Planning a quick trip to London but unsure how to make the most of your limited time? You’re in the right place! Having spent three incredible months living in London, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia every time I think about this vibrant city. London is a treasure chest of experiences waiting to be discovered, from its iconic landmarks to its charming hidden corners. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, I’m excited to share my guide on the best things to do in London in just 48 hours. Each day is carefully curated to optimize your time so that you can experience all that this city has to offer. No matter how long you’re staying, I hope that my recommendations will help you craft the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable trip.
With endless possibilities of places to explore, here is the ultimate guide to the best things to do in London in two days. Let the adventure begin!
Day 1
What better way to spend your first day in London than taking in all the iconic sights? Check out my comprehensive post on the one-day tourist highlights walking tour of London that hits all the major landmarks in the most route-efficient way, including:
- Big Ben & Palace of Westminster
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- St. John’s Park
- London Eye
- Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard, and Cecil Court
- St. Paul’s Cathedral & Millennium Bridge
- Borough Market
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Sky Garden & Leadenhall Market
- SoHo & West End
Depending on how much you get through, you can save some of these suggestions for your second day as well.
Day 2
For your second day in London, we’re going to start in one of my favorite neighborhoods: the colorful Notting Hill! This neighborhood has always had a special place in my heart — not only is it a pastel wonderland (anyone who knows me knows that I’m a huge lover of pastels), but it’s also where my favorite rom-com is set and it inspired both of my novels! I won’t go too much into it now, but let’s just say that the love is real. I’m just a girl, standing in front of a beautiful house, asking for a couple million dollars so I can buy it… *wink*
To begin the day, grab breakfast at Layla Bakery where they have the most mouth-watering pastries. Their croissants are to die for and the perfect treat as you walk down Portobello Road. Wander through the many boutiques and streets, which are full of personality. My favorites are St. Luke’s Mews (home to the pink house from Love Actually), Lancaster Road (where you can find the famous rainbow houses), and the pastel houses on Westbourne Park Road. Of course, you must stop by Portobello Road Market and Alice’s Antique Shop — you never know what unique trinkets you might find!
For lunch, stop by Ottolenghi for a delicious quick bite to-go, and then make your way over to Holland Park. This park may not be as well known as some others in London, but it’s by far my favorite. There’s nothing else quite like it in London and it feels like you’re in the woods as opposed to a designed landscape. Be sure to stop by Kyoto Garden for a waterfall and koi pond!
Next, head over to the South Kensington neighborhood and visit the Victoria & Albert Museum. One of the best things about London is that most museums are free! Home to the world’s largest collection of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, you could get lost at the V&A for hours. Many people do indeed spend a whole day here, but since your time in London is short, I suggest picking a few galleries you want to see. My favorites were the fashion and jewelry exhibits (where they have Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet!), the vintage camera collection, and the Raphael Cartoons. The Natural History Museum is right across the street if that’s more up your alley.
No trip to London is complete without a traditional afternoon tea experience, so after exploring the museum, head over to Dalloway Terrace to enjoy a relaxing treat. Their tea options are exceptional and their food was delicious, on top of their beautiful decor on the terrace. Even my British friend said it’s one of her favorite afternoon tea experiences!
From there, make your way over to Marylebone and check out Daunt Books, one of the most stunning bookstores I’ve ever visited. The Wallace Collection is close by and has an incredible collection of art pieces, as well as special rotating exhibits. If you’re all museumed out for the day and prefer some retail therapy, be sure to visit the iconic Liberty London. Their prints are so pretty and I loved their home goods and stationary sections — I wanted everything!
For dinner, make a reservation in advance for Circolo Popolare. Part of the Big Mamma group that brought us Pink Mamma in Paris, Circolo Popolare has a similar vibe and cuisine. While there are so many hearty options to choose from on the menu, I personally love the pastas — the truffle pasta is my go-to! My suggestions: go with friends and split a bunch of items so you can try a bit of everything. If you can’t get a reservation or if the line is too long, Mercato Mayfair is another great option. A food court nestled inside an old cathedral, there are so many different cuisines and vendors. Dare I say I liked the truffle pasta here even better than Circolo Popolare? Shhh… don’t tell. It can be our secret.
And there you have it! The ultimate two-day guide to London. Also check out my three-day, five-day, and 1 week itineraries if you’re planning on staying in London for longer, as well as my recommendations on the 10 best restaurants in London and most Instagrammable places in London.
From London with love,
