Ah, London! This metropolis is an attractive mix of old-world attraction and trendy vitality, and it’s the place I name house.
From well-known landmarks, historic structure, and stylish neighborhoods, the key sauce to seeing the very best of London is a little bit of planning and a snug pair of strolling sneakers. If you happen to’re questioning how to spend two days in London, don’t fear, I’ve acquired you lined.
Learn my information and squeeze essentially the most out of this fab metropolis in simply two days.
Right here’s an outline:
Methods to Get Round Throughout Your Two Days in London
First, seize a two-day Tube move to make exploring London easy and hassle-free. The London Underground (aka “the Tube”) is split into zones that reach out from central London. Many of the most important sights, just like the Tower of London, Large Ben, and Buckingham Palace, are in Zones 1-2, so a move masking these zones is often all you’ll want.
If you happen to get a move to cowl as much as Zone 5, you’re in a position to go to farther areas like Wembley Stadium, Greenwich, and Kew Gardens. You should buy at any tube or practice station from the kiosks and this will likely be your golden ticket for the following two days.
Day 1: Dive into London’s Historical past and Allure
Morning
Kick off your London journey on the Tower of London, a spot loaded with historical past and drama. The Tower of London has a bloody popularity because of Henry VIII, because it was the place he locked up enemies and even wives he’d misplaced favor with. His ruthless reign has impressed many movies and even SIX – the Broadway musical.
Arrive proper when it opens (round 9 AM) to beat the group, and schedule a Beefeater tour in the event you can. The guides carry historical past to life with all the additional particulars, making it really feel extra thrilling.
Prime Tip: Purchase your tickets at any information kiosk in your means in or on-line to skip the lengthy traces on the ticket workplace, and don’t miss the Crown Jewels, they’re gorgeous and nonetheless utilized in royal ceremonies as we speak!
Associated learn: Historic Sights in London: A Information to All of the Finest Bits
Late Morning: Stroll Alongside the South Financial institution
From the Tower, it’s a brief stroll to Tower Bridge. Stroll throughout (the views are completely price it!), and in the event you’re fortunate, you may catch this historic bridge lifting to let boats move alongside the Thames. Seeing the previous equipment in motion, nonetheless working this iconic construction, is one thing particular – make sure you have your digital camera prepared.
Afterward, observe the Thames Path alongside the South Financial institution, the place you’ll move Metropolis Corridor, The Shard, and the HMS Belfast.
Prime tip: Cease by a neighborhood café for a flat white as you soak within the surroundings – the people-watching is fab!
Lunch: Borough Market
Head to Borough Marketplace for lunch. This place has all the things, from genuine road meals to posh cheeses and recent juice. Wander via the stalls, snag some samples, and purchase no matter you’re craving.
My private favorites are: Humble Crumble – a conventional British crumble, however higher. You get to decide on your fruit base, and so they prime it with creamy vanilla custard. YUM! And don’t miss Pieminister Pies – a British basic with pies filled with all the things from steak and ale to veggie choices. Good for a hearty lunch and also you may wish to purchase one to take with you.
Prime tip: Borough Market is open Monday to Saturday, with full market days from 10 am to five pm (barely in a while Thursdays and Fridays, closing at 6 pm). Borough Market is closed on Sundays.
Afternoon: Time for some tradition on the Tate Trendy
When you’ve completed consuming on the market, wander alongside the Thames to the Tate Trendy. The gallery is housed in a former energy station, and the trendy artwork exhibitions are free (rating!).
Even when artwork isn’t your cup of tea, the constructing itself is price a glance, and the view from the top-floor café is fab.
Late Afternoon: Shakespeare and Southbank
You is likely to be getting drained by now, so pop into Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for a fast go to. You’ll be able to take a guided tour or simply get pleasure from this enjoyable constructing from the surface. Then, proceed wandering down the Southbank, stopping for a pint at one of many riverside pubs. You’ll see loads of buskers, road performers, and locals simply having fun with the environment.
Prime tip: It will get very crowded in the summertime, and despite the fact that there are many spots proper alongside the Thames, the very best pubs are sometimes tucked into facet streets slightly additional again, the place you’ll discover extra locals and fewer vacationers.
Night: Covent Backyard and the West Finish
Take the Tube to Covent Backyard. Within the night, this space comes alive with road performers, retailers, and eating places. Have a wander round, then deal with your self to a West Finish present – there’s one thing quintessentially British visiting the West Finish whereas in London.
Prime tip: If you happen to haven’t pre-booked tickets, head to the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. for discounted tickets to same-day exhibits. You may even get fortunate and discover front-row seats to successful present!
Day 2: Hidden Gems and Iconic Spots in London
Morning: Buckingham Palace and All Issues Royal
Begin your second day with a little bit of royalty. Make your method to Buckingham Palace within the morning to catch the Altering of the Guard ceremony. The pomp and pageantry are fairly spectacular to witness, even in the event you’re not a royalist.
Prime tip: The Altering of the Guard at Buckingham Palace sometimes takes place at 11:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Nevertheless, the schedule can fluctuate, particularly through the winter months and on particular events, so it’s a good suggestion to test the official British Military web site or the Buckingham Palace web site earlier than you go to substantiate the precise days and instances. If you happen to plan to see it, intention to reach early (round 10:15 am) to get a great place, because it tends to get crowded, particularly in peak vacationer season!
When you’ve had your fill of royal watching, cross the road and wander via St. James’s Park – it’s considered one of my favourite parks in central London, and there are many benches to take a seat and soak within the environment.
Prime Tip: Head to Blue Bridge for top-of-the-line views in central London. You’ll get pleasure from a surprising view of Buckingham Palace in a single path and the London Eye within the different, framed by the park’s stunning lake. It’s the right spot for photographs, particularly round sundown.
Mid-Morning: Discover Westminster
Subsequent, head in direction of Westminster. It’s house to Large Ben, the Homes of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. I like to recommend reserving tickets for the Abbey forward of time if you wish to go inside, as it could get busy. While you depart the Abbey, make your method to Victoria Tower Gardens. You’ll be able to’t miss the spectacular views of the Homes of Parliament and the Thames, with Large Ben simply peeking via the skyline.
You’ll see a number of statues and memorials, every with deep historic which means, together with the Buxton Memorial Fountain, marking the 1834 abolition of slavery, and Rodin’s Burghers of Calais, honoring French residents who sacrificed themselves through the Hundred Years’ Conflict. The backyard additionally celebrates Emmeline Pankhurst of the suffragette motion, Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence, and Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid work.
Prime tip: You’ll get the very best photographs of Large Ben, The London Eye and different iconic buildings from Victoria Tower Gardens.
Lunch: Discover Notting Hill
Take the Tube from Westminster to Notting Hill for a beautiful change of surroundings. This hipster neighborhood is known for its pastel-colored homes, quirky retailers, and Portobello Street Market. It’s the right spot to search out some classic treasures out there and cease for an off-the-cuff lunch.
Prime tip: Head to the meals stalls towards the Golborne Street finish of Portobello Market. You’ll discover an eclectic combine of worldwide road meals.
Afternoon: Try the museums in South Kensington
You’ll be able to’t actually spend two days in London with out having fun with the numerous museums there. South Kensington has a few of London’s finest museums, together with the Pure Historical past Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A.
You might simply spend a complete day right here, however with restricted time, choose one which piques your curiosity. All are free to enter, although some reveals might have a cost.
Prime tip: The V&A is my favourite – it’s crammed with trend, artwork, and historical past, and it’s not often tremendous crowded.
Late Afternoon: Go to Harrods
From South Kensington, it’s only a quick stroll to Harrods, London’s most iconic division retailer. Harrods is a luxurious customers paradise, providing all the things from designer trend, cool devices, luxurious furnishings, and high-quality jewellery, to gourmand meals and quirky souvenirs.
Prime tip: Don’t miss the meals halls, particularly the bakery and chocolate sections for a candy deal with or a novel London reward. If you happen to’re visiting throughout busy instances, use the facet entrances to keep away from the principle crowd.
Night: Dinner in Shoreditch
No journey to London is full with no go to east to Shoreditch. Recognized for its edgy road artwork, ethnic meals scene, and stylish cocktail bars, this neighborhood is culturally various in the very best means. For among the finest Indian meals within the metropolis, wander over to Brick Lane, the place you’ll be spoiled for selection.
And in the event you’re within the temper for a little bit of historical past with a darkish twist, try one of many Jack the Ripper excursions, this space is the place he as soon as stalked his victims.
Tip: My private favorite is Muhib on Brick Lane, for scrumptious Indian meals. Ask for Ali and inform him Sam from California despatched you!
London is a metropolis that’s inconceivable to totally discover in simply two days, however in the event you observe my itinerary, you’ll depart with unbelievable recollections and an actual style of what makes town so particular. Whether or not you’re right here for the historical past, the meals, or simply to wander via its charming streets, London won’t ever disappoint.
If I had greater than 48 hours in London? I’d spend the additional time getting misplaced within the markets of Camden or Hampstead Heath, however that’s an entire different article!
