How to Spend 2 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Adventures of Matt & Nat
- 3 days ago
- 14 min read
Welcome to London! Home of double-decker buses, afternoon tea, royal pageantry, and some of the most iconic landmarks in the world! Whether you’re here for the first time or coming back for more, 48 hours in London might not be enough to see everything… but it’s definitely enough to check off some bucket list items, eat some delicious food, and make incredible memories. We recently had the pleasure of visiting London for the second time and have put together what we believe is the perfect two-day itinerary for first-time visitors. From postcard-perfect neighborhoods like Notting Hill and world-famous ceremonies at Buckingham Palace to historic markets, iconic landmarks, peaceful parks, and secret cocktail bars, this two-day itinerary is packed with the best things to do, see, and eat in London!
⬇️ For a closer look at our experience, watch the video below! ⬇️
⬇️ For the best Tours, Tickets, & Experiences, check out GetYouGuide! ⬇️
⬇️ Looking for the perfect stay in Paris? Check out these recommendations! ⬇️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Berkeley, Maybourne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Raffles London at The OWO
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Native Bankside
⭐️⭐️⭐️ St. David’s Hotel (where we stayed)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ibis Styles London Southwark
Before we get into the meat of this itinerary, I want to share some quick tips that will make your time in London much more enjoyable:
Know the Currency: The UK uses the British Pound (£), not the Euro. Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it’s still smart to carry a bit of cash for small purchases or local markets. Pro tip: Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. >>See our favorite travel credit card here<<
Master the Tube: London’s subway system (aka the Tube) is the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Get an Oyster Card or use a contactless credit card or Apple Pay for quick tap-in/tap-out access (again… be sure to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees). Just be sure to mind the gap!
Stay Connected with an eSIM: If you want reliable data for Google Maps, restaurant reviews, and booking tickets on the go, we recommend using an eSIM. It’s what we use to avoid international roaming fees. Our go-to providers are Airalo and Holafly.
Expect a Mix of Weather: London weather is unpredictable, so bring layers and always have an umbrella or rain jacket handy. Even in the fall or spring, mornings can be chilly while afternoons warm up quickly. Check out our UK Fall Essentials on Amazon!
Look Right, Then Left: When crossing the street, remember that traffic in the UK drives on the left. “Look Right” is even painted on the streets for a reason. It’s easy to forget if you're used to American or European road layouts.
Tipping Culture: Tipping in London isn’t as expected as it is in the US. In restaurants, a 10–12.5% service charge is often included. If it’s not, a small tip is appreciated but not required.
Book in Advance: Popular attractions like the Sky Garden, afternoon tea, and Tower of London tours can book up quickly. We recommend grabbing tickets online a few weeks before your visit, especially for weekend travel. And for the best Tours, Tickets, & Experiences, check out GetYouGuide!
Day 1: Royal Sights, Afternoon Tea, & Hidden Cocktail Clubs!
7:30 AM – Morning fuel… Coffee and Pastries
Start your morning off right in Notting Hill with a warm croissant or pastry and a flat white from either Butter Bakery (219 Westbourne Park Rd), nearby Lift Coffee (133 Kensington Church St), or Treelogy Specialty Coffee (50 Eastbourne Terrace).. All three spots are cozy, local, and worth the caffeine stop. Or if it’s a full English Breakfast you’re looking for…
Check out these recommendations:
• Terry's Cafe London (158 Great Suffolk St) – A beloved South London institution, Terry’s Café offers a hearty and authentic Full English breakfast.
• E Pellicci (opens at 8 AM – 332 Bethnal Grn Rd) – A true East London gem, E. Pellicci has been serving the community since 1900. This family-run café is renowned for its warm hospitality and classic Full English breakfast.
• Double J's Cafe (333 Euston Rd) – Situated in Fitzrovia, Double J's Cafe is a family-run establishment known for its extensive breakfast menu, including their Full English breakfast.
8:15 AM – Wander Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
Stroll through one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, famous for its pastel-colored homes, quirky bookshops, and bustling market. While the Portobello Road Market runs every day, it’s in full swing on the weekends with antiques, vintage treasures, and plenty of local eats. Just be sure to check the opening hours as they change depending on the season.
9:15 AM – Scenic stroll through Kensington Gardens
A short walk away, Kensington Palace is a must for any royal fan. Once home to Princess Diana (and still the official residence of Prince William and Princess Kate), the palace sits at the edge of Kensington Gardens, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Walk through the Italian Gardens, visit the Albert Memorial, or just enjoy the peaceful paths before heading toward the next royal destination. If you do have a little extra time and want to tour the palace, we recommend booking you tickets in advance. Click HERE to book!
10:00 AM – Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
Address: London SW1A 1AA
No trip to London is complete without witnessing the Changing of the Guard, one of the most iconic displays of British pomp and pageantry. Taking place outside Buckingham Palace, this ceremonial tradition involves the King’s Guard, clad in their unmistakable red tunics and tall bearskin hats, handing over the duty of protecting the palace to a new set of guards. It’s a carefully choreographed event set to live military music and precise marching drills.
Here’s what to know:
• It typically starts at 11:00 AM, but certain parts begin earlier, so you’ll want to arrive no later than 10:00 AM (or earlier on busy days) to get a good viewing spot near the palace gates or Victoria Memorial.
• The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and includes the Old Guard marching out, followed by the New Guard marching in, all to the sound of a military band.
• It’s completely free to watch, but crowd levels vary, so arriving early is key for good photos.
Pro Tip: Check the official schedule before your visit, as the Changing of the Guard doesn’t happen every day and is weather-dependent.
1:00 PM – Afternoon Tea at The Langham (or another spot)
Address: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
If you're in the mood for a proper British afternoon tea, The Langham is known as the birthplace of this elegant tradition. The hotel has been serving afternoon tea since 1865, and Palm Court offers a refined setting with traditional offerings like delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream. That said... at £85 (roughly $115 USD) per person, we personally didn’t feel like the experience quite lived up to the price tag. It’s certainly beautiful, but if you’re looking for a better value or just something a little more unique)...
Here are a few other London afternoon tea spots we’d recommend:
• The Wolseley – A classic London brasserie with more affordable options and a grand interior
• Sketch – Known for its whimsical pink gallery room and artistic presentation (Instagram gold)
• Fortnum & Mason – A historic tea house with excellent service and a traditional feel
• The Orangery at Number Sixteen – Often described as “the coziest place south of Kent.” Tucked inside a boutique hotel, their garden setting feels like a peaceful escape from the city bustle
• Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames – A scenic twist on the tradition, this cruise lets you enjoy tea, scones, and skyline views while gliding along the Thames (Click HERE to book!)
• Great British Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – Combines tea time with sightseeing from a vintage double-decker bus (Click HERE to book)
Whatever you choose, just make a reservation in advance! Afternoon tea in London is popular, and prime time slots fill up fast!
3:00 PM – DIY Walking Tour of Central London
Get your steps in while taking in some of the most historic and photogenic sights in the city. This self-guided walking tour is perfect for first-time visitors and takes about 2 hours at a relaxed pace (with time for photos and quick stops).
📍Stop 1: London Eye (Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB)
Start at the London Eye, Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. It opened in 2000 and stands 443 feet tall. Tickets are a little steep in my opinion, starting at £29 (roughly $39 USD) for adults, so if it’s not in the budget for this trip, that’s ok (and understandable). That said, it's still worth walking by to admire the engineering and snap a few iconic riverfront photos. If you do want to take the 30-minute spin, you’ll want to book you’re tickets in advance to save time and money. Click HERE to book!
Walk across Westminster Bridge (~5 min walk)
📍Stop 2: Big Ben & the Palace of Westminster (London SW1A 0AA)
Often confused as the name for the entire clock tower, Big Ben actually refers to the 13-ton bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, which rings every hour. The Palace of Westminster next door is home to the UK Parliament and one of the most recognizable government buildings in the world. If you want to do more than see the outside of these iconic sights, you’ll need to book your tickets well in advance (like… 3 months)!
Walk to Parliament Square (~2 min walk)
📍Stop 3: Parliament Square (London SW1P 3JX)
This public square is surrounded by architectural and political heavy-hitters: Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and several statues of global leaders, including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and Abraham Lincoln.
Directly adjacent
📍Stop 4: Westminster Abbey (Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA)
Founded in 960 AD and rebuilt in its current Gothic style in 1245, Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is also the resting place of monarchs, scientists, poets, and politicians. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see, even if you don’t go inside. But if you do want to go inside, be sure to book your ticket in advance… Click HERE to book!
Walk up Whitehall (~5–7 min walk)
📍Stop 5: 10 Downing Street (Photo Stop)
Home to the UK’s Prime Minister since 1735, 10 Downing Street is closed to the public but visible from a secured gate. Snap a photo and imagine what’s going on behind the famous black door.
Continue walking north on Whitehall (~5 min walk)
📍Stop 6: Horse Guards Parade & Household Cavalry Museum (66 Horse Guards Ave, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX)
This wide open courtyard is used for official ceremonies like Trooping the Colour, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the mounted Household Cavalry guards. The museum here gives a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of these royal soldiers.
Walk through the archway into St. James's Park or continue up Whitehall (~6 min walk)
📍Stop 7: Admiralty Arch & The Mall (Optional Detour – The Mall, London SW1A 2WH)
At the top of Whitehall, you'll pass Admiralty Arch, which leads to The Mall—the grand avenue that connects Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. You can peek through to see the palace at the far end or take a quick detour if you didn’t visit it earlier in the day.
Continue walking north on Whitehall (~3 min walk)
📍Stop 8: Old Scotland Yard (4 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2HP)
As you continue walking up Whitehall, just before you reach Trafalgar Square, you’ll pass the original location of Scotland Yard, once the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police from 1829 to 1890. There’s not much to see from the outside today (it’s now home to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero), but a small, blue plaque mounted on the wall commemorates its historical significance.
Fun Fact: “Scotland Yard” remains the nickname for the Metropolitan Police to this day, even though their offices have long since moved.
Cross into Trafalgar Square (~3 min walk)
📍Stop 9: Trafalgar Square (Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS)
End your walking tour in Trafalgar Square, a lively public space named after the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). Look for Nelson’s Column, guarded by four giant bronze lions, and admire the National Gallery and fountains. This is a great spot to rest, people-watch, or grab a snack.
5:00 PM – Visit The National Gallery
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Spend some time roaming the halls of The National Gallery, located right in Trafalgar Square. Home to over 2,300 works of art, this museum features masterpieces from Van Gogh, Monet, da Vinci, and Rembrandt, and it’s completely free to enter! You can browse by era, artist, or simply wander through the galleries to soak it all in. Even if you only have an hour, it’s worth the stop. Don’t miss Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Turner’s moody landscapes, or Monet's Water Lilies.
Note: The gallery typically closes at 6 PM, so check hours in advance if your timing shifts.
6:15 PM – Happy Hour Stop at Experimental Cocktail Club
Address: 13a Gerrard St, London W1D 5PS
Just a short walk from Trafalgar Square, head into Soho for a pre-dinner drink at one of London’s best hidden bars, Experimental Cocktail Club. Tucked discreetly behind an unmarked door on Gerrard Street in Chinatown, this speakeasy-style bar is known for its creative menu, cozy atmosphere, and expert mixologists. It’s the perfect place to rest your feet, sip something unique, and toast to a full day of exploring London. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are sometimes accepted if you arrive early enough.
Pro Tip: Look for the black and red door between Far East Chinese Restaurant and Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant. There’s no signage, but the door is located directly under the word “East”.
And if you’re more of a wine and cheese persone, check out Chez Antoinette (30 The Market Building)!
7:30 PM – Dinner in Covent Garden
We wrapped up our first day in London with dinner at Ivy Market Grill, a stylish spot with a prime location in Covent Garden that didn’t break the bank. And to be honest, it checked all of those boxes. The ambiance was inviting, the service attentive, and the prices were reasonable. That said, the food was enjoyable, but it didn't quite stand out as exceptional. So, while we do recommend it...
Here are some other options that may appeal to your tastes and preferences more:
• Flat Iron Covent Garden – A local favorite for affordable, perfectly cooked steak. No frills, just quality meat, good sides, and a cozy vibe. Don’t skip the free salted popcorn while you wait!
• The White Lion – If you're craving classic British pub fare with a pint, this historic pub just off Covent Garden hits the spot. Great for fish and chips or a casual pie in a relaxed setting.
• Cafe Murano Covent Garden – A warm, inviting spot for Italian comfort food with a modern twist, helmed by chef Angela Hartnett. Think fresh pasta, seasonal ingredients, and great wine.
• Fatt Pundit – One of the more unique options on the list, this restaurant blends Indian and Chinese flavors into bold, unforgettable dishes. Their signature momos and sticky sesame vegetables are must-tries.
• Cora Pearl – A chic and elevated bistro serving modern British cuisine with flair. Great cocktails, beautifully presented dishes, and a slightly more upscale (but still relaxed) vibe.
No matter which you choose, Covent Garden is buzzing at night, so you really can’t go wrong. Just make sure to check hours and book ahead if possible!
Day 2: Crown Jewels, Towering Views, and Historic Markets!
9:00 AM – Tour the Tower of London
Address: London EC3N 4AB
Start your day with a visit to the Tower of London, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, this fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and even a zoo.
Don’t miss:
• The Crown Jewels – Featuring the Imperial State Crown and Sovereign’s Sceptre
• The White Tower – A Norman keep designed to awe and intimidate
• The Beefeaters – Officially known as Yeoman Warders, they offer fun and fascinating guided tours
• The Ravens – Legend says if they leave, the kingdom will fall (they keep at least six on-site, just in case)
We recommend booking your ticket in advance and arriving when it opens to beat the crowds. (Click HERE to book!)
12:30 PM – Visit Tower Bridge
Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
With a ticket to the Tower Bridge Exhibition, you'll get access to the upper-level walkways that offer stunning views over the Thames, as well as the chance to walk across the glass floor, suspended 138 feet above the road and river below. It’s one of the most unique and slightly thrilling experiences in the city! You'll also have access to the Victorian Engine Rooms, where you can learn how the bridge's original steam-powered lifting mechanisms worked—another fun and interactive stop. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, but we recommend booking ahead for faster entry and guaranteed access. (Click HERE to book!)
Heads up: To reach the top walkways, you’ll need to climb 206 steps. However, there is a lift (elevator) available upon request, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff if you require that option.
2:00 PM – Lunch at Leadenhall Market + Caffeine Break
Address: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT
After crossing Tower Bridge, head to nearby Leadenhall Market… a covered Victorian market that dates back to the 14th century and was beautifully redesigned in the 1880s. You may recognize it as a filming location for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, but it’s also a great spot to grab lunch. Inside, you'll find a mix of restaurants, pubs, and casual grab-and-go options. Whether you're in the mood for fish and chips, a gourmet sandwich, or something international, you'll have plenty to choose from in a setting that feels like stepping back in time. We personally enjoyed Boom Bap Burger, but here are some other options as well…
Lunch recommendations:
• The Lamb Tavern – A traditional pub with classic British fare
• Tortilla – Fast, casual Mexican fare
• PizzaExpress – The UK's first pizzeria since 1965 (not this exact location)
Once you’ve eaten, refuel with a coffee break before the afternoon activities.
Here are our recommendations:
• Hagen Espresso Bar – A sleek Danish-style café known for its specialty brews and minimalist vibe
• Rosslyn Coffee – One of London’s best for high-quality espresso and impeccable service
• Curators Coffee Studio – A bright, modern café with pour-overs, pastries, and an emphasis on seasonal beans
• Two Eyes Coffee House – Excellent coffee and a must-visit for Harry Potter fans: the front door was used as the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron in the first film!
Bonus: If you're a Harry Potter fan, be sure to make your way over to Hobbs (a women's clothing store) to get a shot of the famous "Diagon Alley"!
4:30 PM – Sunset Views & Drinks at The Sky Garden
Address: 5 Whitehall Ct, London SW1A 2BT
After a packed day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a slower pace and sky-high views at The Sky Garden, perched atop the “Walkie Talkie” building (20 Fenchurch Street). This lush, glass-enclosed space spans three levels and combines tropical greenery with panoramic views of London’s skyline. As the sun begins to dip, the mood inside shifts. Golden light floods the garden, and the views stretch across St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Thames. There’s no better place in the city to unwind before dinner. Grab a drink from The Sky Pod Bar, find a cozy seat by the windows, and watch London light up for the evening.
In October (when we went), sunset is typically between 6:00–6:30 PM so a 4:30 PM entry gives you plenty of time to explore, grab a drink, and settle in for the golden hour glow, but be sure to check sunset times during your visit and plan accordingly
Note: Entry is free, but timed tickets are required and should be booked in advance, especially if you're aiming for sunset. Walk-ins are not guaranteed. Click HERE to book!
7:00 PM – Dinner at Dishoom Shoreditch
Address: 7 Boundary St, London E2 7JE
End your 48 hours in London with one of the city's most beloved dining experiences: Dishoom. Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom delivers warm hospitality, richly spiced dishes, and a lively atmosphere.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a return fan, here’s what not to miss:
• House Black Daal – Creamy, slow-cooked, and unforgettable
• Chicken Ruby – Bold, rich, and deeply satisfying
• Bacon Naan Roll – A cult favorite (usually a breakfast dish, but still worth mentioning)
• Okra Fries – Crispy, light, and oddly addictive
• Bottomless Chai – Spiced, warming, and just as much a vibe as a drink
Note: They don’t take dinner reservations for smaller groups, so expect a wait, especially on weekends, but the queue moves fast, and there’s a bar and holding area to sip a pre-dinner drink while you wait.
And just like that, your 48 hours in London have come to an end! We hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to London, and if it did, we’d love for you to follow along on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube Channel, where we share even more travel tips, guides, and behind-the-scenes adventures!
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