London is not a 24/7 city like other business capitals that boast all-night eateries, spas and shops galore. Londoners largely regard the city as more civilised — even most of the Underground goes to sleep at midnight — and venues with 24-hour licensing are rare.
But don’t despair, bleary-eyed travellers, the city still offers plenty of cures for a hopeless case of jet lag. Our tribe of globetrotters here at the FT have shared their top tips for adjusting that body clock and beating the jet-lag blues in the Big Smoke.
1. Watch the sun rise
Primrose Hill (north of Regent’s Park)
Parliament Hill (in Hampstead Heath)
Walk to the top of one of London’s many verdant hills — Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill, for example — to watch the sun rise. You’ll have it to yourself aside from a few dog walkers and the odd triathlete in training. The city looks so peaceful, glinting beyond the trees, and it’s a good way of reducing anxiety about a meeting-heavy day ahead. And you can be back in town within the hour for a well-earned flat white. — Rebecca Rose, editor, FT Globetrotter
2. Unwind with yoga in the sky
Sky Garden, 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF
If your jet lag is waking you up earlier than usual, embrace it and head to the Sky Garden for yoga, breakfast and great views of London’s skyline before the tourists arrive. Get there 10 minutes before the official start time to nab the best spot. See website for booking details. — Rachel Banning-Lover, audience engagement editor, FT Weekend
3. Sip wine in Soho
Balans, 60-62 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4UG
Balans in Soho is open virtually 24/7. It’s no longer the adorable hole in the wall it used to be, but its location in the heart of London gives you the feeling of being in the right place at the right time — at any time of day. Also, great bar snacks, cocktails and wine? Yes, please. — Mercedes Domenech, senior marketing executive
4. Catch a midnight flick
Various cinemas across London
If you’re up late and wide-eyed, you could catch a midnight movie screening. The atmosphere at these can be surprisingly lively — or the dark and plush seats might send you happily off to sleep. — Raphael Abraham, editor, arts
5. Indulge with a view
Duck & Waffle, 110 Bishopsgate, London
EC2N 4AY
Duck & Waffle, a cocktail bar and restaurant on the 40th floor of the Salesforce Tower (formerly Heron Tower) in the City, is open 24/7 and features gorgeous panoramic views of London. Treat yourself to the restaurant’s signature dish: a confit duck leg on a Belgian waffle, topped with a fried duck egg and drizzled with mustard maple syrup. (Your arteries won’t thank you, but no one asked them anyway.) For the less indulgent, there’s lighter fare and a good coffee list too. — Niki Blasina, deputy editor, FT Globetrotter
6. Beat the crowds to Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park, London NW1
Take a stroll through Regent’s Park in the early morning. There’s barely anyone there and it is a beautiful place to have to yourself. — Uma Patel, analyst, FT Strategies
Do you have a city secret you’d like to share with us? Click here or write to us at ftglobetrotter@ft.com to tell us your top tip for Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Paris, New York or Frankfurt
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