Ring ring…London’s calling!
London is one of my favorite cities in the world. On top of the beautiful architecture, amazing restaurants, and great shopping, it’s also very easy to get around.
I grew up watching stories of London. From Spice World to What A Girl Wants, it’s always been firmly in the number one spot on my bucket list. It was a pleasant surprise once I actually visited that the city was even more magical than I had ever imagined.
There are tons of neighborhoods, each with can’t-miss sights. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in London:
Where to Stay
It’s pretty easy to get around London especially if you use the tube, so I would recommend picking accommodations anywhere that fits your price range. On my last visit I stayed at the Strand Palace Hotel in Covent Garden and just a few blocks from the Thames. I’ve also stayed in Pimlico which is more to the west, and both were near tube stops and points of interest.
Getting Around
Take the Tube
If you’re flying into Heathrow or any of the other major London airports, you can actually take the tube (train) into the city.
The tube system is actually a fairly clean and easy way to get anywhere in the city! Just avoid using the tube mornings and evenings on weekdays to avoid the commuter rush.
Black Cab
The Black Cabs of London are as iconic as the red double decker buses! These cabs operate like any other cab you might come across in a large city, so hail one down on the street and hop in. I would not recommend relying on Black Cabs alone since they can get pricey. There is also a minimum charge of  £3.80.
Fun Fact: All Black Cab taxi drivers must pass the infamous the Knowledge. Introduced as a requirement in 1865, the Knowledge is a test drivers must pass proving their, well, knowledge of the streets of London.
Walk
I’ve found London to be a very walkable city. If you’re exploring one community or area at a time and can manage walking all day, this is a great option! Plus, walking offers built-in spontaneity if there is a shop or restaurant you come across that calls your name.
Day OneÂ
Breakfast
No trip to London is complete without sampling a Full English. This classic early morning meal includes bacon (but not the kind we have in the US!), sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, beans, eggs, and black pudding.
Buckingham Palace
London’s most famous Royal Residence, Buckingham Palace is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and the first stop on our tour. Catch the Changing of the Guard at 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays or daily in the summer!
Westminster
Home of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and great views of the London Eye, a lot of classic English sites can be found in this area! This is great to do earlier in the day for bright photos and fewer crowds.
Piccadilly Circus
Snap a photo in front of the statue of Eros with the iconic big screens as your backdrop! Piccadilly Circus connects Regent Street, Coventry Street, The Haymarket, and Shaftesbury Avenue, so you’ll most like pass by several times even during a short 2-day excursion.
Carnaby Street
A classic hangout of rock stars and celebrities in the ’60s, Carnaby Street is a vibrant neighborhood of 14 streets with tons of great food, shopping, and decor spotting.
Regent Street
Are you ready to go shopping? Regent Street is home to some great luxury shopping destinations and flagship shops.
Grab Dinner in Chinatown
Enjoy some of the best Chinese food you’ll ever have in London’s Chinatown!
Covent Garden
This open-air neighborhood is the perfect place to end the day with a nightcap while listening to street musicians. Off to bed to get ready for day two!
Day Two
British History Museum
The British Museum is my personal favorite museum in London and the one I’d recommend visiting if you have limited time in the city.
If the British Museum isn’t speaking to you, you can also visit the National Gallery located in Trafalgar Square.
Are you more interested in art and design? The Victoria and Albert museum would be the best option for you. The V&A is located in South Kensington and featured more contemporary sights like costumes and pottery.
Free entry is the standard for all UK national museums, though there might be ticketed events or exhibits on.
Tower Bridge/Tower of London
Commonly mistaken as the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world!
You can also book a tour at the Tower of London, the famous castle and prison. With palace admission, you’ll be able to see the ravens the Tower is known for, catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels, and learn about the history of famous women in history who were executed at the Tower such as Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey.
Millennium Bridge
You might recognize the Millennium Bridge as the one destroyed by dementors in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but in real life, this bridge is sturdy as ever! We’re going to cross this bridge to make it to our next destination.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Just steps from the Millennium Bridge is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a gorgeous Anglican church. Attend a service for free or purchase tickets for a full tour.
See A Show on the West End
End your time in the city by catching a show in this glamorous area of town. Whether you’re an opera, musical, or play enthusiast, there is always a great selection of world-class shows to choose from.
And there you have it! Two jam-packed days in one of my favorite cities in the world. From theatre to history to great food, we managed to pack a lot into our short time.
One final tip: for your next trip to London, book a longer stay!
Did you know London is only a short flight from Ireland’s capital city, Dublin? Take a sojourn and stay at the Wynn’s Hotel for a weekend in this beautiful historic city!
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