2 Days in London: A Quick Travel Guide

Planning your first visit to London and only have two days? Don’t fret – you can still experience the city’s top landmarks, cultural hotspots, and local flavors with the right itinerary. 

From historical sites like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to bustling markets, world-class museums, and beautiful skyline views, this 2-day London itinerary ensures you make the most of your time without feeling rushed.

The objective is to get the right amount of history, sightseeing, food, shopping, and culture to make it into the most memorable first trip.

After all, we wouldn’t want you to do injustice to the city that has given us all Shakespeare, The Beatles, fish and chips, and Downton Abbey!

How to get around London

With only two days in London, getting around efficiently is essential to make the most of your trip. London has an excellent public transportation system, and a mix of walking, the Tube, buses, and river cruises will help you easily navigate the city.

The London Underground (Tube) – the fastest way to travel

The Tube is the quickest and most reliable way to cover long distances in London. These four lines of the Tube – Circle, District, Jubilee, and Piccadilly Line – are handy for tourists exploring the city.

• Circle (Yellow) & District (Green) Lines: Ideal for visiting Westminster, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace
• Jubilee Line (Silver): Great for the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and The Shard
• Piccadilly Line (Dark Blue): Connects Heathrow Airport to central London

Since it will be your first visit, we suggest you avoid the 7:30 to 9:30am and 5 to 7pm peak times.

Buses – scenic & affordable

London’s red double-decker buses are a fun and budget-friendly way to see the city. They are best for traveling short distances and when you are in sightseeing mode. We suggest you sit on the top deck’s front row for the best views. Bus number 15, which passes by St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and the Tower of London is the most popular.

Walking – the best way to explore Central London

London’s top sights are reasonably close together, so walking is often the best option. If you plan on exploring Westminster, Covent Garden, Soho, and South Bank, it is best to be on foot. 

If you’re unsure whether to walk or take transport, use an app for guidance. Citymapper is great for the Tube and buses, while Google Maps is best for walking directions.

Thames River Cruises – another scenic alternative

While a Thames River cruise is not recommended as a means of transport when you only have two days in the British capital, it does offer fantastic views of London. We suggest the Thames River Cruise if you plan to go from Westminster (Big Ben) to Tower Bridge. If you don’t care about the scenery, try Thames Clippers, which has multiple stops along the river. 

Day 1: Famous landmarks, river views & British food

Your first day in London is about discovering the city’s most well-known sights and experiencing its history, river views, and vibrant food scene. You’ll start the morning in Westminster, home to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, before taking a scenic Thames River Cruise to the Tower of London.

In the afternoon, enjoy delicious food at Borough Market and take in city views from The Shard or Sky Garden. As the sun sets, ride the London Eye for 360º views before ending your day with a classic British pub dinner or a night in Covent Garden. 

Now let’s get into the details of your first day’s London itinerary.

Morning: Westminster & The Thames

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Start your first morning in Westminster, one of the most famous areas in London. From wherever you are staying in the city, try to be at the Westminster Station by 9 am. As you exit the station, you’ll be greeted by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament towering above you. Take a few minutes to admire the Gothic architecture and snap some pictures before moving on.

Westminster Abbey

A short walk away is Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066. The Abbey holds many royal treasures, including the Westminster Retable, England’s oldest altarpiece, and the effigies of late kings and queens. If you want to enter, book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. 

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Next, head through St. James’s Park to reach Buckingham Palace, the home of the British monarchy. If you time your visit right, you can catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which starts at 11 am and lasts 45 minutes. This ceremony usually happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday. Be sure to arrive early to get a good viewing spot. The best places to watch the Changing of the Guard include the Buckingham Palace forecourt, The Mall, and the Victoria Memorial.

Midday: Exploring Along the Thames

Thames River Cruise

Instead of taking the Tube, enjoy a scenic ride on the Thames River! A sightseeing cruise from Westminster Pier to the Tower of London (you will get down at Tower Pier) offers fantastic views of the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, and Tower Bridge. It’s a relaxing way to see the city while learning fun facts from the onboard commentary.

Tower of London & Tower Bridge

Disembark at Tower Pier and head straight to the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find the Crown Jewels, 11th-century buildings, and historic torture exhibits inside. Most visitors opt for the basic entry ticket, but we suggest an exclusive access tour led by a Beefeater. The ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London have been handling the security of the Castle since 1485, and they can show you areas not generally accessible to the public. Afterwards, cross Tower Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in London. If you have time, visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition for great views from the glass walkway.

Afternoon: Markets & Modern London

Lunch at Borough Market

After a busy morning, it’s time for lunch! Walk 20 minutes to Borough Market, one of London’s oldest (almost 1000 years!) and most famous food markets. You’ll find delicious street food, fresh oysters, international cuisine, and traditional British dishes. Don’t forget to try a sausage roll from The Ginger Pig! Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be quieter than Thursdays and Fridays.

The Shard or Sky Garden for views

For sweeping views of London, visit The Shard or Sky Garden. The Shard’s observation deck is one of the highest viewpoints in the city, while Sky Garden offers a beautiful indoor garden. The ideal times to visit both attractions for the best views of the city are either early morning (when it’s not very crowded) or sunset. Unfortunately, you won’t have that luxury because you will only be in London for two days. If you opt for the Sky Garden, remember that it is free and highly popular, but you must book it in advance. 

Evening: Classic London Experiences

London Eye at sunset

Head back across the river to ride the London Eye, a 135-meter-high (443 feet) Ferris wheel offering 360º views of the city. Sunset times can get crowded at the London Eye (especially during peak summer months), and waiting time in the queues can be up to an hour. Since you can’t afford to waste much time, we suggest the London Eye Fast Track ticket.

A ride on the London Eye takes about 30 minutes to complete one full rotation, so it isn’t easy to time it with the sun going down. If you miss the sunset, don’t worry – London looks equally as beautiful with all the building lights glittering.

Dinner in Covent Garden or at a traditional pub 

As your day 1 in London comes to an end, you have two options – wind down with a classic British pub dinner or explore the charming streets of Covent Garden. If you opt for a British pub, you will surely enjoy hearty dishes such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. If it’s a Sunday, try a traditional British roast with roast beef, potatoes, and gravy.

Covent Garden, on the eastern fringes of the West End, is a very safe neighbourhood if you plan to extend your night. It is known for its world-famous shopping, dining, and other entertainment options. 

Day 2: Parks, culture & a grand finale in London

Your second day in London is about royal history, world-class museums, shopping, and entertainment. Start your morning with a peaceful stroll or bike ride through Hyde Park and a visit to Kensington Palace.

By midday, dive into London’s rich cultural heritage at the Victoria & Albert Museum or the British Museum, then indulge in some luxury shopping at Harrods or Oxford Street. In the afternoon, explore Covent Garden and Leicester Square, two of London’s most lively districts, before heading to Trafalgar Square for a must-have photo with its famous lion statues. 

Art lovers can enter the National Gallery, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet – for free!

For the perfect ending to your 2 days in London, spend your evening watching a West End theatre show or enjoying Soho’s vibrant nightlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, finish the night with a spooky ghost tour of London!

Now, let’s get into the details of the second day on your London itinerary.

Morning: Royal Parks & Culture

Hyde Park & Kensington Palace

Begin your day with a relaxing walk or bike ride through Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most beautiful green spaces. The park opens at 5 am, and you can rent bikes from popular providers like Santander Cycles or Royal Lancaster for an easy and scenic ride.

The Park has many cafes and kiosks with outdoor and indoor seating. You can eat and drink in comfort, irrespective of the weather. 

Next, head to Kensington Palace, which opens at 10 am from Wednesday to Sunday and remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you love royal history, you will like this former home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, offering a glimpse into the lives of past monarchs. Inside, you will see the opulence of the royal apartments, the grand King’s Staircase, and the elegant King’s Gallery.

Midday: Museums & Shopping

Victoria and Albert Museum or British Museum

For a dose of culture, visit one of London’s world-class museums. Our favorites are the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum, which are only a few kilometers from Kensington Palace.

The V&A is great for fashion, design, and decorative arts, while the British Museum houses the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, etc. Even though entry to both museums is free, we suggest you opt for a guided tour of the British Museum. 

Harrods or Oxford Street

Once you have seen all the exhibits collected by the British from all over the world, try some shopping. Head to Harrods, London’s luxury department store, or browse Oxford Street, home to top fashion brands and high-street shops.

You can dine at Harrods Dining Hall, which has many restaurants with well-crafted menus and live music entertainment. Or you can move ahead and have a late lunch at the next destination. 

Afternoon: Exploring the West End

Covent Garden & Leicester Square

If you visited Covent Garden at night on day 1 of your 2-day trip to London, now it is time to see it in daylight. Spend your afternoon walking through the narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets and then walk to Leicester Square.

The Square is one of London’s most famous free attractions, with live performers, well-known shops, and three cinemas. If you are into movies, you should know there are high chances of spotting movie stars walking in for film premieres.

Trafalgar Square & National Gallery

You can’t visit London and not have your photograph with the lion statues of Trafalgar Square. The Square is just a few minutes walk away, featuring Nelson’s Column and its famous lion statues commemorating Britain’s naval victory over France in the Battle of Trafalgar.

The same Square is also home to the National Gallery, which houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world. The best part is that you can see the works of Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt for free. 

Evening: End Your Trip in Style

West End Theatre Show or Soho Nightlife

Watch a West End theatre show for a grand finale of your time in London – popular choices include Hamilton, Wicked, or The Lion King. Most of these shows start at 7 pm or 7.30 pm and last around two and a half hours. 

If nightlife is more your style, head to Soho, the center of London’s live music and clubbing scene. You can check out its trendy cocktail bars and vibrant atmosphere. 

If you still have energy at the end of the day, we dare you to go on a ghost tour of London – the day’s last tour starts at 9 pm and lasts 75 minutes. 

Tips for visiting London over the weekend

If you are visiting London on a Saturday or Sunday, here are some weekend-specific tips you must know to avoid common weekend pitfalls.

• Weekends are the busiest time in London, so book popular attractions like the London Eye, Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey ahead of time. Be sure to visit them in the morning before the crowds build up.
• If you want to dine at a popular restaurant or have afternoon tea, make early reservations to avoid long waits or even rejections.
• Saturday afternoons in areas like Covent Garden, Oxford Street, and Leicester Square can be packed – visit early in the day or later in the evening.
• Football matches and concerts can affect public transport, so check schedules beforehand.
• Night Tube services run on Fridays and Saturdays, making returning after a late night out easy.
• Many shops and attractions close earlier on Sundays, often by 5-6 pm.
• Pubs and restaurants remain open later, so Sunday evening is great for a quiet pub dinner.

Essential tips for 2 days in London

Finally, some general tips to make sure you’re all set for your time in the big city!

• Use an Oyster Card for public transport. You can also tap in and tap out with your usual debit or credit card.
• While exploring London, you are sure to walk a lot: wear comfortable shoes.
• Since London’s weather changes quickly, having an umbrella or a light jacket is handy.
• Tipping in London is appreciated but not always required. Leaving a 10-15% tip in restaurants is common if a service charge isn’t already included in the bill.
• If you’re using an escalator and not walking, always stand on the right side to let others pass on the left.
• London is mostly cashless, with almost all payments made by card (except for a few rare cases).
• The English take queuing (waiting in line) very seriously and expect everyone to wait their turn. Do not jump the queue.
• The UK uses Type G plug sockets with three rectangular pins in a triangular shape, so be sure to bring the right power adapter.

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