24 Hours in Westminster: A guide to London’s most popular neighbourhood

You have 24 hours to spend in Westminster. What do you do? This London borough is one of London’s most popular neighbourhoods. Here, you will find the most gorgeous views of the city surrounded by the Thames, some of the most iconic landmarks of the city and a postcode inhabited by one of the most important citizens of Britain.

So when you find yourself with some time to kill in one of London’s most historically rich corners, you could be spoilt for choice. With the Dover Street Market just a stone’s throw away and gorgeous luxury hotels like the Grade II listed Raffles London at what used to be the Old War Office, there is so much to explore in Westminster.

So for the fourth instalment of Tempus’s 24 Hours series, we have scoured Westminster for the most exceptional, interesting and fun things to do the next time you find yourself with a day to spare in one of London’s most recognisable neighbourhoods.

Join us as we take you through London’s premiere borough, experience exceptional Japanese fine dining, soak up history at every corner and stay in one of the most luxurious hotels this city has to offer. Here’s the best way to spend 24 Hours in Westminster.Stay: Raffles London at The OWO

There is no better place to stay in Westminster than at Raffles London at The OWO. Located in the Grade II listed building of what used to be the Old War Office, the hotel is one of the most luxurious and historically vibrant places to stay in the heart of the city. Each corner of the hotel pays homage to the building’s rich history while also providing a sense of timeless luxury. 

As soon as you enter the hotel, you’re met with a grand staircase complete with a gorgeous two-story chandelier. The most historically significant areas of the building are the heritage suites, former offices of influential political leaders like Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Sir Richard Haldane. 

This six-bedroom residence occupies the west wing of the building and can accommodate up to twelve guests — one of the largest luxury hotel wings available in London. Other amenities include a gorgeous spa, a calming pool complete with a jacuzzi, a gym, multiple delectable restaurants — more on this in a bit — and more. Guests can also choose to take a history tour of the hotel to learn about all the wonderful pockets of time neatly preserved in this hotel.Dine: Kioku by Endo at The OWO and The Spy Bar

Out of all the amazing restaurants in The OWO, very few are as unique and delectable as Kioku by Endo. This rooftop restaurant is the brainchild of Michelin-star chef Endo Kazutoshi, and is born out of all the culinary memories of the chef growing up. When you get to the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by the kindest staff and be served with some of the most delicious Japanese food you can have in this city.

Some of the highlights from the menu include the smoked yellowtail starter, the incredible sakana experience with the best yakitori and nigiri sushi selections we’ve ever sampled — the fatty tuna was so good that we ordered it twice — and some melt in your mouth monkfish, sea bass, duck and wagyu from the main courses. The accompanying drinks were the perfect compliment to the food and the twig tea crème brûlée is the perfect end to an incredible meal.

After that, make sure you check out the Spy Bar located in the basement levels of the hotel. Open only to hotel guests, this speakeasy is inspired by the world of James Bond. Every aspect of the bar is shrouded in secrecy, with amazing cocktails and drinks to match, making for the perfect spy experience.Shop: Dover Street Market

Dover Street Market, located in Haymarket, is just a stone’s throw away from the main city area of Westminster. Here, you will find a mix of high fashion and streetwear, making it a place where there is something for every fashion type. The market features a wide array of brands like Gucci, JW Anderson, Maison Margiela, Bottega Veneta, Loewe and more. It is also known for its special collaborations with exclusive collections from multiple brands. Truly a one stop shop destination for anyone who wants a curated shopping mall experience with luxury in mind.Explore: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Westminster is a London borough that features some of the most iconic landmarks not just in the city, but in all of Britain as a whole. Make your 24 hours in Westminster truly count by spending time as a tourist and checking off all of the famous historical landmarks in the list. Start with a tour of the UK’s everyday operations at the Houses of Parliament and the newly refurbished Big Ben. After this, head on over to Westminster Abbey to see where all of the royal coronations and burials have taken place throughout history.

After that, head on over to Buckingham Palace — arguably the most iconic landmark in London — where, if you’re lucky, you might even get in time to see the change of guard. And if grand palaces and touristy landmarks aren’t your thing, or you’re simply too tired from your day’s adventures, relax in the Green Park or St James’s Park located right next to the palace for an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods.

Read more stories from the 24 Hours series here and check out more travel stories with Tempus here.