London activities for two adult friends

[daimbar]

Going to London between Christmas and NY with a female friend.

It's her birthday treat and want to do some fun activities.

We will be staying central (Soho / Covent Garden / Regent St)

Any recommendations for novelty things we could do in the day time.

Was thinking of trying the ice bar. There's also a Christmas market on at the south bank.

Anything else?

[daimbar]

Anyone?

[EssentialHummus]

Given where you're staying, I'd get tickets to a show/ballet/opera - no idea what'll be running then, but have a look at the websites of the opera house etc.

If all else fails the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square shows obscure films at odd hours - worth a look if you're into cinema.

Chinatown is always good for a wander and a meal.

A walk around Regent's Park.

Depends how far out you want to venture, really.

[EssentialHummus]

Oh, and the various galleries are on your doorstep - check opening hours over the period.

[Sittingunderafrostysky]

Ice skating at Somerset House is lovely.

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

Ooooh I would catch a recital at St Martin's In the Field, do the National Portrait Gallery for afternoon tea, have a mooch along the south bank, Tate Modern for cocktails, gross the wobbly bridge to St Paul's and have a mooch round the city.

Plus markets, brunch, ride round on the number 11 bus (on the top naturally).

[daimbar]

Thanks all, some great suggestions.

Is Tate Modern the best place for cocktails? Any other suggestions for drinks with impressive views?

Any restaurant recommendations in soho for relaxed lunches / dinners? Really like Busaba Eathai

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

It's not the best place but it has a nice view.

[bakingaddict]

There's quite a nice Thai on Long Acre Convent Garden called Suda Thai they also do cocktails but it is a bit pricy although they do a pre theatre menu that's a bit cheaper

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

Cheapest place to get a glass of fizz with a view is The Royal Festival Hall. Handy if you're catching a show at The National and the walk over Waterloo Bridge is a good one.

[EssentialHummus]

It's a chain, but I'm a massive fan of Ping Pong.

[Citizenerased123]

The Walkie talkie building 20 Fenchurch St has lovely views, an indoor garden and a nice but quite expensive bar. You can book for just to view for free. I wouldn't bother with the restaurant as it's the next floor up with no views but you still pay the premium.
After that you can walk down to the river, cross over at Tower bridge and walk back along the river at London bridge for amazing views of Tower bridge/ Tower of London (especially when its dark) and a lovely Christmas market around Hays galleria. From there its about 15 min walk along the river to the Tate modern (another xmas market and views of St Pauls) or you can detour via Borough market which is fab for exploring (during the day).
The Christmas market around the Southbank is a little unimpressive this year (Tate modern and London bridge are better) but they do have a roller disco that looks quite entertaining (for those more coordinated than me).

[JaneW1965]

Depends what she and you like. But general favourites seem to be going up shard (£25 per head I think), London eye, galleries. But if your both shopoholics then Covent Garden. How about a tour down Thames as well on a boat (go to Greenwich and back)