Two days in London and not sure where to start? Let me share my favourite spots, from the classic sights to the cafés and corners I’ve come to love.
Knowing how to structure a visit to London can be overwhelming. There is an endless amount to do and, as a local, I can attest that the list just gets longer and longer. However, that is not something that should deter you! It means there is something for every visitor and that new possibilities are always cropping up.
I moved to London in August 2023 after graduating and since then I have been exploring the city one café, one museum, and one run club at a time. This two-day itinerary is crafted with the aim of experiencing the hot spots of London while allowing you to also see the side of the city locals love.
So, if you are a first-time visitor to London or a frequent visitor, let us help you to fill 2 days of your London itinerary with classic things to do as well as things that will help you get to the heart of the big smoke!
2-day London itinerary at a glance
A very quick overview:
Day 1: South Bank → Borough Market → Tower Bridge & Thames Riverside Walk → Tea on the Thames → Tower of London → Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane & Shoreditch → East London Pubs & Bars
Day 2: Notting Hill → Portobello Road Market → Scones Workshop in Camden → The National Gallery → Covent Garden → Soho
Day 1 in London: Historic London coupled with Time for Tea
Your 1st day in London is all about experiencing the history of the city and Britain, and ensuring you make some time for traditions such as Afternoon Tea and a trip to the pub.
Map of London’s itinerary – day 1
8.00: A morning stroll or run along South Bank
- Estimated visit time: 1.5 hours
- Closest tube station: Waterloo Station
- Recommended coffee spot: Corner Shop (also a deli). I could spend hours in here browsing all the local London products
As London starts to wake up, get outside and opt for a peaceful stroll along South Bank with a coffee in hand. Or if you want to raise your heart rate a little, lace up your running shoes and head out for a run.
Depending on the day, you may even be able to join one of London’s many run clubs. Regardless of whether you choose to walk or run, the views of Big Ben will ensure you start your day feeling like a Londoner.
10.00: Breakfast at Borough Market
- Estimated visit time: 1 hour
- Closest tube station: London Bridge Station
- Quick tip: the market opens at 10:00; arrive early to avoid the crowds and see more of the stalls
Experiencing iconic London markets is a must for any London itinerary. Borough Market is one of the most famous, offering an array of options. It is easy to get lost in the crowds here but that is part of the fun. So be patient with yourselves and willing to wait in line for something if you really want to try it.
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11.15: Take in Tower Bridge & the River Thames
- Estimated visit time: 1.25 hours
- Closest tube station: Tower Hill
A walk along the Thames is something you can enjoy in the summer or the winter – just make sure to wrap up warm in the colder months! There are often pop-up events happening along the Thames or winter markets during the festive season.
The walk will give you the chance to take in the scenery of some of London’s most well-known historical sites. You will also gain a sense of how London’s history has been shaped and changed over the years
12.30: Tea, Sandwiches & Scones on the Thames
- Estimated visit time: 2 hours
- Closest tube station: Tower Hill
- Quick tip: book in advance for this excursion to ensure you can enjoy fresh sandwiches, cakes and scones during a unique afternoon tea experience.
If you want to pretend to be British for two hours all while taking in stunning views of London from the River Thames, then there is no better excursion for you than TUI Musement’s Tea on the Thames. I did this experience with my mum and we loved it. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, put butter or jam first on your scones, or like English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea, this one is for you!
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14.30: Tower of London visit
- Estimated visit time: 3 hours
- Closest tube station: Tower Hill
- Quick tip: make sure to book your tickets in advance and select a start time that aligns with the rest of your plans for the day.
Now, after all that food and all those cups of tea, it is time for a deep dive into the history of London. This is one of the world’s most famous UNESCO Heritage sites. You can gawk at the Crown Jewels and learn about over 1,000 years of British history and royal power.
For those of you who like a darker side of history, you can also learn about royal prisoners and walk through historic execution sites.
17.30: Vintage shops, a taste of London’s multicultural heritage and pasta for dinner
- Estimated visit time: 3.5 hours
- Closest tube station: Liverpool Street
A day on the east side of London would not be complete without a visit to Spitalfields and Brick Lane.
In Spitalfields, you will find a mix of brands and boutique stalls selling unique souvenirs and vintage finds. Then if you head to Brick Lane, you will get a sense of the different communities that encompass London’s multicultural heritage.
I don’t know about you, but after more walking and shopping in London, I would have worked up an appetite for dinner. Choose to either stay in Brick Lane and eat at a local curry house or 24-hour bagel shop. Alternatively, I’d recommend dinner at one of Shoreditch’s many Italian restaurants: Cecconi’s Shoreditch, Manteca, Gloria or Padella, to name a few.
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21.00: A British nightcap in East London
- Estimated visit time: As long as your heart desires
- Closest tube station: Liverpool Street, Old Street, Aldgate East or Shoreditch High Street depending on where you are located
After the day’s history lessons, indulging in the British tradition of Afternoon Tea, and getting your steps in, you’ve earned a well-deserved nightcap. Thankfully, you are in one of the best spots to enjoy a drink and the London nightlife!
Choose from Callooh Callay or Tayer + Elementary for a nice cocktail or Old Street Records for live music. If you want more of a traditional London pub, then head to The Macbeth or The Knave of Clubs.
Day 2 in London: An Artistic Perspective of the Capital
Day 2 is a chance to slow down, enjoy parts of West London, take home a souvenir you can make again and again, and be entertained in Soho.
Map of London’s itinerary – day 2
9.00: Explore Notting Hill
- Estimated visit time: 1.5 hours
- Closest tube station: Notting Hill Gate
I love my slow mornings in London, grabbing a coffee, a pastry and heading out for a walk. One of my favourite bakeries in Notting Hill, and a popular one with others, is Layla Bakery. Their seasonal pastries are amazing! However, you also have lots of other options in Notting Hill if Layla’s is too busy.
After fuelling for the morning, you can shop in some of Notting Hill’s boutiques and pop-ups. Notting Hill has also been the set of many TV shows and films, arguably the most well-known being the film Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. So, make sure to squeeze in a visit to The Notting Hill Bookstore (featured in the film), especially for any book lovers on your trip!
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10.30: Portobello Road Market and the perfect photo opportunity
- Estimated visit time: 1 hour or less
- Closest tube station: Notting Hill Gate (southern end) or Ladbroke Grove (northern end)
Yesterday you saw Borough Market and today you can explore a very different London market. In my opinion, this one is more enjoyable as it is open-air and has a variety of stalls, a mix of food and shopping.
If you also post on Instagram as much as I do, then this is a great location for that iconic London picture. You can stop in Hillgate Place, a street known for being an Instagram photo hotspot, or take a more candid picture as you stroll along Portobello Road browsing the markets.
12.00: Learn to bake English traditional scones
- Estimated visit time: 1 hour
- Closest tube station: Camden Town
Sure, you can buy some fridge magnets or go to Fortnum & Mason and get some fancy tea to take home with you after visiting London. However, one thing that might be better is going home knowing how to make a proper scone! Plus, a cooking or baking class is always great fun. At TUI Musement’s scone workshop in the heart of Camden Town, you can pick up some baking tips over a chat with other travellers and, of course, a cup of tea.
I love being able to share my travels with people I care about, and so being able to bake a traditional item from the place I have visited is a great way to showcase that.
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13.00: Have lunch at Camden Market
- Estimated visit time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Closest tube station: Camden Town
Quick tip: share items from different food vendors, so you can try different things without getting too full.
I have visited Camden Market a lot over the years with friends and family. Each time I discover a new place to try for delicious food from all over the world, as well as a new spot by the canal to people-watch. It is a hub of energy and home to some super cool street art too!
14.30: Visit the National Gallery (for free!)
- Estimated visit time: 3.5 hours
- Closest tube station: Charing Cross or Leicester Square
There are many museums to choose from in London but one of my favourites is The National Gallery. It is a fantastic collection of Western European art, and the museum has been free forever! I believe art should be accessible and open to all, so this is something I truly appreciate.
During my studies I also took a module in Art History and some of the paintings I studied can be found in The National Gallery, something which always makes me nerd out a little.
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18.00: Late-night shopping and dinner in Covent Garden
- Estimated visit time: 3 hours
- Closest tube station: Covent Garden
As a self-proclaimed Londoner, I spend a lot of time in Covent Garden. It is a go-to spot to meet friends for dinner, and it is also the meeting point for a few of the run clubs I attend.
You can find some of the world’s most recognisable brands here like Apple or Uniqlo, so it is ideal for shopping, and it also boasts a good selection of restaurants.
I have lots of recommendations, so here are a few:
- Olea Social for Mediterranean food
- Din Tai Fung for dumplings and bao
- Lady of the Grapes for wine and cheese
- Seven Dials Market for a selection of eats
21.00: Nightlife and The West End in Soho
- Estimated visit time: 3 hours
- Closest tube station: Covent Garden
Quick tip: book your West End Show in advance or see last minute tickets at Leicester Square Booth
A stone’s throw from Covent Garden is Soho, another part of London I have spent a lot of time in, whether that has been to see a theatre show when my mum visits me or to head to a cocktail bar with my flatmates.
If you are interested in seeing a particular West End show whilst in London, make sure to book in advance and see what is available. Otherwise, you can always see what last-minute tickets are available and use an app like Today Tix or visit the Official London Theatre Ticket Booth located in Leicester Square. Note, though, that the booth is only open during the day, so if you have limited time, you might not be able to visit beforehand.
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This itinerary feature some of the parts of London I have explored on my own, with local friends, and with visitors. Each time I notice something new about the capital and feel a little more like a Londoner.
Read my guide to what to see in London beyond the usual tourist trail for a more local perspective on the city.
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Lovely post. Thanks for sharing…………….