What to See in London in 2 Days

Planning a short visit to London and not sure what to meet? I've created the perfect 2 days in London itinerary: everything y'all need to know to plan the perfect trip.

As a built-in and bred Londoner, it tin can exist too like shooting fish in a barrel to accept my hometown for granted. Buckingham Palace – been there, done that. London Center? Literally used to work there.

For someone who loves my hometown, I was close to condign a little bit (dare I say it?)… jaded.

Utterly ridiculous right? I agree. So I decided to fix the state of affairs and spend 2 days in London like a tourist.

The effect? IMHO the best London itinerary that y'all tin go your hands on.

If yous're planning your trip to the city and wondering what to do in London in 2 days, hold it right at that place. Put your comfortable walking shoes on and prepare yourself for this perfectly storming bout of gritty, grimy, beautiful London,

PS… Have even less time? Here's my guide to exploring London in ane twenty-four hours.

Here's a sneak preview of what to await from your two days in London…

2 Days in London Itinerary

Day I

10am – Hyde Park

Start your two days in London in Hyde Park, one of London'south Royal Parks and my 2nd favourite London park (the beginning is St James's Park – don't worry, nosotros'll pop in in that location subsequently).

I love visiting Hyde Park in the morn – it somehow feels so utterly quaint. Low-key celebrity joggers, dog walkers with some of London's most pampered pooches in well-ordered clusters at heel, a few aggressive souls swimming in the Serpentine (the lake in the middle of the park).

Information technology'due south a nice manner to introduce yous to London – relish some peace and quiet while you lot tin can, you're about to enter the fray.

Later on Hyde Park, cross over to walk through Green Park and over to Buckingham Palace.

11am – Irresolute of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

I hateful, you tin't take a trip to London and not visit old Queenie at Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace is equally as large and ostentatious every bit yous'd expect for the official residence of the monarch. I mean, it's all a bit embarrassing really, 775 rooms (no, that's non a typo) including 188 bedrooms for the staff lone and 78 bathrooms in case you lot were wondering.

You tin visit the Country Rooms during the summer months (I think they're a bit overrated, to be honest. Liz isn't letting the general public anywhere near the good stuff for love nor coin) or satisfy yourself by taking a million pictures of the palace'southward outside.

Anyway, we're not really here to visit Buckingham Palace. We're here to come across something much more than exciting. The Changing of the Guard.

The Changing of the Guard is officially when The Queen'south Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James'south Palace to the New Baby-sit. Whatever that means…

In reality, it's a glorious display of slightly ridiculous but iconic tradition as the guards strut (pitiful, march) effectually in their bright scarlet tunics and skyscraper bearskin hats, accompanied by music.

Unfortunately, the powers that be don't call up we could bargain with the excitement of the Changing of the Baby-sit every day, so it only takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in the winter months, though it is daily during the summertime months. Days and times can change or be cancelled. Cheque earlier you go.

Nosotros've simply about got time to popular into St James's Park for a little stroll.

Sandwiched between Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and Equus caballus Guards Parade, St James's Park is a petty bit of bliss in primal London.

If you had more time, I'd suggest y'all plop yourself down on ane of the benches with an ice cream and soak up the idyllic setting. But y'all don't. So onwards we go.

12pm – Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Large Ben

Can I make a confession?

I hadn't actually visited Westminster Abbey until recently. Walked past information technology? A 1000000 times. Actually fabricated the effort to go within? Nope. Westminster was for tourists.

Turns out I was missing a lot.

Westminster Abbey dates dorsum to 1245 in its present form and the site has been the country'due south coronation church building (when the monarch is officially crowned) since 1066. It's also one of the about spectacular gothic buildings in the UK – make sure you have plenty of space on your memory card.

I'm not that bothered about seeing the graves of by monarchs, simply you shouldn't miss Poet's Corner, where some of the nation's leading literary figures are buried or commemorated.

On a slightly less macabre note, popular out of Westminster Abbey and cross the route to encounter the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster.

The Houses of Parliament is the seat of British authorities, and another pretty impressive Gothic building also. Information technology's not hard to imagine the cogs of politics running their course in the depths of this grand old building.

The Houses of Parliament are also famous for their role in the notorious gunpowder plot, when Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby and a band of Catholic dissenters tried to accident upwardly the Houses of Parliament and the so king, James I.

Didn't work out so well for them, but it was the inspiration for our much-loved Fireworks Night, so they've fabricated their mark in the history books in one mode.

Big Ben is perched next to the Houses of Parliament (well, actually it'due south a part of the Palace of Westminster besides).

I should warn you that Big Ben is currently undergoing some serious renovations for the next couple of years… you lot can still see 1 of the clock faces, only it's not quite the 'gram opportunity y'all'd hope for.

Nevermind, it gives you lot a groovy excuse to come back in a couple of years right?

2pm – Lunch at The Cinnamon Society

Y'all've been working hard. All that walking, paying attention, dodging the angry Londoners stalking the pavement. It's really hard piece of work – I get information technology. Time to treat yourself to luncheon at The Cinnamon Club.

The Cinnamon Gild is 1 of my favourite restaurants in London for one reason. Because it serves fabulous food. You lot have not TASTED a curry until yous've had it there. This isn't one of your greasy spoon, slop it on a plate kind of curry. This is high-end Indian dining in a pretty swanky setting.

Its close proximity to the Houses of Parliament ways information technology's not unusual to spot a politico or two either. You'll be too busy savouring your food to care.

4pm – Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery

At present that yous're rested and refreshed, information technology's fourth dimension to accept on another ane of the city'south iconic landmarks on your London itinerary: Trafalgar Square.

This large public square sits at the finish of Whitehall, the proud home of Nelson'south Column and the National Gallery.

Trafalgar Foursquare is at the heart of the cardinal London community. For me, it's filled with the memories of Christmases past – bright lights and a dazzling tree, and of and then many events it'southward hard to keep rails.

In that location's pretty much always something going on at Trafalgar Foursquare: Ashes victory celebrations, live screenings from the nearby Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, alive performances from West End productions – check the calendar to see what'due south on.

The National Gallery couldn't be more of a contrast to the busy square – there's something so peaceful about leaving the crowds and the racket to step into the domicile of our national art drove. It's busy, of course, but in that shuffling and muted manner typical of almost galleries.

I've always loved the National Gallery, even when I was knee-high and most other galleries bored me to tears.

Masterpiece later on masterpiece, you can walk through the history of art in the course of a few hours. And all for gratis (good fourth dimension to note that most of London's museums and galleries are gratuitous – though you need to pay to enter any special exhibitions).

Read More: The Insider'south Guide to Visiting Trafalgar Square

7pm – The London Eye

For full disclosure, I used to piece of work at the London Eye. I gorged myself silly at the age of 17 on all the free rides, my face pressed against the drinking glass while I soaked up the far-reaching views down the river Thames.

It felt like adequate payback for a catamenia in life in which my most used words were "How many tickets" and "Toilets are to the left and downwards the stairs".

Turns out there really is too much of a skillful thing though. I've never been able to confront going on the damned thing once again.

Nonetheless. Unless y'all have been on there umpteenth times, I'd be remiss if I didn't add it to your London 2 day itinerary.

If yous can time your visit for dusk, the sight of dusk falling over the city from up loftier, bathing the river and the buildings in its rosy hues is something of a eye-warming spectacle.

In addition to the verging on rip-off normal priced tickets, you can also book all kinds of VIP tickets and even rent a private capsule to yourself. If I'g frank, I'd salvage my coin for something amend (like cocktails!) – paying nearly £25 ($35) for a 30 infinitesimal spin seems steep enough.

Time to hop on the Tube. Walk to Waterloo and have the Bakerloo Line (the brown line) to Oxford Circus station.

8pm – Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Foursquare

Controversial opinion alert. Don't bother going shopping on Oxford Street. If you've always been to a high street I can guarantee you that you've seen what it's got to offer. In fact, I would say don't bother with Oxford Street at all.

Withal, I know that y'all won't believe me until yous've seen it for yourself. Just don't blame me when you become trampled past a hoard of camera-touting cowboys who flatten y'all to the pavement without any sign of realising you fifty-fifty exist.

One time yous're done with that funfair/ circus/ inner circle of hell, take yourself downwards Regent's Street to some other one of London's big landmarks Piccadilly Circus. Usa Londoners have got a niggling bit of a bit on our shoulder because information technology'due south non quite equally absurd as Times Square. But you can't miss it on your London trip, chip or no flake.

Next up is Leicester Foursquare. DON'T eat annihilation, purchase anything or drink anything in Leicester Foursquare – it's almost certainly going to be shit and overpriced. I'g sad, just information technology's the cold, hard truth.

I could extend this to saying don't get to Leicester Square, merely that seems churlish. It'due south dwelling to a ridiculous number of cinemas, so it's definitely a winner if you lot want to go to watch a flick. Only nosotros've got bigger and ameliorate plans so we volition wave adieu.

9pm – Cocktails and Dinner at Bob Bob Ricard in Soho

I hope you've been saving your pennies because it's fourth dimension to splurge them on the almost ridiculously expert meal you can eat in London.

Welcome, my friends, to Bob Bob Ricard.

This Russian-European restaurant combines Belle-Epoque style, loftier-terminate food (my god, the lobster is so succulent, you'll dream about information technology for weeks), smashing cocktails and some natty dining booths with actual buttons yous can printing for champagne. It'south exactly what you want and deserve to recuperate after your decorated day.

Desire to know more? Read my full review of Bob Bob Ricard now .

11pm – Tardily nighttime cocktails at the Hix Bar, Soho

OK, so I volition confess. I dear a cocktail. Oh, you practise as well? I knew nosotros were meant to be friends.

Soho is not brusk of a cocktail bar or 2 and about of them are actually pretty good likewise. Simply if you simply want the best, Marker's Bar is the place to go.

I'g a big fan of Mark Hix's restaurants and, if you had more time, I'd definitely recommend eating in 1 of them during your London stay….

But you lot don't and then y'all will take to make exercise with perfectly-executed, devilishly sippable cocktails instead. Life is difficult. Suck it up. Merely not too many cocktails though, yous're only halfway through your 2 days in London and you need your energy for tomorrow… not a stinking hangover.

Read Next: The Best Bars in Soho

Day Two

9am – The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Information technology's an early start today guys and I'm sorry. Kind of. Turns out the list of things y'all must see in London in 2 days is pretty long.

I'm a big laic in early starts (blame it on my begetter who would always get everywhere about 5 hours early to crush the crowds), so here we are at the Tower of London at 9am, coffee in hand, eyelids propped open.

The Belfry of London is intrinsically linked with London'southward history. The majuscule's castle, many of the land'southward high and mighty have been imprisoned within its walls – perhaps most famously Elizabeth I during her one-half sister Mary I's reign.

The Tower of London has a pretty gruesome by, as the listing of people executed at that place attests. It'southward not all doom and gloom though, it's also the site of more pleasant relics and traditions, including the Crown Jewels and the strangely attired Beefeaters.

Simply a few paces away from The Tower of London, you'll come to some other of London'due south icons: Tower Bridge. The neo-Gothic Bridge has been raising its ramparts to allow tall ships to pass since 1894.

The bridge is also rumoured to be the subject field of a rather amusing cock-up: information technology'due south said that an American tycoon Robert McCulloch accidentally purchased the much less impressive London Bridge rather than the intended Tower Bridge and had information technology shipped all the way to Arizona in the 1960s.

Unfortunately, it looks like this is a vicious rumour and that McCulloch had always intended to buy London Bridge, merely it'due south a fun story nevertheless.

Archway to the Tower of London Experience is included in the London Laissez passer.

Read more: Cool but Crazy Facts About London

10am – The Shard

From the old to the new. If you haven't heard the hype, The Shard is the tallest building in London, so it should come as no surprise that it's one of the best places to see London in its full glory and must run into for London in 2 days.

The rather unimaginatively named The View From The Shard feel boasts views of up to 40 miles from levels 69 and 72 of the building.

The Shard was relatively controversial when it was built, with many claiming it would ruin London'southward skyline. At present that you lot've seen it you can weigh in on the still smouldering debate.

Entrance to The View from the Shard is included in the London Pass

Read More: Cool Things to do in and around London Bridge

11am – Borough Market for Brunch

Borough Market place is the city's best-known nutrient market and handily located just downwardly the road from The Shard.

I sincerely hope that you are hungry: the marketplace's been feeding the upper-case letter in some shape or form since the 12th century and they're pretty damned good at information technology at present. Information technology'southward an unmissable cease, even if you are only whizzing effectually London in 2 days.

I'll let you make your heed upwards about how y'all feel near eating the gloriously cheesy batter that is raclette at 11am in the morning time – let's face it, you merely live one time and information technology'due south so adept that it would exist rude non to. Won you over?

Make a beeline for Kappacasein to indulge in a repast so practiced that you wonder why yous don't eat cheese for breakfast everyday.

PS. We can still exist friends if you opt for something else.

Read More: Visiting Borough Market place – What You Demand to Know Earlier Y'all Go

12pm – The Tate Modern

The second twenty-four hour period of your London itinerary takes you to non one only two museums. The Tate Mod is the outset.

As the proper name suggests, this is Tate'southward museum of modern art (there'south also the Tate U.k. further down the river with a more than traditional offering).

The drove ranges from the thought-provoking to the downright strange – and features artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Mark Rothko. There'southward too an ever-changing roster of temporary exhibitions (you'll have to pay for these).

Read More: 30 Crawly Museums in London that are Absolutely Free

2pm – St Paul's Cathedral

Walk beyond the Millenium Bridge to St Paul's Cathedral, undoubtedly one of the acme things to do in London in 2 days.

Maybe the most striking building in London, St Paul's Cathedral has been built and rebuilt five times, most famously later the Bang-up Burn of London that razed much of the metropolis to the ground.

The current cathedral was designed by one of England's most-lauded architects, Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th and 18th century. Even now its huge dome is an architectural curiosity.

Impressive as the edifice is, information technology'south even more striking inside and very much worth the entry fee.

Archway to St Paul'southward Cathedral is included in the London Pass

3pm – Natural History Museum/ Science Museum or V&A Museum

Time to hop on the cloak-and-dagger again for the next stage of our 2 mean solar day London itinerary. Walk to Monument station and take the Circle or Commune line (yellowish or green line) to South Kensington. Our destination? Museum Mile in the Kensington area.

You've got a tough conclusion to make people.

Which museum? Sorry to make you choose but as you only have two days in London, yous tin't run into all three.

The Natural History Museum gives you a glimpse into the earth's history – a story covering dinosaur fossils, human biology, creepy crawlies and man evolution, spread out over 36 galleries.

Dippy, the Natural History Museum's iconic Diplodocus cast, is currently on tour, and will exist until mid-2020, only in that location's enough else to see on your visit.

The Scientific discipline Museum should start marketing itself equally the most fun you lot can accept in London with your clothes on – it's a assuming merits but it can back information technology upwards.

Immersive exhibitions, sensory experiences and little-known facts combine to provide a peek into the fascinating world of science.

There's a reason it was always the school trip we'd get nearly excited about back in the day, and if I'm honest, I nonetheless get the tiniest flake excited about visiting now.

On the other hand, the Five&A was not a museum that kids become excited about (although, if you do accept kids – bank check out this guide to child-friendly activities in London) . Full-grown adults will appreciate the vast collection in one of the all-time museums of art and design in the world.

It's a museum of superlatives: the finest drove of Italian sculptures outside of Italia, the nearly Indian fine art you lot'll notice outside of Bharat and overall an enchantingly haphazard just impressive drove of arts from the Masters, Islamic art, sculptures, fashion and design clustered under its rather large and impressive roof.

Read Next: Unmissable Sights + Places to Visit in Kensington

5pm – Kensington Palace & Kensington Gardens

Our two days in London are almost over, but not quite.

At that place's nevertheless just most fourth dimension to fit in one more royal palace and park – Kensington Palace and Gardens to be precise. Kensington Gardens is often referred to equally the other one-half of Hyde Park but technically it is separate.

Swing by the Albert Memorial, congenital in memory of Queen Victoria's much-beloved married man before popping into Kensington Palace, the official residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

You'll need to be quick, Kensington Palace closes at 6pm. Yet, there's simply plenty time to see the rather ostentatious Male monarch'due south State Apartments and their modest counterparts the Queen's State Apartments (it figures).

Don't forget to accept a peek at the Royal Albert Hall, which is beyond the road from the park as well.

7pm – The Churchill Arms

Yous've been haring around tackling the best things to practise in London in 2 days and you haven't been in a pub yet?

This is a serious wrong that needs to be fixed pronto.

Luckily, one of the capital'southward most charming pubs and photograph locations, The Churchill Arms is a quick walk abroad (15 mins).

Bedecked in a hurry of blooming flowers (try saying that in a hurry), the pub serves an fantabulous range of ales (then Jon tells me, I'll stick to the wine thanks) and surprisingly adept Thai nutrient.

Settle in with a pint or a large glass of vino and give yourself a big pat on the back.

You've conquered ii days in London and the all-time London itinerary like a pro.

Now it'due south time for a rest.

Time for I More than? The British Museum

Try as I might, I just couldn't fit a trip to The British Museum into the itinerary.

I'thou deplorable guys, I've failed yous.

On the plus side, if you have a fleck more than fourth dimension, you can schedule a visit in. The galleries stretch over several miles, so article of clothing a comfortable pair of walking shoes and don't forget your map.

London Trip Planner: Practical Tips and Tricks for Your Two Day London Itinerary

Now you know what to see in London in two days, hither are a few tips to assistance you lot plan your London trip.

Should I have the Hop On Hop Off Motorbus in London for this Itinerary?

I don't think you need to use the hop-on-hop-off for this London itinerary as we're mostly walking only whizzing around the city on an open-top double decker with Big Charabanc Tours can be pretty fun. Book tickets in advance.

London on a Upkeep: Money Saving Hacks for Your London Trip

Walk – despite its big reputation, the centre of London is quite pocket-sized and very walkable. I recall at that place's no better way to discover a city than on human foot, and information technology will save on London'southward relatively expensive public ship costs.
Buy a London Pass. The London Pass is a pretty expensive outlay: £69 for i day, £94 for two. But it will save you a lot of coin if you plan on following this itinerary. One time you pay for the pass, you get free entry to lots of attractions, including the Belfry of London, The View from the Shard, St Paul'southward Cathedral and Kensington Palace. Y'all can read my guide to the London Pass for more information.
Visit lots of museums – most of London's museums and big galleries are free to enter. There are so many to cull from that you could easily spend your two days in London only visiting museums and only scratch the surface. Read my guide to exploring London for free.
Consume street food or from markets – London has a buzzing street food scene full of delicious treats at a fraction of the cost of a sit down-downwards meal. Borough Marketplace is the city's best-known – but in that location'due south something to suit every taste. Other street nutrient hotspots include Boxpark in Shoreditch, Maltby Street Marketplace (Saturdays and Sundays), Apartment Atomic number 26 Foursquare, Leather Lane (day times simply) and the Southbank Centre.
Book in accelerate – lots of attractions, such as the London Eye offer a discount if you book in advance. It's an easy way to save some money and skip the lines at the same time.
Don't bother with the London laissez passer with the send option added in: yous can either buy an Oyster Card or use a contactless card to pay for send equally you go – it'south capped at £12.50/ £10.seventy per 24-hour interval depending on whether you travel elevation or off-summit times. Then cheaper than the £15 the London Pass whacks on for the transport-inclusive selection.
Cheque listings to come across if there are whatsoever costless events happening in the evenings. This two solar day London itinerary leaves y'all gratuitous for the late night. There'south always fourth dimension to see something else, right?
Read my London Travel Tips Guide – 40 insanely practical tips for your trip.

London Transport: How to Get Around

London has an extensive transport system that is piece of cake to employ. In central London, the system is formed of trains, buses, the London Hush-hush (the tube), river buses and the Docklands Low-cal Railway (DLR).

I would recommend purchasing an Oyster Card to pay for your journeys.

You can also utilize contactless cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay for trips. Just cheque ahead that you won't be charged an additional foreign transaction fee past your card issuer or bank every bit this volition add a lot of unnecessary costs to your trip.

Moving On: Recommended Twenty-four hour period Trips from London

Oxford. I may be biased as I went to university in Oxford, but Oxford is one of the UK's well-nigh beautiful cities with a long and fascinating history for y'all to discover. Clusters of golden sandstone buildings, dreaming spires and bucolic riverside walks await. Read my guide to planning a twenty-four hour period trip to Oxford or check out this Oxford and Cotswolds bout.
Cambridge. The eternal rivalry lives on: Cambridge is quieter than Oxford but no less idyllic. Meander between university buildings that are centuries former whilst soaking up the atmosphere. Become from King's Cross or hop on an like shooting fish in a barrel day bout.
Bath. Bathroom has been a fashionable go-to destination since the 18th century – it even pops upwardly in a few Jane Austen books! Become to meet the Roman ruins, spend some time at the spa and live your best Georgian-era life. Combine Bath with a trip to Stonehenge on this twenty-four hours trip.
Brighton. A quintessential British seaside destination, Brighton might not have golden sands (full disclosure: it is a pebble beach) but it is a lively, cool city with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Read my guide to the best beaches near London.
The Cotswolds. Chances are that if you lot conjure up an prototype of a traditional British hamlet, it will wait a lot similar the villages dotted around The Cotswolds. I'll warn you, they are descended on past hordes of tourists during peak season, it'due south up to you lot to decide whether you want to enter the fray. You'll need a car, or go with an organised tour.

London in Two Days: Don't Forget to Pack

Umbrella

Much as nosotros like to deny it, information technology really does rain a fair bit in London. You tin step out into the pure and brilliant sunshine then five minutes after you lot're soaked to the skin later the heavens have opened. This is a very long-winded way of saying don't forget your umbrella.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You're going to be doing a lot of walking. In the wintertime, nothing says London style similar a pair of chic ankle boots. In the summer months, I swear by my Birkenstocks – they're and then comfy you can walk for miles in them and they're pretty cool at the same time.

London Travel Guide

Take your choice from the Lonely Planet, Rough Guide or DK Travel Guide. The Crude Guide is my favourite.

ii Days in London: Where to Stay

Budget – Safestay, Holland Park

Information technology might not have the near imaginative proper name, but this hotel-come up-hostel in the leafy surface area of Holland Park offers excellent value and good transportation links to whizz you into the centre, at a fraction of the toll of nearly other London hotels. Cheque prices at Safestay now.

Mid-Range – Thou-W Hotel & Spa, Shepherd'south Bush

Ultra-modern rooms and a spa to pamper yourself in at the end of a long twenty-four hours. K-W might be an secret ride away from cardinal London but information technology offers a high-end stay at mid-range prices, a rarity in a city known for its expensive accommodation. Cheque prices at Thousand-Westward now.

Luxury – Henrietta Hotel, Covent Garden

I am a sucker for a gorgeously-decorated boutique hotel, and so it was inevitable that I'd love the Henrietta. What'southward not to dearest? Its contemporary-luxe decor is eccentric enough to exist interesting, comfortable enough to put you at ease. Add to that a cardinal location and y'all're onto a winner. Bank check prices at The Henrietta at present.

Want to know more? Read all of my recommendations and reviews of the best hotels in London

Two Days in London – Itinerary Map

Click here for a step-by-pace Google Map of this 2 Mean solar day London itinerary.