London is one of those cities where you can explore for days on end — there’s just so much to do, from historical landmarks to museums to endless neighborhood gems. But if you only have 2 days to spend there, save this post for the perfect itinerary to make the most of your trip!
Begin your day by exploring the Westminster area and taking in the sights. Westminster is home to some of London’s most iconic monuments, from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey. Cross the Westminster Bridge over the River Thames to see a sweeping view of the skyline and the London Eye. If you have time, go up to see a bird’s eye view of the city!
Once you cross the bridge and arrive at the South Bank, make your way over to Borough Market and eat your way through the many food stalls. Fuel up for your next adventure, the Tower Bridge! After taking in the history, go back across the Thames and wander around the different neighborhoods before enjoying some afternoon tea. One of my favorite things about London is how each neighborhood has its own distinct vibe — from the mews of Kensington to the eclectic streets of Soho, there’s something for everyone. Covent Garden is a must, and be sure to check out Neal’s Yard while you’re there before grabbing dinner. London is full of incredible local and ethnic cuisines, so finding a delicious place should be easy!
The next day, it’s time to visit the colorful neighborhood of 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… ha! If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll get the reference 🙂
Some of my favorite streets to wander 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 Colville Houses. For lunch, stop by Ottolenghi for delicious eats and pastries. And of course, you must explore Portobello Road Market. There are so many cute shops and booths along the street — the perfect place to bring home a souvenir! I may or may not have gotten a straw hat and adorable hair bow for myself…
In the afternoon, head over to Buckingham Palace and take a stroll through Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens as you make your way over to the iconic Harrods for some window (or actual!) shopping. Or, check out the Victoria & Albert Museum — bonus: it’s free! In fact, most museums in London are free and a small donation is appreciated. 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.
With so many things to do in London, it’s hard to pick just a few. I hope this guide was helpful in narrowing down some key places to focus on! I know for certain I’ll be back in London to see even more of this amazing city. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of all the adventures I can’t wait to go on…
From London with love,