London is one of the best cities to give people an introduction to the mighty European continent. Two days in London allow for enough time to visit the main sites and get a feel for what the city has to offer. If you have more time, add in more days or spend some time exploring other places in the area with this itinerary.
Table of Contents
History of London
The history of London began nearly two millennia ago when the Romans established a settlement called Londinium shortly after their invasion in 43 AD. Positioned at a strategic crossing point on the River Thames, it quickly grew into a bustling commercial port. It burned to the ground during a revolt in 60 AD. However, the Romans rebuilt it on a grander scale, surrounding it with a massive defensive wall.
After the Romans departed in the 400s, the city underwent various transformations under Anglo-Saxon and Viking rule, eventually regaining its status as England’s political and economic heart following the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The medieval and early modern periods saw London navigate through extreme triumphs and tragedies, from the artistic flourishing of the Elizabethan era to the devastation of the Great Plague and the Great Fire of 1666.
By the 1800s, London had become the largest city in the world and the epicenter of the global British Empire, driving the Industrial Revolution with its sprawling docks and the world’s first underground railway. Despite the heavy aerial bombardments of the 1900s, London emerged once again as a resilient, multicultural metropolis that seamlessly blends its ancient Roman roots with cutting-edge modern design.
Currency in London
London uses the pound sterling (£). This is the oldest continuous currency in the world.
Language in London
The national language of the United Kingdom is English, which makes it very easy to communicate.
When to Spend Two Days in London
London is typically a colder destination to visit, with many days of rain throughout the year. The best times to visit are March to May or September to October when the city is less crowded, but the weather is still pleasant. June to August has the best weather, but it is also peak tourist season with the highest prices.
How to Get to London
London has six major commercial airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Southend (SEN). The most popular airport is London Heathrow, and that is where the majority of the international flights, especially from the United States, fly into. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights. There are many times when you can find excellent cash prices to fly into London.
Alternatively, if you are traveling from Paris, you can opt to take the Eurostar to London via the Chunnel. You can pre-book tickets on Trainline or Omio or opt to buy them at the station.
Transportation in London
London has an extensive public transportation system with trains, the Tube (subway), and buses. This is the best way to get around the city. Each Tube ride costs £3.10-3.60, with a maximum of £8.90/day. A bus journey will cost £1.75/ride. You will pay via tapping a credit card, or you can use an Oyster card.
Where to Stay in London
There are so many different areas to stay in London. TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in London here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel.
This past trip, we opted to stay at the Great Scotland Yard, which is one of the best locations in Westminster.
Alternatively, these are some other excellent hotel options. It really depends on your price point and the location you want to stay in.
- Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars
- Club Quarters Hotel Gracechurch
- The Westing London City
- The W London
- Hampton by Hilton Waterloo
- Hilton London Euston
- Hotel Indigo London
- Holiday Inn Express London Southwark
- Novotel London Blackfriars
- Ibis London Blackfriars
What to do During Two Days in London
If this is your first time to London and you want to see some of the main sites, opt to buy a London Pass or a GoCity London pass. Both of these get you admission into many of the main sites at a discounted rate.
Day 1
Tower Bridge
Cost: £13.40
Hours: 9:30am-6pm
Start your first of two days in London with a visit to the Tower Bridge. While it is free to walk across, you will want to pay to access the inside. This experience allows visitors to walk across high-level glass floors that offer views of the Thames and the surrounding area. Visitors will also get to explore the original steam engines that powered the bridge. Plan to spend at least an hour visiting the bridge.
Tower of London
Cost: £34.80 (book online for cheaper tickets)
Hours: Tues-Sat: 9am-5:30pm, Sun-Mon: 10am-5:30pm
Next, head to one of the most famous places to visit during your two days in London, the Tower of London. This historic castle and World Heritage Site has served as a palace, prison, and fortress for almost 1000 years. The most visited spot in the Tower is the Crown Jewels, where you can see the royal crowns and jewelry collection.
Visitors will also not want to miss the traitor’s gate where Anne Boleyn was brought in before she was executed. Finally, visitors can check out the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) who protect and work at the castle, along with the infamous ravens that guard the tower. Overall, you will want at least two hours to explore what the area has to offer.
Skygarden
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun: 11am-9pm
The Skygarden is a very popular newer attraction in London. This is London’s highest public garden, which offers 360-degree views of the city skyline. It is filled with a variety of plants and is perfect for taking in the views. You will need to book a reservation slot ahead of time, or you may end up waiting several hours.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Cost: £25
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8:30am-4:30pm
Next, head to St. Paul’s Cathedral, which has dominated London’s skyline for over 300 years. You can opt to check out the outside, or pay to enter the inside, depending on your interest and the amount of time you have. Inside is one of the largest domes in the world. Visitors can opt to climb the steps to the top for panoramic views.
Thames River Cruise
Cost: £15-£25
If it is your first time in London, you may want to take a Thames River Cruise, which is one of the best ways to see London’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective. You will get some of the city’s best views while giving your feet a break from sightseeing. These cruises typically pass all of the main attractions along the Thames, such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Parliament. Cruises typically operate all day and will take 20-40 minutes.
Tate Moden
Cost: Free
Hours: 10am-6pm
The Tate Modern is one of London’s premier modern and contemporary art museums. It was once a former power station, but now features works by Picasso and Warhol. Even if you are not an art lover, it is worth peeking inside to take in the views. Plan to spend an hour or two here.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Cost: Varies
Hours: Varies
Although not the original, this reconstruction of the original theater offers visitors a chance to experience Elizabethan theater in a unique setting. Visitors can opt to take a guided tour or check out one of the performances. At a minimum, walk around the outside to take in the architecture on your way to the next stop.
British Museum
Cost: Free
Hours: 10am-5pm
The British Museum is a must-visit spot during your two days in London. It is home to more than eight million objects (albeit many of them stolen from other countries). Make sure not to miss the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon Sculptures, and the Assyrian Lion Hunt. You can easily spend all day here, but at a minimum, plan for a couple of hours. You can also opt to take this British Museum Guided Tour to show you the highlights of the museum.
Bob Bob Ricard
Cost: £££
Tonight, grab dinner at Bob Bob Ricard, one of London’s most popular restaurants. It is known for its “Press for Champagne” button and its British and French comfort food. My favorite options are the caviar flight, the Beef Wellington for two, and the truffles for dessert.
Day 2
Westminster Abby
Cost: £30
Hours: Mon-Sat: Hours vary
Start the morning by exploring the Westminster area of London. Your first stop during this second of two days in London will be Westminster Abby. This is one of the most important religious buildings in the United Kingdom, as it has hosted royal coronations, weddings, and funerals for nearly 1000 years.
Make sure to visit Poets’ Corner, the Lady Chapel, and the tombs of monarchs, scientists, and writers who helped shape British history. These include Elizabeth I, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Sir Winston Churchill.
Big Ben and Parliament
Cost: Free
Next, pass by Big Ben, London’s most recognizable landmark that forms part of the Palace of Westminster. The name refers to the Great Bell inside the tower. It is one of the city’s most photographed attractions and the highlight of any stroll through London. Visitors are aby to pay around £35-£40 for tours of the inside.
Churchill War Rooms
Cost: £33-35
Hours: 9:30am-6pm
The Churchill War Rooms are a must-visit stop for any history lover. These rooms preserve the underground bunker where Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government directed Britain’s efforts during World War II. Visitors will get to walk through the preserved rooms and learn about daily life during the war.
Berbere Pizzeria
Cost: ££
Berbere Pizzeria is known for its sourdough pizza in a relaxed atmosphere. It is the perfect place for a casual lunch stop while exploring this area.
The National Gallery
Cost: Free
Hours: 10am-6pm
The National Gallery is another must-visit stop during two days in London. Located on Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses one of the world’s finest collections of European paintings. Visitors can see masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, DaVinci, and Rembrandt. Make sure to visit the Virgin of the Rocks. Plan to spend at least an hour here.
National Portrait Gallery
Cost: Free
Hours: 10:30am-6pm
Next door to the National Gallery lies the National Portrait Gallery. This museum tells the story of Britain through portraits of influential figures, from Tudor monarchs to contemporary cultural icons. Make sure to check out the gallery dedicated to Henry VIII and his wives.
Buckingham Palace
Cost: £32-35
Hours: Varies
Buckingham Palace serves as the official London residence of the British monarch. Visitors will want to watch the Changeing of the Guard which takes place throughout much of the year. If you want to visit select State Rooms, those are usually open during the summertime. Visiting the outside if free, but inside you will have to pay.
Show on the West End
Cost: Price varies by show
Tonight, opt to check out a show on the West End. There are always a variety of shows running throughout the theater district. For the best prices, head right to the box office to avoid the fees. However, some shows you can only buy tickets online.
The Spy Bar
Cost: £
Hours: Tues-Fri: 5pm-10pm, Sat: 5pm-12am
Hidden beneath the historic Old War Office building, The Spy Bar is one of London’s most unique cocktail experiences and the perfect stop to wrap up two days in London. It is located inside the Raffles London and draws inspiration from the building’s history as the center for British intelligence operations. If you can, make a reservation as walk-in spots are limited. Signature cocktails reference famous spies, covert missions, and the building’s connection to Ian Fleming.
More Than Two Days in London
If you have more than two days in London, there are a ton of other unique and fun things to experience. The London Transport Museum, the Imperial War Museum, Tate Britain, the London Eye, and Platform 9 ¾ are some other options you can add to your itinerary.
Additionally, London is a great place to base yourself to take some day trips to places like Bath, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Oxford, or the WB studios. Windsor Castle is a great stop if you have a long layover in London or en route to the airport.
Final Tips for Two Days in London
Two days in London gives a good introduction to the city and makes for a great start to a larger European itinerary, especially for first-timers. If you have the time, plan to spend a few more days exploring London, prior to heading to other major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Madrid, or Munich.
