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What to see in London in 2 days? Full itinerary 

Get ready for an intense but unforgettable weekend in London! So remember to take your London Pass® – you save up to 50% on tickets for more than 100 attractions.

Day 1 – London's must-sees

Wondering what to see in London in 2 days? Discover our ready-made itinerary for visiting London in 2 days, with all the must-see sights, practical tips, and a special FAQ at the end of the page to answer all your questions.

Westminster – The historic and political heart of London

As soon as you step out of the Tube, you'll be immediately immersed in the unique atmosphere of the British capital.

• Big Ben & the Palace of Westminster: These monuments symbolise British democracy. Take the time to look at them from every angle, especially from Westminster Bridge for a lovely photo.
• Westminster Abbey: This is where the kings and queens of England have been crowned since 1066. The visit takes about 1.5 hours – remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

• London Eye (optional): If you'd like to gain some height, the Ferris wheel offers a spectacular view of London. Access is opposite the Palace of Westminster, on the other side of the Thames. Booking is strongly recommended, especially in high season.

Buckingham Palace & the Changing of the Guard

Then head to St James's Park, a magnificent park in the heart of the city, ideal for a short break in the greenery. Walk to Buckingham Palace. If you're there around 11am (and there is a ceremony that day – check the official schedule), you'll be able to watch the Changing of the Guard, an emblematic spectacle of British tradition. Arrive early to get a good spot. An event not to be missed on your "What to see in London in 2 days" to-do list.

Lunch break in Covent Garden

Cross Trafalgar Square, with its famous Nelson's Column, then continue to Covent Garden. This lively district is perfect for lunch: you'll find plenty of restaurants, pubs and street performers.

💡Foodie tip: The Rock & Sole Plaice, one of the oldest fish & chips restaurants in London, is a safe bet for trying this speciality in a typical setting.

Cultural afternoon: choose your museum

Would you like to visit London in 2 days and wonder which museum to prioritise? Here are two magnificent museums depending on your tastes and energy levels:

• The British Museum (free entry): Explore treasures from around the world: Egyptian mummies, the Parthenon frieze, ancient stones… The place is huge, so aim for a visit of 1.5 to 2 hours for a pleasant discovery.
• The National Gallery (free entry): Located on Trafalgar Square, it will delight lovers of classical art with works by Van Gogh, Monet, Turner and many others.

End of the day on the banks of the Thames

Finish your day with a memorable walk:

• Cross the Thames via the Millennium Bridge, a modern pedestrian bridge linking St Paul's Cathedral to the Tate Modern.
• Take a break in front of the Tate, then continue on foot along the south bank, following the lively quays of Southbank.
• Head towards Tower Bridge at sunset: the views of the illuminated bridge and the London skyline are simply magical.

Photo tip: The bridge photographs very well from the south bank, just opposite City Hall.

Go and see the Tower of London

Right next to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is well worth a visit. A former royal residence and prison, it now houses the Crown Jewels. Allow around 2 hours to make the most of it. A fascinating visit for history lovers. If you'd like to combine this visit with a boat trip, here is the link to book.

The Shard

To close your day in style, head to The Shard, London's tallest skyscraper at 310 metres high. From the "The View from The Shard" platform, located on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors, you'll have a 360° panoramic view over the whole city, up to 64 kilometres on a clear day!

The experience is spectacular by day and by night, with interactive tablets to spot famous landmarks such as: 

• the Tower of London, 
• Tower Bridge, 
• St Paul's Cathedral, 
• or the London Eye.

A little bonus: a champagne bar awaits you at the top to toast in front of the sunset.

Go to a musical in the West End

When evening comes, attend a musical in the West End, one of the highlights of a weekend in London. Remember to book your tickets in advance to get a good choice of seats.

Visit London Day 2: Notting Hill, Soho and Oxford Street

We continue with this second day of "what to see in London in 2 days":

Brunch in Notting Hill

Start your day in the charming district of Notting Hill, known for its pastel houses, its elegant and bohemian atmosphere, and its famous market.

• Portobello Road Market: If you're there on a Saturday, don't miss this emblematic market.
• Brunch break: Try Farm Girl Café (Australian atmosphere) or Granger & Co. for a refined brunch.
• Notting Hill bakery tour with pastry tasting (book this activity here)
  
• Walking tour of the Notting Hill filming locations and stars (book this activity here)

Camden Town – The alternative soul of London

Take the Tube to Camden Town (Northern Line), in the north of the city. This colourful district is one of the most emblematic in London for its underground vibe, its vintage shops, its spectacular graffiti and its buzzing arts scene.

Wander around Camden Market, a huge maze of stalls where you'll find everything: original clothes, designer objects, punk or gothic accessories, vinyl records, and much more.

On the food side, don't miss the street food stalls from around the world – from Thai cuisine to Lebanese falafel, including vegetarian burgers.

For a break by the water, follow the Regent's Canal to Little Venice or settle on a terrace to take in the district's unique atmosphere.

Nature break at Regent's Park or Primrose Hill

A few steps from Camden:

• Primrose Hill: Sublime panorama of the skyline.
• Regent's Park: Well-kept gardens, lakes, London Zoo.

Hyde Park

Make a detour via Hyde Park, one of the largest and most famous green spaces in London, covering more than 140 hectares. A true haven of peace in the heart of the city, it's the ideal place for a walk or bike ride, a moment of relaxation by the Serpentine lake, or even a little trip in a rowing boat if the sun is out.

Contemporary art lovers can visit the Serpentine Gallery, which is free and renowned for its innovative exhibitions. And if you're curious, don't miss Speakers' Corner, an emblematic place of free speech.

St Paul's Cathedral

If you haven't seen it yet, St Paul's Cathedral is really worth the detour. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, it impresses with its majestic façade and its emblematic dome, the second largest in the world after that of St Peter's Basilica in Rome.

You can climb the 528 steps to the top of the dome for a spectacular view of London, passing through the Whispering Gallery, famous for its acoustics. Inside, don't miss the imposing nave, the magnificent mosaics and the crypt where historic figures such as Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington lie.

Take a cruise on the Thames (optional)

If you'd like to vary the ways you discover the city, a cruise between Westminster and Tower Pier lets you admire London from the water. Some options are included in the London Pass.

Shopping and London atmosphere in Soho & Oxford Street

Head back to the city centre to conclude your stay:

• Soho: A lively, cosmopolitan district, perfect for a drink or dinner.
• Oxford Street: The shopping capital with its big brands and department stores such as Selfridges.

Chinatown

Right next to Soho, Chinatown is ideal for an Asian dinner in a vibrant and colourful setting.

Take a cruise on the Thames (optional)

If you'd like to vary the ways you discover the city, a cruise between Westminster and Tower Pier lets you admire London from the water. Some options are included in the London Pass.

Where to stay to visit London in 2 days?

If you're coming to London for a short stay, choosing the right neighbourhood is essential to optimise your journeys, enjoy the local atmosphere and have a great experience. Here are some recommended neighbourhoods depending on your tastes and budget:

Staying in Westminster / South Bank 

Ideal if you're visiting London for the first time.

Nearby: Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey
Stations: Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo

Advantages:

• You'll be within walking distance of the big classics.
• Perfect for a packed 2-day itinerary.
• Lovely views over the Thames at sunrise or sunset.

Drawback:

• Hotels there are often more expensive, especially with a view.

Suggestions:

• Page8, Page Hotels : a boutique hotel, rated 9 Fabulous on Booking.
• The Londoner: with its spa and swimming pool, rated 9.7 for its location
• NoMad London, close to the Tube, perfect for visiting London in 2 days.

Staying in Covent Garden / Soho 

Ideal if you like going out, shopping and discovering good restaurants.

Nearby: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, musicals, cool bars
Stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road

Advantages:

• Central and lively district.
• Buzzing atmosphere in the evening.
• Easy access on foot to many sites.
  
  

Drawback:

• Can be a bit noisy, especially at weekends.
  
  

Suggestions:

• The Lincoln Suites: close to the Royal Opera House
• The Covent Garden Collection : close to Leicester Square Tube station
  
  

Staying in Notting Hill / Kensington 

Ideal if you like elegant residential neighbourhoods.

Nearby: Portobello Market, Hyde Park, South Kensington museums
Stations: Notting Hill Gate, High Street Kensington

Advantages:

• Peaceful, very photogenic district.
• Good connection to the centre with the Central line.
• Close to several free museums.
  
  

Drawback:

• A little further on foot from the historic monuments.
  
  

Suggestions:

• Notting Hill Apartments Collection : perfect for a 2-day stay in London
  
  

Staying in Camden / King's Cross 

Ideal for young travellers and tight budgets.

Nearby: Camden Market, Regent's Canal, British Library
Stations: Camden Town, King's Cross St Pancras

Advantages:

• Alternative atmosphere, lively and original neighbourhoods.
• Well connected by Tube and train.
• More affordable accommodation options.
  
  

Drawback:

• Less central for the major tourist attractions.

Suggestions: 

• Mason & Fifth, Primrose Hill, rated Fabulous on Booking

Practical tips for 2 days in London

Here are a few tips if you're coming to visit London in 2 days.

• How to get around? Use an Oyster Card or a contactless bank card.
• Currency: The pound sterling is used. Opt for a fee-free card such as Revolut or Wise.
• Free museums: Many public museums have free admission.
• Booking: Book your tickets in advance for the major attractions (The Shard, musicals, busy museums).
• Tourist passes: The London Pass or Explorer Pass offer good value for money if you plan to visit several sites.

How to get to London?

London is a very well-connected city, whether you're coming from France, Belgium, Italy or elsewhere in Europe. Here are the main options for getting to and visiting London in 2 days, depending on your starting point.

By plane

London has several international airports. The main ones are:

• Heathrow (LHR): ideal for long-haul flights or from major European cities. It is well connected to the centre thanks to the Tube (Piccadilly Line) or the Heathrow Express train (15 minutes to Paddington).
  
  
• Gatwick (LGW): often used for flights from Europe. Take the Gatwick Express to reach Victoria station in 30 minutes.
  
  
• Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN): two airports served by low-cost airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet). Buses or trains take you to the centre in around 1 to 1.5 hours.
  
  
• London City (LCY): small, very central airport, perfect for a short stay or a business trip.
  
  

Practical tip: Compare transfer times and costs to the city centre carefully, as the cheapest plane tickets can be offset by a long or expensive journey.

By train

From Paris or Brussels, the easiest way is the Eurostar:

• From Paris Gare du Nord: about 2h20 to London St Pancras.
  
  
• From Brussels-Midi: about 2h.
  
  

Remember to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to go through security and immigration checks.

By car 

You can also come to London by car via the Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel) or by ferry (from Calais, Dieppe or Ouistreham). Be careful, don't forget that you drive on the left in the United Kingdom!

FAQ: visiting London in 2 days

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What can I do in London in 2 days?

In two days, you can discover emblematic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, stroll through typical neighbourhoods like Notting Hill or Camden, and visit one or two world-class museums. It's short, but well organised, it's perfectly doable! See here our tips for visiting London in 3 days.

What is the most beautiful place in London?

It's impossible to choose just one place, but Primrose Hill for its view, Notting Hill for its charm, or Southbank at sunset are among the most beautiful spots.

What are the must-do things in London?

Wondering what to see in London in 2 days:

• Admire Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
• See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Visit at least one museum (British Museum, National Gallery…)
• Stroll around Camden Town
• Cross Tower Bridge

Is it possible to visit London on foot?

Yes! The centre is very walkable. Still, bring a good pair of shoes, but it is strongly recommended to use the Tube if you want to optimise your time and energy… especially if you're visiting London in 2 days.

What are the best neighbourhoods for a walk in London?

• Notting Hill: chic and colourful
• Soho: lively and trendy
• Camden: original and alternative
• Southbank: ideal for a walk along the Thames
• Covent Garden: perfect for strolling, eating and shopping

Our article "What to see in London in 2 days" ends here. We hope these tips will help you plan your stay in England. We wish you plenty of good vibes and a wonderful holiday!