A weekend in London ought to be on everybody’s bucket listing as Britain’s capital is packed stuffed with fascinating issues to do. From cultural and historic websites, to world-class buying, eating places, and extra. On this London 2 day itinerary, you’ll learn how finest to spend your time in London.  

Get pleasure from strolling round a few of London’s most iconic landmarks and uncover town’s many parks and inexperienced areas, some with spectacular views of the London skyline.

After you’ve completed feeding your senses, you should definitely feed your self at any variety of London eateries.

Whether or not you’re craving conventional fish and chips, otherwise you’d fairly pattern one thing from one of many many different cuisines represented, you’re certain to remain happy on a visit to this vibrant metropolis.

I’ve misplaced depend of the variety of weekends I’ve spent in London, however I can actually let you know all about the most effective spots to go to, from the highest bars and eating places, to a few of the metropolis’s hidden gems. So, let’s get caught in and uncover what to do in London in two days. 

Day 1 in London

The easiest way to start out your weekend in London is to dive into a good breakfast. Most of the main London points of interest are inside strolling distance, however these steps can quickly add up so beginning off with a full stomach is the best way to go.

Many individuals take the tube, (subway), quick distances, however it may be fairly nice to stroll one or two stops between stations; contemplate getting off early and strolling between as an alternative. You’ll be glad you probably did as you’ll you should definitely see some fascinating locations alongside the best way. 

Photo of people walking in the street of London

Morning

Begin your day in historic Westminster, the place a lot of London’s prime points of interest will be seen in shut proximity. However first, breakfast…

There’s nothing fairly like a “full English” to set you up for the day, and the Regency Cafe is the right place to get your repair. The closest tube is Pimlico, (on the Victoria line), which is lower than 5 minutes away on foot. 

At simply £6.00, ($7.25), for an English breakfast of bacon, egg, sausage, beans, toast, and tea, you’d be exhausting pushed to search out cheaper anyplace within the UK. Veggie choices are additionally obtainable on the menu.

The situation of the Regency Cafe is only a five-minute stroll to Large Ben, the Homes of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

You may wander round probably the most iconic components of London by yourself, however to essentially get a really feel for the place, and be taught a few of the historical past, contemplate taking a strolling tour.

The above tour is ideal as there’s a morning possibility from 10:00am – 1:00pm, which means you may end your breakfast at leisure earlier than being proven over 20 of London’s most well-known and historic landmarks by an actual Londoner.

In the event you fancy doing the tour a bit later, there are additionally choices to start at 1:00pm or 3:00pm. The associated fee is £16.00 per individual.

Do you have to need to head off by yourself, you can too wander all the way down to the River Thames, Westminster Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and St James Park, as they’re all inside simple strolling distance.

The Tate Britain is only a few steps from the Regency and is a superb attraction for artwork lovers. For the James Bond followers amongst you, it’s only a quick stroll to the MI5 constructing on the river financial institution, (shh, it’s a secret), however for apparent causes, you may’t go in. 

Afternoon

For lunch, head to the foodie heaven that’s Borough Market by leaping on the Circle line at Westminster, and travelling six stops to Monument tube. In the event you’re feeling energetic, it may be walked in below an hour, and many of the route is alongside the banks of the Thames.

In the event you’re not feeling peckish simply but I extremely suggest climbing the 311 steps to the highest of the Monument for panoramic views throughout the London skyline.

cheap weekend in London

This 62-metre, (202 ft), tower was erected in 1677 to commemorate the good fireplace of London, and has been attracting guests for hundreds of years. 

From Monument, stroll south onto London Bridge and cross the Thames to Borough. It’s only a fast trot previous St Mary’s Church to the market, the place you’ll be spoilt for alternative on the subject of lunch choices – I personally suggest the venison burger.

There are many sit-down cafes inside the market providing a variety of cuisines, however if you wish to lunch like an area, choose up one thing from one of many stalls and sit within the churchyard subsequent door, (that is what I normally do), or wander all the way down to the river.

After lunch, you’re properly positioned for a few of London’s hottest points of interest round London Bridge. Followers of the macabre will pay a go to to the London Dungeon and be taught all concerning the metropolis’s darkish previous. This nice combo deal for the Dungeon and London Eye will prevent cash on these prime London points of interest. 

You received’t miss out on the Shard towering above London Bridge station like a large piece of glass. The Shard accommodates a choice of bars and eating places inside, in addition to a viewing platform on the 72nd ground, providing unparalleled views of town.

Night

London actually begins to return alive after the solar goes down and top-of-the-line locations to spend the night is within the West Finish. Right here you’ll discover the whole lot from exhibits to buying, and a few of the finest eating places within the metropolis. 

From London Bridge station take the Northern Line 5 stops to Kings Cross. Right here you’ll want to vary for the Piccadilly Line for Covent Backyard, three stops away.

You received’t have an issue discovering someplace for dinner in Covent Backyard because it’s famend for its foodie scene. From fantastic eating to road snacks, there’s one thing to swimsuit each style and price range.

For first-time guests, I like to recommend Rock and Sole Plaice, as no journey to Britain’s capital is full with out sampling our nationwide dish of fish and chips. That is arguably the most effective place in London – they’ve been making conventional battered fish and chips for over 145 years! 

A traditional British buttered fish and chips on weekend in London

After darkish head to Piccadilly Circus to see the well-known illuminations. In the event you’re feeling full, then you may leap on the tube, (two stops on the Piccadilly line). Nevertheless strolling solely takes ten minutes and also you’ll cross by means of one other London landmark, Trafalgar Sq., which is buzzing at night time.

Lastly, end up the night time in fashionable Soho, considered one of London’s finest night time spots. You may take a tour of Soho’s bars, however I can even suggest Garlic and Photographs which is my favorite Soho hangout.

In the event you’re concerned about whiskey, don’t miss this journey which takes you to five pubs with a Scotsman.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Meals Excursions in London (+ Drinks)

Day 2 in London

You’ll need one other nice breakfast to set you up for day two of your weekend in London. However on day two we dispense with the greasy spoon and decide as an alternative for one thing a bit extra cultured – good in case you’re taking a look at spending a romantic weekend in London.

Morning

Begin the day with a bit bit of sophistication at the Wolseley in London’s plush Mayfair district. Their legendary eggs benedict received’t break the financial institution at simply £9.75, which contemplating the realm, is fairly good!

Breakfast is served in luxurious environment from 8:00am on weekends, and from 7:00am Monday – Friday. The Wolseley actually is aware of find out how to make breakfast, and the menu additionally has a fantastic choice of croissants, cereals, fruits, and cooked breakfasts.

2 day london tour

If you wish to follow a British theme, then you may’t go flawed with the grilled kippers, (herring).

After breakfast, stretch your legs at London’s well-known royal Hyde Park. It’s only a quick stroll alongside Piccadilly and previous the Ritz. Upon coming into the park you’ll be forgiven for pondering you’ve left town behind and entered rural England because it’s bursting with greenery.

Take a stroll across the Serpentine Lake, and if the climate is sweet sufficient and also you’re feeling courageous, you may even leap in for a cooling swim. There are many issues to see and do within the park from Audio system’ Nook, to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Kensington Gardens, and extra.

There are cafes and eating places across the lake, together with the Serpentine Bar and Grill, so you may pop in for a espresso or snack and luxuriate in one of many metropolis’s extra peaceable spots.

The Pure Historical past Museum is a brief stroll from Hyde Park and is considered one of London’s most well-loved points of interest. This unbelievable assortment of pure wonders is free to enter, so in case you’re on the lookout for an affordable weekend in London, hitting town’s museums is a superb possibility.

Afternoon

Anybody spending two days in London ought to you should definitely try Camden; one of many metropolis’s most vibrant areas. From Hyde Park Nook you may leap on the Piccadilly line and leap three stops to Leicester Sq.. Change right here for the Northern line and keep on for six stops to Camden City.

You even have the choice to go to Camden by canal boat alongside the Regent’s Canal. This glorious tour units sail from Little Venice and winds up proper subsequent to the market at Camden lock. 

A busy weekend in Camden market.

For lunch, I like to recommend attempting one of many many fascinating eateries across the station. Right here you’ll discover an enormous vary of cuisines from African and Center Jap, to European, and extra. My private favorite spot for a lightweight lunch is King of Falafel instantly reverse the tube station.

After lunch head to the well-known Camden Lock Market and take a look across the stalls promoting the whole lot from arts and crafts, to native produce, garments, and jewelry.

Be sure you check out one of many distinctive ice lotions from Chin Chin Labs; a London establishment, and sit on the canal to get pleasure from your candy deal with.

Camden is house to a few of London’s most well-known pubs. I like to recommend trying out the Hawley Arms which was once Amy Winehouse’s native. They’ve a pleasant rooftop terrace overlooking Camden – good for people-watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon. 

Night

To prime off your 2 days in London, head to hip Shoreditch, one of many metropolis’s most up-and-coming areas. You may take the tube, however it’ll contain a number of adjustments, so I like to recommend taking a taxi or Uber to make issues simpler, (the worth shall be round £25.00).

For dinner, Dishoom is a superb possibility and you’ll pattern one other of Britain’s most beloved cuisines, curry, (although they’ve a large and diversified menu). Dishoom serves Indian meals with an Iranian twist in a classy Parsi-themed cafe that’s vastly widespread with locals and vacationers alike.

unique experiences in london for couples

Spend the night discovering Shoreditch’s huge choice of quirky bars. From speakeasies to gin palaces, and the whole lot in between, that is the place to see and be on any given night.

For cocktails, pop into the retro Callooh Callay with its distinctive “JubJub Room” bathed in a tender, purple gentle. Try SINK the place you may play a variety of video games like ping pong or beer pong while sipping your drink beneath some fairly superior road artwork.

In the event you actually need to expertise Shoreditch’s legendary nightlife, then try this Shoreditch pub crawl. You’ll hit a few of the trendiest bars, pubs and golf equipment on the town. This nice expertise is simply £20 and contains free entry to 5 institutions, plus 5 free photographs. 

Ideas for a Weekend Journey to London

Listed here are a couple of tricks to make your journey to London much more pleasurable.

1. Get Round London on Foot

Lower your expenses and expertise extra by strolling as an alternative of taking the tube or a taxi. You’ll discover that many stations are shut collectively and the distances should not drastic. 

2. Go Contactless

In days passed by guests wanted an Oyster card to save cash on transport, however the introduction of contactless fee playing cards means you may get pleasure from the identical charges as locals by tapping your financial institution card out and in while touring. 

3. Try London for Free

Lots of London’s prime museums are free. In the event you’re on the lookout for an affordable weekend in London then add locations such because the British Museum, Pure Historical past Museum, and the Nationwide gallery to your itinerary. 

4. Select Cheaper Neighbourhoods

For cheaper lodging keep in East London fairly than the central vacationer areas. Locations like Stratford are nice and inside simple attain of town. Take a look at our information to the most effective areas to remain in London that will help you select.

5. Have a Picnic

Lower your expenses on costly eating places by shopping for meals in supermarkets or at market stalls and consuming in considered one of London’s many stunning and free entry parks. 

Methods to Get to London

There are a couple of methods to get to town. Listed here are the most well-liked.

London has glorious connections to the remainder of Europe and past with three main airports all inside simple attain. Plus, the Eurostar makes attending to central London from mainland Europe a chunk of cake. 

cool experiences in london

By Air 

Europe’s largest price range airline Ryanair has a base at London Stansted Airport with direct flights from over 100 cities. Attending to central London from Stansted is simple with a direct shuttle practice taking simply 50 minutes, and a number of hourly buses taking round 90 minutes.

In the event you’re coming from additional afield, you’ll doubtless fly into Heathrow or Gatwick, each of that are reachable from town inside an hour by shuttle bus or practice. 

By Practice 

It takes simply 2 hours and 17 minutes to achieve London from Paris through the Eurostar. What’s extra, the practice terminates at St Pancras Station, (subsequent to Kings Cross), so that you’ll arrive in central London with out the necessity for transfers.

There are additionally direct practice companies to lots of the UK’s main cities reminiscent of Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow. 

By Bus 

If coming from the continent, Flixbus has companies to London from many locations together with France, Germany, Italy and Spain. For home routes, Nationwide Categorical has buses to London’s Victoria Coach Station from cities throughout the nation. 

By Automotive

London is well reachable from cities throughout the UK by automobile, nonetheless bear in mind that there’s a congestion cost for driving in central London and parking will be exhausting to search out, (and costly). With this in thoughts, it’s most likely higher to journey into London utilizing public transport. 

The place to Keep With 2 Days in London

It’s no secret that Britain’s capital is an costly metropolis. Nevertheless, there are actually price range lodging choices obtainable for these staying for 2 days in London.

A number of the finest neighbourhoods to remain in London embody Shoreditch, Islington, and the realm round Waterloo Station. Areas across the West Finish, reminiscent of Covent Backyard, are glorious decisions as there are such a lot of close by points of interest, however this can come at a premium. 

Motels

Finances: The W14 Resort 

Mid-range: Ibis Shoreditch

Luxurious: NYX Resort

Flats

Finances: Brick Lane Shoreditch Studio

Mid-range: Luxurious Studio – Wonderful Location

Luxurious: Loft in Mayfair

In the event you’re caught and are having a tough time selecting the place to remain, take a look at our listing of the highest 10 Airbnbs in London.

FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in London

Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on spending a weekend in London.

Is Two Days in London Sufficient Time?

Two days is the right period of time to see a few of London’s prime points of interest and the distinctive experiences that town has to supply. With lots of the well-known landmarks in shut proximity and a incredible infrastructure, there’s no excuse to not see as a lot as potential. 

Panaromic aerial view of London on a weekend.

With only a weekend getaway, you received’t be capable of go on any day journeys from London. However, there’s lots to see inside the metropolis itself throughout your two day keep.

How Can I Spend a Weekend in London?

A weekend in London will be spent in nearly any means you may think about. From eating on mouth-watering meals and visiting iconic websites, to exploring the numerous fascinating boroughs that make up this nice metropolis. 

Getting across the metropolis is straightforward with transport such because the tube, buses, night time buses, taxis, water taxis, and extra. Don’t miss a few of the prime London points of interest like Large Ben, Trafalgar Sq., Covent Backyard, and Soho. This expertise covers the entire highlights.

All you want is your passport, a couple of kilos, and a way of journey to get pleasure from a weekend getaway in London.

Is London Value Visiting?

London is unquestionably a metropolis value visiting, (20 million folks per yr can’t be flawed). With a historical past relationship again hundreds of years and experiences like museums and world-class eating ready for you, unbelievable structure to see, and pleasant locals to fulfill, London actually ought to be on the bucket listing of each traveller. 

Get pleasure from Your Weekend Journey to London

Now you’re all set for the right weekend in London. You’ll see iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and dine in a few of the metropolis’s favorite institutions. You’ll cross the Thames, discover quirky markets, and pattern London’s banging nightlife.

With a lot to do, and so many issues to see, I completely love spending the weekend in London, and I’m certain you’ll get pleasure from it simply as a lot as I do.

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