Ah, London! This metropolis is an exquisite mix of old-world attraction and trendy power, and it’s the place I name dwelling.
From well-known landmarks, historic structure, and stylish neighborhoods, the key sauce to seeing one of the best of London is a little bit of planning and a snug pair of strolling sneakers. In case you’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:
The right way 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 fundamental sights, just like the Tower of London, Large Ben, and Buckingham Palace, are in Zones 1-2, so a move overlaying these zones is often all you’ll want.
In case you get a move to cowl as much as Zone 5, you’re capable of 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 subsequent two days.
Day 1: Dive into London’s Historical past and Attraction
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 repute 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 for those who can. The guides deliver historical past to life with all the additional particulars, making it really feel extra thrilling.
High Tip: Purchase your tickets at any information kiosk in your approach 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 immediately!
Associated learn: Historic Sights in London: A Information to All of the Greatest 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 value it!), and for those who’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 – you’ll want to have your digital camera prepared.
Afterward, comply with the Thames Path alongside the South Financial institution, the place you’ll move Metropolis Corridor, The Shard, and the HMS Belfast.
High tip: Cease by an area 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 the whole lot, from genuine road meals to posh cheeses and recent juice. Wander by the stalls, snag some samples, and purchase no matter you’re craving.
My private favorites are: Humble Crumble – a standard British crumble, however higher. You get to decide on your fruit base, and so they high it with creamy vanilla custard. YUM! And don’t miss Pieminister Pies – a British traditional with pies filled with the whole lot from steak and ale to veggie choices. Excellent for a hearty lunch and also you may wish to purchase one to take with you.
High 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 Fashionable
When you’ve completed consuming on the market, wander alongside the Thames to the Tate Fashionable. 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 value a glance, and the view from the top-floor café is fab.
Late Afternoon: Shakespeare and Southbank
You could be getting drained by now, so pop into Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for a fast go to. You possibly can take a guided tour or simply take pleasure in this enjoyable constructing from the skin. 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.
High tip: It will get very crowded in the summertime, and though there are many spots proper alongside the Thames, one of the best pubs are sometimes tucked into aspect 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.
High tip: In case you haven’t pre-booked tickets, head to the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. for discounted tickets to same-day reveals. You may even get fortunate and discover front-row seats to a success 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 solution to Buckingham Palace within the morning to catch the Altering of the Guard ceremony. The pomp and pageantry are fairly spectacular to witness, even for those who’re not a royalist.
High tip: The Altering of the Guard at Buckingham Palace usually takes place at 11:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Nonetheless, the schedule can fluctuate, particularly in the course of 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. In case you 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 by St. James’s Park – it’s one among my favourite parks in central London, and there are many benches to take a seat and soak within the environment.
High Tip: Head to Blue Bridge for among the best views in central London. You’ll take pleasure in a surprising view of Buckingham Palace in a single course and the London Eye within the different, framed by the park’s stunning lake. It’s the right spot for pictures, particularly round sundown.
Mid-Morning: Discover Westminster
Subsequent, head in the direction of Westminster. It’s dwelling 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 will probably get busy. Once you go away the Abbey, make your solution to Victoria Tower Gardens. You possibly can’t miss the spectacular views of the Homes of Parliament and the Thames, with Large Ben simply peeking by 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 in the course of 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.
High tip: You’ll get one of the best pictures 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 stunning change of surroundings. This hipster neighborhood is legendary for its pastel-colored homes, quirky retailers, and Portobello Street Market. It’s the right spot to seek out some classic treasures out there and cease for an off-the-cuff lunch.
High tip: Head to the meals stalls towards the Golborne Street finish of Portobello Market. You’ll discover an eclectic combine of world road meals.
Afternoon: Try the museums in South Kensington
You possibly can’t actually spend two days in London with out having fun with the various museums there. South Kensington has a few of London’s greatest museums, together with the Pure Historical past Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A.
You possibly can simply spend a complete day right here, however with restricted time, decide one which piques your curiosity. All are free to enter, although some reveals could have a cost.
High tip: The V&A is my favourite – it’s crammed with vogue, 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 consumers paradise, providing the whole lot from designer vogue, cool devices, luxurious furnishings, and tremendous jewellery, to connoisseur meals and quirky souvenirs.
High tip: Don’t miss the meals halls, particularly the bakery and chocolate sections for a candy deal with or a singular London present. In case you’re visiting throughout busy instances, use the aspect entrances to keep away from the primary crowd.
Night: Dinner in Shoreditch
No journey to London is full with out a 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 approach. For among the greatest Indian meals within the metropolis, wander over to Brick Lane, the place you’ll be spoiled for alternative.
And for those who’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 not possible to totally discover in simply two days, however for those who comply with my itinerary, you’ll go away with implausible reminiscences 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 by 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!