It happened. For some reason, you will have two days in London to explore the city. What should you do with your time? There is so much to see and do in this city so with two day full days and a ton of energy, you are going to be very busy. Let’s Go!
If this is your first visit to London, you will surely wish you had more time after this. But don’t let this detail bog you down. Since you will be moving pretty aggressively around the city, the first thing you want is an oyster card. This is your access to buses and the tube that will help you efficiently get from place to place. Of course you will also need a great pair of shoes because no matter what, you will be walking. Read more about the oyster card and how to get one. You can still take public transportation without one but this is certainly the most cost efficient way. I’ve had an oyster card for years and every time I visit, I load it up and move about like a local.
Day One
For those that like to get as tons of instagram photos or create postcard-perfect memories in front of iconic spots, this two days in London itinerary is for you. There are a ton of beautiful spots to snap that perfect photo and get in a little adventure at the same time in this city. Rather than run all over, let’s get you organized.
Start your day early at one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge. If you’re taking the tube, get off at Tower Hill station. Try to get there around sunrise to get this incredible landmark before all of the tourist arrive. At the right angle, you can get the sun dancing off the river Thames creating a breathtaking reflection. If you head over to the nearby London bridge you can get an unobstructed view of the Tower Bridge for your photo log.
If you headed out early by 10am, you’ll probably be in the mood for a snack or a caffeinated beverage to keep you going. Make a stop at the nearby Borough Market. The food alone is quite photogenic but the market itself is a true gem. In the morning hours, you can catch a glimpse of the vendors getting all set up for the daily crowd. Fresh fruit and vegetables are beautifully displayed and the colors make for a tantalizing reel.
When you’re all caffeinated up, continue your journey along the south bank of the River Thames. If you’re into historical theatre, you might be interested in Shakespeare’s Globe. The tour is 2 hours but you can marvel at the building, grab a few shots then keep it moving to arrive at Millennium Bridge. Here you can frame St. Paul’s Cathedral perfectly in the background of your shot. Continue your walk along the south bank of the river and soon you will see the London Eye (a large slow moving ferris wheel). It’s about a 1 mile walk between the bridge and London Eye, so be warned. Forget going for a ride on this slow moving attraction as the lines get really long and one full rotation takes about 30 minutes.
Next, head over to Westminster Bridge to get a close look at Big Ben. This is one of the most iconic spots in all of London. Little trivia fact: The tower is Elizabeth Tower and the bell inside the tower is Big Ben. Nevertheless, it will always be Big Ben to me. Head towards Parliament Square and Great George street then look back. Here you can get the perfect photo to include both Big Ben and Westminster as well as a few bonus red phone booths that still line the street.
Once you have exhausted your time here snapping up photos of Westminister, find the street named Birdcage Walk and follow it along the south side of St James Park. Keep an eye out for the fountain and head into the park here. Marvel at the beautiful landscape as you walk snapping photos along the way. While you will certainly want to linger longer, make your way to St James Park Lake and find the foot bridge crossing. Halfway across the bridge stop and grab a photo of Buckingham Palace in the distance or in the opposite direction you can get the London Eye in your shot. Keep moving across the bridge toward “The Mall”. For all my shoppers, this is not a mall with shops that we have become accustomed to in the US. This is a a ceremonial route that connects Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace. This is the official home of the monarch and is center stage for many royal ceremonies. No visit to London is complete without a stop to see the royal guards posted outside of the palace. If you happen to be around 10:30am Mon, Wed, Fri or Sunday, you can witness the changing of the guards. Tours of the palace are available to the public in the summer months. But with limited time, I would recommend you pass on the tour and simply grab some post worthy shots from outside.
By now, you should be thoroughly exhausted. If you have push in you, there is one more photo op in the area the you may want to grab. Head to Peggy Porschen on the corner of Elizabeth and Ebury Street. This pink adorned spot is definitely “insta-famous” and for good reason. Have the afternoon tea service here and get a serving of the beautiful and tasty sweets credited for this shops fame. It’s a great bridge between a busy day and a late dinner. Head back to your hotel to rest up for a dinner out. If you are up for a splurge, take the tube to Hyde Park Corner of Knightsbridge and indulge in some of the finer restaurants in the city. Pick any of the Michelin rated restaurants in this area to enjoy. You can’t go wrong.
Day Two
With a good night sleep behind you, get up early and start your day in the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill. To get there take the tube to Notting Hill Gate and find your way to Pembridge Road. After a short walk, you’ll run into the pastel-colored houses and vintage boutiques along Portobello Road. This is the perfect backdrop for a morning photoshoot. If you are early enough, you can capture the market setting up for the day and miss the crowds. Weekends here are incredibly busy so be prepared if your trip coincides with the weekend. After a bit of wandering through the area, you’ll want to get away from the crowds. Hop on the tube and head to Kensington Gardens. There are a few tube stations near the park but your best bet may be Lancaster Gate.
Kensington Palace is the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Snap a shot by the statue of Queen Victoria with Kensington Palace in the background. If you walk through the park, you won’t want to miss the ornate Albert Memorial, a stunning piece of architecture albeit a bit of a walk to see.
By now, you should have worked up a pretty good appetite. If you want to stay in the area, head over to Harrods for another iconic building shot and have lunch at one of the cafe’s in the area. If you’re up for an adventure make your way to Mayfair and treat yourself to lunch at Sketch. Oxford Circus will be the nearest tube stop and a short walk to the restaurant. The interior at Sketch is sure to make your instagram feed pop. The Gallery, with its blush-pink interiors and contemporary art, is one of the most Instagrammed dining spots in London. If all of the photo snapping influencers isn’t your speed, head to Covent Gardens instead (Covent Gardens tube stop) where local artisans display their work and you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many foodie destinations in the area.
Explore the market at Covent Gardens then take a stroll over to SoHo where you’ll find a wealth of world class theaters. This area was once known as London’s Red Light District and is considered the area with the hottest nightlife. It’s generally swarming with people at night so the afternoon will see a fair amount of curious onlookers wandering the streets. Check out the ticket booths for access to some last minute tickets to a show. I scored tickets to see Wicked at the last minute years ago and the seats were great.
The afternoon is the right time to indulge in High Tea. In this area, you will find a few of the best places for such an experience. I’d recommend Palm Court at The Ritz. Sip on hot tea and snack on cucumber sandwiches as you plan your evening adventures. If you’re up for shopping you are also in a great place to spend a few dollars.
After such a busy day, you’ll relish the thought of a relaxing evening. If you purchased tickets to a show, you’ll want to dine somewhere between Mayfair and Soho. Lucky for you, you will not be starved for choices. Pick a staple like Hakkasan or Sexy Fish for a lively dining experience. I’d recommend you dine after the show so you are not rushed. It may, however, mean a later dinner. If you can’t wait that long, you’ll find many restaurants in the neighborhood with pre-theatre dining options to get you fed and out with time to spare. Before you pack it up to end your trip, there is no better way to cap off the evening than with a martini made with London Dry Gin.
My Perspective
I’ve only touched the surface of all the sites and experiences available in London. If you have more time to explore, stop in to one of the many markets like Leadenhall or Spitalfields. Or you can get a birds eye view of the city by visiting The Shard or booking dinner at the top floor restaurant in The Gherkin. The options are endless. All the reason another two days in London will certainly be in your future.
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