What to do on an 18th birthday trip to London?

[seadreams]

My baby sister is turning 18 next month and she's flying over to visit me in September (we're Irish but I live in Bristol) and we're going to London for our first girl's trip together as her present from me. She'll be arriving in Gatwick around 9am on Saturday and returning on an 7pm flight on Sunday.

Our trip is based around a Disney channel/ nickelodeon themed club night in Clapham on Saturday night - very cringe I know but we're both looking forward to it! But asides from that, I'm at a bit of a loss for what to suggest we do. She's only been to London once as a small child so doesn't really know what she wants to do. Any suggestions for where to bring a freshly turned 18 year old, who is in to shopping, seeing the sights, cocktails and taking pictures for her instagram?! I'm open to suggestions about things to see, nice places to walk around, and places to eat and drink.

We'll be staying in the clapham area but don't mind taking public transport to wherever as we don't have to be at the venue until after 10 and I'm just finishing up my masters degree so I'm not extremely flushed with cash but I would like her to have a brilliant weekend. Any suggstions welcome!

Thanks all!

Sometimes people have recommended the afternoon tea party bus? Always thought that sounds fun.

Sky gardens - free if you book in advance
Camden market - fantastic ice cream shop there! ( Hansel and Gretel)
British library - free and a beautiful building
Mercato market Mayfair - market inside a church
Soooo much to do in London!

When my dd was 18 and we went to London I took her for breakfast at The Ivy near London Bridge - gorgeous place and not too expensive.
Also Sketch restaurant just off Oxford street is amazing!!!! Fabulous interiors and the toilets have to be seen to be believed!
Madame Tussaud's is cheesy but so much fun!

thealchemist.uk.com/offers/brunch-london/
The Alchemist for brunch and cocktails.

www.ballieballerson.com/
Ball pit and cocktails

Chinatown
Leicester Square
Covent Garden
Primark in Oxford Street
Harry Potter shop at Kings Cross station

I'm sure some people would love it but please don't do the afternoon tea bus. It's really cramped and stuffy and loud - and it's really not that pleasant to eat while moving....

An 18 year old might like to hang around in Shoreditch - cool shops, markets, bars, street food. It's generally a younger and cooler vibe that might appeal! Camden or Covent Garden would also be cool for a mooch about! Leicester Sq is very touristy and not a very nice part of London, unless you happen to love M&Ms for some reason...

North coat road in Clapham Junction has tones of restaurants and bars - it’s a lovely Saturday afternoon out …. You can spend all day there.

China town / convent garden / Thames clipper town the river / Chinese up the shard for the views over London / hawsmoor for a steak / threatre on Sunday …. The list is endless 🤪

Free museums:

The Victoria & Albert Museum (jewelry room). Nice views if you can get front seats on the 137 double decker bus from Clapham Common, which will take you to Knightsbridge, walk down the Brompton Road, V&A is on the left.

National Gallery on Trafalgar Square (Renaissance paintings in the Sainsbury Wing).

Tate Modern on the South Bank, which is nice to walk along, and there are interesting food trucks.

jewellery

on the right