Music of the Spheres in London: What to Know

Coldplay is back and ready to light up the iconic Wembley Stadium in London with their record-breaking Music of the Spheres World Tour. After a spectacular European leg in 2024, their return to the city promises even more incredible nights full of energy, music, and breathtaking visuals. If you plan to make the most of your trip, you’ll want a guide to help you navigate the excitement. From the concert venue to the best things to do in London, restaurants, and hotels, we’ve got everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience. Check it out!

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About the concert venue: Wembley Stadium

• Address: London HA9 0WS, United Kingdom; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour is returning to Wembley Stadium- – in London this August and September, with shows on August 22, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31, and September 3 and 4. The band promises an incredible experience with their music, stunning visuals, and a message of sustainability, all in one of the world’s most famous venues.

With 90,000 seats, Wembley is the largest stadium in the UK and a landmark for sports and entertainment. Its iconic 133-meter arch is visible across London, and modern features like a sliding roof and upgraded sound system make it the perfect spot for unforgettable events. 

Bag policy

Wembley Stadium restricts the size and type of bags fans can bring to ensure all fans’ safety and comfort. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare before your visit.

Each person can bring one small bag, no larger than A4 size:

• Height: 297mm (11.7 inches)
• Width: 210mm (8.27 inches)
• Depth: 210mm (8.27 inches)
• Note: The total bag size is what counts, so folded or half-full bags that exceed these dimensions won’t be accepted. Bags that don’t meet these requirements will not be allowed into the stadium.

Best Things to Do in London

You may head to London mainly for Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres concert, but why not make the most of your trip and explore some of the city’s incredible attractions? Here’s a list of must-see highlights to enhance your visit:

Grab Some Delicious Bites at Borough Market

• Location: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Social media: Official website. Official Instagram. Official Facebook.

If you’re a foodie, Borough Market is a spot you can’t miss! This buzzing market is packed with food stalls and restaurants offering endless options. Sure, it gets crowded, but that’s part of the fun—browsing, tasting, and soaking up the lively vibes makes it unique.

What’s excellent about Borough Market is the variety. You’ll find everything from classic British dishes to flavors from around the world, like French, Indian, and Ethiopian. Plus, it’s not just about the food—it’s been around for nearly 1,000 years, making it London’s oldest food market. Whether you’re here for the eats or the history, Borough Market is always a good time!

Take a ride at the London Eye

• Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

This giant Ferris wheel stands 135 meters tall and offers stunning city views. A ride on the London Eye is a chance to see London’s famous landmarks from above and a romantic experience with your partner.

The ride lasts about 30 minutes and moves slowly at 0.9 km per hour, so you can enjoy the view relaxedly. It’s the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel, giving 360-degree views up to 25 kilometers in every direction. If you’re in London, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Visit the Iconic Buckingham Palace

• Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
• Entry Fee: £20 to £32 (Adults); £16 (Children from 5 to 17)

Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous landmarks and the official home of the British Royal Family. It has been the royal residence since 1837, though the building dates back to 1703. Initially built for the Duke of Buckingham, the palace boasts an impressive 775 rooms, including 52 Royal and guest rooms, 19 State rooms, 78 bathrooms, and 92 offices for the King.

Inside, you’ll find priceless antiques, sculptures, and paintings, making it a must-see for anyone interested in history and art. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful 39-acre garden, home to over 1,000 trees, 30 species of breeding birds, and 325 types of wild plants. 

Check in at London Tower Bridge

• Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: The Tower Bridge’s regular opening hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
• Social media: Official website. Official Instagram.

Next, head to Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks.  It’s a bascule bridge which can lift to allow ships to pass underneath. The bridge is raised about 800 times a year, so if you want to see it in action, check their website to see when it will lift next.

You can also walk across the bridge’s glass walkway, which gives you a fantastic view of the city below. If you’re up for more, climb the tower for some great views of London, or explore the engine rooms to learn how the bridge used to work. The architecture of Tower Bridge is still impressive, making it a fascinating place to visit.

Explore Kew Gardens

• Location: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE, United Kingdom.
• Open hours: Kew Gardens’ hours change by month. Check their website for updates.
• Social media: Official website. Official Instagram. Official Facebook.

Kew Gardens is a must-visit if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from London’s hustle and bustle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the largest living plant collection in the world, with over 50,000 plants. The gardens also host events and workshops, which you can check out on their website before visiting.

In addition to beautiful gardens, Kew has a kid’s playground, a Japanese garden, several greenhouses, and even an outdoor cinema. Plus, there are on-site restaurants to satisfy your hunger while you explore. With so much to offer, Kew Gardens is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Visit Harry Potter Studios

• Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

If you grew up watching the Harry Potter movies or reading the books, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter is a must-see. You can walk through real-life sets from the films, explore interactive displays, and see original costumes and props. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how special effects were created for iconic scenes. Plus, there are shops where you can pick up Harry Potter merchandise and souvenirs, like replica wands.

Immerse in art at Tate Modern

• Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: Opens every day from 10 am till 6 pm.
• Social media: Official website. Official Instagram.

If you’re into art, Tate Modern is worth a visit. It’s one of the most incredible places in London for modern and contemporary art, with everything from paintings to sculptures and installations. You’ll find works by famous artists from famous artists like Picasso, Dali, and Warhol, as well as new, exciting pieces. The museum is vast, so there’s always something new. And the building, an old power station, is pretty impressive too.

Tate Modern is free to enter, but special exhibitions require tickets. It can get crowded on weekends, so visiting on a weekday is best if you want a quieter experience. With over 5 million visitors yearly, Tate Modern is worth a stop!

Best Restaurants and Cafes in London

Mambow

• Address:  78 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0RN
• Open hours: Wed – Fri 17:30 – 22:30 | Sat 12:00 – 15:00 & 17:30 – 22:30
• Social media:  Instagram | Official website

This modern Malaysian restaurant moved from a Peckham food market to Clapton in 2023. Chef-owner Abby Lee creates flavorful dishes served in a casual, welcoming style that’s as beautiful as they are delicious.

For a standout dish, try the charcoal-grilled sardines served with pomelo and fried shallot salad, a recipe inspired by Abby’s grandmother.

Dim Sum Duck

• Address:  124 King’s Cross Rd, London WC1X 9DS
• Open hours: 12:00–17:00, 18:00–22:00 daily 
• Social media: Instagram

This Cantonese restaurant in King’s Cross is always buzzing, and it’s easy to see why. The food is delicious and a favorite among London’s foodies.

If you’re there, try the razor clams with garlic, vermicelli noodles, and a savory broth. Their prawn dumplings and xiaolongbao soup dumplings are also must-tries, as are classic dishes like roast duck and beef ho fun.

St. John

• Address: 26 St. John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY
• Open hours: 12:00 – 22:15 Mon to Sat | 12:00 – 15:30 on Sunday
• Social media: Website

St. John is the OG of nose-to-tail dining in London, which opened in 1994. With its Michelin star, it doesn’t make a big fuss but instead focuses on serving up classic British food with heaps of character. The vibe is laid-back, and the St John bar is a great spot to pop into if you want a casual bite with a chance to people-watch.

If you’re there, don’t miss the roast bone marrow & parsley salad and the gooey cheese rarebit – they’re total must-haves and show off what St John does best.

The Clove Club

• Address:  Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT
• Open hours: Lunch Wed-Sat, 12:00 – 13:30 and Tue, 17th Dec & Sun, 22nd Dec | Dinner
• Mon – Sat, 18:30 – 20:30
• Social media: Official Website

The Clove Club in Shoreditch has been serving some of the best British food in London since 2013. Known for its Michelin-starred tasting menu, this place offers a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting tucked away in the old Shoreditch Town Hall. It’s perfect for a special occasion with seasonal ingredients and expertly crafted dishes.

The menu changes regularly, but you can expect delicious dishes like Orkney scallops with potato butter sauce and mackerel sashimi with heritage cucumbers. Treat yourself to caramel chocolate with speculoos or caramel ice cream with coffee meringue for dessert.

Farm Girl

• Location: 59a Portobello Road, W11 3DB, London, England.
• Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Social media: Official website. Official Instagram.

Farm Girl is a cozy café with a rustic vibe and vintage furniture. Its main branch is in Notting Hill, but it has a few locations in London.

 They serve delicious, healthy food like avocado toast and chia pudding, as well as many drink options like coffee, tea, and specialty lattes like turmeric and matcha. Everything’s made with fresh, organic ingredients, so it’s a great choice if you’re into wellness. And don’t forget to snap a pic for your Insta while you’re there!

Grind Cafe

• Location: 2 London Bridge. London, United Kingdom, SE1 9RA.
• Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. |  Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. | Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. | Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. | Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Social media: Official website. Official Instagram.

Grind is one of London’s most famous cafés, and it’s easy to see why. With over ten branches around the city, their daily freshly roasted coffee is a treat. The food is just as impressive, especially the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and Sweet Potato Harissa Cakes. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or looking to settle in and work, Grind has got you covered with a cozy and unique atmosphere at every location.

Grind stands out not only for its coffee and food but also for its cool, Instagram-worthy decor. Each café has its vibe, but they all share a playful pink theme, perfect for those who love a bit of color in their surroundings.

Flat White

• Location: 17 Berwick Street, London, United Kingdom, W1F 0PT.
• Opening hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Social media: Official website. Official Instagram.

Flat White is a hidden gem in London, offering fantastic coffee and a cozy atmosphere. Although it’s a small café, its quality makes up for it. Due to its popularity, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.

The secret behind their great coffee lies in their top-quality beans and skilled baristas. Their avocado bagels are a must-try if you’re in the mood for something delicious. With its dark décor, Flat White provides a warm and inviting space. Established in 2005, this Australian café has stood the test of time, and it’s worth checking out!

Best Hotels to Stay during the Music of the Spheres in London

For the Music of the Spheres concert at Wembley Stadium – London, it’s good to know that finding a place to stay nearby can be tricky. Prices go up when significant events happen, so booking early is wise. Here’s a list of some of the best places to stay, whether you want to be just a short walk away or a quick tube ride from the stadium. This way, you can enjoy the event and quickly return to your hotel afterward.

Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium hotel

The Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium hotel is a 10-minute walk from Wembley Stadium, perfect for a concert or event. You’re also close to the OVO Arena Wembley and the London Designer Outlet if you’re in the mood for shopping. The rooms are spacious, and if you’re lucky enough to get a room on the higher floors, you’ll have a great view of the stadium.

The hotel has a comfortable, modern vibe, with Hypnos mattresses for a great night’s sleep. For food, you can enjoy a meal at Thyme, the hotel’s restaurant, where kids can eat for free. While check-ins can sometimes take a while, and noise might be an issue, the convenience and location make it a solid choice for your stay near the stadium.

Hilton London Wembley

This is another excellent choice for staying near the stadium. The hotel entrance is just 10 meters from Wembley Arena across the road. The rooms are comfy, with a seating area and work desk. It’s also close to the London Designer Outlet for shopping.

You can enjoy British cuisine at The Association restaurant or grab a drink at the Icons bar and grill. The hotel also has a rooftop bar, Sky Bar 9, and facilities like an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a 24-hour gym.

Novotel London Wembley

For attending a concert, this hotel is a 10/10 choice. It’s surrounded by everything you need — supermarkets, food options, and shopping, and the station is less than a 5-minute walk away. It’s a 10-minute walk to the stadium along the bustling Olympic Way.

The hotel features 235 sleek, spacious rooms spread across ten floors, many offering views of Wembley Stadium. You can enjoy a 24-hour fitness suite and room service, but most guests prefer dining downstairs at Elements, an international restaurant, or checking out the food stalls at Boxpark Wembley. If you’re staying longer, there are suites with kitchenettes, and families will love that kids under 16 stay and eat for free.

Ibis London Wembley

The Ibis London Wembley is less than 500 meters from Wembley Stadium and just a 10-minute walk from Wembley Arena. The hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms, some featuring great city views. All rooms have tea/coffee facilities, a work desk, and a TV with Freeview channels.

For dining, the Ibis has an à la carte restaurant with a varied evening menu. You can also enjoy drinks and snacks 24/7 at the sports bar, which features a large-screen TV. The hotel’s location is excellent for exploring London, with a short tube ride to Baker Street and Marylebone, and Notting Hill is just a 15-minute drive away. Plus, the M1 motorway is only 10 minutes by car.

In conclusion, Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres concert in London is shaping to be one of the year’s most significant events, and you definitely won’t want to miss it! To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to plan. Check the weather, book your accommodations in advance, and explore some must-see spots in London. With some prep, you’re all set for a fantastic time at Wembley!