Spend Two Days in London: A Native’s Information

Ah, London! This metropolis is a phenomenal mix of old-world allure and trendy power, and it’s the place I name residence.

From well-known landmarks, historic structure, and classy neighborhoods, the key sauce to seeing one of the best of London is a little bit of planning and a comfortable pair of strolling footwear. Should you’re questioning how to spend two days in London, don’t fear, I’ve bought you lined.

Learn my information and squeeze probably the most out of this fab metropolis in simply two days.

Right here’s an outline:

Get Round Throughout Your Two Days in London

First, seize a two-day Tube move to make exploring London easy and hassle-free. The London Underground (aka “the Tube”) is split into zones that stretch out from central London. Many of the major sights, just like the Tower of London, Large Ben, and Buckingham Palace, are in Zones 1-2, so a move masking these zones is normally all you’ll want.

Should you get a move to cowl as much as Zone 5, you’re in a position to go to farther areas like Wembley Stadium, Greenwich, and Kew Gardens. You should buy at any tube or practice station from the kiosks and this might be your golden ticket for the subsequent two days. 

Day 1: Dive into London’s Historical past and Appeal

Morning

Kick off your London journey on the Tower of London, a spot loaded with historical past and drama. The Tower of London has a bloody popularity because of Henry VIII, because it was the place he locked up enemies and even wives he’d misplaced favor with. His ruthless reign has impressed many movies and even SIX – the Broadway musical. 

Arrive proper when it opens (round 9 AM) to beat the group, and schedule a Beefeater tour for those who can. The guides carry historical past to life with all the additional particulars, making it really feel extra thrilling.

High Tip: Purchase your tickets at any information kiosk in your approach in or on-line to skip the lengthy strains on the ticket workplace, and don’t miss the Crown Jewels, they’re beautiful and nonetheless utilized in royal ceremonies immediately!

Associated learn: Historic Points of interest in London: A Information to All of the Finest Bits

Late Morning: Stroll Alongside the South Financial institution

From the Tower, it’s a brief stroll to Tower Bridge. Stroll throughout (the views are completely value it!), and for those who’re fortunate, you may catch this historic bridge lifting to let boats move alongside the Thames. Seeing the previous equipment in motion, nonetheless working this iconic construction, is one thing particular – make sure you have your digital camera prepared.

Afterward, observe the Thames Path alongside the South Financial institution, the place you’ll move Metropolis Corridor, The Shard, and the HMS Belfast. 

High tip: Cease by an area café for a flat white as you soak within the surroundings – the people-watching is fab!

Lunch: Borough Market

Head to Borough Marketplace for lunch. This place has all the things, from genuine road meals to posh cheeses and recent juice. Wander by the stalls, snag some samples, and purchase no matter you’re craving.

My private favorites are: Humble Crumble – a conventional British crumble, however higher. You get to decide on your fruit base, they usually prime it with creamy vanilla custard. YUM! And don’t miss Pieminister Pies – a British traditional with pies full of all the things from steak and ale to veggie choices. Good for a hearty lunch and also you may need to purchase one to take with you.

High tip: Borough Market is open Monday to Saturday, with full market days from 10 am to five pm (barely in a while Thursdays and Fridays, closing at 6 pm). Borough Market is closed on Sundays.

Afternoon: Time for some tradition on the Tate Fashionable

When you’ve completed consuming on the market, wander alongside the Thames to the Tate Fashionable. The gallery is housed in a former energy station, and the trendy artwork exhibitions are free (rating!).

Even when artwork isn’t your cup of tea, the constructing itself is value a glance, and the view from the top-floor café is fab.

Late Afternoon: Shakespeare and Southbank

You is likely to be getting drained by now, so pop into Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for a fast go to. You may take a guided tour or simply take pleasure in this enjoyable constructing from the skin. Then, proceed wandering down the Southbank, stopping for a pint at one of many riverside pubs. You’ll see loads of buskers, road performers, and locals simply having fun with the ambiance.

High tip: It will get very crowded in the summertime, and regardless that there are many spots proper alongside the Thames, one of the best pubs are sometimes tucked into facet streets just a little additional again, the place you’ll discover extra locals and fewer vacationers. 

Night: Covent Backyard and the West Finish

Take the Tube to Covent Backyard. Within the night, this space comes alive with road performers, outlets, and eating places. Have a wander round, then deal with your self to a West Finish present – there’s one thing quintessentially British visiting the West Finish whereas in London. 

High tip: Should you haven’t pre-booked tickets, head to the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. for discounted tickets to same-day exhibits. You may even get fortunate and discover front-row seats to successful present!

Day 2: Hidden Gems and Iconic Spots in London

Morning: Buckingham Palace and All Issues Royal

Begin your second day with a little bit of royalty. Make your technique to Buckingham Palace within the morning to catch the Altering of the Guard ceremony. The pomp and pageantry are fairly spectacular to witness, even for those who’re not a royalist.

High tip: The Altering of the Guard at Buckingham Palace sometimes takes place at 11:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Nonetheless, the schedule can differ, particularly throughout the winter months and on particular events, so it’s a good suggestion to verify the official British Military web site or the Buckingham Palace web site earlier than you go to substantiate the precise days and instances. Should you plan to see it, goal to reach early (round 10:15 am) to get a great spot, because it tends to get crowded, particularly in peak vacationer season!

When you’ve had your fill of royal watching, cross the road and wander by St. James’s Park – it’s one in all my favourite parks in central London, and there are many benches to take a seat and soak within the environment.

High Tip: Head to Blue Bridge for among the best views in central London. You’ll take pleasure in a surprising view of Buckingham Palace in a single path and the London Eye within the different, framed by the park’s lovely lake. It’s the proper spot for pictures, particularly round sundown.

Mid-Morning: Discover Westminster

Subsequent, head in the direction of Westminster. It’s residence to Large Ben, the Homes of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. I like to recommend reserving tickets for the Abbey forward of time if you wish to go inside, as it could possibly get busy. If you go away the Abbey, make your technique to Victoria Tower Gardens. You may’t miss the spectacular views of the Homes of Parliament and the Thames, with Large Ben simply peeking by the skyline.

You’ll see a number of statues and memorials, every with deep historic which means, together with the Buxton Memorial Fountain, marking the 1834 abolition of slavery, and Rodin’s Burghers of Calais, honoring French residents who sacrificed themselves throughout the Hundred Years’ Conflict. The backyard additionally celebrates Emmeline Pankhurst of the suffragette motion, Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence, and Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid work. 

High tip: You’ll get one of the best pictures of Large Ben, The London Eye and different iconic buildings from Victoria Tower Gardens.

Lunch: Discover Notting Hill

Take the Tube from Westminster to Notting Hill for a beautiful change of surroundings. This hipster neighborhood is known for its pastel-colored homes, quirky outlets, and Portobello Highway Market. It’s the proper spot to search out some classic treasures out there and cease for an off-the-cuff lunch.

High tip: Head to the meals stalls towards the Golborne Highway finish of Portobello Market. You’ll discover an eclectic combine of worldwide road meals.

Afternoon: Take a look at the museums in South Kensington

You may’t actually spend two days in London with out having fun with the numerous museums there. South Kensington has a few of London’s finest museums, together with the Pure Historical past Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A.

You can simply spend a complete day right here, however with restricted time, decide one which piques your curiosity. All are free to enter, although some displays could have a cost.

High tip: The V&A is my favourite – it’s stuffed with trend, artwork, and historical past, and it’s not often tremendous crowded.

Late Afternoon: Go to Harrods

From South Kensington, it’s only a quick stroll to Harrods, London’s most iconic division retailer. Harrods is a luxurious consumers paradise, providing all the things from designer trend, cool devices, luxurious furnishings, and positive jewellery, to connoisseur meals and quirky souvenirs. 

High tip: Don’t miss the meals halls, particularly the bakery and chocolate sections for a candy deal with or a novel London reward. Should you’re visiting throughout busy instances, use the facet entrances to keep away from the principle crowd.

Night: Dinner in Shoreditch

No journey to London is full and not using a go to east to Shoreditch. Recognized for its edgy road artwork, ethnic meals scene, and classy cocktail bars, this neighborhood is culturally various in the absolute best approach. For among the finest Indian meals within the metropolis, wander over to Brick Lane, the place you’ll be spoiled for alternative.

And for those who’re within the temper for a little bit of historical past with a darkish twist, take a look at one of many Jack the Ripper excursions, this space is the place he as soon as stalked his victims.

Tip: My private favorite is Muhib on Brick Lane, for scrumptious Indian meals. Ask for Ali and inform him Sam from California despatched you! 

London is a metropolis that’s unattainable to totally discover in simply two days, however for those who observe my itinerary, you’ll go away with improbable recollections and an actual style of what makes town so particular. Whether or not you’re right here for the historical past, the meals, or simply to wander by its charming streets, London won’t ever disappoint.

If I had greater than 48 hours in London? I’d spend the additional time getting misplaced within the markets of Camden or Hampstead Heath, however that’s an entire different article!