2-Day London Itinerary: What to See, Do, and Eat

Two days in London lets you go deeper. Beyond the postcard views and royal landmarks, you’ll have time to explore the city’s layers—its vibrant neighborhoods, buzzing markets, and timeless traditions like afternoon tea and riverside strolls. Day one covers the essentials. Day two lets you slow down, shop, and savor. Here’s your detailed 2-day London Itinerary, curated by local experts.

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All London Itineraries

✈️ Getting to London

London has six major airports, with Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) being the most popular for international arrivals. If you’re coming from North America, you’ll likely land at one of these two:

• Heathrow Express: 15-minute non-stop train to central London
• Elizabeth Line: A more affordable option that takes 27 minutes
• Gatwick Express: Direct train to Victoria Station, ideal if staying near Westminster

From Paris? The Eurostar is your best bet—2 hours from city center to city center.

Pro Tip: No need for a paper ticket on the Tube. Tap in with your credit card or phone.

Day 1: The London Icons Tour

☕️ 8:00 AM – Coffee at Flat White in Soho

📍17 Berwick St, London W1F 0PT


Kick off your first day in London with a proper flat white in Soho’s original Antipodean-style café. Tucked down Berwick Street, it’s a favorite with locals who actually care about good coffee.

🕐 9:00 AM – See London’s Most Iconic Landmarks in One Day

👉 Book the London in a Day Tour


Start at Parliament Square with a guide who’ll walk you through 1,000 years of British history. You’ll explore:

• Westminster Abbey (skip-the-line access)
• The Coronation Chair
• Buckingham Palace (exterior)
• Changing of the Guard
• Thames River Cruise
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels
  

INTERESSANTE FACT: The Tower of London was once home to a polar bear—gifted to Henry III by the King of Norway.

🍸 6:00 PM – Aperitivo at Nightjar

📍129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB

Step into a moody, Prohibition-style speakeasy ranked among the world’s best bars. Nightjar serves inventive, show-stopping cocktails in a dimly lit setting perfect for a slow wind-down after a busy day of touring.

📖 More recs → Best Cocktail Bars in London

🍽️ 7:30 PM – Dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden

📍12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9FB


Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom is a London institution. Order the house black daal and a smoky grilled paneer—it’s a flavorful end to a history-filled day.

Day 2: Local London—Markets, Museums & Tea

☕️ 8:30 AM – Coffee at Prufrock Coffee, Leather Lane

📍23-25 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7TE


A favorite among baristas and coffee nerds, Prufrock is where you go when you’re serious about your espresso. Bonus: it’s near some of London’s best weekday markets.

🕐 9:30 AM – Shop Regent Street and Carnaby Street

Start the morning in Soho, where Regent Street offers iconic British brands and Carnaby Street is packed with indie designers, sneaker boutiques, and cult-favorite labels.

Then, head down to Liberty London for designer threads in a Tudor revival building worth seeing even if you’re not shopping.

🕐 11:30 AM – Explore the British Museum

You can’t see it all, so don’t try. Instead, visit the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies. Entry is free, but consider booking a highlights tour or guide to get more out of it.

📖 More recs → Guide to the British Museum

INTERESSANTE FACT: The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world—opened in 1759.

🍽️ 1:30 PM – Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason

📍181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER


Few places do tea quite like Fortnum’s. Go all-in with scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries served on silver trays. It’s indulgent, but this is London—you’re allowed.

📖 More recs → Best Afternoon Tea in London

🕐 3:00 PM – Walk Through Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens

Stroll off that tea in one of London’s most beloved parks. If you’re near Hyde Park, stop at the Serpentine Gallery. In Kensington Gardens, visit the Albert Memorial or the Diana Memorial Fountain.

🍸 5:00 PM – Aperitivo at Aqua Spirit Rooftop Bar

📍240 Regent St, London W1B 3BR


Sip cocktails above Oxford Circus with sweeping city views. It’s the perfect reset before dinner.

📖 More recs → Best Rooftop Bars in London

🍽️ 7:00 PM – Dinner at The Princess Royal, Notting Hill

📍47 Hereford Rd, London W2 5AH


A stylish gastropub with wood-fired mains and upscale takes on British comfort food. Ideal for your final dinner in London—casual but elevated, and full of charm.

Best Time to Visit London

Spring and fall are ideal. Summer’s great if you don’t mind crowds. Winter is cozy but unpredictable weather-wise.

How Much Does a 2-Day London Itinerary Cost?

Budget: £100–£150 total


Mid-range: £250–£350 (guided tour, markets, good meals, entry tickets)


Luxury: £500+ (private guides, high-end restaurants, shopping)

What You’ll Leave With

• A sense of the city’s past and present
  
  
• A few excellent souvenirs
  
  
• A serious desire to come back for more

Final Thoughts: 2-Day London Itinerary

Following this 2-day London itinerary means you get both the iconic and the intimate. You’ll leave with not just photos of Big Ben but also memories of sipping tea in centuries-old salons and wandering through neighborhoods that feel like movie sets.