:00 AM: Coffee catch-up at the WatchHouse in Covent Garden. If you're feeling cheeky, use your toogoodtogo app to take snacks for later!
11:00 AM: Visit Level39 – Canary Wharf’s iconic fintech accelerator, where innovation and investment collide.
1:00 PM: Grab a quick bite at Dishoom or Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon before heading off.

If You Only Have One Meal

Dishoom – the black daal and house chai can't be missed. No affiliate links, we just think it's a London staple now!

Other Must-Sees (Next Time)

• A show at The Royal Opera House

• Afternoon tea at Claridge’s

• Private tour of the Churchill War Rooms

• Tate Modern for boundary-pushing exhibitions

Tech & Innovation Highlights

• London is Europe’s fintech capital – Level39, Tech Nation, and Google for Startups all call it home

• Green innovation is booming, from electric black cabs to sustainable buildings like The Edge London Bridge

• Home to many AI start-ups and HQs (DeepMind, Stability AI)

Things to Remember

London is a walking city, so come prepared. We recommend the "made in UK" New Balance range or even a comfortable pair of Dr. Martens in all black – comfort meets cool, perfect for cobbles and conferences alike. Always carry an umbrella (yes, even in July), and download Citymapper to navigate like a local.

Summary

London will make you feel powerful, polished, and inspired. In just 36 hours, you’ll learn how to balance tradition with transformation, how prestige evolves through purpose, and how a capital city leads with both intellect and soul. You’ll leave smarter, sharper, and subtly seduced by the city’s quiet glamour. Whether you're building partnerships in Mayfair or pitching in Shoreditch, London makes you feel like anything is possible.

Where luxury travel meets global innovation. Travel and Tech is the magazine for those who think big, travel well, and live beautifully.