London in 2 Days: How to Conquer it Like a Boss

Planning on getting around London in 2 days, and wanna know just how to spend it?

I’ll be glad to assist…

Having lived near London my whole life, writing about this city comes pretty naturally.

And though it’s easy to be a pessimist, I’ve always found London an exciting place to be.

It has a history and culture that is second to none, and there’s so much to do while you’re here…

Trouble is there’s too much to do!

Which is why I’ve set out this step-by-step 2 day itinerary, to help you get as much out of your visit as possible…

And you can go home knowing you’ve conquered London like a boss!

via GIPHY

[lwptoc]

But before we get started, I know there are some questions you may need answering…

Is 2 days in London enough?

You’re setting yourself a challenge, it has to be said.

Of course you won’t be able to see ALL of London in such a short period, but with the right structure and planning, you should be able to see most of the famous London attractions.

Hopefully my 2 day itinerary will remove any doubts you may have, and will have you excited for an awesome trip!

Is the itinerary family-friendly?

Yes, I consider the itinerary family-friendly.

The guide is full of fun things to do, and all of which are suitable for kids. As you can expect though, the days are pretty intense – so have a read through, and as parent/guardian you can decide if suitable!

Do I need a London Pass?

Yes, for the sake of this itinerary I’d recommend purchasing a London Pass.

The London Pass is a pre-paid ticket that gives you automatic access to most of the attractions included in this guide.

• It will save you money, plus give you a skip-the-line perk for some of the places we’ll be visiting.

• It also covers you for the Big Bus London tour bus that we’ll be using for a couple of journeys.

– Makes sense really!

You will be requiring the 2 day pass for this itinerary.

Ok, before we get going with the itinerary, it’s important I add a little disclaimer:

Please remember, this is just an outline. I can’t be held personally responsible for long queues or delays on the day, should they happen.

** I’d try to arrive at each place in as much time as possible.**

Day 1: Tower Hamlets, City and West End

To hit the ground running, we’re gonna start off with a fun day visiting some of London’s biggest attractions, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.

9am-11:30am: Tower of London (included in London Pass)

Well, you won’t find many places with a history like this old gem…

Since its building in 1066 by William the Conqueror, this impressive stone fortress has been used as a royal palace, a prison, execution ground, and once even a zoo!

Conspiracy, torture, execution, and murder – the tower holds more stories under its roof than I can count! You’ll learn these when you jump on one of the free beefeater tours included in your pass (the tours usually run every hour – first one’s either 10am or 10.30am), and usually run for an hour each.

If you’re interested, you can also queue up to have a look at the royal crown jewels, which have been kept here since the 18th century.

Price without London pass: £28.90 (adult).

How to get here

1 min walk – from Tower Hill tube station (District/Circle line)
Your Google map route

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8 mins walk – to Tower Bridge
Your Google map route
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11:45am-1pm: Tower Bridge (included in London Pass)

You probably would have seen this bridge many times – well at least on a postcard anyway!

This grand bridge was built in the Victorian era as a solution to London’s growing traffic, which was the largest in Europe at the time. Since then it has become one of London’s most symbolic landmarks, and an iconic image of London.

When you’re here, you’ll get to walk along the glass walkway, see the engine rooms, and view an exhibition of the bridge’s history.

Price without London pass: £10.60 (adult).

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5 mins walk to Tower Hill bus stop, 362 Tower Hill,
2 stops via Big Bus London to Westminster Pier
(If you’d rather take the tube, you can head to Tower Hill station and take the District line (westbound) 6 stops to Westminster)
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1.45pm-2.15pm: Lunch

As we have a lot to fit in, we’re gonna have to keep the lunch break short. But 30 minutes should give you just enough time to regain some energy, and get somewhat an eyeful of Big Ben **It’s currently still covered in scaffolding**. 🕑

Just a short walk from Westminster Pier, you’ll find a Tesco Express, where you can pick up a meal-deal (usually sandwich, crisps and drink for £3).

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5 mins walk – to Westminster Abbey
Your Google map route
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2.30pm-4.30pm: Westminster Abbey (included in London Pass)

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the beauty and significance of Westminster Abbey.

This stunning church has held every royal coronation in the country since its construction in the 11th century. It’s also the resting place of many of Britain’s most respected figures. Kings, Queens, warriors, writers, and poets are all buried here.

On your visit you’ll have the opportunity of seeing the famous coronation chair, the tombs of aristocrats, and Poets’ Corner – resting place of Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.

Just remember – no photos or videos allowed inside!

Price without London pass: £24 (adult).

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7 mins walk – to 10 Downing Street
Your Google map route
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4.45pm-4.50pm: 10 Downing Street

As we’re only in London for 2 days, then why not?!

10 Downing Street is the official home and office of the British Prime Minister – currently Boris Johnson.

You’ll rarely find a Prime Ministerial statement on home soil not taken infront of the famous black door with the number 10 at the top.

Unfortunately you won’t be allowed inside – to be honest you’ll be lucky to be allowed through the gates for a photo unless accompanied by a bunch of noisy school children. But just to be here and experience the buzz of the crowds is worth the stop.

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7 mins walk – to Trafalgar Square
Your Google map route
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5pm-5.15pm: Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square has long been known as one of London’s most recognisable landmarks.

The square itself is named after the Battle of Trafalgar – a successful British naval conflict over French and Spanish fleets at Cape Trafalgar, in 1805.

At its centre, you’ll find ‘Nelson’s Column’, a 169ft monument dedicated to British naval officer Lord Horatio Nelson, who led the battle victory, but died in the combat. Right at the very top you’ll see Nelson standing proudly with his sword, and at the bottom you’ll find bronze panels on each side of the pedestal, reportedly made out of French weaponry from the battle. You’ll also notice the famous bronze lions at the bottom, guarding the monument.

This square is considered by many to be the centre-spot of London, and is historically the starting point for many political protests.

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12 mins walk back to Westminster Pier
Your Google map route
2 stops on Big Bus London to Buckingham Palace
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6pm-6.30pm: Buckingham Palace

A trip to London wouldn’t be the same without a stop at the home of Queen Elizabeth, or “Betty” as she’s known.

This enormous building has been the official home of the royal family since Queen Victoria’s coronation in the 1830s.

Though you unfortunately won’t be able to go inside, you can still stand outside and admire the palace’s stunning exterior. You can also watch the palace’s royal guards as they patrol outside.

Note: Don’t forget to check the flag above the palace. If it’s the red and yellow (Royal Standard) flag you know she’s in residence, and if it’s the union flag it means you’ll have to call back later!

Day 2: St Paul’s, London Bridge and southbank

The second and final day will be spent predominantly on the south side of the river, in one of London’s most interesting areas.

For centuries the southbank was known as the debauchery area of London. A squalid cesspit full of alehouses and prostitution, where working-class locals would let their hair down after a hard day’s graft.

You’ll be disappointed to hear it’s somewhat changed since those days! Today, it’s a thriving cultural area with museums, offices, restaurants and historic pubs.

9am-11am: St Paul’s Cathedral (included in London Pass)

When you visit St Paul’s, it’s hard not to be blown away by its stunning interior. The architecture of the arches and beautifully-painted high ceilings really is something to admire.

Sadly it hasn’t always looked this way. Over history it was destroyed and rebuilt four times since its original construction 1,400 years ago.

It’s also been the hosting venue of royal weddings – most notably that of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana.

You may still not be able to visit the Whispering Gallery when you come. But if you have the strength in your legs, be sure to travel up to the Golden Gallery, for an amazing city view!

Price without London pass: £20 (adult).

How to get here

2 mins walk – from St Paul’s tube station (Central line)
Your Google map route

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7 mins walk to Bank tube station
Your Google map route,
1 stop southbound to London Bridge (Northern line),
2 mins walk to the Shard
Your Google map route
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11.45am-1.15pm: The Shard (included in London Pass)

Hope you like quality views, because you’re about to get the best in London!

Just a short walk from London Bridge, you’ll find this beast of a building. It happens to be the UK’s tallest and Europe’s 6th tallest building, standing at over 1,000 feet in height.

Your London Pass gives you access to the ‘View from the Shard’, meaning you can travel up to the 72nd floor for the best views on offer.

If you’re smartly dressed, you can treat yourself to a drink in the Aqua Shard!

(Remember to join the priority queue when you arrive!)

Price without London pass: £25-£34 (adult).

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5 mins walk to Borough Market
Your Google map route
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1.30pm-2.30pm: Lunch at Borough Market

If you’ve got an appetite, then you need to visit Borough Market.

The great thing you’ll notice about this place is the variety of foods on offer. As you walk in, you can expect to see an open maze of kiosks selling street foods from all over the world. You name it, it’s probably here!

You may have trouble finding somewhere to sit as it typically gets busy around lunchtime, but if you can find anywhere to pop yourself down, then take it quick.

Little fact: Borough Market is actually London’s oldest food market, and has a history going back a thousand years.

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7-8 mins walk to Shakespeare’s Globe
Your Google map route
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2.45pm-4pm: Shakespeare’s Globe (included in London Pass)

Everyone’s heard of the famous William Shakespeare, and his legendary plays.

The Shakespeare’s Globe is an identical reconstruction of the original ‘Globe Theatre’ built in 1599… well apparently it was slightly larger, but close enough!

The original was the venue for all of Shakespeare’s written plays, which were a big hit with Londoners, even during that period.

To this day, visiting theatre shows remains one of the all-time popular things to do in London.

Use your pass to explore this charming playhouse, and hop on one of the guided tours that usually run for around 40 minutes a time.

Price without London pass: £17 (adult).

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5 mins walk to Tate Modern
Your Google map route
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4.15pm-5.45pm: Tate Modern

If you love modern art, then you’ll probably be glad you stopped by this place!

Positioned inside the former Bankside power station, this contemporary art museum and attracts more visitors than any of its kind in the world. You’ll find works from world-famous artists such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.

When you’re done exploring the galleries, you can enjoy a coffee in the museum cafe. Or if you haven’t had enough of views from earlier in the day, you can head up to the top of the Blavatnik building for a 360 view over London.

Like most museums, it’s free entry, but there are paid exhibitions available.

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13 mins walk to The George Inn
Your Google map route
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6pm-7pm: The George Inn pub

Photo credit: Ewan Munro, Wikimedia Commons

Now no one’s asking you to get “battered” (a British slang for drunk), but as we’re in London, why not spend a good hour living like a local!

The George Inn, apart from being a great pub, is considered one of London’s oldest, dating back to medieval times. William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens were both known visitors in their lifetimes.

Though drinks aren’t the cheapest at around £5 a lager pint, the prices are pretty standard for the location and the staff are very friendly.

The pub does get busy around this time, and you may struggle to find a seat indoors, but there are tonnes of benches outside. They usually have outdoor heating too!

Finishing the itinerary

That brings us to the end of this 2 day London travel guide.

I hope you’ve found it helpful, and my apologies if there were any special places I’ve left out.

It felt disappointing not being able to squeeze in a couple of London’s famous museums, such as the British Museum and the Natural History Museum – both being great places to visit.

I know there are still some further questions you may have, so please read on to ensure you don’t miss anything…

When should I do the 2-day itinerary?

I would 100% recommend doing the itinerary on weekdays (Monday to Friday).

I would avoid doing this on a weekend, if possible. London draws in big tourist numbers on most days, and a weekend… well, you see where I’m going with this!

When is the best time of year to visit?

Spring (March-May): Probably the ideal time of year. The weather is improving from the Winter months, and tourist numbers aren’t too high. Average temp: 9.3 degrees celsius (48.7 F).

Summer (June-August): Busy! Though the weather is often great, the tourist numbers are large, and hotel and flight prices are usually at their peak. Average temp: 21 degrees celsius (70 F).

Autumn (September-October): A good time to come. The weather is starting to cool down a little, as are prices and tourist numbers. Average temp: 14 degrees celsius (61 F).

Winter (November-February): If you don’t mind cold weather then this could be a good time to visit. If you arrive around Christmas, the festive lights and good spiritedness of the people make a pleasant atmosphere. Average temp: 5 degrees celsius (41 F).

What is the 2-day London budget?

Including payment for the London Pass and accommodation, I’d suggest taking between £200-£230 (GBP) per adult.

One thing to remember is that London is expensive. To be safe, I always recommend taking a little more than necessary.

Most places in the UK accept credit/debit cards.

Where should I stay in London for 2 days?

It generally comes down to budget, but for a 2 day stay in London I’d personally vouch for a 3 or 4 star hotel. They offer just the right amount of luxury for a not-too-costly price.

London’s city hotels aren’t the cheapest in the world, but most are comfortable, and close to underground stations. The staff at the reception desks are usually helpful and on-hand for any queries you may have.

Here are just a few of London’s good hotel choices that may interest you:

• Club Quarters Hotel, Lincoln’s Inn Fields
• Ruby Lucy Hotel, Waterloo
• Apex Temple Court Hotel, City

For more great options, be sure to check out my article for Best Places to Stay in London!

What should I bring with me?

Despite only being in London for 2 days, there are a small number of essentials I would consider bringing with you, in order to be prepared and save any possible headaches.

So, here are some recommendations for you:

✔︎ Rain jacket – I know us Brits are always talking about the weather, but there’s a reason for it – because it’s so unpredictable! If you can find the space in your bag, then I’d roll one up and put it in. An umbrella is also wise!

✔︎ Good walking shoes – As you will be on your feet a lot, it makes sense to have comfortable footwear to avoid any foot pains ruining your day. Light and cushion-soled running shoes are a good option.

✔︎ Google maps – As you may have already noticed, we’ll be relying a lot on Google maps in this itinerary. This app has been a life-saver for myself and many travellers when getting around, and is very easy to use. Most smartphones should have it already installed, but it can still be downloaded for iOS and Android.

Decided that 2 days in London isn’t enough?

If you’ve had a change of heart and decided you’d like to stick around in London longer, be sure to check out my 4 day London itinerary!

Making your own itinerary

Let’s face it, sometimes we’d rather just do our own thing and make our own adventure. No harm in that!

If you plan to see most of the big attractions, then I still suggest purchasing a London Pass, but ONLY if you’ve planned ahead to ensure you get your money’s worth.

Click here for the list of places covered by the London Pass.

But where do I find the big attractions?

Of course it is handy to know where all the popular places are, so you’re able to plan your days without getting overwhelmed.

The majority of London’s attractions are on the west side of the city, with exceptions such as the Tower of London on the east, and the Shard on the southbank.

You can view your attractions map by clicking here.

Something more unusual

If you’d like to head off the beaten path and see some of London’s more unusual activities, check out my guide for #1 Non touristy things to do in London

Getting around London

Though far from being the cheapest city to travel (compared to somewhere like Rome), London does have a good public transport network.

The Londoner’s way of paying for transport is by using the Oyster card (“contactless” credit/cards can also be used). You use this by tapping it on the yellow card readers you’ll find on buses and in tube stations.

What should I use?

You’ll probably be relying mostly on the London underground (tube) while you’re here.

As you’re only in London for 2 days, your best bet would be getting daily all-day travel cards. They will cover you for all zones, and can be purchased at any underground station for £12.70 per adult.

Travelling with Kids?

– All children under 11 travel for free on buses and tube, when accompanied by an adult. (4 kids max per adult).
– Young persons travel cards can be purchased for 11-15 year olds.

Tube

This is my preferred method of transport in London, and what I normally use when getting around.

The services are reliable (usually!), and it’s the quickest way to get from one place to the next.

Prices: £2.40 per journey (zone 1)

Oyster card rule: Tap your card at start and end of your journey.

If you’re out after 12am, London has a number of services than run 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. These are: Jubilee, Northern, Central, Victoria, and Piccadilly lines.

Buses

The famous big red buses can be spotted everywhere on London’s roads.

They’re generally the Londoner’s favoured method of travel, as the costs are cheap, and the services are very regular.

There’s also a £4.50 daily cap, meaning you won’t spend more than that in a day!

Prices: £1.50 per journey

Oyster card rule: Tap your card when you get on ONLY.

DLR

The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is quite simply an automated tube service, but overground.

It operates between the City, East and South London.

You probably won’t be relying on this in your short time of visiting, but it could be the most suitable service depending on where you need to go.

Prices: £2.40-£3.90 per journey

Taxis

Though not the cheapest option, taxis are a lifesaver for when you’re in a rush, or if you’re stranded somewhere at night.

London’s black cabs are found all over the city, and can be hailed down if the yellow ‘TAXI’ sign is visible on the cars.

All taxis run on a meter, with a minimum charge of £3.20.

Apps for travelling around

One of the most popular travel apps for Londoners is called Citymapper. It gives you the best routes for destinations and is great for keeping up to date with the latest travel news. It can come in useful, especially if you choose to extend your stay.

Download for iOS >>>>>
Download for Android >>>>>

Where to eat in London

London being the metropolitan city it is, is home to a large variety of restaurants, with foods from nationalities all over the world. You’ll find anything from traditional western to south east asian.

For traditional British food I’d typically look for any local pub, where you’ll normally find a full english breakfast, fish and chips, or a traditional roast dinner on the menu.

I’d recommend using Bookatable to book restaurant tables in advance, but most will accept walk-ins.

My personal recommendations

Honest Burgers – I had the ‘Tribute Burger’ when I came, and it was 100% the greatest burger I’ve ever eaten. The rosemary-salted chips were good too. Sadly they had no desserts though, which I was a tad disappointed by! £25-£30 (meal for two).

Baltic – Polish/Czech restaurant typically serving mostly meat-based dishes with vegetables. The food is on the slightly pricey side, but it’s tasty and well-presented. I felt stuffed by the time I left! £70-£80 (meal for two).

Thai Silk – I’ve been here a few times for a meal, and have never been disappointed. The restaurant serves a tasty 4-course set dinner of traditional Thai dishes. (£70-£75 meal for two).

Travelling from outside the UK?

If you’re travelling to London internationally, you may be requiring a visa, depending on which country you’ve arriving from.

• EU countries – Even though Britain has now technically left the European Union, the transition period allows visa-free travel between the UK and EU countries to continue until 31st December 2020.

• Non-EU countries – The UK accepts visa-free access from a number of non-EU countries worldwide, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If you require a visa, then you must apply for it before you arrive in the UK. You can find out if you require a visa by clicking here.

Most tourists who require a UK visa apply for the Standard Visitor Visa. Find out more by clicking here.

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