The best London 2 day itinerary: what to see + do

Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Ioana

London is one of those cities that lives in your head long before you ever visit. You see Big Ben in movies, learn about Westminster Abbey in school, and imagine what it would feel like to walk across Tower Bridge for the first time.

And then you get there… and realize there’s so much to see that it can feel overwhelming.

If you only have 2 days in London, planning your time well is everything.

In this itinerary, I’ve mapped out the perfect London 2 day itinerary that covers:

• the most iconic landmarks
• a few unique experiences
• and realistic timing so you’re not rushing all day

This is based on my own trip, including what I’d do differently next time, so you can make the most of your time in the city. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Day 1 in London: Westminster, Royal London & Iconic Views

Your first day in London should be all about the classics. This route is designed so you can walk most of it, avoid backtracking, and see some of the most famous landmarks in the world in one smooth flow.

I followed a similar route on my trip and it made such a difference. London is huge, but when you group attractions by area, it suddenly feels very manageable.

Start your morning at Big Ben & Westminster

Start your day early at Big Ben. This is one of those places that just hits differently in person.

If you go in the morning, you’ll beat most of the crowds and actually be able to enjoy the moment (and take photos without hundreds of people in the background). The perfect start to your day.

Right next to it, you’ll find Westminster Abbey, one of the most important buildings in the UK. This is where royal coronations and weddings take place, so it’s packed with history.

👉 Tip: If you want to go inside, book your ticket in advance. It’s one of the places I skipped due to time, and I definitely regret it.

Take a short walk across Westminster Bridge for one of the best views of Big Ben and the Thames.

Ride the London Eye for panoramic views

From Westminster, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the London Eye.

Yes, it’s touristy as it’s one of London’s most famous attractions. But honestly? It’s worth it, especially on your first visit.

The views over London are incredible and it gives you a much better sense of the city layout, especially on your first day.

👉 Pro tip: Book a timed entry ticket in advance to skip long lines. This is one of the busiest attractions in London.

Walk to Buckingham Palace & watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

From the London Eye, walk through St James’s Park toward Buckingham Palace.

This is one of the most iconic experiences in London: the Changing of the Guard. It was also one of my favorite things to do in London.

But here’s something most people don’t know (and I didn’t either before going):

👉 The guards don’t just stand at the palace, they march through the city.

I booked a guided experience and it was 100% worth it because:

• I saw multiple parts of the ceremony
• I didn’t have to fight crowds for a spot
• I actually understood what was happening

If you don’t book a tour, just make sure you arrive early because it gets packed.

Lunch at Borough Market (don’t skip this)

After Buckingham Palace, head toward Borough Market for lunch.

This was one of my favorite spots in London. For more food recommendations, check out my guide on where to eat in London.

There are so many options, but here’s exactly what I tried:

• Donuts from Bread Ahead Bakery → soft, filled, not overly sweet
• Cheese toastie from Kappacasein → honestly one of the best things I ate in London

Expect a bit of a line, but it moves fast and it’s 100% worth it.

Alternatively, if crowded markets overwhelm you or you just want to try a lot of different things, join a Borough Market guided tour with 6+ tastings.

Afternoon: Tower Bridge & Tower of London

After lunch, walk along the Thames toward Tower Bridge.

This is one of the most beautiful landmarks in London and a great place for photos.

You can also go inside the bridge and walk on the glass floor. It’s a fun, quick experience and gives you a unique perspective.

Right next to it is the Tower of London.

This is one of the most interesting historical sites in the city:

• former prison
• royal treasury
• home of the Crown Jewels

👉 I highly recommend booking this in advance since it’s one of the most popular attractions in London.

If you’re into unique experiences, try to get tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys (they sell out fast).

Optional sunset: Thames River cruise or The Shard

To end your first day, you have two great options depending on your energy level:

Option 1: Relaxing River Thames cruise

Take a sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich.

It’s a great way to:

• rest your feet
• see London from a different perspective
• enjoy the city lights

Option 2: Views from The Shard

If you still have energy, head up to The Shard, the tallest building in the UK.

The views are insane, especially at sunset or after dark when the city lights come on.

👉 Book your ticket in advance to secure a good time slot.

Day 2 in London: Views, Culture & Unique Experiences

Your second day in London is all about mixing iconic views, cultural spots, and a few unique experiences that go beyond just walking around.

This day is slightly more flexible, depending on your interests, but the order below is optimized so you don’t waste time going back and forth.

Start your morning at St Paul’s Cathedral

Start your day at St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most impressive churches in London.

The exterior is beautiful, but the real highlight is going inside and climbing up to the dome.

The view from the top is incredible and gives you a completely different perspective of the city compared to the London Eye.

👉 Tip: Book your ticket in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season.

Walk to Millennium Bridge & Tate Modern

From St Paul’s, walk across the Millennium Bridge toward Tate Modern.

Even if you’re not big on museums, this area is worth it:

• great river views
• nice walking path
• cool architecture

Tate Modern is free to enter, so you can pop in quickly without committing too much time.

Lunch break: relaxed or experience-based

At this point, you have two great options depending on your travel style:

Option 1: Casual lunch

Grab something quick near the river or head back toward central London.

Option 2: Indian food tour (London classic)

One thing a lot of people don’t realize is that London has some of the best Indian food in the world.

It’s a huge part of the city’s food scene.

👉 You can book a London Indian food tour with multiple tastings

This is such a fun option if:

• you want something different from typical tourist food
• you love trying new cuisines
• you want a more local experience

Afternoon: Notting Hill & Portobello Road

Head to Notting Hill for a completely different side of London.

This area is known for:

• pastel-colored houses
• vintage shops
• cute cafés

Walk along Portobello Road Market, especially if you’re visiting on a market day.

This part of your itinerary is slower and more relaxed, a nice break from the busy central areas.

Late afternoon: Sky Garden (free but book ahead)

Head back toward the city to visit Sky Garden.

This is one of the coolest spots in London:

• indoor garden
• panoramic views
• completely free

👉 BUT you still need to book a ticket in advance (They sell out quickly. I learned this the hard way 😅)

Evening: choose your experience

Option 1: Harry Potter Studio Tour

This is one of the most popular experiences in London and a must if you’re a Harry Potter fan.

You’ll see:

• original sets
• costumes
• behind-the-scenes details

This requires advance booking and a few hours, but it’s 100% worth it if you’re into it.

Option 2: Arsenal Stadium Tour

If you’re into football, this is such a cool experience.

You’ll get:

• access to behind-the-scenes areas
• an audio guide
• a look inside one of the most famous clubs in England

Even if you’re not a huge fan, it’s still a really fun and different activity.

FAQs about this 2-day London itinerary

Is 2 days enough time in London?

Two days in London is enough to see the main highlights like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.

That said, it’s definitely not enough to see everything.

If you want to explore more neighborhoods, museums, and hidden gems at a slower pace, I recommend staying at least 4 to 5 days.

What is the best area to stay in London for this itinerary?

The best areas to stay are:

• Westminster for first-time visitors and major landmarks
• South Bank for easy access to attractions and great views
• Covent Garden for restaurants, shopping, and central location

👉 For a full breakdown, check out my guide on where to stay in London for the first time.

If you want something more unique, you can also stay in hotels with views:

• 👉 hotels with Big Ben views
• 👉 hotels with Tower Bridge views

Do I need to book London attractions in advance?

Yes, absolutely.

London is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and many attractions sell out quickly.

I highly recommend booking in advance for:

• London Eye
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• The Shard

Booking ahead will save you time and help you avoid long lines.

Is London walkable for a 2-day itinerary?

Yes, London is very walkable, especially if you plan your days by area like in this itinerary.

Most of the attractions on Day 1 are within walking distance of each other, and the same goes for parts of Day 2.

For longer distances, you can use:

• the Tube (subway): just get an Oyster Card
• Uber or black cabs

What should I eat in London?

London has an incredible food scene, and you should definitely try:

• food from Borough Market
• afternoon tea at places like Fortnum & Mason
• Indian food (some of the best in Europe)
• classic fish and chips

If you want a curated experience, consider booking a food tour so you can try multiple dishes in one go.

Is London safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, I felt very safe in London as a solo traveler.

I visited in the fall and didn’t experience any issues, but like in any major city, you should stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Overall, London is a great destination for a first solo trip since:

• people speak English
• public transport is easy to use
• there are plenty of things to do

👉 If you’re traveling solo, check out my full solo travel guide to London.

How many days do you really need in London?

If it’s your first time:

• 2 days → highlights only (this itinerary)
• 4–5 days → more relaxed + museums + neighborhoods
• 6–7 days → full experience + day trips

If you have extra time, consider day trips to places like:

• Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Roman Baths day trip
• Cotswolds & Oxford tour
• South Down White Cliffs day trip

What is the best time to visit London?

The best time to visit London is:

• Spring (April–June) → mild weather, fewer crowds than the summer months
• Fall (September–November) → great atmosphere and fewer tourists

I visited in late November and loved it. The Christmas decorations made the city feel even more special.

👉 If you’re visiting during the holidays, check out my guide to the best hotels near London Christmas markets.

Do I need cash in London?

No, you can pay almost everywhere with a credit or debit card.

I personally didn’t use cash at all during my trip.

However, it’s still a good idea to have a small amount of cash for:

• tips
• small shops
• markets

Is London expensive?

Yes, London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

But you can manage your budget by:

• booking hotels in advance
• choosing a central location to reduce transport costs
• mixing free attractions (like Sky Garden) with paid ones