Ah, London! This metropolis is a wonderful mix of old-world appeal and trendy power, and it’s the place I name residence.
From well-known landmarks, historic structure, and classy neighborhoods, the key sauce to seeing one of the best of London is a little bit of planning and a comfortable pair of strolling sneakers. In the event you’re questioning how to spend two days in London, don’t fear, I’ve obtained you lined.
Learn my information and squeeze essentially the most out of this fab metropolis in simply two days.
Right here’s an outline:
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. A lot of the important points of interest, just like the Tower of London, Large Ben, and Buckingham Palace, are in Zones 1-2, so a move protecting these zones is normally all you’ll want.
In the event 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 purchase at any tube or prepare station from the kiosks and this will probably 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 due to 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 gang, and schedule a Beefeater tour if you happen to can. The guides deliver 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 manner in or on-line to skip the lengthy strains on the ticket workplace, and don’t miss the Crown Jewels, they’re beautiful and nonetheless utilized in royal ceremonies at the moment!
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 value it!), and if you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly 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 should definitely 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.
Prime 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 all the things, from genuine road meals to posh cheeses and contemporary juice. Wander by means of 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 prime it with creamy vanilla custard. YUM! And don’t miss Pieminister Pies – a British traditional with pies full of all the things from steak and ale to veggie choices. Excellent for a hearty lunch and also you would possibly 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 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 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 ambiance.
Prime tip: It will get very crowded in the summertime, and despite the fact that 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.
Prime tip: In the event you haven’t pre-booked tickets, head to the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. for discounted tickets to same-day reveals. You would possibly 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 if you happen to’re not a royalist.
Prime tip: The Altering of the Guard at Buckingham Palace usually takes place at 11:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Nevertheless, the schedule can range, particularly throughout the winter months and on particular events, so it’s a good suggestion to examine the official British Military web site or the Buckingham Palace web site earlier than you go to verify the precise days and instances. In the event you plan to see it, purpose to reach early (round 10:15 am) to get a great spot, 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 means of St. James’s Park – it’s one among my favourite parks in central London, and there are many benches to sit down and soak within the environment.
Prime Tip: Head to Blue Bridge for among the best 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 images, particularly round sundown.
Mid-Morning: Discover Westminster
Subsequent, head in direction of Westminster. It’s residence 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 may possibly get busy. If you go away 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 by means of 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 throughout the Hundred Years’ Struggle. 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 one of the best images 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 legendary for its pastel-colored homes, quirky retailers, and Portobello Street Market. It’s the right spot to seek out some classic treasures available in the market and cease for an informal lunch.
Prime 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: Take a look at the museums in South Kensington
You’ll be able to’t actually spend two days in London with out having fun with the various 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 would simply spend a whole day right here, however with restricted time, choose one which piques your curiosity. All are free to enter, although some displays might have a cost.
Prime tip: The V&A is my favourite – it’s stuffed with trend, artwork, and historical past, and it’s hardly ever 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 buyers paradise, providing all the things from designer trend, cool devices, luxurious furnishings, and high quality jewellery, to connoisseur 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 present. In the event 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 no go to east to Shoreditch. Recognized for its edgy road artwork, ethnic meals scene, and classy cocktail bars, this neighborhood is culturally various in the absolute best manner. For a few of the finest Indian meals within the metropolis, wander over to Brick Lane, the place you’ll be spoiled for alternative.
And if you happen to’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 completely discover in simply two days, however if you happen to comply with my itinerary, you’ll go away with improbable reminiscences and an actual style of what makes the town so particular. Whether or not you’re right here for the historical past, the meals, or simply to wander by means of 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!
