London Calling: 12 of the City’s Best Kept Summer Secrets

Travel experts report that London is the most popular destination for summer vacation travel this year. And why not? It’s one of the best cities in the world, with culture, parks, history and charming hotels. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, we’re sharing our expert guide to what to do, see and eat in London, and the new and limited time only events to be sure to catch on a luxury vacation this summer 2023.

The most popular destination to travel to this Summer is London

According to Google flight searches, London is the most popular destination for travel this summer. And if you’re one of the lucky few – or should we say, many – who will be visiting this iconic city over the next few weeks and months, we have some ideas about what you should do while you’re there.

Of course, London is a classic destination, and you may already have a list of a thousand sights you want to see. But after you’ve finished hitting those greatest hits, why not save a little time for the city’s latest hits? After all, like any major city, London is always teeming with new things to see, do, and eat, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out. Here are ten things you can’t skip on your trip to London this summer.

secrets to the best summer vacation in London in 2023

1. Big Ben

Now, Big Ben may sound like a classic London destination, but it isn’t. The landmark is all new this summer, after a conversation project that has left the tower closed to the public since 2017. This is the largest restoration project in the city’s history, and we can’t wait to see the results. Tickets are on sale now, and are expected to sell very quickly.

2. Guys and Dolls

When it comes to live theater, London is second only to New York – and sometimes, it gives our hometown a run for its money. It was difficult to narrow down our theater recommendations – really, there could be a separate list comprised only of London shows to see – but we were able to settle on a few that you simply can’t miss. And first up is Guys and Dolls. Now, we know what you may be thinking – isn’t this a mediocre musical, best saved for high school theater productions? – but we promise you, this is Guys and Dolls as you’ve never seen it before. This is Guys and Dolls, the immersive production. Director Nicholas Hytner and cast have infused this classic show with fresh, irresistible energy, and you do not want to miss the results.

3. Romeo and Juliet

If you make any effort to keep up with theater news, then you’ll have noticed that Rebecca Frecknall’s production of Romeo and Juliet is the show of the summer. The production stars Isis Hainsworth as Juliet, and Toheeb Jimoh – who stole our hearts as Sam on Ted Lasso – as Romeo, and it’s one of those rare Shakespeare adaptations that turns an old story into something that feels brand-new. Hurry to get your tickets, because the production closes on July 29^th.

4. Abba Voyage

Though it’s true that Abba Voyage has been open for a little over a year, there’s a good chance that you’ve yet to experience this special concert. And let us be the ones to tell you: it’s worth every penny. Though you may feel a little skeptical of the conceit – holograms of the young ABBA, who perform the group’s biggest songs alongside a ten-piece band – it is surprisingly magical. It works. And for those of us who never saw the young ABBA live in concert, it’s the closest we will ever get to a time machine. Make this once-in-a-lifetime performance a part of your summer vacation.

5. Royal Academy of the Arts’ Summer Exhibition 2023

Moving away from live (or almost live) performance, it’s time to talk about something else London is famous for: visual art. As we all know, London is home to some of the greatest art in the world, and even if you’ve seen it all – though we doubt that’s possible – there’s more to see this summer.

We highly recommend checking out the Royal Academy of the Arts’ Summer Exhibition, which runs until August 20^th. The summer exhibition is always a festive, joyous occasion, as well as an opportunity to see (and buy!) some fantastic works of art. This year’s rendition is coordinated by British painter David Remfry, and is organized around the theme of the E.M. Forster quote, “Only Connect.” Time to connect with the city, with the festival, and with your fellow appreciators of art.

6. Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece

How lucky are we, when our travel happens to coincide with some of the year’s most exciting art exhibitions? From now until August 13^th, the British Museum hosts Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece, which explores the use of luxury objects as political tools in the Middle East and Europe from 550 BC to 30 BC – and how the legacy of those objects may influence the way we feel about luxury today. In order to tell this complex story, the museum will present pieces from its collection, as well as some dazzling new loans. If you happen to find yourself in London at the same time as this fabulous, short-lived exhibit, you must make a point to stop by.

7. Isaac Julien: What Freedom Is To Me

Isaac Julien is one of the most exciting voices in the world of art installation and film, and this summer’s exhibit at the Tate Britain marks the British artist’s first major solo exhibition in the United Kingdom. Visitors can experience seven of Julien’s films – totaling more than three hours –  which have developed over the course of forty incredible years. The exhibit is open only until August 20^th, so don’t wait.

8. The Conut

One last major category to cover, before you’re ready for your London vacation. And what’s that category? Food, of course! And since we wanted to bring you at least one thing that’s viral on Tik Tok, we are here to recommend the conut. That’s right, the conut. You’ve heard of the cronut, but this is something new. Something – dare we say –even more exciting. The conut is a donut, slathered in Nutella, and filled – like a cup – with coffee. Amazing, right? We can’t think of a better way to enjoy our morning caffeination. These trendy treats are available at Your Coffee Hub, and from what we can gather, they’re as good as they look.

9. The Midland Grand Dining Room

While we’re on the subject of food, we want to recommend a new London restaurant to you. The Midland Grand Dining Room opened early in May, and is receiving rave reviews. Forbes says that “eating here feels like a moment,” and isn’t that what we want all our travel to feel like?  The restaurant is part of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, and has the atmosphere and food to match its historic location – in other words, it’s the exact kind of place you should try for a special meal during your trip.  You’ll find menu items like crab toast, snails bourguignon, lamb, and mushroom risotto, and more importantly, you’ll find a night worth remembering.

10. Pub in the Park

And last – but certainly not least – you must find a way to check out Pub in the Park. Started in summer 2022, Pub in the Park is the largest food and musical festival in the United Kingdom, offering its attendees a chance to celebrate the iconic British pub. With food from some of the country’s finest chefs, these festivals are a chance to eat, dance, and hang out with friends and family. There are events happening throughout the summer, most of them only an hour from the city – make a plan to go.

11. Young V&A

Following a £13 million transformation, the former V&A Museum of Childhood in East London is opening in July under a new name. Experience “sensory playscapes” and view 2,000 objects from the permanent collection.

12. A World in Common at the Tate Modern

With work by 36 contemporary African photographers, this new exhibition at the Tate Modern celebrates dynamic image-making across the continent today.

must-see events and new exhibits in London this summer 2023

It’s no surprise that London is the top pick for a luxury summer vacation destination this year, and those are the new and limited time only events to be sure to catch in 2023 if you’re heading that way. Have a marvelous time, dear reader.