A weekend in London needs to be on everybody’s bucket record as Britain’s capital is packed stuffed with fascinating issues to do. From cultural and historic websites, to world-class procuring, eating places, and extra. On this London 2 day itinerary, you’ll learn how finest to spend your time in London.
Take pleasure in 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 quite pattern one thing from one of many many different cuisines represented, you’re positive 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 definitely let you know all about one of the best spots to go to, from the highest bars and eating places, to among 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 begin your weekend in London is to dive into an honest breakfast. Lots 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 way in which 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 way in which.
Morning
Begin your day in historic Westminster, the place lots of London’s prime points of interest could 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 arduous pushed to seek out cheaper anyplace within the UK. Veggie choices are additionally accessible on the menu.
The situation of the Regency Cafe is only a five-minute stroll to Huge Ben, the Homes of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
You’ll be able to wander round probably the most iconic components of London by yourself, however to actually get a really feel for the place, and study among the historical past, contemplate taking a strolling tour.
The above tour is ideal as there’s a morning possibility from 10:00am – 1:00pm, that 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.
Should you fancy doing the tour a bit of later, there are additionally choices to start at 1:00pm or 3:00pm. The price is £16.00 per particular person.
Do you have to wish to head off by yourself, you can even 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 just some steps from the Regency and is a good 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. Should you’re feeling energetic, it may be walked in underneath an hour, and a lot of the route is alongside the banks of the Thames.
Should 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.
This 62-metre, (202 ft), tower was erected in 1677 to commemorate the good hearth 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 in the case 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, decide up one thing from one of many stalls and sit within the churchyard subsequent door, (that is what I often do), or wander all the way down to the river.
After lunch, you’re effectively positioned for a few of London’s hottest points of interest round London Bridge. Followers of the macabre pays a go to to the London Dungeon and study 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 gained’t fail to spot the Shard towering above London Bridge station like an enormous piece of glass. The Shard incorporates 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 come back alive after the solar goes down and probably the greatest locations to spend the night is within the West Finish. Right here you’ll discover every thing from reveals to procuring, and among 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 gained’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 go well with each style and funds.
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 one of the best place in London – they’ve been making conventional battered fish and chips for over 145 years!
After darkish head to Piccadilly Circus to see the well-known illuminations. Should you’re feeling full, then you may soar on the tube, (two stops on the Piccadilly line). Nonetheless strolling solely takes ten minutes and also you’ll cross by way of one other London landmark, Trafalgar Sq., which is buzzing at evening.
Lastly, end up the evening in stylish Soho, certainly one of London’s finest evening spots. You’ll be able to take a tour of Soho’s bars, however I also can suggest Garlic and Pictures which is my favorite Soho hangout.
Should you’re fascinated about whiskey, don’t miss this journey which takes you to five pubs with a Scotsman.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest 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 of extra cultured – excellent in the event you’re taking a look at spending a romantic weekend in London.
Morning
Begin the day with a bit of bit of sophistication at the Wolseley in London’s plush Mayfair district. Their legendary eggs benedict gained’t break the financial institution at simply £9.75, which contemplating the world, 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 how one can make breakfast, and the menu additionally has an incredible choice of croissants, cereals, fruits, and cooked breakfasts.
If you wish to keep on with a British theme, then you may’t go incorrect 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 considering 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 nice sufficient and also you’re feeling courageous, you may even soar 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 revel in one of many metropolis’s extra peaceable spots.
The Pure Historical past Museum is a brief stroll from Hyde Park and is certainly one of London’s most well-loved points of interest. This unimaginable assortment of pure wonders is free to enter, so in the event you’re on the lookout for an affordable weekend in London, hitting town’s museums is a good 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 soar on the Piccadilly line and soar 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 wonderful tour units sail from Little Venice and winds up proper subsequent to the market at Camden lock.
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 light-weight 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 every thing from arts and crafts, to native produce, garments, and jewelry.
Make sure to 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 residence to a few of London’s most well-known pubs. I like to recommend testing the Hawley Arms which was once Amy Winehouse’s native. They’ve a pleasant rooftop terrace overlooking Camden – excellent 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’ll be able to take the tube, however it is going to contain a number of modifications, so I like to recommend taking a taxi or Uber to make issues simpler, (the value shall be round £25.00).
For dinner, Dishoom is a good possibility and you may pattern one other of Britain’s most cherished cuisines, curry, (although they’ve a large and assorted menu). Dishoom serves Indian meals with an Iranian twist in a classy Parsi-themed cafe that’s vastly fashionable with locals and vacationers alike.
Spend the night discovering Shoreditch’s huge choice of quirky bars. From speakeasies to gin palaces, and every thing 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 comfortable, 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.
Should you actually wish to expertise Shoreditch’s legendary nightlife, then try this Shoreditch pub crawl. You’ll hit among 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.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to London
Listed below are a number of tricks to make your journey to London much more pleasant.
1. Get Round London on Foot
Get monetary savings 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 will not be 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. Should 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 quite than the central vacationer areas. Locations like Stratford are nice and inside simple attain of town. Take a look at our information to one of the best areas to remain in London that can assist you select.
5. Have a Picnic
Get monetary savings on costly eating places by shopping for meals in supermarkets or at market stalls and consuming in certainly one of London’s many stunning and free entry parks.
How one can Get to London
There are a number of methods to get to town. Listed below are the preferred.
London has wonderful 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.
By Air
Europe’s largest funds 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 prepare taking simply 50 minutes, and a number of hourly buses taking round 90 minutes.
Should you’re coming from additional afield, you’ll probably fly into Heathrow or Gatwick, each of that are reachable from town inside an hour by shuttle bus or prepare.
By Prepare
It takes simply 2 hours and 17 minutes to succeed in London from Paris by way of the Eurostar. What’s extra, the prepare 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 prepare companies to most of the UK’s main cities equivalent to 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 Specific 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 automotive, nevertheless bear in mind that there’s a congestion cost for driving in central London and parking could be arduous to seek 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. Nonetheless, there are definitely funds lodging choices accessible for these staying for 2 days in London.
A number of the finest neighbourhoods to remain in London embody Shoreditch, Islington, and the world round Waterloo Station. Areas across the West Finish, equivalent to Covent Backyard, are wonderful selections as there are such a lot of close by points of interest, however it will come at a premium.
Motels
Finances: The W14 Lodge
Mid-range: Ibis Shoreditch
Luxurious: NYX Lodge
Residences
Finances: Brick Lane Shoreditch Studio
Mid-range: Luxurious Studio – Glorious Location
Luxurious: Loft in Mayfair
Should you’re caught and are having a tough time selecting the place to remain, take a look at our record of the prime 10 Airbnbs in London.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in London
Listed below 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 most of the well-known landmarks in shut proximity and a incredible infrastructure, there’s no excuse to not see as a lot as attainable.
With only a weekend getaway, you gained’t be capable to 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 could be spent in virtually any manner 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 easy with transport such because the tube, buses, evening buses, taxis, water taxis, and extra. Don’t miss among the prime London points of interest like Huge Ben, Trafalgar Sq., Covent Backyard, and Soho. This expertise covers the entire highlights.
All you want is your passport, a number of kilos, and a way of journey to get pleasure from a weekend getaway in London.
Is London Price Visiting?
London is certainly a metropolis value visiting, (20 million individuals per 12 months can’t be incorrect). With a historical past relationship again 1000’s of years and experiences like museums and world-class eating ready for you, unimaginable structure to see, and pleasant locals to satisfy, London actually needs to be on the bucket record of each traveller.
Take pleasure in 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 among 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 positive you’ll get pleasure from it simply as a lot as I do.
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