Flights to London

London is bursting with history, culture, and attractions and the list of things to see and do is endless. Get ready to marvel at ancient palaces, sample world-class cuisine, and enjoy a vibrant and bustling nightlife every night of the week.

Fly with SAS to London Heathrow, and you’ll be ready and raring to begin your holiday feeling relaxed and well rested.

London Heathrow Airport

OCTOBER 2022

From Abba Voyage to innovative Van Gogh art exhibits – we’ve entered a new era of more interactive cultural experiences that incorporate state-of-the-art technological solutions. We’ve listed the best ones in London below.

Fairgame

Fairgame

Are you over 18 but tired of having to live your life like a responsible adult 24/7? Fairgame is the pause button you’ve been waiting for. Imagine an evening with state-of-the-art arcade and carnival games combined with a carefully curated selection of scrumptious street food, alluring cocktails, and locally produced craft beers. If you’re a dessert lover, Candy Street, featuring ice cream from Hackney Gelato and delicious treats like the Prosecco-flavored cotton candy, which Fairgame describes as “the sugar kick from your parents’ nightmares”, will make you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven. They also host theme parties around holidays such as Halloween and Christmas. Fairgame allows you to relive the playful memories of your childhood without neglecting your more refined adult tastes.

Abba Voyage

Abba Voyage

ABBA’s iconic members Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny and Björn never relished the hectic tour schedule that goes part and parcel with international fame. They preferred the studio, where they could concentrate on what they did best, which was to create timeless, popular music beloved by all generations. This hasn’t stopped fans from all over the world from dreaming about the day when they can step onto the stage and sing and dance along with their favorite hits, side-by-side with devoted ABBA fans of all ages (minimum age of 3). Now the wait is finally over! ABBA Voyage is a unique concept that mixes a spectacular light show with cutting edge technology to produce a top-shelf ABBA concert experience. ABBA’s digital avatars strut across the stage (or “the best versions of ourselves” as ABBA’s members would say) and lay it all on the line, delivering a riveting performance on the special stage. You’ll never see a concert like this.

Otherworld

Otherworld

Would you like to discover a new way to hang out with your friends and family? Strap on your VR headset and begin your journey in Hackney, Victoria, or Birmingham, where you’ll board the metaverse portal to Otherworld’s virtual island paradise and enjoy a brave new world full of unique experiences and games. When it’s time to depart on your virtual tour through time and space, you and your friends will each board your own “immersion pod”. This is specially designed to maximize your immersive adventure in the virtual world by correlating what you see and experience through your VR glasses with dynamic temperature, wind, and vibration effects. As you arrive safely on the virtual island, you’re reunited with your party just as if they were standing right next to you in the flesh. Choose your preferred difficulty level, then explore the island’s natural features and solve its challenges either on your own hand or with your group. Among other things, you can set your sights on collecting valuable Dreamcoin (Otherworld’s own currency). These can be exchanged for food and drinks in the bar after the VR experience is over and you’ve returned to the physical world.

Sherlock

The Official Live Game

Can you solve crimes like Sherlock Holmes? Find out whether you and your team can successfully follow leads and clear up mysteries based on elementary logic, just like the iconic detective, in an escape-room concept created by the people behind the acclaimed BBC series. During the adventure, you’ll enjoy exclusive content from stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Andrew Scott in locations you’ll recognize from the TV show. If you’d rather leave the detective work to professionals, there are other ways to journey into Sherlock Holmes’s London. For example, you can put your cocktail-mixing talent to the test or discover the detective’s idea of a refreshing afternoon tea inside the speakeasy bar The Mind Palace.

Van Gogh

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Experience Vincent van Gogh like never before. The 19th century Dutch artist is known for expressionist paintings rife with emotion and discordant colors. Now you have the chance to physically step into van Gogh’s paintings and immerse yourself 360° in his art. This internationally renowned exhibit allows you to experience some of van Gogh’s most famous masterpieces, blown up into larger-than-life animated projections accompanied by a mesmerizing light and motion show. You’ll discover a virtual world based on the actual environments that inspired several of his paintings. Thanks to the cutting-edge technology, you’ll learn more about his life and impact on the art world in an innovative, engaging way. If you feel inspired by the exhibit, you can even explore your own creative genius and donate your “masterpiece” to the exhibit.

Monopoly

Monopoly Lifesized

Move over thimble, hat, and iron, a new game token has arrived in town: you. Play Monopoly, one of the most popular board games in the world, in 4D on Tottenham Court Road in the heart of London. Summon your ultra-competitive friends to a challenging competition on the 15 x 15 m game board. Compete for valuable properties by solving all the mini-challenges along your path – from robbing a bank in Mayfair to solving a shocking murder. This immersive version of Monopoly calls for more than just a little luck with the dice!

NOVEMBER 2023

England’s capital city offers everything from world-class art, music history, charming little cafés, and shopping for fashion enthusiasts. No matter what time of year you visit the city, you can soak in its unique atmosphere and vibe. We’ve put together a list of everything you simply cannot miss during a weekend in London.

Friday

Check In

Start your weekend by checking in at one of London’s many cozy hotels. The city offers something for everyone, but if you’re a fan of historical romance like us, then The Rookery is a real favorite. Situated in an 18th-century building where many of the original features have been preserved, you can relax in the grand library if you fancy a quiet moment to yourself or enjoy breakfast in the conservatory before heading out on an adventure in the city. A slightly more budget-friendly option is the lovely The Pilgrm near Hyde Park.

Vintage Shopping vs. Afternoon Tea

If you’re staying in East London, head to Brick Lane to discover what is perhaps Europe’s best vintage shopping. The small shops here, as well as Brick Lane Vintage Market, sell everything from runway pieces by England’s late fashion legend Vivienne Westwood to a pair of well-worn Dr. Martens.

For a more sophisticated experience, enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic Fortnum & Mason department store. Take the opportunity to browse the fantastic selection of teas, and perhaps buy some to take home to your loved ones.

Dinner

For the longest time, people from all corners of the world have left their mark on England in general, and London in particular, which is reflected in the culinary scene. End your first day in London with a meal at Dishoom, which offers authentic, high-quality Indian cuisine. The restaurant has several locations throughout the city.

Saturday

Charming Primrose Hill

Take the tube to Primrose Hill—considered by many to be one of the most beautiful parts of London and perfect for discovering on foot. Start at Chalk Farm Underground Station and head toward Primrose Hill Road. As it’s Saturday, you’ll soon come across the fantastic food market. If you haven’t had breakfast yet, now’s your chance. Also pick up some zero-waste kombucha or handmade chocolates and roses.

Then head to Regent’s Park Road and Gloucester Avenue for a little local shopping. Here, you’ll find plenty of small shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs—including the cupcake heaven that is Primrose Hill Bakery.

You’ll also come across the picturesque blue bookshop Primrose Hill Books. Browse the shelves and pick up the latest title from one of the area’s local authors, such as Kamila Shamsie or Alan Bennett.

Photo: Unsplash

Dinner

After a day on foot, try the seasonal menu at the wonderful Andrew Edmunds Restaurant in Soho, which has operated for 30 years in an 18th-century townhouse. The tables, which are always lit by candles and reminiscent of old London, are perfect for an intimate date, either with yourself and a sketchbook or with your partner. The menu features hearty salads, monkfish with nduja, or whole roasted quail, along with a wine list that is as classic as it is well selected.

Sunday

Modern art at the Tate Modern

Sunday morning is the perfect time to visit the Tate Modern and its astonishing collection of art. The building—the former Bankside Power Station—is an experience in itself, a remarkable marriage of old and new.

The Tate Modern’s permanent collection offers more than enough to those who haven’t visited before, featuring artists like Louise Bourgeois and Jenny Holzer, but be sure to check whether any of the ongoing exhibitions pique your interest—if so, booking in advance is recommended.

Sunday Roast

After the museum comes the Sunday roast. A visit to London is not complete without one, and the perfect place to enjoy one lies within walking distance of the Tate Modern: Roast, right above Borough Market. Lamb, chicken, or vegetarian—the choice is yours. All menus come with Yorkshire puddings and all the other traditional trimmings, of course.

SEPTEMBER 2023

It’s not hard to find great hotels in London. The hard part is choosing one. Do you want modern design or old-school British charm? Would you like to stay in trendy Shoreditch or would you rather be as central as possible? Our selection of hotels has something for every traveler.

Boutique

Historic opulence

The Rookery

Staying at The Rookery is like traveling back in time to historic London. At this beautiful and opulent retreat, carved wood headboards (or four-poster beds), ornate mirrors, embroidered bed linens and stone busts set the mood. But step outside and you’re in modern Clerkenwell, a stone’s throw from Smithfield Market. The Rookery has an intimate, almost secretive ambiance—perfect for going all in on traditional Britishness.

Just like home

Artist Residence London

If boutique means bespoke, then Artist Residence really does take this concept all the way. This hotel feels as close to home as you can possibly get—if your home is exquisitely decorated and comes with around-the-clock service. While each of the ten rooms is independently decorated, what they have in common is that they feel both personal and creative. Close to Chelsea and Tate Britain, you’ll find yourself nestled in the heart of West London. The hotel also has a lovely bar and restaurant where you can socialize with other guests in a cozy atmosphere.

Made for romance

The Portobello Hotel

Beautiful Notting Hill has long been a place where a bohemian attitude meets a sense of luxury, and The Portobello Hotel fits this bill perfectly. The hotel is perfect for romantic weekend getaways with your significant other—legend has it that Johnny Depp and Kate Moss filled a bathtub with champagne when they stayed here. It also has strong links to show business and fashion (see Depp and Moss), so don’t be surprised if you bump into a face you recognize here.

For design lovers

Henrietta Hotel

Just off Covent Garden, the French hotel chain Experimental Group has opened its first hotel in London. With 40 guest rooms, the Henrietta Hotel combines a touch of British heritage with tasteful Italian design to create a calm and cozy haven in hectic central London. At the hotel’s Da Henrietta restaurant, you can enjoy fresh pasta dishes made with the finest ingredients before heading out into the vibrant London night.

Luxury

East meets west

The Prince Akatoki

Japanese hospitality is the guiding principle at The Prince Akatoki, while mindfulness and inner peace are also important hallmarks of the entire hotel experience. “Akatoki” is an ancient Japanese expression meaning “dawn,” which perfectly encapsulates the serenity of the hotel’s elegant, minimalist rooms. When you feel like making your way out into the big city, you’re just a short walk from Oxford Street and luxury shopping in Mayfair. And of course, a selection of Japanese whiskies awaits you at the hotel bar.

Sophisticated hangout

The London EDITION

When The London EDITION first opened, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, Berners Tavern, quickly became London’s hottest hangout. Since then, the hotel has cemented its position as one of the best places to stay in London. The rooms feature sophisticated decoration in neutral tones with wood paneling and floors. With an address in Fitzrovia, near Soho, The London EDITION is the perfect base for those seeking culture, shopping, nightlife and luxury dining.

Luxury with a view

Shangri-La The Shard

London has a multitude of luxury hotels, but only one can offer the spectacular views of Shangri-La The Shard. The hotel is located inside London’s tallest skyscraper—it starts on the 34th floor and occupies 18 more. Here, you can wake up to the sunrise, have a hotel breakfast, take a dip in the hotel’s sky pool on the 52nd floor or enjoy a five-course meal at the restaurant TĪNG with glorious views of the capital city far below.

London’s first luxury hotel

The Savoy

When Guccio Gucci was working at The Savoy, he was inspired to start making luxury leather products for the aristocracy of the time and went on to found the Italian luxury brand Gucci. The hotel, which opened in 1889, was London’s first luxury hotel. After a full renovation, completed in 2010, the hotel was updated to meet today’s standards. The rooms are decorated in a traditional British style with a modern touch, and many offer views of the Thames. Clearly, the hotel enjoys one of the best locations in the city. After a long day, you can relax at the American Bar, the oldest cocktail bar in the city.

Budget

Tasteful and central

The Judd Hotel

The charming Judd Hotel is located in Bloomsbury on a side street full of Georgian architecture, just a stone’s throw from both King’s Cross St. Pancras and Euston stations. The decor is fresh and tasteful, and the hotel overlooks tennis courts and a garden, which are also available to guests. With its central location, the Judd Hotel is perfect for attending a musical at a theater in the West End or visiting the nearby British Museum.

100 percent London

citizenM Tower of London

Perhaps more affordable than budget, the citizenM chain focuses on a spectacular hotel experience with a high-end design factor—but without the price tag. The recently opened citizenM Tower of London hotel is no exception. As its name suggests, it is located right beside one of London’s main tourist attractions. The decor is playfully British, mixing paintings by Julian Opie with images of Queen Elizabeth II and cushions depicting the Scottish and British flags. Your smartly decorated room offers views of both the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Does it get any more London than that?

Trendy mix

The Pilgrm Hotel

Right by Paddington station, in the classic Bayswater hotel district, you’ll find this cute hotel. The decor is a trendy mix of exposed brick walls, retro signage and industrial details, while the rooms are decorated simply and tastefully with wood panels with neutral shades. You’ll be close to both Marble Arch and Hyde Park. If you’d like to do some shopping at Portobello Market, Notting Hill is just a short hop away. The Pilgrm Hotel also features a small, sunny outdoor terrace where you can relax with a cup of coffee.

APRIL 2022

Liverpool Street in London may well be best-known for its giant station, but scratch under the surface and the area has a great deal more to discover, from 3,000 excavated skeletons to impressive Roman ruins. One of many interesting walks in London.

Get the view

Duck & Waffle

Get the best city views from the top of the Heron Tower on Bishopsgate. For access, you’ll have to book a table at one of the restaurants. Duck & Waffle on the 40th floor, is open 24 hours.

Cross over to Brushfield Street for a whirl around Spitalfields Market, where young fashion designers and craftspeople set up under the Victorian glass ceiling. To the west of the marketplace, a glass platform looks down into a medieval charnel house, while to the east is the elegant spire of Christ Church, a Nicholas Hawksmoor masterpiece.

Artists' favorite

St John Bread and Wine

St John Bread and Wine sits between two glorious old pubs, made famous by artists like Tracey Emin who used to live nearby. It’s also a top place for a bowl of mussels or roast-game lunch, everything served with local greens and aromatic sauces. Even if it’s busy, you can usually squeeze into a place at the bar.

Wind your way around Fournier, Wilkes and Princelet Streets, where the preserved Georgian townhouses and black-iron gas lamps hark back to Spitalfields’ Huguenot community. When the French Protestant exiles arrived in the 1600s, they worked here as silk weavers, several families to a house. Eventually Irish, Jewish and Bengali communities replaced them, before affluent professionals discovered the neighborhood.

Loop back to Worship Street past the Amazon headquarters and on your right, the residential tower The Stage overlooks the spot where Shakespeare first staged Romeo & Juliet

The quiet streets north of the station come alive with clubs and cocktail bars at night. But for now, follow them to City Road and the leafy entrance to Bunhill Fields – remarkably calm behind all those double-decker buses. Rest your legs on the bench facing the cenotaph of poet William Blake, and try to recall England’s favorite hymn, Jerusalem.

Local gins

Old Tom’s

You won’t go thirsty here at the heart of financial London. Join the throngs at Old Tom’s, a Victorian basement tavern with a line in local gins and abundant charcuterie boards.

Round off with a pint

Dirty Dick’s

Finish your walk across the road from where you started – in the wood-paneled parlor of Dirty Dick’s, named for the poor soul who lived here in squalor after the death of his fiancée in the 18th century.

Do you want to travel in even more comfort? You can always upgrade your SAS flight ticket to the next travel class. This gives you access to fast track, priority boarding and meals & snacks onboard.

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SAS operates from Terminal 2, also known as The Queen's Terminal. As the most modern terminal at Heathrow, it offers short walking distances and highly efficient security and baggage processes. Terminal 2 provides direct access to the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line, allowing you to reach central London in minutes. For those traveling in Premium, the terminal also offers access to award-winning partner lounges.

Landing at Heathrow gives you several efficient options. For maximum speed, the Heathrow Express takes you to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. If you prefer a direct route to the heart of the city, the Elizabeth Line stops at central hubs like Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, providing easy connections to Victoria Station and the rest of the city. You can pay for all these journeys simply by "tapping" your contactless bank card or mobile device at the ticket barriers.

London is now almost entirely a cashless city, and you can get by perfectly with your standard bank card or mobile payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay) everywhere. From independent coffee shops to major department stores and the entire public transport network, contactless payments are the standard. Carrying large amounts of cash is rarely necessary and can be more expensive due to exchange fees.