London 2 Day Itinerary

July 12, 2024

48 Hours in London: A Whirlwind Tour

This itinerary focuses on hitting key landmarks and experiencing iconic London vibes. It can be easily adjusted based on your interests!

Day 1:

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional English breakfast at Regency Cafe in Pimlico. This beloved institution serves up classic dishes like bacon butties and bubble and squeak, perfect for fueling up on a busy sightseeing day.
Activity: Explore the historic Tower of London, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and learn about its fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) past.

Lunchtime (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM):

Option 1: Enjoy a leisurely lunch with stunning views of the city at The Shard.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance for The Shard to avoid queues, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM):

Culture: Take a ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city and its landmarks.
Shopping: Wander through the charming streets of Covent Garden, browsing the unique shops and enjoying street performers.

Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM):

Theatre: Experience the magic of a West End theatre show.
Dinner: Dine in style at Dishoom, a popular restaurant chain inspired by Bombay cafes, or try a traditional pub meal at The Churchill Arms in Kensington.
Entertainment: Enjoy a pint and soak up the atmosphere at a historic London pub.

Things to do & see:

Buckingham Palace: Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (check schedule as it varies).
Tower Bridge: Take a walk across this iconic bridge and admire the views from its walkways. Consider taking a tour for access to higher viewing platforms and learning about the bridge’s history.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: Take a picture with the famous clock tower, then explore the historic Houses of Parliament (free tours are available).
British Museum: Get lost in history and art from around the world.

Things to know:

This itinerary is just a suggestion, feel free to customize it based on your interests! Are you interested in theatre? Replace a museum visit with a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for a performance or a tour.

Day 2:

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Breakfast: Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel, or try a traditional bakery like The Bread Factory near Covent Garden Market (many options for different food preferences).
Activity: Explore the vibrant and diverse Covent Garden Market. Browse the stalls, enjoy live music, and watch street performers.

Things to do & see:

Shopping: Wander through the shops and markets of Portobello Road in Notting Hill.
Lunchtime (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Grab a bite at one of the food stalls on Portobello Road, like The Hummingbird Bakery for delicious cupcakes or The Churchill Arms for its classic fish and chips.

Day 1:

Dinner: Visit Dishoom, a popular restaurant chain inspired by Bombay cafes, for a unique dining experience.
Food: Enjoy the diverse culinary offerings of London! Try a traditional Sunday roast at a pub like The Churchill Arms in Kensington.

Things to know:

Covent Garden: Known for its charming atmosphere and unique shops, this is a great place to find souvenirs and enjoy the bustle of the city.
Opening Hours: Check the opening hours of the bakery or market you plan on visiting as they vary depending on the day.

Day 2 (continued):

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience at a charming cafe like The Rubens at the Palace.

Things to do & see:

Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea at your hotel or explore the variety of cafes and hotels offering this quintessential London tradition.

Dining & Afternoon Activities:

Visit a historic market: Enjoy the charm and experience a traditional treat like afternoon tea at The Rubens at The Palace, a classic choice for a memorable afternoon tea.

Evening (6:00 PM onwards):

Catch a show: Catch a musical performance or play at the Globe Theatre.
Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants near the Thames River, followed by a relaxing evening stroll along the riverbank.

Day 1:

Explore London’s history: Visit the Tower of London and learn about its past as a prison, palace, and now a historic landmark.

Things to know:

Historical Significance: The Tower of London is steeped in history and intrigue.
Dinner & Drinks: Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the Sky Garden, which offers stunning views of the city skyline from its rooftop bar.

Tips:

Book tickets online: To avoid queues and ensure your spot, book tickets for the museum beforehand.
Plan for crowds:

Day 2 (continued):

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Thames Path, taking in the iconic sights of the London Eye and the Tower Bridge.
Explore the Southbank Centre, a vibrant hub for arts and culture, with events like art exhibitions, theatre performances, and concerts.
Consider your interests: If you’re not interested in the historical aspect of the city, try finding a different attraction that appeals to you.

Day 2 (continued):

Explore Southbank Centre’s installations and exhibitions, showcasing the artistic spirit of London.
Enjoy the variety of cafes and restaurants along the Thames Path and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea with stunning views.
Transportation:

Things to know:

Oyster Card: Purchase an Oyster card for convenient and cost-effective travel on London’s public transport.
Public Transport: Consider using the efficient London Underground (Tube) or bus network for transportation around the city.
Walking: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking.

Enjoy your stay!

For a more personalized experience, consider these additional tips:

Accommodation: Explore the various hotels and accommodations in South Kensington, known for its elegant Victorian architecture and proximity to museums and parks.
London Eye: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic Ferris wheel.
The Shard: The tallest building in Western Europe, offering breathtaking 360-degree views.

This is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests.

Transportation:
- London Underground (the Tube): It’s the quickest and most efficient way to get around the city.
Bus: The bus system is extensive and can take you to places not easily accessible by Tube.
Walking: Walking is a great way to see the sights up close, but London is a large city and distances can be deceiving!

Important:

Plan your route: Use a map or public transport app to plan your journey in advance and choose the best route for you.
Consider a day pass: This will allow you unlimited travel on the Tube and buses within a specific zone (determined by distance from central London) for a given period.

Day 2:

Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants along the Thames River, offering stunning views of the city.
Stay near a landmark: Book a hotel or B&B near a famous attraction, such as the Tower Bridge Hotel, for easy access to the action.
Consider your budget: London can be expensive, so research affordable dining options before you go.

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience:

The Big Ben: Visit the Westminster area and take a tour of the Elizabeth Tower (the name of the building housing the bell), booking in advance to ensure your spot.
Experience London’s history: While enjoying your tea, imagine you are back in time during the Victorian era, a time of great change and innovation.

Enjoy other attractions:

Other activities: Explore a variety of museums and galleries along the way.

Things to consider:

Time: The “Thames” is a large river!
Budgeting: Factor in travel time for the “London Eye” and “walk along the Thames Path” suggestions, as transportation can be a factor.
Time of year: Book tickets and accommodations in advance if you are visiting during peak season (summer).
Transportation:
Consider using the Thames Path for walking or cycling. It’s a scenic route that offers great views**.
Day/Time:
Enjoy your time: Remember to book tickets and enjoy the beauty of the London Eye during the evening.

Enjoy your trip to London!