Between meetings:

You’ve come to London for a day or two, and most of your time is taken up with work. But if you’re trying to eke out an opportunity to tackle your to-do list, don’t fret: a one-hour lunch break, or snatched time between meetings provides the perfect excuse to explore. Below are ten suggestions that should be on every business traveller’s itinerary.

The Victoria & Albert Museum

Those who are convening for meetings in West London can skip out on their lunch break to the V&A, one of London’s most popular museums. Free tours are offered every day at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm. Meet at the Grand Entrance for a quick cultural dip.

Free lectures at University College London

Though your university days might be long gone, it’s never too late to sit in on a lecture and pick up something new. Every Tuesday and Thursday, UCL hosts free lunch hour lectures from 1:15-1:55 PM, covering topics as diverse as the science of laughter to 1960s cinema.

Shoreditch Grind

Those who flock to London’s tech hub at Old Street won’t want to miss Shoreditch Grind, a sleek, circular café that serves some of the city’s best artisanal coffee. For those seeking something a bit harder, it’s also known for its cocktails, many of which are coffee-based, naturally.

City of London Distillery

The three-martini lunch may largely be a vestige of the past, but those looking to unwind the old fashioned way should stop by City of London Distillery. Located down a narrow staircase off of Fleet Street, the pint-sized distillery serves its house gin, as well as hundreds of others, at its in-house bar. Not a bad way to blow off steam.

St James’s Park

Fresh air, exercise, and greenery: the perfect way to decompress. The oldest of London’s Royal Parks, St James’s is located conveniently near to Westminster and offers pretty views, a scenic lake, and plenty of lush spots in which to power nap.

Concerts at St. Martin in the Fields

Several times a week, St. Martin in the Fields hosts free lunchtime concerts that showcase top talents in classical music. From flautist Rosanna Ter-Berg to Russian cellist Mikhail Lezden, the concerts cover an array of genres and time periods. The building itself is a historic destination, dating to 1726.

Liberty

Founded in 1875, the inimitable Liberty offers some of London’s finest shopping. Conveniently situated on Regent Street, the department store is housed in an old Tudor-style building and specialises in trademark Liberty print goods (including everything from notepads to clothing), avant-garde designer fashion, and top quality homeware.

City of London Walking Tours

In lieu of an aimless stroll, brush up on your history during one of the lunchtime walking tours offered by City of London Guides. From Roman London – The City Beneath Our Feet to Smithfield’s Bloody History, learn all about London’s hidden corners.

Borough Market

A magnet for local and visiting foodies, Borough Market is only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays but regularly attracts hordes of gourmands. From artisan cheeses to elegant tapas and wine bars, the market truly has something for everyone.