How to Spend Two Days in London: A Local’s Guide

Ah, London! This city is a beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern energy, and it’s where I call home.

From famous landmarks, historic architecture, and trendy neighborhoods, the secret sauce to seeing the best of London is a bit of planning and a comfy pair of walking shoes. If you’re wondering how to spend two days in London, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Read my guide and squeeze the most out of this fab city in just two days.

Here’s an overview:

How to Get Around During Your Two Days in London

First, grab a two-day Tube pass to make exploring London simple and hassle-free. The London Underground (aka “the Tube”) is divided into zones that extend out from central London. Most of the main attractions, like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, are in Zones 1-2, so a pass covering these zones is usually all you’ll need.

If you get a pass to cover up to Zone 5, you’re able to visit farther areas like Wembley Stadium, Greenwich, and Kew Gardens. You can purchase at any tube or train station from the kiosks and this will be your golden ticket for the next two days. 

Day 1: Dive into London’s History and Charm

Morning

Kick off your London adventure at the Tower of London, a place loaded with history and drama. The Tower of London has a bloody reputation thanks to Henry VIII, as it was where he locked up enemies and even wives he’d lost favor with. His ruthless reign has inspired many films and even SIX – the Broadway musical. 

Arrive right when it opens (around 9 AM) to beat the crowd, and schedule a Beefeater tour if you can. The guides bring history to life with all the extra details, making it feel more exciting.

Top Tip: Buy your tickets at any news kiosk on your way in or online to skip the long lines at the ticket office, and don’t miss the Crown Jewels, they’re stunning and still used in royal ceremonies today!

Related read: Historical Attractions in London: A Guide to All the Best Bits

Late Morning: Stroll Along the South Bank

From the Tower, it’s a short walk to Tower Bridge. Stroll across (the views are absolutely worth it!), and if you’re lucky, you might catch this historic bridge lifting to let boats pass along the Thames. Seeing the old machinery in action, still operating this iconic structure, is something special – be sure to have your camera ready.

Afterward, follow the Thames Path along the South Bank, where you’ll pass City Hall, The Shard, and the HMS Belfast. 

Top tip: Stop by a local café for a flat white as you soak in the scenery – the people-watching is fab!

Lunch: Borough Market

Head to Borough Market for lunch. This place has everything, from authentic street food to posh cheeses and fresh juice. Wander through the stalls, snag some samples, and buy whatever you’re craving.

My personal favorites are: Humble Crumble – a traditional British crumble, but better. You get to choose your fruit base, and they top it with creamy vanilla custard. YUM! And don’t miss Pieminister Pies – a British classic with pies stuffed with everything from steak and ale to veggie options. Perfect for a hearty lunch and you might want to buy one to take with you.

Top tip: Borough Market is open Monday to Saturday, with full market days from 10 am to 5 pm (slightly later on Thursdays and Fridays, closing at 6 pm). Borough Market is closed on Sundays.

Afternoon: Time for some culture at the Tate Modern

Once you’ve finished eating at the market, wander along the Thames to the Tate Modern. The gallery is housed in a former power station, and the modern art exhibitions are free (score!).

Even if art isn’t your cup of tea, the building itself is worth a look, and the view from the top-floor café is fab.

Late Afternoon: Shakespeare and Southbank

You might be getting tired by now, so pop into Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for a quick visit. You can take a guided tour or just enjoy this fun building from the outside. Then, continue wandering down the Southbank, stopping for a pint at one of the riverside pubs. You’ll see plenty of buskers, street performers, and locals just enjoying the atmosphere.

Top tip: It gets very crowded in the summer, and even though there are plenty of spots right along the Thames, the best pubs are often tucked into side streets a little further back, where you’ll find more locals and fewer tourists. 

Evening: Covent Garden and the West End

Take the Tube to Covent Garden. In the evening, this area comes alive with street performers, shops, and restaurants. Have a wander around, then treat yourself to a West End show – there’s something quintessentially British visiting the West End while in London. 

Top tip: If you haven’t pre-booked tickets, head to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted tickets to same-day shows. You might even get lucky and find front-row seats to a hit show!

Day 2: Hidden Gems and Iconic Spots in London

Morning: Buckingham Palace and All Things Royal

Start your second day with a bit of royalty. Make your way to Buckingham Palace in the morning to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The pomp and pageantry are quite impressive to witness, even if you’re not a royalist.

Top tip: The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace typically takes place at 11:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. However, the schedule can vary, especially during the winter months and on special occasions, so it’s a good idea to check the official British Army website or the Buckingham Palace website before you go to confirm the exact days and times. If you plan to see it, aim to arrive early (around 10:15 am) to get a good spot, as it tends to get crowded, especially in peak tourist season!

Once you’ve had your fill of royal watching, cross the street and wander through St. James’s Park – it’s one of my favorite parks in central London, and there are plenty of benches to sit and soak in the surroundings.

Top Tip: Head to Blue Bridge for one of the best views in central London. You’ll enjoy a stunning view of Buckingham Palace in one direction and the London Eye in the other, framed by the park’s beautiful lake. It’s the perfect spot for photos, especially around sunset.

Mid-Morning: Explore Westminster

Next, head towards Westminster. It’s home to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. I recommend booking tickets for the Abbey ahead of time if you want to go inside, as it can get busy. When you leave the Abbey, make your way to Victoria Tower Gardens. You can’t miss the impressive views of the Houses of Parliament and the Thames, with Big Ben just peeking through the skyline.

You’ll see several statues and memorials, each with deep historical meaning, including the Buxton Memorial Fountain, marking the 1834 abolition of slavery, and Rodin’s Burghers of Calais, honoring French citizens who sacrificed themselves during the Hundred Years’ War. The garden also celebrates Emmeline Pankhurst of the suffragette movement, Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence, and Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid work. 

Top tip: You’ll get the best photos of Big Ben, The London Eye and other iconic buildings from Victoria Tower Gardens.

Lunch: Explore Notting Hill

Take the Tube from Westminster to Notting Hill for a lovely change of scenery. This hipster neighborhood is famous for its pastel-colored houses, quirky shops, and Portobello Road Market. It’s the perfect spot to find some vintage treasures in the market and stop for a casual lunch.

Top tip: Head to the food stalls toward the Golborne Road end of Portobello Market. You’ll find an eclectic mix of global street food.

Afternoon: Check out the museums in South Kensington

You can’t really spend two days in London without enjoying the many museums there. South Kensington has some of London’s best museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A.

You could easily spend an entire day here, but with limited time, pick one that piques your interest. All are free to enter, though some exhibits may have a charge.

Top tip: The V&A is my favorite – it’s filled with fashion, art, and history, and it’s rarely super crowded.

Late Afternoon: Visit Harrods

From South Kensington, it’s just a short walk to Harrods, London’s most iconic department store. Harrods is a luxury shoppers paradise, offering everything from designer fashion, cool gadgets, luxury furniture, and fine jewelry, to gourmet food and quirky souvenirs. 

Top tip: Don’t miss the food halls, especially the bakery and chocolate sections for a sweet treat or a unique London gift. If you’re visiting during busy times, use the side entrances to avoid the main crowd.

Evening: Dinner in Shoreditch

No trip to London is complete without a visit east to Shoreditch. Known for its edgy street art, ethnic food scene, and trendy cocktail bars, this neighborhood is culturally diverse in the best possible way. For some of the best Indian food in the city, wander over to Brick Lane, where you’ll be spoiled for choice.

And if you’re in the mood for a bit of history with a dark twist, check out one of the Jack the Ripper tours, this area is where he once stalked his victims.

Tip: My personal favourite is Muhib on Brick Lane, for delicious Indian food. Ask for Ali and tell him Sam from California sent you! 

London is a city that’s impossible to fully explore in just two days, but if you follow my itinerary, you’ll leave with fantastic memories and a real taste of what makes the city so special. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just to wander through its charming streets, London will never disappoint.

If I had more than 48 hours in London? I’d spend the extra time getting lost in the markets of Camden or Hampstead Heath, but that’s a whole other article!