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2 days in London

2 days · 11 stops · UK

London is one of those cities that feels endlessly browseable: you can spend the morning in a world-class museum, the afternoon wandering a street market, and the evening settling into a pub near the Thames. It rewards both big sightseeing days and slow neighbourhood exploring, from historic streets to lively pockets full of cafés, restaurants, and independent shops. Whatever the season, it shines when you mix iconic landmarks with everyday local life.

€420estimated for two — on-the-ground estimate, flights not included.

AI-estimated prices · Day 1 starts on a Wednesday · Check opening hours and closing days before you go

The 2-day plan, day by day

Day 1 · Wednesday — Westminster, St James's and the South Bank
Royal London sights, river views and a classic first walk through the city centre
6 stops€100 in stops, for two
Morning
1. 09:00
  Arrive in Westminster and get oriented
  Start the day around Westminster station and settle into the rhythm of central London before sightseeing. This is a practical arrival point for the day's walking route through the city's best-known landmarks.
  €0
  TIPUse contactless payment or an Oyster card for Tube and bus travel.
2. 09:45
  Walk around Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square
  This opening walk gives a strong first impression of London, with broad views of the Thames, the Palace of Westminster skyline, and the civic monuments around Parliament Square. It is an easy way to understand the city's ceremonial centre and get some of its most iconic views in a compact area.
  Free
  TIPPause on the bridge for one of the clearest skyline views along the river.
3. 11:00
  Stroll through St James's Park toward Buckingham Palace
  St James's Park offers a softer side of central London, with lakeside paths, formal views, and royal buildings appearing between the trees. Walking through it toward Buckingham Palace links two of the city's most famous areas in a relaxed and scenic way.
  Free
  TIPThe Blue Bridge area is one of the best spots in the park for photos back toward the palace and Westminster.
Afternoon
1. 12:30
  Lunch around Covent Garden
  Covent Garden is a good midday stop for a first visit, with covered arcades, side streets, and plenty of casual places to eat. The area is lively and central, so it works well as both a food break and a chance to soak up one of London's busiest historic quarters.
  €20 per person
  TIPIf the main piazza feels crowded, look to the surrounding lanes for quieter lunch options.
2. 14:15
  Explore the South Bank riverside
  The South Bank is one of London's easiest areas to enjoy on foot, with a broad riverside path, constant views across the Thames, and a mix of performers, bookstalls, and modern cultural buildings. It works especially well for a first-time visitor because the route naturally links landmark after landmark.
  Free
  TIPWalk at least as far as the stretch between Waterloo and Blackfriars for some of the best river views.
3. 16:15
  Museum time around South Kensington
  This district is one of London's great cultural clusters, known for its grand museum quarter and elegant streets. A late-afternoon visit here adds a classic museum stop to the day while still leaving time for an evening in the West End.
  Free
  TIPMany museums in the area close around 17:45, so head in promptly and focus on one section instead of trying to see everything.
Evening
1. 19:00
  Evening wander and dinner in Soho
  Soho brings a different energy to the day, with compact streets, theatres, bright storefronts, and a constant evening buzz. It is a strong place to end a first day in London because you can combine dinner with a walk through one of the city's most atmospheric central neighborhoods.
  €30 per person
  TIPBook dinner ahead if you want a sit-down meal between 19:00 and 20:30.
Day 2 · Thursday — The City, Tower area and East End markets
Historic London, river landmarks and lively market streets before departure
5 stops€60 in stops, for two
Morning
1. 09:00
  Walk the Tower Bridge and Tower riverside area
  This part of London combines some of the city's strongest historic and riverside scenery, with dramatic stone architecture, busy quays, and constant Thames views. A morning walk here gives a sense of old mercantile London while still feeling easy to navigate on foot.
  Free
  TIPStart early for a calmer walk and clearer photo stops along the river.
2. 10:30
  Explore the City of London lanes and viewpoints
  The old core of the City rewards a slow walk through narrow lanes, churchyards, and sudden openings onto striking modern towers. It shows a layered side of London where medieval street patterns sit beside the capital's financial district.
  Free
  TIPKeep an eye out for small alleys and passageways just off the main roads; they often lead to the most atmospheric corners.
Afternoon
1. 12:15
  Lunch at Borough Market area
  The Borough Market area is one of central London's best-known food quarters, with market halls, surrounding rail arches, and a steady flow of quick, flavorful lunch options. It is ideal for a flexible midday stop because you can snack your way through the area or sit down nearby.
  €20 per person
  TIPArrive before the busiest lunch rush if you want shorter queues at popular stalls.
2. 13:45
  Browse Spitalfields and nearby East End streets
  This part of the East End mixes market energy, converted warehouse buildings, and streets known for independent shops, street art, and changing food spots. It adds a more contemporary, creative side of London after the royal and riverside landmarks of the first day.
  Free
  TIPLeave time to wander the side streets beyond the market itself for the most character.
3. 16:00
  Final coffee and walk in Covent Garden
  Returning to Covent Garden makes for an easy last central stop, with elegant pedestrian lanes, covered passages, and plenty of cafés for a short break. It is a comfortable place to slow the pace, pick up a few souvenirs, and enjoy one more classic London neighborhood.
  €10 per person
  TIPThe smaller arcades and lanes just off the main square are best for browsing without the densest crowds.
Evening
1. 17:45
  Departure transfer from central London
  Make your way from central London to your departure point with enough buffer for traffic, station queues, or platform changes.
  €0
  TIPAllow extra time in the evening peak if you are crossing the city by Tube or taxi.

Where to stay

Covent Garden / Charing Cross · about €260 a night Find a hotel here →

How many days do you need in London?

5 days is the right length for a first trip to London. That covers Westminster and the South Bank, the British Museum, the Tower and the City, and a market morning in Borough or Camden. With fewer days you see the highlights at a brisk pace; with more, add a day trip to Windsor or Oxford.

See the 5-day London itinerary →

London, in a few questions

Is 2 days enough for London?

2 days in London gets you the headline sights at a brisk pace, with little room for a day trip. The plan below spends every one of them, morning to evening, with what each stop costs.

When is the best time to visit London?

Late spring through early autumn is the most comfortable time for long walks, riverfront wandering, and market-hopping. That said, London works year-round, and cooler months can be great for museums, pubs, and indoor attractions.

Is London expensive to visit?

London can be costly, especially for hotels and transport, but it also has plenty of free or low-cost things to do, including major museums and parks. You can manage your budget by mixing splurges with casual meals, pub stops, and self-guided exploring.

How do I get around London?

The city is easy to navigate with the Underground, buses, trains, and plenty of walkable areas. For short distances, walking is often one of the best ways to see the neighbourhood feel of the city.