Ah, London! This metropolis is a good looking mix of old-world appeal and fashionable power, and it’s the place I name house.
From well-known landmarks, historic structure, and classy neighborhoods, the key sauce to seeing the very best of London is a little bit of planning and a comfortable pair of strolling footwear. In the event you’re questioning how to spend two days in London, don’t fear, I’ve acquired you coated.
Learn my information and squeeze probably the most out of this fab metropolis in simply two days.
Right here’s an outline:
The way to Get Round Throughout Your Two Days in London
First, seize a two-day Tube cross to make exploring London easy and hassle-free. The London Underground (aka “the Tube”) is split into zones that stretch out from central London. Many of the major sights, just like the Tower of London, Large Ben, and Buckingham Palace, are in Zones 1-2, so a cross overlaying these zones is normally all you’ll want.
In the event you get a cross 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 practice station from the kiosks and this can be your golden ticket for the subsequent two days.
Day 1: Dive into London’s Historical past and Appeal
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 fame 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 carry 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 beautiful and nonetheless utilized in royal ceremonies right this moment!
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 would possibly catch this historic bridge lifting to let boats cross alongside the Thames. Seeing the outdated equipment in motion, nonetheless working this iconic construction, is one thing particular – be sure you have your digital camera prepared.
Afterward, observe the Thames Path alongside the South Financial institution, the place you’ll cross 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 every thing, from genuine avenue meals to posh cheeses and contemporary juice. Wander by way 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, they usually high it with creamy vanilla custard. YUM! And don’t miss Pieminister Pies – a British traditional with pies full of every thing from steak and ale to veggie choices. Good for a hearty lunch and also you would possibly need 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 afterward 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 may 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 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, avenue performers, and locals simply having fun with the environment.
High tip: It will get very crowded in the summertime, and although there are many spots proper alongside the Thames, the very best pubs are sometimes tucked into facet streets a bit 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 avenue 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 the event you haven’t pre-booked tickets, head to the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. for discounted tickets to same-day exhibits. You would possibly 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 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 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. Nevertheless, the schedule can range, particularly throughout 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 occasions. In the event you plan to see it, purpose 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 way of 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 the most effective views in central London. You’ll take pleasure in a shocking view of Buckingham Palace in a single route and the London Eye within the different, framed by the park’s stunning lake. It’s the proper spot for photographs, particularly round sundown.
Mid-Morning: Discover Westminster
Subsequent, head in the 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 may 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 way 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’ Warfare. 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 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 proper spot to search out some classic treasures available in the market 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 avenue 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 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 could possibly simply spend a whole day right here, however with restricted time, decide one which piques your curiosity. All are free to enter, although some reveals might have a cost.
High tip: The V&A is my favourite – it’s stuffed with style, 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 consumers paradise, providing every thing from designer style, cool devices, luxurious furnishings, and positive 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 the event you’re visiting throughout busy occasions, use the facet entrances to keep away from the principle crowd.
Night: Dinner in Shoreditch
No journey to London is full and not using a go to east to Shoreditch. Identified for its edgy avenue artwork, ethnic meals scene, and classy cocktail bars, this neighborhood is culturally numerous in the very best approach. For among the finest 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 unattainable to totally discover in simply two days, however for those who observe my itinerary, you’ll go away with unbelievable 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 way 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!
