This blog post is about two days in london itinerary.
If you are planning a trip to London but only have two days, don’t worry!
You can still experience the very best of this iconic city, even in 2 days.
From royal landmarks to world-famous museums and charming neighborhoods, this 2-day London itinerary is built yo show you as much as possible of London, without rushing everywhere, without feeling overwhelmed, and WITH seeing the most iconic, famous spots in the city.
Let’s get started ✈
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Two days in london itinerary
Table of Contents
Is it worth going to London for 2 days?
First of all, to answer the question whether it’s worth it to visit London for 2 days, mainly depends on where you are from.
If you are coming from New York, traveling for only 2 days for London and then going back to NY is obviously not worth it.
But, if you have 2 full days in London as part of a layover, or as part of a bigger trip (for example, maybe you are landing in London but have a full trip in the UK or you are landing in London before continuing a trip in Scotland), then 2 full days in London are enough to see the big highlights of the city.
While you won’t have time for deep dives into museums, or to explore different neighborhoods, 48 hours are still enough for a fun introduction to the city, making it a perfect weekend getaway that will leave you with taste for more.
Where To Stay in London For 2 days?
If you only have two days in London, I highly recommend staying as central as possible.
Be close to everything, don’t waste time on public transportation, just be a walking distance from all the major attractions and soak in the vibes of staying in the heart of London.
Here are the best neighborhoods to stay at in London if you have two days:
1. Covent Garden
Staying in Covent Garden means you are staying in the heart of the city, only a walking distance from major attractions, while your hotel will be surrounded by charming cafes, boutique shops in every cornet, and more!
It’s an incredibly convenient base to stay at, especially if you have only two short days in London.
Best Hotels in Covent Garden:
According to reviews, guests describes the hotel’s location as closest to all the major attractions and streets.
Guests rave in reviews about how the rooms are clean, comfy, and spacious!
Guests keep talking about the amazing location of the hotel, right in the center of Covent Garden!
2. Westminster
If you want to feel the traditional part of London, Westminster is one of the best areas to stay in during your two days in London, if you want to be within a short walking distance from iconic royal and historic landmarks like the Buckingham Palace, the Big Ben, and more.
If you want to experience the classic side of London, Westminster is the perfect area to stay at!
It is also quieter in the evenings than in Covent Garden, which is also something to consider.
Best Hotels in Westminster:
Guests are raving about the expectational service and the amazing, central location of the hotel.
Guests keep talking about the amazing, central location of the hotel and the very friendly staff members!
Guests are raving about the amazing location of the hotel, only a 5-10 minutes walk from major attractions!
Day 1: London’s Iconic Landmarks & Royal Highlights
1. Watch the Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
Start your day with one of London’s most iconic traditions- watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
The ceremony is free to watch, lasts about 45 minutes, and takes place right outside the palace gates.
It usually happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 am, and on Sundays it starts at 10:00 am.
But be sure to double check the schedule the day before, or even 2 hours before, because the schedule can change if the weather is not good (or they can even completely cancel it if it’s a heavily-rainy morning).
The key here is to arrive as early as you can, I recommend arriving near the gates at least 45-60 minutes in advance, because the area fills up QUICK, and it’ll be hard for you to see anything if you show up last minute.
After the ceremony, or if you are visiting just between the days there isn’t a ceremony, and you are interested in visiting inside the Buckingham Palace, there are a couple of great options depending on when you visit!
During the summer months (beginning of July to September), the Buckingham Palace opens its State Rooms to the public.
These are beautiful large rooms that are still used for official events, and visiting them is a pretty special experience.
You’ll get to see the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, and the White Drawing room.
Tickets for this sell out FAST. So it’s best to book your tickets months in advance if your trip falls between early July and late September.
If you are NOT visiting in the summer, you can still explore the royal collection at the King’s Gallery.
This is an elegant exhibition space that showcases artwork and treasures from the Royal Collection, offering a beautiful glimpse into royal history.
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2. Explore the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament)
You can’t visit London without seeing the iconic Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament.
It’s one of London’s most famous landmarks and symbols, and is even more impressive up scole.
I personally didn’t go inside, and only admired it from the outside along with the Big Ben, but you can also go inside on a guided tour and explore areas like the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Whether you choose to step inside or just take in the views from Westminster Bridge, this is one of those classic London experiences you won’t want to miss during your two days in London!
4. Wander around the Big Ben
Afterwards, make your way over to the Big Ben, the most iconic and famous symbol of London.
You can walk across the Westminster Bridge for some of the best views in the area.
If you want to see the city from above, I recommend riding the London Eye, where you’ll get panoramic views over the River Thames and of the city.
It’s a great way to see this whole iconic area from above, and enjoy breathtaking views.
5. Go on a Thames River Cruise
For sunset, I have something romantic planned 😉
Join a sunset Thames River cruise, and enjoy a relaxing way to see London from the water.
If you are interested, there is this combined ticket for a Thames River Cruise and an optional London Eye Ticket, which I highly recommend purchasing if you are also interested in going up the London Eye.
Another option for a fun river cruise, is this Thames Evening Cruise that also includes some drinks, which is super fun and is a total vibe during sunset and into the evening.
6. Watch a West End Show
End your first night in London in the most magical way – watching an iconic West End Show!
Whether you’re into musicals, classic plays, or big-name performances like the Lion King West End Show or Mama Mia, there’s always something amazing to see.
Watching a West-End Show is a must-visit experience every traveler should do, whether it’s your first time in the city or not. It’s the perfect way to soak up the city’s culture.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance for popular shows, especially if you’re visiting during peak travel seasons.
Day 2: History, Museums & Tower Bridge
1. Visit the Tower of London
Start your day by stepping back in time at the Tower of London, one of city’s most fascinating historic landmarks!
It’s a former royal palace, prison, and fortress that is packed with history and stories.
This is was one of my favorite places in London, and the highlight in my opinion is seeing the Crown Jewels, which are still used by the monarchy today.
2. Walk across the Tower Bridge
Right next to the Tower of London, you’ll find the famous Tower Bridge – one of the most iconic bridges in the world and the symbol of London!
Walking across it is completely free and offers amazing views over the River Thames.
Though if you want an extra experience, you can also visit the glass-floored walkway at the top of the bridge for a unique perspective from above.
3. Lunch at Borough Market
Time for lunch!
Head over to Borough Market, one of the best food markets in London.
This is the perfect place to try a huge variety of delicious street food, from fresh pasta and gourmet sandwiches to fish and chips and international dishes.
The atmosphere here is amazing and super exciting, making it a fun stop even if you’re just browsing. Though I do recommend coming hungry, because you’ll definitely want to try more than one thing!
4. Watch the views from Sky Garden
After lunch, make your way to the Sky Garden for some of the best views in London.
This was actually one of my favorite things we did in London.
It is located at the top of a skyscraper, and is a beautiful indoor garden that offers breathtaking panoramic views over the city skyline.
The best thing about Sky Garden is that it’s completely free to visit! You’ll only need to book a time slot in advance.
It’s a great spot to relax for a bit while taking in views of iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Thames, and more!
5. Shopping at Oxford Street
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, head to Oxford Street, the most famous shopping street in London.
With hundreds of stores ranging from high-end brands to flagship department stores, there’s something here for everyone and the shopping experience here is AMAZING.
It’s a fun way to end your ship, do some shopping, buy some souvenirs, and enjoy your free time.
6. Dinner at Covent Garden
End your trip with dinner in Covent Garden, one of the most charming and fun areas in London.
The streets are filled with amazing restaurants, cozy cafes, and a fun atmosphere that makes it the perfect place for your final evening.
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or a sit-down dinner, you’ll find amazing options here, as well as some street performers while you’re there.
That’s it for today! I hope you got the perfect idea of what to do in London for two days! 🙂
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This blog post was about two days in London itinerary.
