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2 Days in London: A London Itinerary for First Timers

Only 2 days in London? No worries: this London itinerary will guide you through the best things to do in London for first timers and what to see in London in 2 days.

London is a huge city and for sure there’s a lot to see and do. Visiting most of the famous places in London in two days can be a heck of a task… ever heard of FOMO?

However, if you’re worried about what to do in London with only 2 days, stop looking frantically at Google Maps and leave the anxiety behind you. I’ve lived in London for a few months and visited the city probably another 10 times, and I’m here to help you out.

In this London travel blog, I’ve created the perfect London itinerary for first timers, with exact timings, opening times, tube stops, and all you need to make the most of your 2 days in London.

It’s a very packed itinerary made for those who want to cram as much as possible in two days in London. Obviously, feel free to skip any attractions. On your first time in London, follow this weekend in London itinerary, which might possibly be the best London itinerary ever – not biased at all!

Day 1 | The Essentials: London Museums, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace & Big Ben among others

8.30 AM: A MORNING WALK AT HYDE PARK

Hyde Park is probably the most famous park in London, and the largest one of the 9 royal parks.  It’s divided in two by Serpentine Lake, where in the summer you can rent a boat or take a little ferry trip.

This park is also famous for its Speaker’s Corner, where anyone has the freedom to stand and start talking about any topic to the people passing by, the regular events and concerts hosted here, and the fact that it’s so big that it’s easy to forget you are still in the middle of London, one of the biggest cities in the world, and not in the countryside somewhere.

 

Hyde Park makes for the perfect morning walk at any time of the year. In the summer, where you can enjoy the sun and maybe a breakfast picnic, in the spring with the flowers blooming, and in the fall with the fantastic foliage colors. In the winter, it becomes even more magical when it hosts the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland fair

READ ALSO: 14 Magical Things to do in London in Winter and Autumn

Walk all the way toward Hyde Park Corner: from there, it’s an 11-minute walk to Buckingham Palace.

Closest Tube Stations to Hyde Park: Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner

10.30 AM: BUCKINGHAM PALACE & CHANGING THE GUARD CEREMONY

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen, and it’s popular for the Changing the Guard ceremony, one of the best things to see in London, England, in 2 days.

 

This pompous ceremony happens at 10.45 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, weather permitting, and it lasts about 45 minutes. It’s free to watch (there are many locations to check out for free sightseeing in London, as you’ll see throughout this post); make sure you arrive earlier to secure a good spot to watch the ceremony.

Closest Tube Station: St. James Park, Victoria

Right next to Buckingham Palace you find St. James’ Park, which is also a very nice park for a walk… and you can even find pelicans here!

Head then to Westminster Abbey, which is only 14 minutes away by walking.

12 PM: WESTMINSTER ABBEY, HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, BIG BEN

This London two day itinerary can’t miss to include the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, cause what a trip to London would be without those?

Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a place which touched the lives of many kings and queens. It has been the Coronation Church since 1066 and is currently the resting place for nearly 3,000 Great Britons.

 

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is probably the most iconic landmark among the London attractions. The massive clock of the tower always remains as the center of attention: Big Ben definitely knows how to be a crowd puller!

You could potentially visit both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. However, since your time in London is limited, I’d skip visiting the interiors and limit yourself to taking a few pictures from the outside.

➤ If you’re really interested in a guided tour, though, I can suggest one. This London Tour Itinerary includes Westminster Abbey + has the option of adding a visit to the Houses of Parliament. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Closest Tube Station: Westminster

Stop for lunch somewhere around here, or head to the next destination. All the museums have nice cafes where you can stop for a quick lunch, or if you are heading to the Tate Modern you can stop at Borough Market, a great food market that is just a 10-minute walk away from the museum.

2 PM: THE BEST MUSEUMS IN LONDON

London boasts many, many, maaany museums. You’d need weeks to see them all, but if you’re wondering what to visit in London in 2 days only, here I have listed three of them that in my opinion are a must visit.

If you are spending two days in London on a budget, I have good news: many museums are free! Pick the one that suits your interests and spend a couple of hours exploring history, art, or science.

British Museum

It’s impossible you’ve never heard of the British Museum. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Marbles to the Lindow Man mummy and Egyptian mummies, this museum has so much to offer to its visitors.

 

You could easily spend a whole day here, or even more! But you only have a couple of hours, so try and decide in advance what you really want to see.

➤ If you’re interested in joining a guided tour, check out this affordable London British Museum Skip-the-line Guided Tour, that will bring you through the highlights of the museum in just 2 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Children get easily bored at museums, but they won’t if you choose this Private Family and Children British Museum Tour, a customized tour led by a special children’s guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ One last idea for your afternoon at the museum: have a very traditional Afternoon Tea at the British Museum to end your visit with tea and scones. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

British Museum Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Fridays 10 AM to 8.30 PM
Admission: Free
Closest Tube Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn

Natural History Museum

Located in Kensington,  the Natural History Museum boasts a fantastic collection of natural specimens, which include 70 million different plants, fossil, animal and rock finds. Here you’ll find anything from a room where you can literally experience an earthquake to entire dinosaur skeletons. Kids and adults both will remain fascinated.

Natural History Museum opening hours: 10 AM to 5.50 PM
Admission: Free
Closest Tube Stations:
South Kensington and Gloucester Road

 

The Tate Modern

Are you an art lover? Then you can’t miss the Tate Modern. Located off the South Bank of the Thames, this museum houses a collection of international, British, and contemporary art, and exhibits 70,000 artworks. Here you’ll find paintings by Dali and Picasso, and many other famous artists.

Tate Modern Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
Admission: Free
Closest Tube Station: Southwark

5 PM​: OXFORD STREET & PICCADILLY CIRCUS

London is one of the shopping capitals of the world! Unless you are looking for fancy boutiques (in that case Regent Street is for you), head towards Oxford Street, where you’ll be able to find stores of all the major brands. My favorites? Definitely Topshop and Primark!

Oxford Street is always noisy and crowded, but that’s what makes Oxford Street special. All sorts of people walking around, all kinds of shops, eateries. Gotta love the vibe.

Closest Tube Stations to Oxford Street: Oxford Street, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus

 

Then walk down to Piccadilly Circus, with its giant billboard and more shops such as M&M’s World (that sells over 100 types of m&m’s) and Waterstones, the largest bookstore in Europe.

Piccadilly Circus probably looks more impressive with all its lights after dark, but it’s always exciting and extremely busy

BONUS TIP: Close to Piccadilly Circus is also Covent Garden, a vibrant district that once was the main vegetable market in London, and has now become a hot spot for shopping at independent boutiques, amazing restaurants, and cake and tea stalls. If you have some extra time, don’t miss it.

7 PM: DINNER TIME

In this area of London, you really have unlimited choices when it comes to eating out. 

If all you want is a quick but healthy dinner, stop by my favorite grocery store ever: Whole Foods Market. 

 

Whole Foods has so many fantastic choices when it comes to healthy groceries, but this one near Piccadilly Circus also has a cafe where you can have delicious soups, plates, and salads. Almost everything is organic and there are many vegetarian options available. A great spot for a quick and healthy meal!

Whole Foods Address: 20 Glasshouse St, Soho

Whole Foods Opening HoursMondays through Fridays 09:00-21:00, Saturdays 09:00-22:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00
Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

Another of my favorite places in Soho is The Breakfast Club.

This is not just a breakfast place, although if you want to have pancakes or waffle benedicts for dinner, here you can! Or you can opt for more classic choices such as burgers and amazing fried chicken & waffles. This is one of the very few remaining places in London where you can bring your own booze after 5 PM. There is a corkage fee of £5 and you’re all set.

The Breakfast Club Address: 33 D’Arblay Street W1F 8EU

The Breakfast Club Opening HoursMondays through Fridays 07:30-22:00, Saturdays 08:00-22:00, Sunday 08:00-19:00
Closest Tube StationOxford Circus & Tottenham Court Road 

9 PM: EXPLORE SOHO BY NIGHT

Soho is often considered the entertainment center of London. It has quite a kinky vibe, with plenty of sex shops, LGBT bars, and burlesque shows, but there is really something for everyone in Soho.

 

For your night out in Soho, check out:
68 and Boston [4-5 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4DD], where a bottle of anything costs £20 so you can finally choose what you really like instead of what you can afford;
The Pink Chihuahua at El Camion [25-27 Brewer St, W1F 0RR], where you’ll find 300 types of tequila and tons of dance excitement;
Tea Room below Bun House [24 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4DZ], which is the right place if you like some weirdness and a seedy vibe mixed with drinks made with imported Chinese spirits you’ve never heard of.

Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road

OR: DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY IN CAMDEN

Located in Camden, KOKO is an old theater that was converted into a club. The venue is spectacular and the music is not the same commercial one you hear in most clubs.

KOKO is big on rock and indie music and famous bands play here often. A good place to dance your Friday or Saturday night away, to be added to your list of things to do in London in two days.

Address: 1A Camden High St, NW1 7JE

Closest Tube Station: Mornington Crescent

CHECK OUT THE BEST PRICES FOR HOTELS IN LONDON

If you’re wondering instead what to do in London in 1 day, this above is the perfect itinerary for first timers.

Day 2 | History, Street Art, and Hipster Bars

8 AM: THE COLORFUL HOUSES OF NOTTING HILLS

Let’s start the day with coffee, shall we? Daylesford Organic Notting Hill is my favorite place to have both a delicious and healthy breakfast in Notting Hill.

 
Notting Hill has, hands down, some of London’s most charming and Instagrammable spots, and is a must see in London in 2 days. From the beautiful pastel-colored houses, to the amazing Portobello Road Market where you can find the rarest antiques, you’ll never get bored in Notting Hill.
 
There are cute cafes, bars and restaurants everywhere and also some of the best bookshops in London… reminds you of the movie by chance?

If you have more time, in Notting Hills there’s also one of my favorite unusual spots in London: the Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising, that gives you a real insight into the history of Great Britain through cans and boxes.

READ ALSO: 16 Best Unusual Things to Do in London

Daylesford Organic Address: 208-212 Westbourne Grove 

Closest Tube Station to Notting Hill: Notting Hill Gate, Queensway, Bayswater

11.00 AM : THE LONDON EYE & A LUNCH CRUISE ON THE THAMES 

Your London sightseeing route then brings you to the opposite side of the river.

Looking for some breathtaking views of the city? Then you need to hop on the London Eye and hang 443 feet over London. Even on a quick visit to London, it’s something not to be missed.

 

The ticket isn’t cheap starting at around $30, but those views make the price tag worth it. Make sure you book your tickets in advance – on the same day, tickets are considerably more expensive. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Closest Tube StationWaterloo & Westminster (across the bridge)
London Eye Opening HoursMondays through Fridays 11:00-18:00, Saturdays & Sundays 10:00-20:30

TIP TIME: If you’re planning to include Westminster Abbey, a Thames River Cruise, and other famous attractions in your London trip itinerary, it makes sense to buy a 2 Day London Pass with Free Entry to 60 attractions that will help you save money and will give you fast-track entrance on top. BUY IT HERE

If you’re wondering what to see in London in two days without missing something, I truly recommend taking a Thames River Cruise afterward.

As touristy as it may sound, when you have limited time to visit London, this is a wonderful way to sail past and see all of London’s major landmarks, with a live commentary that explains what is what. I’ve done it on my first visit to London and thought it was great!

 

➤ You can obviously take a classic river cruise, but given the time of the day, I suggest a river cruise with lunch, which includes a 2-course lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

3 PM: SHOREDITCH & BRICK LANE FOR HIPSTER CAFES, VINTAGE MARKETS & STREET ART

East London is a very interesting area, where hipster restaurants and trendy bars and cafes mix with the English traditional pubs, a ton of colorful street art, and multicultural neighborhoods where you can find the best ethnic food. Maybe it doesn’t immediately come to mind when wondering what to do in London  for 2 days.

But can I say it? I prefer this area much more than the center with the shopping streets and all the tourists, and to me, it’s one of the best places to visit in London in 2 days. I think you’d miss the authentic side of London if you left without visiting, so I had to include it in this London itinerary blog.

I adore Brick Lane Market, where on Sunday you can find vintage clothing, hipster gadgets, and food from all over the world… and some fun events going on from time to time.

 

Even when the famous market isn’t in place, Brick Lane with its shops and cafes and that area of East London in general is always worth a stroll any time of the week. East London is lively and very young…and you can take the best Instagram pictures!

Closest Tube Station to Brick Lane: Shoreditch High Street, Aldgate East

Then it’s time for Shoreditch, home to the best street art in London and a real concentration of hipster cafes. I have a thing for Shoreditch. The vibes are so young and lively, the crowd so diverse, and the walls oh so colorful. It’s just a perfect place to stroll around without a real plan.

 

If you have time, it’s super interesting to join a street art tour around here.

➤ The Alternative London 2-Hour Street Art Walking Tour, that walks you around the best graffiti and street art in the area. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The London Street Art and the East End Guided Walking Tour, which also includes a visit to the Spitalfields Market and Banksi’s graffiti ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Another idea if you have extra time: you can also take a tour guided by a homeless or ex-homeless person in Shoreditch. I’ve taken the tour personally and can only recommend it. A unique inside view of the neighborhood and the social reality of London.

FULL BLOG POST: Unseen Tours: Exploring London with the Homeless 

7 PM: DINNER & COCKTAILS IN SHOREDITCH

Don’t leave the area when it gets dark. Shoreditch is also a perfect area to have a cocktail or two and some dinner. Here are some cocktail spots that you should definitely give a try. 

 

Happiness Forgets [8-9 Hoxton Square]: A sensual vibe and candle-lit atmosphere, perfect for couples on a date.  Very original cocktails.

TT Liquor [17B Kingsland Rd]: When it comes to speakeasy-style bars in London, TT Liquor is one of the best. Find the bar tucked away behind the liquor shop and its wood panel, and have some original, lip-smacking cocktails. 

Ballie Ballerson [97-113 Curtain Rd]: Ever dreamt of rolling around a ball pit as an adult? I certainly have, and Ballie Ballerson, the one and only ball pit bar in London, is a must-try. With over 1 million balls & cocktails, it’s a great place to have a fun night out with friends.

➤ Alternatively, you can always join a pub crawl through at least 5 Shoreditch venues that’ll be great to meet other young people. ➥ CHECK IT OUT HERE

Closest Tube Station to Shoreditch: Old Street

Other Cool Places to Visit in London in 2 Days

We all have different interests and might not agree on the best things to do in London in 2 days. These below are more London sights and attractions you can add to your itinerary for London, England.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is an icon in London. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with 1,000 years of history, and one of the best things to see in London in 2 days.

This landmark has served as a royal palace, fortress, political prison, royal mint, and a public records office. Walking through its grounds and the interior of the historic castle feels like being warped back in time. The rooms with the Crown Jewels are incredible, but even more the rooms that feature the machines that were used to torture and behead prisoners. Really scary!

If you come at opening time (especially outside of summer), it’ll be a nicer experience as there won’t be many people around.

If you want to make sure to escape the crowds, check out this Tower of London and Tower Bridge VIP Early Access Tour, which gives you access to the Crown jewels and the castle before the crowds arrive. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Tower of London Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9 AM to 5.30 PM, Sunday & Monday 10 AM to 5.30 PM. In winter it closes at 4.30 PM
Admission:
£29.90 for adults or £14.90 for children aged 5-11. With this ticket, you can get access to the Crown Jewels, iconic Yeoman Warder tours, and all public areas.
C
losest Tube Station: Tower Hill

➤ The Tower of London is also included in the London Pass.

Tower Bridge and Tower Bridge Exhibition

The Tower Bridge is another iconic landmark and tourist attraction. It has become somewhat of a symbol of London. It’s a 42-meter high bridge walkway that offers great views of the city. Aside from marveling at the architecture of the suspension bridge, the Tower Bridge Exhibition is another main reason to visit.

The exhibit area is located within the bridge’s twin towers. There are photos and videos, along with interactive displays that are found in the exhibit.

Tower Bridge Opening Hours: 9.30 AM to 6 PM every day.
Admission: £10.60 or £5.30 for children
Closest Tube Stations:
London Bridge or Tower Hill

➤ The Tower Bridge Exhibition is also included in the London Pass.

The View from the Shard

The View from the Shard is a fairly new attraction to check out in London. It’s an observation deck that offers some of the best 360-degree views of London. Since it is one of the tallest structures in the city, there are no obstructions to your view. It is 244 meters high and is known as the UK’s first vertical city.

For the bravest ones, there’s even an external panoramic deck, the highest in Western Europe! The views from here are guaranteed.

➤ This attraction has become very popular, and the queues can be long. You can buy your ticket in advance, and even add a glass of champagne for an additional cost. Anybody said a drink with a view? ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE

The View from The Shard Opening Hours: Sundays to Tuesdays from 10 AM to 8 PM; Thursdays to Saturdays from 10 AM to 10 PM. Times vary from summer/winter or in special occasions.
Admission: ticket price for adults is £32 and £19.95 for children (15 years old and below).
Closest Tube Station:
London Bridge

➤ The View from the Shard is also included in the London Pass.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is another must-see attraction in London. It’s a royal residence set in the Kensington Gardens within the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington, and has served as the residence of the British Royal Family since the 1600s. It’s also the official home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their children.

There are several rooms in the palace that are open to the public and can be visited for a fee, while the gardens are free to visit.

Kensington Palace Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM every day
Admission: £20 for adults and £10 for children
Closest Tube Station: Queensway

➤ Kensington Palace is also included in the London Pass.

Harrods

If you like shopping, Harrods Department Store is one of those attractions you shouldn’t miss. One of the most famous department stores in the world, Harrods is where you’ll find luxury and designer clothing and merchandise.

One of the best things to do in Harrods is to explore the Food Hall on the ground floor, where you can sample a wide range of fine delicacies. Aside from the food halls, the Egyptian Escalator is another major attraction inside this department store. It is located right in the middle of the store and connects all seven floors. It is constructed in Egyptian style with wall reliefs, sculptures, and columns.

And if you love to shop, you will be spoiled for options when you explore the Harrods gift shop, as well as the fine jewelry and superbrands department (wherein you can find many designer brands).

Harrods Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday from 11.30 AM to 6 PM
Admission: Free
Closest Tube Station: Knightsbridge Station

Saint Paul’s Cathedral

The St. Paul’s Cathedral is recognized as a powerful symbol of London’s splendor. It is a breathtaking work of architecture that was constructed in 1675, and it features a Renaissance and English Baroque architecture style.

This is one of few churches in London to have survived more than three centuries; it has been destroyed four times and has been reconstructed every single time. The latest version is the work of Christopher Wren. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM.
Admission: £20 for adults, £8.50 for children.
Closest Tube Station: St. Paul’s Station.

V&A Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world exhibiting art and design works. The museum is home to over 2.2 million items on display across its 145 galleries. Among the objects on display are decorative arts, sculpture, textiles, costumes, ceramics, glass, furniture, and more.

The V&A Museum is located in Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London. Admission to this museum is free but there are some exhibits that might have a separate charge.

V&A Museum Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5.45 PM every day except on Fridays, open 10 AM to 10 PM.
Admission: Free.
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington station.

Sky Garden

Explore the highest public garden in London, one of my favorite things to do in London in two days. The Sky Garden is another must-see attraction if you want to be treated to fantastic views of the London skyline. It’s the best destination for those who want free but beautiful views of the British capital.

The viewing deck is located on the 43rd floor and within a foliage-filled atrium. With the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, this lush urban jungle is the perfect backdrop so you can relish some of the best city views you can lay your eyes on.

Access is free, but you need to book in advance your slot because space is limited.

Sky Garden Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on weekends 11 AM to 9 PM
Admission: Free
Closest Tube Station: Monument

Day Trips from London

Are you looking for a day trip destination from London? These are the best places to go to.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is home to some of the prettiest villages in England. Located in the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, this rural part of London is known for its rolling hills, medieval villages, and yellow limestone houses.

Its sheer natural beauty is part of the reason why it was recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There are many picturesque villages to see in the Cotswolds including Bourton on Water, Burford, Castle Combe, and more.

READ ALSO: The Cotswolds: Best Places To Visit + a 3-Day Itinerary

Brighton

Brighton is one of the most popular seaside towns in England. It makes for a perfect day trip destination from London as it is only about 2 hours away. It’s a stylish and full of fun town that offers plenty of opportunities for those who come and visit. Among the notable sights and attractions to explore on your visit include the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier, and the SEA LIFE Brighton.

Oxford

The identity of Oxford as a city is closely tied to the prestigious university that was established in the 12th century. Its identity as a university city is undeniable. In fact, there are 38 colleges located within the city and each one of them offers a unique architectural beauty. Most of these colleges are located within the medieval center, which has earned the nickname “City of Dreaming Spires”.

But Oxford is more than just that. Go on a tour through Harry Potter filming locations, have a pint at one of the many traditional pubs, or explore museums and botanic gardens. Or just walk around Oxford’s super charming streets!

Stonehenge

If you like ancient history and mysteries, you need to visit Stonehenge. This is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge was built 5000 years ago and consists of standing stones that are formed into a ring; each of the standing stones is at 4.1 meters high. To this day, the real purpose of why this historical monument was built remains a mystery.

Stonehenge Opening Hours: 9.30 AM to 7 PM every day.
Admission: £17.50 for advanced booking or £19.50 for walk-ins. For children it’s £10.50 (or £11.70 for walk-ins).

Windsor Castle

The Windsor Castle is another royal residence that would make for a great day trip destination from London. It is located in Berkshire, South of England. The historic castle is noted for its association with the English and British royal family. It is also known as the world’s oldest (over 900 years old) and largest inhabited castle. It currently serves as the favorite weekend home for the British Queen

The Windsor Castle is approximately 60 to 90 minutes away from London via coach.

Windsor Castle Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM every day (it closes at 3 PM in winter).
Admission: £26.50 for adults or £14.50 for anyone aged less than 17.

Best Time To Visit London

London is a great tourist destination all-year round. But if you want to enjoy the perfect weather so you can maximize the sights and activities (especially if you only have 2 nights in London), it is important to know when it’s the best time to visit London in two days.

In general, the months of March to May are the best time to go to London. Expect the temperature to be mild and the parks and natural beauty in full bloom in these months. Late spring and summer are also the best seasons to plan a London short trip and go sightseeing in London. But expect the surge of tourism to be reflected in the cost of booking flights and hotel.

I personally also like to visit London for a weekend in September and October. The temperatures start to be cooler and it can be chilly at night, but you won’t find the crowds you’d find in the summer, and the parks with the foliage are beautiful.

Aside from these months, December is a great time of the year to visit London. The holiday season brings about a jovial atmosphere in London. But like in the summer, this is another popular months for tourists.

How Many Days in London?

I often get asked “how many days to visit London should I plan?” and I always respond: as many as you can. Seriously, you could spend one year in London and not see everything it has to offer. However, most tourists will spend 3 to 5 days in London, and it’s a good amount of time.

In two days, the itinerary for your trip to London will be a little crowded, that is for sure, but you can still get a good introduction to the city. If you can add a couple of extra days to your London itinerary though, even better!

Where to stay in London

Book your accommodation by using the map below ⬇

 

My Recommendation: Point A Hotels Shoreditch

As you might have realized, I really like East London, and Shoreditch in particular, so I was very excited to stay in the middle of it on my last visit to the city, precisely at Point A Hotels London Shoreditch.

Location, location, location. When you need to visit London in two days only, location is everything. This hotel is located halfway between Old Street and Liverpool Street tube stations, that are just a short walk away, and it’s a great place to be based at for this sample London itinerary.

The Old Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane are also within walking distance, very close by, as well as Shoreditch Boxpark with all its cafes and quirky pop-up shops. You are also minutes away from all the best street art in London!

Point A Hotels actually has 6 locations spread around London if you like the concept but need to based somewhere else. You’ll definitely find a location that’s perfect for your itinerary in London.

The check-in process was very smooth, there are multiple counters where the staff can help you so the whole process is quick.

The lobby and cafe area are modern in their design, very hipster with graffiti on the wall- gotta be artistic in this part of town! I loved how the cafe area can easily double as a very nice work space if you need to get some work done, with individual lights on most tables.

The concept behind Point A Hotels is functionality. The rooms are small, but contain everything you need because of how smartly the space is designed. Think like small tables and bar stools magically hiding on the wall, tons of plugs, and handy containers to keep your things organized.

Image by Point A Hotels

The TV has a directory of services, places, and restaurants around the hotel which I thought was very cool (that’s how I found Ballie Ballerson!). The quirkiest part for us though, was the mood lighting that we changed about 1000 times like excited kids. Red walls? Done. Feeling blue? There you go.

 

The breakfast is buffet style, and offers anything from fresh-baked pastries, muesli with yogurt, fresh fruit, cheese and bacon twists, and obviously, your choice of coffee, cause how can a day start without coffee?

Rates at Point A Hotel London Shoreditch start at £44 a night in a standard room.
CHECK OUT PRICES AND AVAILABILITY HERE.

What to Pack for London

Time to pack for London? Take note of this packing list so you won’t forget any essentials.

Raincoat – Raincoat is a must when you visit London. The city is extremely notorious for its rain so make sure you do not leave for London without one.

Walking Shoes – A comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must as you will spend a lot of time walking around. Do not attempt to break-in your shoes during travel. If you’re traveling in the winter, you can also consider a paid of comfortable boots.

Sandals or Slippers – It is good to have them when you travel in the summer.

Warm Jacket with Hood – The nights in London can be cool. Make sure you have something to stay warm, even when you visit in the summer.

Scarf – This is a practical piece of clothing to pack with you during travel. It can be a great way to layer – in the summer or winter.

Umbrella – If you forgot to pack your raincoat, you will need your umbrella.

It IS possible to visit London in 2 days. As you can imagine, there’s much more to see in London, so I suggest staying longer if you can, to enjoy everything this great city has to offer.

But if you can’t, this 2 days in London itinerary covers all major attractions and ensures you make the most of your time in London. Have a wonderful time on your 2 day trip to London!

Point A Hotel Shoreditch kindly hosted me in London. No matter who footed the bill, my opinions can never be bought.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you

 
  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

Martin

Tuesday 17th of August 2021

Disclaimer, I live in London and have done so all my life. My personal opinion is this is unfeasible. There is no way you could realistically cram in all of this stuff. Many of the things would take an entire day such as the British Museum. I once visited The British Museum literally when the doors opened and left when they closed and I still didn't see everything.

I guess you could rush from thing to thing but what's the point? It's better to really experience somewhere rather than just ticking it off a list just to say you've physically seen it.

Steph

Tuesday 24th of August 2021

Hi Martin! I can agree with you, but the reality is that most people travel for just a few days and want to experience as much as possible int hose days. I travel much slower, and agree that quality over quantity is better for me. But for example, I am not a big museum person, and I personally only spent one hour or so inside the British Museum when I visited - and I was happy with it. Each person is different, so this itinerary is not to be taken as is, but to be adapted to each person's needs.

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Tuesday 14th of May 2019

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