Itineraries for Your Trip to London
2 Days in London for First Timers
While my job as a freelance writer gives me the freedom to work from wherever I want, there’s a good reason I’ve based myself in London for more than 15 years. Since I moved down from the leafy suburbs of Derbyshire for university, London has become not only my home but also my great love. While its notoriously regular rain often sees me soar across the Channel to warmer climes, I always relish coming back to my East London flat and wandering the city I know best in the world.
England’s capital doesn’t just deliver with some of the world’s most recognizable architecture and richest history—its cosmopolitan culture creates an inspiring culinary and cultural scene that means the city is constantly thrumming with life. If you’re visiting for the first time, prepare to be delighted; here’s how to spend two days in London.
The only thing that can let London down is its weather, so prepare for rain at all times—even at the height of summer.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a cruise on the Thames River, as you can see so many of London’s landmarks from the water.
The attractions covered on this bike tour read like a who’s who of London landmarks, so spend your first morning pedaling between iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square. Finish up on the Southbank, where you can browse second-hand book stalls, watch daredevils at the skatepark, and admire views over the water.
This afternoon, combine attractions with adrenaline on a super-fast RIB ride on the Thames River. Cruise past waterfront wonders, such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the London Shard; once you pass Tower Bridge you’ll accelerate and reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour). When you disembark at Millennium Pier you’ll have time to squeeze in a fast-track ride on the London Eye, too.
London’s hundreds of years of history means it's allegedly one of the most haunted cities in the world. Once the sun sets, delve into the city’s paranormal past on a ghost tour that reveals spooky stories about the 10th-century Tower of London. Finish back in Tower Hill and then cross the river to London Bridge to head up to the View from the Shard for sweeping views of London illuminated by night.
This morning is all about discovering London’s rich culinary scene—you’ll soon see that there’s much more to English food than fish and chips. Explore the famous Borough Market—home to stalls selling everything from oysters to sausage rolls and confit duck—and sample British cheese, typical desserts, and (of course) plenty of English breakfast tea.
This afternoon, head to the East End of London to see where the city's subcultures come to life. Explore Shoreditch and Spitalfields on a street art tour before discovering east London’s seedy side on a gangster tour that reveals stories from the underworld of the area. Finish off with a coffee on Brick Lane, famous for its record stores and Indian restaurants.
On your final night, experience the quintessential English tradition of going to the pub for a pint. Take a historical pub tour around the City of London, stopping for beers in places favored by authors such as Charles Dickens. You’ll finish near St. Paul’s Cathedral, so you can admire Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece when it’s dramatically illuminated against the night sky.
- I’m in London for two days. What are the must-see attractions that I should visit?
First, start your trip with a Thames River cruise: Many top London sights can be seen from the water’s edge, from the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London. It’s also worth exploring royal landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, museums including the Natural History Museum, and the London Eye.
- What are the top foods and drinks to try in London?
First, it is worth trying many of London’s classic dishes—in addition to the fish and chips, save room for a Sunday roast at a traditional pub or a full English breakfast. Don’t forget that British desserts are exceptional, whether you plan to nibble treats at afternoon tea or go on a dessert tour.
- How can I avoid the crowds in London?
Avoiding the crowds in London is often a question of timing. Weekends can be overwhelmingly busy in neighborhoods such as Covent Garden and Chinatown, and the city is typically jam-packed in the summer. Avoid those peak times if you can—and otherwise, arrive at sights when they open, or book private sightseeing tours.
- Which London neighborhoods should I stay in if I’m in town for two days?
What you consider the best London neighborhood really depends on what you’re after. For stylish boutique hotels with proximity to nightlife, aim for Soho. Head to Bloomsbury or South Kensington to be near top museums. Or, if you’re particularly trend-conscious, try Shoreditch.
- What’s the easiest way for a first timer to get around London?
Given that London is so well-served by public transportation, first-time visitors can make the most of it. From hopping on the Tube or catching the Overground to traveling by double-decker bus, there’s no shortage of options. Just tap your contactless payment card, and away you go. A hop-on hop-off tour is another way to see the sights.