2 days in London: a local’s essential itinerary
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London could keep you busy for years — it certainly has done for me. It’s one of the most layered and dynamic cities in the world, but if you’ve only got a short amount of time, it helps to have a bit of direction.
Two days isn’t a lot, but with the right route, you can cover a surprising amount — from iconic landmarks to river walks, street food, markets, and a few local favourites that make the city feel more personal.
As a London-based art historian and travel writer, I’ve pulled together this 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of a quick trip. It’s designed to be walkable, practical, and full of atmosphere — with a mix of major sights and smaller moments you won’t find on every tourist map.
Here’s how to spend 2 days in London.
Getting around London
London is a big city, but it’s surprisingly easy to get around. The public transport system is extensive and reliable, and using a contactless card or phone to tap in and out on the Tube, buses and trains makes it super straightforward — no need to buy separate tickets.
I tend to use the Tube for getting across the city quickly, but buses are great if you want to actually see where you’re going. They’re also cheaper, with a daily cap that makes multiple journeys good value. For shorter distances, walking is often the nicest way to soak up different neighbourhoods — just be prepared for crowds in the more central areas.
Cabs and Ubers are easy to find too, though with traffic they can be slow (and expensive). I usually only take one if I’m out late or heading somewhere that’s tricky to reach by public transport.
The boat services on the Thames are a fun way to travel — the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a good option if you want a different view of the city from the river. A few options:
Where to stay in London
London’s huge, and choosing where to stay can make or break your trip—especially if it’s your first time here. I’ve written a full post about the best London neighbourhoods for first-time visitors, with local insight into which areas combine charm and convenience. But to keep things simple, here are four well-located, design-forward hotel picks to get you started:
Mason & Fifth, Bermondsey – A beautifully designed aparthotel in a cool, quiet area with great food spots and easy access to Borough Market, Tate Modern and Tower Bridge.
Lime Tree Hotel, Belgravia – A cosy and well-priced boutique hotel tucked into a pretty, residential street not far from South Kensington and Sloane Square.
The Culpeper, Spitalfields – Stay above a lively East London pub in a Georgian building, with a rooftop garden and easy access to Brick Lane, Shoreditch and Liverpool Street.
The Academy, Fitzrovia – A charming, characterful hotel with a literary twist, ideally placed for walking to Soho, Oxford Street or Regent’s Park.
For more hotel suggestions by neighbourhood (and which areas to avoid), check out my full guide to where to stay in London for first-time visitors.
Day 1 in London: from royal landmarks to Covent Garden
London’s historic centre is packed with postcard-worthy views, elegant parks, and grand architecture. This day is about soaking up the atmosphere of Westminster and St James’s before finishing with a stroll through Covent Garden’s lively streets.
If you wan to minimise walking, this vintage bus tour will take you past many of the places I recommend in this itinerary: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus
Note: if you’re here a little longer, of have already visited London, check my 4 days in London guide for more ideas.
Breakfast at Regency Café
Start your morning with a proper London breakfast at Regency Café in Pimlico. This classic greasy spoon hasn’t changed much since the 1940s — checkered tiles, shouty staff, and the kind of full English breakfast that will keep you going well into the afternoon.
Big Ben & Westminster
From Regency Café, head down Marsham Street in the direction of Westminster Abbey. You don’t need to go in to appreciate it — the exterior alone is impressive, with centuries of royal coronations and famous burials behind those walls. If you’re keen to explore inside, it’s best to book a ticket here.
A short walk brings you to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, towering over the River Thames. There’s usually some kind of protest happening outside—a fitting part of the Westminster experience.
If you’re into your history and want the full experience, here’s a highly rated tour: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour
From here, turn left down St George’s Street and follow Birdcage Walk into St James’s Park.
St James’s Park
St James’s Park is one of London’s most scenic spots, perfect for taking a moment to relax and enjoy the surroundings—especially in spring when the flower beds are at their best. Personally, I love visiting in March when the daffodils are in full bloom. If you’re around that time, check out my Spring in London guide. The park also offers fantastic views of Buckingham Palace and is home to a colony of pelicans that have been around since the 1600s.
If you time it right, you can witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It typically takes place at 11am most mornings, but it's a good idea to check the schedule beforehand. There will be plenty of people, but if you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s a quintessential London moment.
Buckingham Palace
A quick stop outside Buckingham Palace is enough to take in the grandeur of the royal residence. If you’re visiting in summer, the State Rooms are open for tours—but otherwise, this is more of a photo stop before moving on.
Trafalgar Square The National Gallery
Stroll up The Mall towards Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find Nelson’s Column, the iconic stone lions, and plenty of street performers adding to the buzz.
The National Gallery sits right on the square, offering a perfect art break. With masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Turner’s vibrant seascapes, it’s a must-see—and the best part is, it’s free to enter. But first, it’s time for lunch.
Lunch Options
There are lots of great choices nearby for lunch, so here are my recommendations depending on the vibe you’re going for:
The Pem – A refined option near Westminster, focusing on modern British cuisine. This would be a fancier, sit-down lunch. Head Chef Sally Abe recently won Great British Menu, my favourite TV show, so I’ve been dying to go here — hopefully it will be soon and then I’ll give my full review.
The Clarence – A classic London pub near Trafalgar Square for fish and chips or a Sunday roast. The food is really nice here.
Chinatown – A short walk away, with plenty of options for dumplings, roast duck, or noodle soups. Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar is my personal favourite for steamed dumplings.
Ochre – A stylish spot inside the National Gallery, serving seasonal British dishes.
The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
After a refreshing lunch, it’s time for an afternoon of art! As someone who moved to London to study art history, the city’s museums hold a special place in my heart. The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are two favourites I always revisit—not just for their collections, but for the atmosphere. You don’t need to spend hours here, but they’re definitely worth a stop.
The National Gallery, right on Trafalgar Square, boasts an incredible collection of European paintings, including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, Rembrandt portraits, Vigee Le Brun’s Self Portrait in a Straw Hat, and the Wilton Diptych. It’s free to enter, so there’s no pressure to see everything. I recommend focusing on a few highlights and soaking in the atmosphere as you wander.
If you have time, the National Portrait Gallery—just behind the National Gallery—has recently reopened after a major renovation. It’s a fascinating look at British history through portraits of figures from the Tudors to modern icons like David Bowie and Stormzy.
Both galleries offer fantastic temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which you can explore further in my guide to London art exhibitions.
Covent Garden
After the galleries, make your way to Covent Garden, a vibrant area filled with street performers, boutique shops, and a historic covered market. It’s a popular spot for tourists, but still worth a visit—just be prepared for the crowds!
If you’re craving a treat after all the art, check out Arome Bakery, a French-Asian bakery serving up delicious options like honey butter toast and miso pear pastry.
A hidden gem in Covent Garden is the rooftop bar above the Royal Opera House, usually a quiet spot offering great views of the market and refreshing mocktails for non-drinkers like me.
Here are a few more Covent Garden recommendations:
Old Chang Kee Covent Garden – Famous for its curry puffs, perfect for a quick snack.
Seven Dials – A charming area where seven streets meet, lined with boutiques and cafes.
Neal’s Yard – A colourful courtyard with organic beauty shops and cafes. Homeslice Pizza and St. John’s Bakery are must-tries.
Choosing Keeping – A beautiful stationery shop filled with notebooks, inks, and art supplies.
Bagariet – A Swedish bakery with delicious cinnamon and cardamom buns, ideal for an afternoon treat.
Dinner in Covent Garden
Covent Garden has countless fantastic dinner options, but avoid falling into the tourist trap! Many independent spots offer great pre-theatre deals too. Here are two of my top recommendations, based on many wonderful experiences:
Lahpet – A contemporary Burmese restaurant famed for its tea leaf salad, coconut noodles, and bold flavours. It’s absolutely delicious.
Dishoom – A Bombay-inspired spot offering small plates in a beautifully designed setting. This popular Indian restaurant has several locations in London, so be prepared to queue.
Both are very popular, so it's a good idea to book ahead.
Optional: Catch a Show
If you have time (and energy), the West End is just around the corner, with plenty of theatre options. From long-running classics like Les Misérables to newer plays and musicals, it’s always worth checking last-minute ticket availability, or maybe you’ve booked something ahead.
Day 2 in London: Borough Market, Tower Bridge & The City
This day packs in a lot: from one of London’s oldest food markets to iconic landmarks and quiet city gardens. You’ll start on the South Bank with breakfast or brunch at Borough Market, cross Tower Bridge, then spend the afternoon exploring London’s historic centre, ending with contemporary art and riverside views.
Morning: Borough Market
I know it’s a little bit early to eat this much, but Borough Market gets so busy that it is best to get there early. Head straight to The Black Pig for their slow-roast pork sandwich—it’s one of the best things in the market and totally worth the queue. For dessert, go for a warm crumble from Humble Crumble. It’s one of the few viral spots that actually lives up to the hype. Skip Bread Ahead unless you’re set on a doughnut—the market has better options.
Walk to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
From the market, take a short stroll to Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The views from the south bank offer fantastic photo opportunities, particularly when the light is just right, and walking across the bridge gives you a true sense of its scale.
You can go up into the bridge itself and walk across the glass floor if you fancy, but I’d suggest skipping it unless you're really keen. There are better panoramic views later in the day, and this one comes with a ticket price.
On the other side of the bridge, you'll find the Tower of London, another must-see spot. Steeped in history, it's a fascinating place to explore—especially if you’re into historical landmarks (and it’s home to the Crown Jewels, if that interests you). However, it’s not inexpensive, and you’ll need a few hours if you want to really take it all in.
Book: Tower of London Guided Tour with Boat Ride
You can still enjoy the Tower's exterior before continuing your walk through the City of London, where things start to get a bit more unique.
Afternoon: The City of London & Tate Modern
This route offers a peek into London’s oldest core, where modern glass towers stand alongside medieval ruins, and hidden gems await in the city’s most unexpected corners.
Begin your journey in the City of London, just across from the Tower. While it's the financial hub of the city, it’s also full of surprises for those who know where to look.
Leadenhall Market is a great starting point—a stunning Victorian arcade with striking architecture (you might recognise it from the early Harry Potter films). From there, stroll past London’s famous “nickname” skyscrapers—the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, and the Walkie Talkie—and enjoy free panoramic views from the top.
The Sky Garden is the most popular (but be sure to book in advance), while 120 Fenchurch Street offers another excellent rooftop option that’s usually easier to access without a reservation.
Make sure to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral as well. This iconic landmark is absolutely worth a look, whether or not you decide to go inside. If you want to skip the entrance fee, you can still admire its beauty from the outside and get a great view of its dome from the roof of One New Change, the shopping centre across the street.
Nearby, you'll find a few more intriguing spots to explore:
St Dunstan-in-the-East: A stunning, ivy-clad ruined church transformed into a peaceful public garden.
Postman’s Park: A tranquil spot featuring a touching memorial dedicated to everyday acts of heroism.
Guildhall Art Gallery: Perfect for Victorian art lovers and those curious about Roman ruins hidden beneath the gallery.
Host Café or Wren Coffee: Ideal for a relaxing drink in a charmingly converted church, open on weekdays.
Late Afternoon: Millennium Bridge & Tate Modern
Finish the day with a walk across the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian-only suspension bridge that gives you brilliant views of the river and St. Paul’s dome behind you.
At the other end is Tate Modern, which is free to enter and open late on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s huge, so you can pick a few rooms to dip into depending on your mood—and the riverside views from inside the building are just as good as the art.
End the day with drinks by the river (try Swan at the Globe for views, or Founders Arms if you want something more relaxed).
Evening: Dinner and a Stroll Along the Southbank
We’re going to circle back to Borough Market! While the market itself will be closed by the evening, the surrounding area is home to some incredible restaurants that are worth the visit. Here are a few top spots to check out:
Bancone – Known for its exceptional pasta dishes.
Mallow – Seasonal British cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Berenjak – Persian-inspired dishes that bring bold flavors to the table.
Hawksmoor – A classic steakhouse, perfect for meat lovers.
Once you've had your fill, take a leisurely nighttime stroll along the Southbank. Start at Tower Bridge and walk westward toward the Houses of Parliament. The views along the river at night are unbeatable, with iconic landmarks beautifully lit up against the dark sky. It's a serene way to wind down your second day in London, soaking in the atmosphere of the city by night.
And there you have it — 4 busy days in London, but I hope I’ve been able to guide you to some hidden gems alongside the important spots for first-time visitors. If you have more time in London, check out my longer itineraries including day trips. Or, have a look through my favourite spots off the beaten track in London.
This 2-day itinerary will help you make the most of your short time in London, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. This guide focuses on the main landmarks, from Big Ben to Tower Bridge.