Planning Your Two Days in London
Spending two days in London gives you enough time to see many of the city’s most famous landmarks while also exploring different areas rather than trying to see everything in one long, exhausting day. London is a very large city, and one of the most important things when planning a two day itinerary is to organise your days by area, so you are not travelling across the city multiple times.
Most visitors divide their two days into Westminster and the South Bank on one day, and the City of London and Tower Bridge area on the second day. This works very well because many of London’s most famous attractions are located along the River Thames, and you can move across the city in a logical direction rather than travelling back and forth.
Another important part of planning your two days in London is deciding which attractions you want to go inside and which ones you are happy to see from the outside. Attractions such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye all require tickets and can take a few hours to visit properly. If you try to visit too many paid attractions in two days, your itinerary can become very rushed.
A good two day itinerary usually includes two or three major paid attractions, combined with walking routes, viewpoints, parks, and markets. London is a city that is best explored on foot, especially along the River Thames, where you can see many landmarks while walking between areas.
It is also important to think about how you will travel between areas. The London Underground, buses, and the river boats along the Thames all make it easy to travel around the city, but in central London, walking between attractions is often the best option because many landmarks are closer together than they appear on the Tube map.
Planning your two days carefully before you arrive in London will help you see more attractions, spend less time travelling, and have a much more relaxed trip.
Day 1 Morning – Westminster, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace
Start the first morning of your London in 2 days itinerary in Westminster, which is the historic and political centre of London and home to some of the most famous landmarks in the country. This area is ideal for the start of a trip because many major sights are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to see a lot without using public transport.
Begin at Westminster Abbey, one of the most important historic buildings in the UK. This is where British monarchs are crowned and where many famous historical figures are buried. Even if you decide not to go inside, the exterior is impressive and worth seeing, and the surrounding streets are full of historic buildings and views.
From Westminster Abbey, walk towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, which sit directly next to the River Thames. This is one of the most recognisable views in London and one of the best photo locations in the city. Spend some time walking around Parliament Square and along the river so you can see the buildings from different angles.
Next, walk across Westminster Bridge, where you will get one of the classic London views looking back towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. On the other side of the bridge you will find the London Eye, which you may want to visit later in the trip, but it is still worth seeing from the ground and walking along the river in this area.
After this, head towards St James’s Park, one of the most beautiful parks in central London. Walking through the park is a pleasant break from the busy streets and gives you some excellent views towards Buckingham Palace. Continue through the park to Buckingham Palace, where you may be able to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony if you time your visit correctly. Even when the ceremony is not taking place, the palace and the large open square in front of it are still worth visiting and are an important part of any London itinerary.
This entire area can comfortably fill a full morning and is one of the best ways to begin a 48 hours in London trip because it covers many of the most famous landmarks in a small area.
Day 1 Afternoon – Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Soho
After visiting Buckingham Palace, make your way towards Trafalgar Square, which is one of London’s most famous public squares and a central meeting point in the city. Here you will see Nelson’s Column, the large fountains, and the National Gallery. The square is often busy with tourists, street performers and events, and it is a good place to stop for a short break.
From Trafalgar Square, walk along The Strand towards Covent Garden, which is one of the most popular areas in London for restaurants, shops and street entertainment. The main Covent Garden piazza often has musicians and performers, and the surrounding streets are full of small shops, cafés and markets. This is a good place to stop for lunch or a coffee during your first day in London.
After exploring Covent Garden, continue walking into Soho, which is one of London’s main entertainment and dining areas. Soho is full of restaurants, theatres, bars and independent shops, and the streets here are very lively, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Nearby you can also walk through Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, both of which are famous London locations and are very close to Soho and Covent Garden.
This entire area is easy to explore on foot, and the short walking distances between these neighbourhoods make this a very efficient way to spend the afternoon on the first day of your London in 2 days itinerary.
Day 1 Evening – The Thames, Night Views and Central London
In the evening, head back towards the River Thames and the South Bank area. London looks very different at night, and many of the major landmarks are illuminated after dark, which makes an evening walk along the river one of the best things to do during a short trip.
A very good evening walk is along the South Bank between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. As you walk along the river you will see the London Eye lit up, street performers, riverside bars and restaurants, and great views across the river towards St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London skyline.
If you want to include a viewpoint during your London in 2 days trip, the evening is a great time to do it. Many visitors choose to visit Sky Garden, The Shard, or take a night ride on the London Eye so they can see the city lights and the River Thames from above. Another popular option is an evening Thames river cruise, which allows you to see many of London’s landmarks from the water.
Ending your first day with a river walk or a city viewpoint is a great way to finish Day 1 and gives you a very different perspective of London compared to the daytime sightseeing.
Day 2 Morning – Tower of London, Tower Bridge and The City
Start the second day of your London in 2 days itinerary in the historic eastern side of central London, where you will find some of the oldest and most important landmarks in the city. Begin at the Tower of London, which is one of the most famous historic sites in the UK and has served as a royal palace, prison, armoury and treasury over the last thousand years. It is also home to the Crown Jewels, which are one of the main reasons many visitors come here.
You should allow at least a couple of hours for the Tower of London if you plan to go inside, as there is a lot to see including the White Tower, the battlements, the ravens and the Crown Jewels exhibition. The site is much larger than many visitors expect, and it is easy to spend most of the morning here.
Right next to the Tower of London is Tower Bridge, which is often mistaken for London Bridge but is actually the famous bridge with two large towers and walkways across the top. You can walk across the bridge for free at road level, or you can visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition and walk across the glass floor walkway high above the river.
After visiting Tower Bridge, walk west along the River Thames towards London Bridge and Borough Market. This riverside walk gives you excellent views of the City of London skyline and passes several interesting places along the way, including HMS Belfast and The Shard. Borough Market is one of the best food markets in London and is an excellent place to stop for lunch during the second day of your trip.
Day 2 Afternoon – St Paul’s, Museums or Notting Hill
After lunch, you have a few different options for the afternoon depending on your interests. One option is to walk across Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral, which is one of London’s most famous churches and an important part of the city skyline. You can visit inside the cathedral and climb to the dome for views across London if you have the time and energy.
Another option for the afternoon is to visit the museum district in South Kensington, where you will find the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. All three museums are free to enter and are some of the best museums in London. Even if you only visit one of them, this area can easily fill an afternoon.
If you would prefer something more relaxed, you could instead head to Notting Hill and Portobello Road, which is known for its colourful houses, antique markets and cafés. This area feels very different from central London and is a nice way to see another side of the city.
Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon shopping around Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street, which are some of the main shopping areas in central London and are all located close to each other.
This flexible afternoon allows you to choose between history, museums, shopping or neighbourhood exploring depending on what interests you most.
Day 2 Evening – Final Views, Dinner and Last Night in London
For your final evening in London, it is worth revisiting the River Thames or heading to one of London’s viewpoints so you can finish your trip with some of the best views of the city. Many visitors choose to visit a viewpoint on their last evening because it gives you a chance to see many of the places you visited over the previous two days from above.
A popular option is Sky Garden, which offers views across the City of London and the River Thames. Another option is The Shard, which is higher and gives wider views across the whole city. If you did not ride the London Eye on the first day, this can also be a good activity for the final evening.
If you prefer something more relaxed, you could take an evening walk along the river between London Bridge, St Paul’s, and Westminster, or take a short Thames river cruise to see the main landmarks from the water one last time.
For your final dinner in London, areas like Covent Garden, Soho, London Bridge and South Bank are all good choices because they have a large number of restaurants and are centrally located, making it easy to get back to your hotel afterwards.
By the end of the second day, you will have seen most of London’s major landmarks, several different neighbourhoods, historic sites, viewpoints and museums, which makes this a very efficient London in 2 days itinerary and ideal for a short trip or weekend visit.
Getting Around During Your 2 Day London Trip
Getting around London during a short trip is relatively easy because the public transport network is extensive and well connected. Most visitors will use a combination of the Underground, buses, walking and occasionally river transport. Because this London in 2 days itinerary is focused on central London, many of the major landmarks are actually closer together than people expect, and you will often find yourself walking between attractions rather than taking transport for every journey.
The London Underground is usually the fastest way to travel longer distances across the city. Stations are clearly signposted and trains run frequently throughout the day. For shorter journeys, London buses can be a good option because you can see the city while travelling, and many bus routes pass major landmarks and tourist areas.
Another transport option that many visitors enjoy is the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which runs along the River Thames and connects places like Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Greenwich and Canary Wharf. This can be a very scenic way to travel between attractions instead of using the Underground.
Most visitors pay for transport using contactless bank cards or mobile payment rather than buying paper tickets. If you are unsure how London transport works, you should read the Getting Around London guide and the Oyster vs Contactless guide before your trip, as these explain the system and fares in detail.
Where to Stay for a 2 Day London Trip
If you are only visiting London for two days, it is important to stay somewhere central so you do not spend too much time travelling across the city. Areas such as Westminster, Covent Garden, Soho, South Bank, London Bridge and Bloomsbury are all good locations for a short trip because they are close to many major attractions and have excellent transport connections.
Staying near an Underground station on a major line such as the Central Line, Piccadilly Line, Northern Line or District Line can make travelling around the city much easier. Areas slightly outside the very centre, such as Paddington, Victoria, South Kensington or King’s Cross, can sometimes offer better hotel prices while still being very well connected to the main attractions.
When planning where to stay, the most important thing is transport connections rather than the exact neighbourhood, because London is a large city and travel time can make a big difference during a short visit.
Tips for Visiting London in 2 Days
When visiting London for a short trip, the most important thing is to plan your route so that you group attractions together by area rather than travelling back and forth across the city. Central London attractions are closer together than they look on a map, and walking between areas like Westminster, Covent Garden, Soho and the South Bank is often faster than using the Underground.
It is also important to start your days early, especially if you plan to visit places like the Tower of London or popular viewpoints such as the London Eye or Sky Garden. These attractions can get very busy, and visiting earlier in the day can save a lot of time.
Another useful tip is to mix indoor and outdoor attractions so you are not walking all day without a break. London has many museums, markets, cafés and indoor attractions that are useful if the weather changes or if you want to rest for a while.
Finally, remember that it is impossible to see everything in London in two days. The goal of this itinerary is to see the main landmarks, explore a few different areas and get a feel for the city, not to try to visit every attraction.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Only have two days in London? A bit of planning makes a huge difference. London is bigger than most visitors expect, so smart routing will save you hours of travel time.
- Group attractions by area: Visit Westminster attractions together, then Tower Bridge and the City on another day to avoid crossing London multiple times.
- Start early each day: Popular places like the Tower of London and major viewpoints get very busy later in the day.
- Use contactless on transport: It’s usually cheaper and easier than buying paper tickets or Travelcards.
- Walk along the Thames: The riverside paths connect many major sights and are often faster than using the Underground.
- Don’t try to see everything: Focus on the major landmarks and enjoy the atmosphere rather than rushing all day.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough to visit London?
Yes, two days is enough to see many of London’s main landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and several central neighbourhoods. You will not see everything, but you can see a lot with a well planned itinerary.
What is the best way to get around London in 2 days?
The best way to get around London is usually a combination of walking and the Underground. Buses and river boats can also be useful for certain routes and can be more scenic than the Underground.
Should I buy a London Pass for 2 days?
A London Pass can be worth it if you plan to visit several paid attractions such as the Tower of London, The Shard, Westminster Abbey and river cruises. You should compare attraction prices before buying to see if it will save money.
Where should I stay if I only have 2 days in London?
It is best to stay in central London or near a major Underground station so you can travel quickly between attractions and maximise your sightseeing time.
Can I walk between most London attractions?
Many central London attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially around Westminster, Covent Garden, Soho, the South Bank and London Bridge. Walking is often one of the best ways to see the city.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning your trip, make sure to read our London Attractions Guide, which explains the main landmarks and places to visit across the city and helps you decide which attractions to prioritise during your trip.
You should also read the London Itinerary Guide, which explains how to plan your time in London, how to group attractions by area, and how to structure your days depending on how long you are visiting for.
If you are visiting for a shorter trip, our London in 1 Day guide will help you prioritise the absolute must-see attractions and build a very efficient one day route through the city.
For transport, the Getting Around London guide and Oyster vs Contactless guide explain how London public transport works, how fares are calculated, and the easiest way to pay for travel across the city.
If you plan to travel along the river, you should also read our Uber Boat London guide, which explains how the Thames river boat services work and how to use them as part of your London itinerary.
Reading these guides together will help you plan your London trip more efficiently, group nearby attractions together and make the most of your time in the city.
Last Updated
April 2026
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