Is London a good destination for a bleisure trip?

Yes, London is easy to explore bit by bit in a few spare hours. Many attractions, restaurants and cultural venues are located in well-connected neighbourhoods. Your stay will be most relaxed if you combine your free time with your business appointments.

How much free time do you need for after-work socialising in London?

Just 60 to 90 minutes is enough for a quick bit of sightseeing after work. A stroll along the Thames, a drink in a pub or a quick visit to an art gallery can often be squeezed into a manageable time slot. For an evening meal with a show or a trip to another neighbourhood, you should allow more time and factor in a buffer for the journey.

Which quarter should you choose after the last appointment?

It’s best to choose the location of your last appointment or a neighbouring neighbourhood. Around Tower Hill and the City, the banks of the Thames, Tower Bridge and cosy pubs are all close together. Shoreditch and Spitalfields offer street art, galleries and restaurants; on the south bank, South Bank and Borough combine walking routes, culture and places to eat.

How can you avoid long journeys after work?

Plan your evening in a neighbourhood and/or along the route back to your hotel. London is a big city, and short distances on the map can take longer due to changing transport links or heavy rush-hour traffic. Group activities together near your appointment or hotel, check your route home in advance, and allow some time between your meeting and your evening plans.

What can you get up to after work when it’s raining?

When it rains, museums, galleries and indoor venues offer a good alternative. In the City, the Barbican Art Gallery stays open until the evening on certain days; around Tower Hill, pubs and bars invite you to stop for a drink. In Canary Wharf, the Crossrail Place Roof Garden is situated beneath a striking roof.

Which activities in London are suitable for doing on your own or with colleagues?

Going for a walk or visiting an art gallery works just as well on your own as it does in a small group. With colleagues, you could go for dinner together, pop into a pub or catch a show in the West End.

What’s the best way to use public transport for a short ‘bleisure’ break?

For most journeys in London, you can pay contactless using a bank card or smartphone. Alternatively, you can use an Oyster Card; both options have automatic daily spending limits. Important: Always use the same payment method when checking in and out. With the TfL Go app, you can plan routes and check current arrival times and service disruptions.

Why is Motel One London-Tower Hill a good base?

Motel One London–Tower Hill is situated right in the heart of London and offers you a varied yet relaxing way to wind down after work, right on your doorstep. Business meetings in the City or nearby neighbourhoods can easily be combined with a stroll along the Thames or to Tower Bridge from here. After a long day, you can round off the evening in the One Lounge and get straight back into city life the next morning.

Afterwork in London: How to turn a business trip into a city break

Blick aus einem Hotelfenster auf die moderne Skyline Londons mit markanten Hochhäusern wie dem Gherkin, bei klarem Himmel.

London is perfect for bleisure if you plan your evening around your last business meeting and focus on one well-connected neighbourhood each day.
Even 60 to 90 minutes of free time is enough for a stroll along the Thames, a visit to a pub or a quick detour to a sight that’s ideally on your way back to the hotel.
The Motel One London-Tower Hill is a great base for meetings in the City or around Tower Hill.

Are you in London on business?

Then explore the city beyond the conference room and the hotel bar. Head to the pub during your lunch break, and after dinner, head for the lights of Piccadilly Circus. If you plan wisely, you’ll also have time for a cruise on the Thames, a visit to a West End theatre or a ride on the London Eye. If you organise your work appointments and leisure activities in the same neighbourhood, you can enjoy London at a relaxed pace even on a business trip, turning your business trip into an exciting ‘bleisure’ trip.

The Motel One London-Tower Hill is a handy base. From here, it’s just a short stroll to the Thames after work: Tower Bridge, the Riverside Walk and a drink with a view of the skyline are right on your doorstep, whilst quintessential London highlights such as Borough Market and St Paul’s Cathedral are just a 20-minute walk away.

Why is London particularly well suited to bleisure?

Because in London, you can easily combine business and leisure within individual neighbourhoods. In the City, Tower Bridge and the River Thames lie nestled between glass-fronted offices and historic façades. In Shoreditch, you can enjoy street art, galleries and bars after your meeting, whilst in Canary Wharf you can take in the architecture, the water and the restaurants. Parks, museums, pubs and theatres are often not far away either.

So you can fit in a stroll along the Thames during your lunch break, and after work you can immerse yourself in London’s culinary and cultural scene. If you plan your evening around your last appointment, you’ll save time and experience London in a more relaxed way, as every neighbourhood offers its own lunch or after-work activities. And that’s precisely where the ‘bleisure’ appeal of the British capital lies.

Blick auf die Westminster Bridge über die Themse mit Fußgängern, im Hintergrund ist der ikonische Uhrturm Big Ben und die Houses of Parliament in London zu sehen.

If you’re out and about in the City of London’s office districts, why not pop over to the Sky Garden – a free viewing platform – during your lunch break?

Got an appointment at Tower Hill? Then take a stroll to Tower Bridge between appointments. You can cross it for free and enjoy spectacular views of the Thames, the Tower of London and the City skyline.

From Canary Wharf, you can make the most of your lunch break by doing a few lengths at the Sea Lanes Canary Wharf open-air swimming pool.

If you’ve got meetings or events in the West End, lunch in Covent Garden is a must. In the tech and creative hub of Shoreditch, modern East London awaits you.
Stroll down Brick Lane and discover street art, international cuisine and markets. Each of these neighbourhoods offers its own options for lunch, sport, culture, dinner and drinks.

Within a neighbourhood, it’s best to get around on foot. For longer journeys between the City, Canary Wharf, the West End and Shoreditch, the Tube, DLR (Docklands Light Railway) and Overground are the more practical choices. It’s best to always check the TfL app in advance to make sure your journey is running smoothly.

London is the place for you if …

… you have a specific final meeting location.
… you have at least 60–90 minutes free in between other commitments or after work.
… you limit your daily planning to one quarter at a time.
… you’ve thought about a plan in case of bad weather.

Which London neighbourhood is best for my after-work plans?

The short answer: the neighbourhood you’re currently in, based on your last appointment. Here you can see what’s on offer right on your doorstep or on the way back to your hotel without any detours:

Neighbourhood	Typical business occasion	Best quick activity	Dinner/drinks atmosphere	Indoor option	Connection to the MO	What to expect
City/Tower Hill	Numerous banks, insurance companies, law firms and financial advisory firms	A stroll across Tower Bridge or to the Garden at 120	Lamb Tavern: this historic pub is situated in the heart of the Victorian Leadenhall Market.	Sky Garden: a tropical indoor garden with views	All within a 10-minute walk	London’s history and most famous sights
South Bank/Borough	This area is home to many media companies, the creative industries, cultural venues and events	A walk along the Thames between the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market	At BFI Southbank, there are several bars and a restaurant to choose from, right on the banks of the Thames.	Tate Modern	Take the Tube to Monument, then continue across London Bridge	Art, culture and cuisine on the Thames
Shoreditch/Spitalfields	Numerous tech companies, start-ups and agencies from the design and creative industries	Street art walk around Brick Lane and Shoreditch	Rochelle Canteen: tucked away in the side streets lies this charming garden restaurant	Old Spitalfields Market: covered market stalls, shops and eateries	15 to 20 mins’ walk / by Tube from Liverpool Street Station to Tower / direct bus services	Street art, markets, the scene
Canary Wharf	International banks, financial services providers and corporate headquarters	Crossrail Place Roof Garden and a stroll along the Docklands quays	The Alchemist: A modern cocktail bar and restaurant spread over two floors with views of the water	Crossrail Place with roof garden and shopping arcades	By DLR: from Canary Wharf DLR station to Tower Gateway, then a 5-minute walk to Motel One Tower Hill	Modern skyline, after-work bars
Covent Garden/Soho	A mix of media, advertising, entertainment, fashion and culture	A stroll through Covent Garden, Seven Dials and Soho	Dog & Duck: British beers in a Victorian setting with ornate tiles, mirrors and dark wood	A West End show	Underground from Piccadilly Circus to Tower Hill, approx. 20 mins	Theatres, shopping, nightlife

City/Tower Hill:
St Paul’s Cathedral is situated here in the western part of the area. From there, on your way back to the hotel, you can walk to Leadenhall Market in 15 minutes – a Victorian market with striking architecture.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants around the covered market hall and in the neighbouring streets. The River Thames, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are right on the hotel’s doorstep. This neighbourhood is ideal if you want to wind down after work by the water or in a pub without having to travel far.
South Bank/Borough:
On the south bank, you can combine art, culture, the banks of the Thames and good food: the Tate Modern and Borough Market are the neighbourhood’s defining features.
From Motel One Tower Hill, you can reach London Bridge in about 15 minutes on foot. From there, it’s just a short walk to Borough Market, whilst the Tate Modern is a little further west along the South Bank.
Shoreditch/Spitalfields:
Street art, quirky shops, market halls and a vibrant dining scene characterise Shoreditch and Spitalfields.
Around Old Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane and numerous bars, you can enjoy an evening of street food, creativity and urban London.
From Motel One Tower Hill, you can reach the neighbourhood in about 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
Canary Wharf:
Amidst glass-fronted office towers, harbour basins and promenades, London shows off its modern side here.
From Motel One London–Tower Hill, you can get there by DLR in about 15 to 20 minutes. After work, why not enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, visit the covered Crossrail Place Roof Garden, or have a drink in one of the bars at the dock?
Covent Garden/Soho:
Covent Garden and Soho are among London’s best-known nightlife districts. Here you’ll find highlights such as Carnaby Street, Chinatown, numerous bars, pubs and restaurants, as well as jazz clubs and theatres.
If you’ve still got time after dinner or a trip to the theatre, you can pop over to Piccadilly Circus. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to reach the area from Motel One Tower Hill by Tube and a short walk.
Tip: One quarter per evening
It’s best to plan your appointments and leisure time in the neighbourhood where you’ll be anyway, rather than travelling all over London.
Allow extra time for your journey during rush hour and check before you set off how you’ll get back to your hotel later.

What does a realistic ‘bleisure’ day in London look like?
A working day interspersed with moments of London. We’ve put together three scenarios for you.

Route scenario 1: Appointments in the City/Tower Hill

Time slot	A key moment in one’s career	The right time out	Neighbourhood/Route	Plan B
Breakfast & planning the day 8.00–9.00 am	Business lunches / meetings in a hotel / conference room in the city centre / Tower Hill	Breakfast and planning the day at the hotel or in a nearby café such as ‘Watch House’	City / Tower Hill	Bus / Cab
Journey to the appointment 9.00–9.15 am	Walk to the meeting	Short walk along the banks of the Thames	City / Tower Hill	Bus / Cab
Short lunch/coffee break 12.00–1.00 pm	Break between meetings	Light lunch, e.g. at ‘Byward Kirchen and Bar’	City / Tower Hill
60–90 mins after-work drinks 5.00–6.30 pm	End of the working day	A stroll through Leadenhall Market	City / Tower Hill	Covered part of the market
Dinner 6.30–8.00 pm	End of the day	Dinner at the ‘Sky Pod Bar’ with spectacular views over the neighbourhood; booking recommended	City / Tower Hill	Impromptu dinner at Motel One
Finish the evening in the One Lounge or hotel bar at 8.00 pm	Return to the hotel	A drink and a relaxed end to the evening	City / Tower Hill

Route scenario 2: Appointments in Canary Wharf

Sonnenuntergang über einer großen Stadt mit modernen Hochhäusern und einem breiten Fluss, der sich durch urbanes Gebiet mit Gebäuden und Booten schlängelt. Der Himmel zeigt warme Farben und vereint Stadtleben mit natürlicher Atmosphäre.

Time slot	A key moment in one’s career	The right time out	Neighbourhood/Route	Plan B
Breakfast & planning the day 8.00–9.00 am	Meetings at international banks, financial services providers or corporate headquarters in Canary Wharf	Breakfast and planning the day at the hotel or at the ‘Notes’ café in the famous Gherkin skyscraper	Canary Wharf
Journey to the appointment 9.00–9.40 am	Journey to the meeting on the Jubilee Line to Monument	Walk to St Dunstan in the East: the ruins of a church that have been transformed into a garden	City / Tower Hill border with Canary Wharf	Sky Garden
Short lunch/coffee break 12.00–1.00 pm	Break between meetings	Light lunch, e.g. at ‘Caravan’	Canary Wharf
60–90 mins’ after-work drinks 5.00–6.30 pm	End of the working day	Crossrail Place Roof Garden	Canary Wharf	Museum of London Docklands
Dinner 6.30–8.00 pm	End of the day	Dinner at the historic pub ‘The Gun’, right on the Thames with views of the Docklands; booking recommended	Canary Wharf	Impromptu dinner at Motel One
Finish the evening in the One Lounge or hotel bar at 9.00 pm	Return to the hotel	A drink and a relaxed end to the evening	City / Tower Hill

Route scenario 3: Appointments in the West End

Time slot	A key moment in one’s career	The right time out	Neighbourhood/Route	Plan B
Breakfast & planning the day 8.00–9.00 am	Meetings at media companies, advertising agencies, and in the entertainment, fashion or cultural sectors in Covent Garden / Soho	Breakfast and planning the day at the hotel or at ‘The Wolseley City’ café	City / Tower Hill
Journey to the appointment 9.00–9.40 am	Walk to the meeting / journey by Tube	Walk to the meeting, route: The Wolseley City → St Paul’s Cathedral → Fleet Street → Strand → Covent Garden	City / Tower Hill / West End	Underground
Short lunch/coffee break 12.00–1.00 pm	Break between meetings	Light lunch, e.g. at ‘Dishoom’ – booking recommended	Covent Garden
60–90 mins after-work drinks 5.00–6.30 pm	End of the working day	West End show	Covent Garden/Soho
Dinner 6.30–8.00 pm	End of the day	Dinner at London’s oldest restaurant, ‘Rules’ – booking recommended	Covent Garden	Impromptu dinner at Motel One
Finish the evening in the One Lounge or hotel bar at 9.00 pm	Return to the hotel	A drink and a relaxed end to the evening	City / Tower Hill

What are the best after-work experiences in London?

London offers plenty of ways to wind down after a day’s work. Here are our top 10 after-work ideas in London:

From Tower Hill to Tower Bridge
After your last meeting, a stroll along the Thames is just the ticket: set off from Tower Hill, past the Tower of London, and on to Tower Bridge. As the city is gradually bathed in the evening light, London’s banks of the Thames offer the most beautiful backdrop for the end of the working day.

Time required: 30 minutes
Neighbourhood: Tower Hill
Suitable for: On your own or with colleagues
Bad-weather alternative: A bar in Tower Hill

Blick auf die Tower Bridge in London mit moderner Skyline im Hintergrund, darunter das markante Gebäude „The Gherkin“. Der Fluss Themse fließt ruhig, Boote sind am Ufer zu sehen, bei klarem Himmel mit vereinzelten Wolken.

London from above
: the Sky Garden or Horizon 22 make it easy to see the city from a different perspective – from up there, the City seems a bit more relaxed. It’s best to check your booking in advance, as depending on the viewpoint, you’ll need a ticket or a time slot to visit.

Time required: 60 minutes
Neighbourhood: Tower Hill
Suitable for: On your own or with colleagues
Booking: Yes

South Bank and Borough
On the south bank, you can start by strolling along the Thames and then stop off in the area around Borough. Amidst river views, culture and the lively hustle and bustle of the market, you’ll find a good selection of restaurants, bars and pubs for your after-work drinks.

Time required: 120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Southwark
Suitable for: With colleagues, small groups
Bad-weather alternative: the covered section of Borough Market

Bunte Reihenhäuser mit kleinen Geschäften entlang einer belebten Straße, auf der Autos parken und Passanten flanieren, bei klarem Himmel.

A pub or bar in the City
A classic night out at the pub is simply part of the London experience: order a pint, strike up a conversation and leave the working day behind you. If you prefer something more modern, you’ll also find bars in the City where you can enjoy a drink in an urban atmosphere.

Time required: 90 minutes
Neighbourhood: City/Tower Hill
Suitable for: With colleagues, small groups
Booking: recommended

Street art and dinner in Shoreditch
Shoreditch and Spitalfields are ideal if you fancy adding a bit of colour to your evening. Discover street art and small galleries, then find a restaurant for a relaxed evening.

Time required: 120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Shoreditch
Suitable for: With colleagues, art and culture enthusiasts
Booking: recommended

A quick cultural break
A visit to a museum or gallery can also fit in after work, provided the opening hours allow it. Insider tip: the Barbican, one of London’s most exciting cultural districts. Check in advance for evening openings and pick out one or two highlights so you don’t overload your cultural evening. Time

required: 120 minutes
District: City of London
– suitable for: with colleagues, art and culture enthusiasts
– Bad-weather alternative: the covered, orangery-style Barbican Conservatory with hundreds of plant species

The West End for a cultural evening
An evening in the West End brings a real taste of the theatre to your business trip. Choose a show such as ‘The Lion King’ or ‘Les Misérables’ and combine it with an early dinner or a drink afterwards.

Time required: 180 minutes
Neighbourhood: Covent Garden / Soho
Suitable for: With colleagues, culture lovers
Booking: yes

Discover Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf showcases a different side of London: modern architecture, water and surprisingly green spaces are all close together here. Plan a short stroll through the area and stop off at a public garden along the way.

Time required: 120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Canary Wharf
Suitable for: On your own or with colleagues
Bad-weather alternative: The covered Crossrail Place Roof Garden

hotel London Tower Hill Motel One bar and lounge with several armchairs

A run or a walk in the fresh air
. After a day full of appointments, some exercise does you good. Take a stroll along the Thames or visit one of London’s famous parks, such as Hyde Park or Regent’s Park – with no set itinerary and at your own pace.

Time required: 90 minutes
Neighbourhoods: Hyde Park: Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Kensington / Regent’s Park: Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Camden
Suitable for: On your own or with colleagues
Bad-weather alternative: Hyde Park: the free Serpentine Galleries / Regent’s Park: the Wallace Collection

A drink in the One Lounge
Sometimes the best plan is simply to stay in the hotel. In the One Lounge, you can wind down the day with a drink before carrying on tomorrow with renewed energy.

Which hotel is best suited for a business trip to London?

For a business trip to London, the Motel One London–Tower Hill is a convenient base thanks to its central location. From here, you can quickly get to your appointments in the City and just as easily reach Tower Bridge or the River Thames. This leaves you with time after work for a stroll or a drink in one of the bars or pubs at St Katharine’s Docks.

Particularly suitable for: business travellers with appointments in the City of London or Canary Wharf who want easy access to the sights, restaurants and the West End.

1 hotel in London

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Afterwork in London: How to turn a business trip into a city break

Are you in London on business?

Why is London particularly well suited to bleisure?

London is the place for you if …

Which London neighbourhood is best for my after-work plans?

City/Tower Hill:

South Bank/Borough:

Shoreditch/Spitalfields:

Canary Wharf:

Covent Garden/Soho:

Tip: One quarter per evening

Route scenario 1: Appointments in the City/Tower Hill

Route scenario 2: Appointments in Canary Wharf

Route scenario 3: Appointments in the West End

What are the best after-work experiences in London?

Which hotel is best suited for a business trip to London?

1 hotel in London

Frequently asked questions about bleisure and after-work events in London

Is London a good destination for a bleisure trip?Is London a good destination for a bleisure trip?Is London a good destination for a bleisure trip?

How much free time do you need for after-work socialising in London?How much free time do you need for after-work socialising in London?How much free time do you need for after-work socialising in London?

Which quarter should you choose after the last appointment?Which quarter should you choose after the last appointment?Which quarter should you choose after the last appointment?

How can you avoid long journeys after work?How can you avoid long journeys after work?How can you avoid long journeys after work?

What can you get up to after work when it’s raining?What can you get up to after work when it’s raining?What can you get up to after work when it’s raining?

Which activities in London are suitable for doing on your own or with colleagues?Which activities in London are suitable for doing on your own or with colleagues?Which activities in London are suitable for doing on your own or with colleagues?

What’s the best way to use public transport for a short ‘bleisure’ break?What’s the best way to use public transport for a short ‘bleisure’ break?What’s the best way to use public transport for a short ‘bleisure’ break?

Why is Motel One London-Tower Hill a good base?Why is Motel One London-Tower Hill a good base?Why is Motel One London-Tower Hill a good base?