2-Day London Itinerary: How To Spend 2 Days In London

Last Updated: January 10 2024

Even though we’ve travelled around the world, we still consider London to be one of the best cities on Earth. Famous for its world-class museums, iconic tourist attractions, sprawling parks, and food markets, this incredible place has so much to offer.

If you’ve only got 2 days in London, you’ll need to prioritize the major sights. The UK’s capital is one of the largest cities in Europe so as you can imagine, there’s a lot to see!

This 2-Day London Itinerary will take you through the best things to do, where to stay, and other helpful information such as how to get around. This way you can truly make the most of your trip!

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The Cheapest Way to See London’s Top Sights

Even if you only plan to spend 2 days in London, prepare to part with plenty of money. It’s considered to be one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but there’s a way you can save some serious cash!

To make the most of your trip, we’d recommend using a Go City Pass. This way, you’ll be able to save up to 50% on attractions. Here are the two types of passes available:

• Go City Explorer Pass – With this pass, you’ll choose how many attractions you want to visit (between 2-7) and your pass lasts for 60 days. There are over 75 attractions and tours to choose from, and you’ll have a certain amount of credit which you can redeem against entrance fees.

• Go City All-Inclusive Pass – This pass is the better option for those who want to cram a lot in. You can choose your duration (1-10 days) and you’ll get to visit unlimited attractions in London. There are over 90+ attractions to choose from and you don’t need to pick these in advance.

A Quick Overview of This 2-Day London Itinerary

Day 1:

London Eye, The London Dungeon, Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, No.10 Downing Street, Buckingham Palace

Day 2:

Natural History Museum, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Borough Market, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Tower of London

Your 2 Days in London: Day One

The first day of this 2-day London itinerary will see you explore the city’s most popular attractions. The majority of them are located close together, with many being within walking distance from each other.

London Eye

The London Eye is one of London’s most visited tourist attractions and it’s not hard to see why. Situated along the River Thames, this 443-foot (135-metre) high wheel is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels so naturally, it offers stunning views of the city.

Although opening hours may differ depending on when you visit, typically, the London Eye is open from 11 am – 6 pm (Monday to Friday) and 10 am – 8:30 pm (Saturday to Sunday).

As the London Eye is so popular, you’ll want to purchase your entry ticket in advance. Not only that, but you can opt for a fast-track ticket so you can avoid the queues.

For those on a budget, you can simply admire the London Eye’s exterior. As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, you can take some fantastic photographs here (Westminster Pier offers awesome views).

The London Dungeon

If you’ve only got 2 days in London then we highly recommend heading to the London Dungeon. This awesome attraction will take you back in time, where you’ll get to learn about the city’s intriguing history through interactive shows, live actors, and underground rides!

While on your tour, you’ll learn all about the historical events that have shaped London such as the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the notorious Jack the Ripper, and the Black Plague. Not to mention the Great Fire of London and the ‘Witch of Edmonton’.

To secure a visit, you can book your entrance ticket online. The tour lasts for 1.5 hours but we’d suggest allowing longer, in case you need to wait for your slot.

Opening times differ depending on the day you visit, so make sure you check this in advance. Don’t worry about the experience being too scary here, it’s all pretty light-hearted!

Big Ben

Visiting Big Ben is one of the top things to do in London! It’s one of the world’s most famous clocks and is an iconic landmark against the city skyline for sure.

This iconic clock tower (often referred to as the Elizabeth Tower) is found within the Houses of Parliament. Technically, the name refers to the huge bell located within the clock tower, which weighs a hefty 13 tons (over 13,000 kg).

Standing at an impressive 315 feet (96 metres), this huge tower certainly can’t be missed. Although you can admire Big Ben from the outside, you can also explore its interior too!

If you head to the official UK Parliament website, you can book a 1.5-hour guided tour. On this tour, you’ll head up the staircase, where you’ll get to see the clock mechanism room and belfry.

However, tours can sell out fast, often months in advance so you’ll need to be quick.

Palace of Westminster

In our opinion, the Palace of Westminster is a must for any 2-day London itinerary so don’t leave it off your list. Also known as the Houses of Parliament, this is where the UK government resides.

Here, you’ll find the iconic Big Ben (which we just mentioned), the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. The latter is where Guy Fawkes was put on trial after the notorious Gunpowder Plot, in which he tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

The architecture of this building is striking and there’s also the opportunity to explore the interior. This guided tour lasts for around 3.5-3.75 hours and allows you to explore the Houses of Parliament, where your guide will teach you all you need to know! You’ll also visit Westminster Abbey.

The history of this place and its surrounding area dates back 100s of years making it a must-visit.

Westminster Abbey

If you’re wondering what to see in London in 2 days then head to Westminster Abbey! This incredible church was founded in 960AD although the building you see today dates back to the 13th century.

This breathtaking masterpiece has hosted endless coronations, royal weddings, and unfortunately, funerals, with the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II recently taking place here in 2022. In fact, over 3,000 people are buried at this Abbey, with some of them being previous monarchs.

For those looking to visit this iconic landmark, you can book your entrance ticket online. An audio guide is included so you’ll get to learn all about the history of this place.

General opening hours are as follows; Monday to Friday (9:30 am – 3:30 pm) and Saturday (9 am – 3 pm), although this may differ throughout the year due to services and events.

No.10 Downing Street

10 Downing Street is the Prime Minister’s office and private residence, which it has been since 1735. It’s one of the most important political buildings in the world (alongside the White House) and has been the site of many important decisions over the past few hundred years.

Interestingly enough, this area has been home to Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Roman settlements, so it already had a history of government institutions, before this street was even brought about.

Now, No.10 Downing Street is one of the most famous addresses in the world. Of course, you can’t walk right up to it, as the Prime Minister resides here, but you can catch a glimpse of it from Whitehall Road.

While here, be sure to snap a photograph of the iconic black door, which is the most photographed in England. For another perspective, hop on a double-decker bus where you’ll get a view from the top deck (I think it’s service 11 you’ll want).

Buckingham Palace

No 2-day London itinerary is complete without visiting Buckingham Palace. This striking building is home to the United Kingdom’s monarch, which until recently (2022) was the longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Today, it’s King Charles III, her son.

For those wanting to explore Buckingham Palace, guided tours are available of the state rooms during the summer. Exclusive guided tours are also available at other times of the year.

There’s also the option to visit the Royal Mews which is a working stable at the palace. Here, you can marvel at the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since 1821, and admire some of the King’s horses.

If you don’t head inside, then we’d recommend at least watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony which generally starts at 10:45 am. However, this doesn’t take place every day so make sure you check beforehand.

Your 2 Days in London: Day Two

The second day of this itinerary will see you explore some of the city’s other highlights. However, you’ll need to allow more travel time as the attractions are located in different areas of London.

Natural History Museum

When exploring London for 2 days, you can’t miss out on the Natural History Museum. This is undoubtedly one of our favourite spots in the city and better yet, it’s free to visit!

Home to over 20 galleries and around 80 million objects, there’s a lot to see at this museum. Highlights include the Dinosaurs Gallery, the Volcanoes and Earthquakes exhibit, and the Hintze Hall which is home to a huge blue whale skeleton.

However, there’s a lot more to see than just that. You’ll also find several awesome temporary exhibitions taking place here, although you may need to pay an entrance fee for some of these.

For the best experience, we’d recommend spending a least 2-3 hours at the Natural History Museum. As such, you’ll want to get here for opening. The times are as follows; Monday to Sunday (10 am – 5:50 pm).

Trafalgar Square

Another great place to include on this 2-day London itinerary is Trafalgar Square. You’ll find this public square in Westminster, with the nearest tube station being Charing Cross.

This iconic tourist attraction is named after the historic Battle of Trafalgar which took place in 1805. During this battle, the war hero Horatio Nelson was killed and to commemorate him, Nelson’s Column was placed here in remembrance.

This huge column is guarded by four huge lion statues that are extremely popular with the crowds. You’ll also find other great spots nearby including The National Gallery and St Martins-in-the-Fields Church.

You won’t need a lot of time to visit Trafalgar Square, but it’s a great photo spot. You’ll also find plenty of great eateries nearby if you’re hungry, although we’d suggest waiting for Borough Market (we’ll discuss this later in the guide).

Leicester Square

If you’re heading to London for the weekend then we’d suggest visiting Leicester Square too. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Trafalgar Square and is the heart of London’s famous West End. In fact, this is where you’ll find Leicester Square Theatre, along with other famous theatres.

This part of London attracts over 2.5 million people every week and is famous for its nightlife too. Leicester Square is also a great place for shoppers. If you’re a big kid like us, then head into M&M’s London which is one of the largest sweet shops in Europe.

You’ll also find the world’s largest LEGO Store here which spans two floors and is home to a huge Big Ben Lego model. As you can see, there’s something for everyone!

Whether you’re looking to shop ’til you drop, grab a drink at a local bar, or attend a comedy show, you’ll find it here. Just be prepared for lots of crowds.

Borough Market

London is a foodie paradise, full of bustling markets, street eats, and fine-dining restaurants. However, one of our favourite places to eat has to be Borough Market, one of London’s oldest food markets.

Located in central London, this is the perfect place to grab something to eat after a full morning/afternoon of exploring. Famous for its high-quality foods, affordable eats, and variety of cuisines, there’s so much on offer.

You’ll find over 100 bars and food stalls at Borough Market, with everything from Iraqi street food to authentic Malaysian cuisine. No matter what you fancy, you’re sure to find it here.

For those who’d prefer a more in-depth experience of Borough Market, we’d suggest booking this foodie walking tour. It lasts for 2.5 hours and you’ll be taken around by an expert, and have some tastings included.

The Shard

No 2-day London itinerary would be complete without visiting The Shard. At nearly 1,016 feet (310 metres), it’s the tallest building in Western Europe, let alone London. There are 95 storeys in total, which is crazy to think about!

Aside from its unique shape and design, The Shard has so much more to offer. First of all, this awesome building has fantastic viewing platforms, which can be found on levels 68 and 69, as well as the Skydeck on level 72.

There are also several bars and restaurants found in this incredible skyscraper, with popular options including Aqua Shard, Hutong, and Oblix.

From the viewing platforms and restaurants, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of London (and up to 40 miles away if it’s a clear day). Although we’ve organised this itinerary so everything is close together on each day, you’ll want to save this attraction for a time with clear skies.

Tower Bridge

If you’re spending a weekend in London then make sure you visit Tower Bridge. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and has been around since the 1890s.

Now, you’ll want to take some photographs of this architectural masterpiece before you do anything else. There are plenty of awesome vantage points from the River Thames as well as on the bridge itself.

However, for the best experience, we’d recommend purchasing a ticket to go inside. You can either purchase an entry ticket which offers you timed entry, or you can book a guided tour.

You can purchase your ticket online in advance which gives you access to the engine rooms, glass floor, walkways, and both towers. Opening hours are as follows; Monday to Sunday (9:30 am – 6 pm), with the last entry being 5 pm.

Tower of London

Last but certainly not least, there’s the Tower of London. This famous castle has an interesting history as a royal palace, fortress, and prison, making it a must for your 2-day London itinerary!

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror and is located along the River Thames. The Tower of London is another iconic landmark and is famous for being home to the Crown Jewels, which are kept under armed guard.

Another highlight of this place has to be the ravens that call this tower home. In fact, it’s believed that the Tower of London will fall if these ravens ever leave, showing just how important they’re considered to be.

If you don’t opt for one of the London city passes (Explorer or All-inclusive), then you can purchase your entry ticket in advance here.

Helpful Information for Your 2-Day London Itinerary

How to get to London

As London is the United Kingdom’s capital city, there are six international airports here; Gatwick, Heathrow, London City Airport, Luton, London Southend, and Stansted. As such, you’ll have no problems flying into the city! From the airports, you can just catch the tube or train to the centre.

There are also plenty of major train stations in the city, serving destinations all over the United Kingdom. No matter where you’re travelling from, you’ll have no problems getting a train ticket to London. However, a word of warning – they can be very expensive!

For those on a budget, some great coach companies run services to London. Popular companies include National Express, Flix Bus, and Mega Bus. You can find some great budget-friendly tickets with these companies, making them a fantastic low-cost option.

Driving to London is also an option but there are charges to be aware of in the city including congestion charges and low emission charges!

How to get around London

London has a fantastic public transport system so you’ll have no problems exploring the city. Here are some of the best ways to get around if you’re looking to make the most of this 2-day London itinerary:

The Tube: This is undoubtedly the best way to get around London. Services are frequent and there are 11 lines in total, servicing a total of 272 stations. Just be aware that the tube can get crowded.

Public Bus: There are endless bus services throughout London and they’re tap-on tap-off (you pay by card). Travelling by bus is also a great way to sightsee as you can take in the views along the way.

London Overground: The London Overground is best for those travelling outside of Central London. It links 23 of the city’s boroughs and services run regularly.

Taxi: You’ll find the iconic black ‘cabs’ all throughout the city and these run on a meter. They’re also very costly! Uber operates in London and tends to be a cheaper alternative.

Cycling: Santander Cycles is London’s bike-sharing platform and it’s really cheap (and easy) to use. You’ll also find plenty of e-bikes and e-scooters throughout the city, with Lime being one of the main operators.

Looking for another way to get around London?

This hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour is another fantastic way to get around the city. This ticket allows you to see the best of London and you’ll have on-board audio commentary along the way!

There are three different bus routes which cover 36 stops, many of which are popular landmarks. This includes Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Tower Hill, and Haymarket, among others so you won’t be short of places to visit. You’ll also get to enjoy a free river cruise.

In terms of duration, there’s a 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour ticket to choose from. So, you can easily pick the option that suits your stay the most!

The best time to visit London

The great thing about London is that you can visit the city at any time of the year! No matter when you go, there will be some kind of event on as well as a whole host of things to do.

In our opinion, the best time to visit London is during May-June or September-October. During this time, the weather is still pleasant and you’ll encounter fewer crowds.

The peak summer months of July and August see the best weather, but you’ll encounter the most crowds during this time. That’s because these months coincide with the summer holidays.

The winter months are another great time to visit London as the Christmas markets are extremely popular! However, accommodation during this time can be pricey, and again, it will be busy.

No matter when you visit, there’s a chance you’ll encounter rainfall but there are plenty of London attractions which you can head to for cover.

Exploring London by tour

If you’re only heading to London for the weekend then you’ll want to see as much as possible. Although we typically prefer to explore on our own, tours do offer a great opportunity to see plenty in a short amount of time! Guided tours are also a fantastic way to get local insight.

Here are some of the most popular tour options in London:

• London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise – This river cruise will take you from Westminster to Greenwich, and you’ll get to see iconic sights along the way!

• Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise – There’s a 24 and 48-hour pass to choose from and you’ll have a 30-minute river cruise included, as well as an evening tour.

• Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour – This tour is a must for Harry Potter fans! Not only will you get to visit some iconic sights, but you’ll also take part in a Harry Potter quiz.

Where to Stay in London

To make the most of this 2-day London itinerary you’ll need a relatively central base. Somewhere that’s easily accessible by metro and is very comfortable, as you’ll need plenty of rest after each action-packed day! Just be aware that accommodation in London is costly.

Here are some of our top recommendations:

Budget: Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage

Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage is one of the most budget-friendly properties you’ll find in London. Located in the popular area of Camden, this property offers both private guest rooms and dormitory beds!

This award-winning hostel offers continental breakfast, a bar, a self-service kitchen, and laundry facilities. If you stay here, you’ll be just a short walk from the metro too.

Mid-range: Snoozebox Olympic Park

For those who don’t mind spending a bit more, Snoozebox Olympic Park is a fantastic option. This adults-only property is located in Newham, not too far from the Olympic Stadium.

Boasting a shared lounge, terrace area, and bar, this place has a lot to offer. Although not very spacious, the rooms feature everything you need including air conditioning, free WiFi, and a flat-screen TV.

Luxury: The Standard London

This luxurious hotel is situated in the King’s Cross neighbourhood of London. Not only is the location fantastic, but there are three restaurants on-site as well as a cocktail bar.

The rooms here are certainly worth the money, with many of them offering terraced suites and outdoor bathtubs. From here, you’ll be treated to epic city views!

Frequently Asked Questions about London

How many days should I spend in London?

In our opinion, you should try to spend at least 3-4 days in the UK’s capital city. There are so many amazing things to do here, so it’s not a place that you want to rush.

If you only have 2 days in London, then simply prioritize what you’d like to see first. Just be prepared for an action-packed couple of days, as you’ll want to cram in as much as possible!

What is a good budget for London?

We recommend a budget of at least £70-£110 per person per day. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world and unfortunately, you’ll need to part with a fair amount of cash on your visit.

To keep costs relatively low, you’re best off staying in a hostel rather than a hotel. Luckily, there are some reasonably priced restaurants and food markets in the city too, so take advantage of those.

Is it worth going to London for 2 days?

It certainly is! Although 2 days in London will feel quite rushed, it’s still a good amount of time to see the highlights. Just make the most of early starts and late evenings, to pack in as much as possible!

In our opinion, you’re best off prioritizing specific areas of London each day, and just seeing the attractions within that area. That way, you won’t bite off more than you can chew!

Can you go to London on a budget?

Although London is expensive, you can visit on a budget. You’ll want to search for low-cost accommodation (specifically hostels and Airbnb’s) and plan ahead if you can.

The great thing about this city is that there are plenty of free attractions and museums. In that regard, you can make the trip as expensive or as budget-friendly as you’d like!

Final Thoughts on this 2-Day London Itinerary

Hopefully, this London 2-day itinerary has given you an idea of the city’s top attractions! Honestly, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do as there’s something for everyone.

If you’re spending a weekend in London then there’s a lot on offer, which can often feel overwhelming. Our advice is to just take your time, prioritize your top places of interest, and simply go with the flow!

If you have any questions about your 2 days in London, don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other UK guides that you may find helpful:

• Visiting Llyn Padarn, North Wales: The Best Things To Do!
• Visiting Moel Famau In North Wales
• 2 Days In Edinburgh (The Ultimate Edinburgh Itinerary)

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