Are you planning to spend 2 days in London and want to fill your two days with the best things to do and see? This post covers some of the best and most exciting things to do in London to make your two days as memorable as possible.
London is one of Europe’s most popular cities to visit. It is absolutely huge and packed with exciting things to do and see. There really is something for all kinds of travellers which makes visiting London always a good time. With many museums, hip areas, historic buildings, and trendy restaurants, London is a wonderful travel destination with tons to do. If you have only 2 days in London your itinerary will be quite packed. Due to London’s size getting around takes a little longer and with so much to do, you have to be picky!
Use this guide to inspire your 2 days in London. Feel free to add or remove anything that you want, London is your playground.
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In This Post
2 Days in London: Day 1
View Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Starting your first day in London in one of the most iconic places in the city is a must. A visit to Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben will show you some of the most famous pieces of architecture in London which makes it the perfect place for a first stop. These buildings are all within a stone’s throw from one another so you can see and experience them all at once.
Arriving here to start your day puts you right in the middle of the city and is a great place for walking to different sights and attractions to explore. The beauty and magic of these buildings are magical. While admiring them you will also stumble upon many red phone booths which are perfect for a cheeky photoshoot.
Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Monarch and a must-see while in London. It is just as grand and beautiful as you’d expect with 775 rooms and 78 bathrooms! During the summer months, the State Rooms are open to the public if you want to venture inside and see the Palace interior, or you can walk around the outside and admire it this way.
When planning your visit to Buckingham palace it is best to plan it around the changing of the guard. This is quite the show where the guards march around to music in their traditional clothing. You can only witness the iconic changing of the guards on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in the winter and daily in the summer. However, be sure to check the times before you go because they are prone to changes and cancellations.
Picnic in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and one of London’s Royal Parks. It is the perfect place to head to for an early lunch or a little morning picnic. As one of the most beautiful parks in London spending some time walking around and enjoying the peace in quiet after a morning in some of the city’s most busy areas is very welcome.
Pick up a bite to eat or a coffee and stroll around the park to get an idea of a locals oasis. You will surely fall in love with this special city center park.
Walk Down Oxford St
Oxford Street is a major street in London filled shoulder to shoulder with shops. It welcomes around half a million shoppers every day, making it the busiest shopping street in all of Europe. Most of the shops here are big name brands you will find all around the world which makes shopping here not the most special. The real draw is the beautifully chaotic atmosphere. This is something you can’t miss, even just to say you’ve walked the street.
Beyond the shopping Oxford street is so iconically London and beautiful. You will see the red double-decker busses, stunning architecture, and London taxis. Just beware of all the tourists. This street is often packed with people and without looking you can easily get caught up in getting separated from your travel partner(s).
View Piccadilly Circus
While walking down Oxford Street it is best to make a slight detour and view Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly Circus is the Times Square of London. It is not quite as grand as Times Square but worth a view regardless. Here you will find many billboards, shops and even more people! With 2 days in London, you can try to come here both during the day and night to see it during both times! A completely different experience but worth it if you are in the area.
Roam Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a shopping and entertainment area in London that is full of hip and trendy shops. It is not a garden-like its name would suggest but an area to roam around to shop at upscale places like Chanel and discover local boutiques. It is also home to many restaurants which is great for finding unique places to eat with different food options. With 2 days in London, this is the perfect place to discover unique foods to enjoy!
While in Covent Garden venture to Neals Yard is a must. Neal’s Yard is a small alley in Covent Garden located between Monmouth Street and Shorts Gardens. This little courtyard is a tucked away hidden gem Covent Garden known for its little colourful shops and cafes. It is a cozy and special place to discover and the ideal place to stop in for a coffee.
Ride the London Eye
The London Eye is London’s most famous tourist attraction that almost all first-time visitors should take a ride on. It welcomes more than 3 million visitors a year all eager to ride this iconic landmark and see London from above. The London Eye is Europe’s tallest observation wheel and from the top, you can see all of London with 360-degree views. This is the best way to see all of London and get an idea of how huge it really is.
View the Iconic Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a world-famous symbol of London and one of the most beautiful bridges in the city. It is a stone suspension bridge that crosses the River Thames and is a highly photographed landmark. Many people confuse this bridge with London Bridge which is located just up the river.
There are many restaurants around here where you can even sit and eat with a view of this iconic bridge as the backdrop. With just 2 days in London maximizing your time by eating with a view is one of the best things you can do!
2 Days in London: Day 2
Take Photos in Notting Hill & Portobello Market
Notting Hill is one of the most popular areas to visit in London. Due to all the beyond Instagrammable buildings photos of this unique area have been all over social media making it even more popular. The most popular thing to do here is to view and take photos of the colourful houses! However there is more to Notting Hill than beautiful streets it is also a place where you can find chic cafes, trendy shops and more. This will easily be one of your favourite places you visit during your 2 days in London.
While here you must visit Portobello Market is one of the most popular markets in the world. It is full of vintage shops, amazing street food, and antique finds. It is also full of people roaming the colourful streets looking for unique and interesting items. You will find great bargains along with some expensive luxury finds – with something for everyone! In addition to great shops, the atmosphere is buzzing. With people everywhere and shops playing all types of different music.
The hours are:
- 09:00 – 18:00 Monday To Wednesday
- 09:00 – 13:00 Thursday
- 09:00 – 19:00 Friday
- 09:00 – 19:00 Saturday
- Sunday Closed
Explore Kensington Palace & Kensington Gardens
Kensington Palace is one of the royal residences of the Royal Family. A visit here will have you feeling like you are a royal as you walk the palace grounds and admiring the surroundings. Since this is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visitors are not allowed to go inside. But you can explore the outside and walk the flower gardens.
Venture to Shoreditch
Shoreditch is currently the most trendy and hip area in London. It is the newest hipster area taking that title from Camden – which still is a really cool area. But with just 2 days in London choosing to venture to Shoreditch to enjoy the streets full of young creatives is best. In addition to all the vintage shops and design boutiques, it is also full of a super unique dining scene. You can find chain restaurants, lively pubs, artisan coffee and more! It is a great place to find unique food that you can’t find anywhere else.
How to get around London
London is HUGE! It is definitely not a walkable city if you want to see various different areas and attractions. With this in mind, it is time to get acquainted with the London Underground. The London Underground (or Tube) is the underground public transportation system that will bring you virtually anywhere! This is easily the best way to get around London.
Where to stay in London
Booking.comLondon is a huge city with something for every. With just 2 days in London, you are sure to have an action-packed adventure!
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SSW
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