A weekend in London ought to be on everybody’s bucket record as Britain’s capital is packed stuffed with fascinating issues to do. From cultural and historic websites, to world-class purchasing, eating places, and extra. On this London 2 day itinerary you’ll learn the way greatest to spend a enjoyable weekend in London.
Spend your days strolling round a few of London’s most iconic landmarks and uncover town’s many parks and inexperienced areas, some with spectacular views of the London skyline.
After you’ve completed feeding your senses, make sure you feed your self at any variety of London eateries.
Whether or not you’re craving conventional fish and chips, otherwise you’d quite pattern one thing from one of many many different cuisines represented, you’re positive to remain glad on a visit to this vibrant metropolis.
I’ve misplaced rely of the variety of weekends I’ve spent in London, however I can definitely let you know all about the perfect spots to go to, from the highest bars and eating places, to a few of the metropolis’s hidden gems. So, let’s get caught in and uncover what to do in London in two days.
Learn on for an in depth have a look at how one can spend a weekend in London.
Day 1 in London
The easiest way to begin your weekend in London is to dive into a good breakfast. Lots of the main London sights are inside strolling distance, however these steps can quickly add up so beginning off with a full stomach is the way in which to go.
Many individuals take the tube, (subway), brief distances, however it may be fairly nice to stroll one or two stops between stations; contemplate getting off early and strolling between as a substitute. You’ll be glad you probably did as you’ll make sure you see some fascinating locations alongside the way in which.
Morning
Begin your day in historic Westminster, the place a lot of London’s high sights may be seen in shut proximity. However first, breakfast…
There’s nothing fairly like a “full English” to set you up for the day, and the Regency Cafe is the proper place to get your repair. The closest tube is Pimlico, (on the Victoria line), which is lower than 5 minutes away on foot.
At simply £6.00, ($7.25), for an English breakfast of bacon, egg, sausage, beans, toast, and tea, you’d be exhausting pushed to search out cheaper wherever within the UK. Veggie choices are additionally accessible on the menu.
The situation of the Regency Cafe is only a five-minute stroll to Large Ben, the Homes of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
You possibly can wander round probably the most iconic components of London by yourself, however to actually get a really feel for the place, and be taught a few of the historical past, contemplate taking a strolling tour.
The above tour is ideal as there’s a morning choice from 10:00am – 1:00pm, that means you may end your breakfast at leisure earlier than being proven over 20 of London’s most well-known and historic landmarks by an actual Londoner.
For those who fancy doing the tour a little bit later, there are additionally choices to start at 1:00pm or 3:00pm. The fee is £16.00 per particular person.
Do you have to need to head off by yourself, you may as well wander right down to the River Thames, Westminster Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and St James Park, as they’re all inside simple strolling distance.
The Tate Britain is only a few steps from the Regency and is a superb attraction for artwork lovers. For the James Bond followers amongst you, it’s only a brief stroll to the MI5 constructing on the river financial institution, (shh, it’s a secret), however for apparent causes, you may’t go in.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to the foodie heaven that’s Borough Market by leaping on the Circle line at Westminster, and travelling six stops to Monument tube. For those who’re feeling energetic, it may be walked in underneath an hour, and a lot of the route is alongside the banks of the Thames.
For those who’re not feeling peckish simply but I extremely advocate climbing the 311 steps to the highest of the Monument for panoramic views throughout the London skyline.
This 62-metre, (202 ft), tower was erected in 1677 to commemorate the good hearth of London, and has been attracting guests for hundreds of years.
From Monument, stroll south onto London Bridge and cross the Thames to Borough. It’s only a fast trot previous St Mary’s Church to the market, the place you’ll be spoilt for alternative in relation to lunch choices – I personally advocate the venison burger.
There are many sit-down cafes throughout the market providing a spread of cuisines, however if you wish to lunch like an area, choose up one thing from one of many stalls and sit within the churchyard subsequent door, (that is what I often do), or wander right down to the river.
After lunch, you’re properly positioned for a few of London’s hottest sights round London Bridge. Followers of the macabre will pay a go to to the London Dungeon and be taught all concerning the metropolis’s darkish previous. This nice combo deal for the Dungeon and London Eye will prevent cash on these high London sights.
You received’t fail to see the Shard towering above London Bridge station like a large piece of glass. The Shard accommodates a number of bars and eating places inside, in addition to a viewing platform on the 72nd flooring, providing unparalleled views of town.
Night
London actually begins to return alive after the solar goes down and top-of-the-line locations to spend the night is within the West Finish. Right here you’ll discover all the things from exhibits to purchasing, and a few of the greatest eating places within the metropolis.
From London Bridge station take the Northern Line 5 stops to Kings Cross. Right here you’ll want to vary for the Piccadilly Line for Covent Backyard, three stops away.
You received’t have an issue discovering someplace for dinner in Covent Backyard because it’s famend for its foodie scene. From advantageous eating to avenue snacks, there’s one thing to swimsuit each style and finances.
For first-time guests I advocate Rock and Sole Plaice, as no journey to Britain’s capital is full with out sampling our nationwide dish of fish and chips. That is arguably the greatest place in London – they’ve been making conventional battered fish and chips for over 145 years!
After darkish head to Piccadilly Circus to see the well-known illuminations. For those who’re feeling full, then you may leap on the tube, (two stops on the Piccadilly line). Nonetheless strolling solely takes ten minutes and also you’ll go by means of one other London landmark, Trafalgar Sq., which is buzzing at evening.
Lastly, end up the evening in stylish Soho, certainly one of London’s greatest evening spots. You possibly can take a tour of Soho’s bars, however I may also advocate Garlic and Photographs which is my favorite Soho hangout.
For those who’re excited by whiskey, don’t miss this journey which takes you to five pubs with a Scotsman.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Meals Excursions in London (+ Drinks)
Day 2 in London
You’ll need one other nice breakfast to set you up for day two of your weekend in London. However on day two we dispense with the greasy spoon and choose as a substitute for one thing a little bit extra cultured – good should you’re taking a look at spending a romantic weekend in London.
Morning
Begin the day with a little bit bit of sophistication at the Wolseley in London’s plush Mayfair district. Their legendary eggs benedict received’t break the financial institution at simply £9.75, which contemplating the world, is fairly good!
Breakfast is served in luxurious environment from 8:00am on weekends, and from 7:00am Monday – Friday. The Wolseley actually is aware of how one can make breakfast, and the menu additionally has an incredible number of croissants, cereals, fruits, and cooked breakfasts.
If you wish to stick with a British theme, then you may’t go flawed with the grilled kippers, (herring).
After breakfast, stretch your legs at London’s well-known royal Hyde Park. It’s only a brief stroll alongside Piccadilly and previous the Ritz. Upon coming into the park you’ll be forgiven for pondering you’ve left town behind and entered rural England because it’s bursting with greenery.
Take a stroll across the Serpentine Lake, and if the climate is sweet sufficient and also you’re feeling courageous, you may even leap in for a cooling swim. There are many issues to see and do within the park from Audio system’ Nook, to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Kensington Gardens, and extra.
There are cafes and eating places across the lake, together with the Serpentine Bar and Grill, so you may pop in for a espresso or snack and luxuriate in one of many metropolis’s extra peaceable spots.
The Pure Historical past Museum is a brief stroll from Hyde Park and is certainly one of London’s most well-loved sights. This unbelievable assortment of pure wonders is free to enter, so should you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive weekend in London, hitting town’s museums is a superb choice.
Afternoon
Anybody spending two days in London ought to make sure you take a look at Camden; one of many metropolis’s most vibrant areas. From Hyde Park Nook you may leap on the Piccadilly line and leap three stops to Leicester Sq.. Change right here for the Northern line and keep on for six stops to Camden City.
You even have the choice to go to Camden by canal boat alongside the Regent’s Canal. This wonderful tour units sail from Little Venice and winds up proper subsequent to the market at Camden lock.
For lunch, I like to recommend making an attempt one of many many fascinating eateries across the station. Right here you’ll discover an enormous vary of cuisines from African and Center Jap, to European, and extra. My private favorite spot for a lightweight lunch is King of Falafel instantly reverse the tube station.
After lunch head to the well-known Camden Lock Market and take a look across the stalls promoting all the things from arts and crafts, to native produce, garments, and jewelry.
Make sure to check out one of many distinctive ice lotions from Chin Chin Labs; a London establishment, and sit on the canal to take pleasure in your candy deal with.
Camden is dwelling to a few of London’s most well-known pubs. I like to recommend trying out the Hawley Arms which was Amy Winehouse’s native. They’ve a pleasant rooftop terrace overlooking Camden – good for people-watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Night
To high off your 2 days in London, head to hip Shoreditch, one of many metropolis’s most up-and-coming areas. You possibly can take the tube, however it’s going to contain a number of adjustments, so I like to recommend taking a taxi or Uber to make issues simpler, (the value will probably be round £25.00).
For dinner, Dishoom is a superb choice and you may pattern one other of Britain’s most beloved cuisines, curry, (although they’ve a large and assorted menu). Dishoom serves Indian meals with an Iranian twist in a classy Parsi-themed cafe that’s massively widespread with locals and vacationers alike.
Spend the night discovering Shoreditch’s huge number of quirky bars. From speakeasies to gin palaces, and all the things in between, that is the place to see and be on any given night.
For cocktails, pop into the retro Callooh Callay with its distinctive “JubJub Room” bathed in a smooth, purple mild. Try SINK the place you may play a spread of video games like ping pong or beer pong while sipping your drink beneath some fairly superior avenue artwork.
For those who actually need to expertise Shoreditch’s legendary nightlife, then take a look at this Shoreditch pub crawl. You’ll hit a few of the trendiest bars, pubs and golf equipment on the town. This nice expertise is simply £20 and consists of free entry to 5 institutions, plus 5 free pictures.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to London
Listed here are a couple of tricks to make your journey to London much more gratifying.
- Get Round London on Foot
Lower your expenses and expertise extra by strolling as a substitute of taking the tube or a taxi. You’ll discover that many stations are shut collectively and the distances are usually not drastic.
2. Go Contactless
In days passed by guests wanted an Oyster card to save cash on transport, however the creation of contactless fee playing cards means you may take pleasure in the identical charges as locals by tapping your financial institution card out and in while touring.
3. Try London for Free
Lots of London’s high museums are free. For those who’re on the lookout for an inexpensive weekend in London then add locations such because the British Museum, Pure Historical past Museum, and the Nationwide gallery to your itinerary.
4. Select Cheaper Neighbourhoods
For cheaper lodging keep in East London quite than the central vacationer areas. Locations like Stratford are nice and inside simple attain of town.
5. Have a Picnic
Lower your expenses on costly eating places by shopping for meals in supermarkets or at market stalls and consuming in certainly one of London’s many lovely and free entry parks.
The right way to Get to London
There are a couple of methods to get to town. Listed here are the most well-liked.
London has wonderful connections to the remainder of Europe and past with three main airports all inside simple attain. Plus, the Eurostar makes attending to central London from mainland Europe a chunk of cake.
By Air
Europe’s largest finances airline Ryanair has a base at London Stansted Airport with direct flights from over 100 cities. Attending to central London from Stansted is straightforward with a direct shuttle practice taking simply 50 minutes, and a number of hourly buses taking round 90 minutes.
For those who’re coming from additional afield, you’ll doubtless fly into Heathrow or Gatwick, each of that are reachable from town inside an hour by shuttle bus or practice.
By Practice
It takes simply 2 hours and 17 minutes to succeed in London from Paris by way of the Eurostar. What’s extra, the practice terminates at St Pancras Station, (subsequent to Kings Cross), so that you’ll arrive in central London with out the necessity for transfers.
There are additionally direct practice providers to lots of the UK’s main cities corresponding to Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.
By Bus
If coming from the continent, Flixbus has providers to London from many locations together with France, Germany, Italy and Spain. For home routes, Nationwide Categorical has buses to London’s Victoria Coach Station from cities throughout the nation.
By Automobile
London is well reachable from cities throughout the UK by automobile, nevertheless remember that there’s a congestion cost for driving in central London and parking may be exhausting to search out, (and costly). With this in thoughts, it’s most likely higher to journey into London utilizing public transport.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in London
It’s no secret that Britain’s capital is an costly metropolis. Nonetheless, there are definitely finances lodging choices accessible for these staying for 2 days in London.
A number of the greatest neighbourhoods to remain in London embrace Shoreditch, Islington, and the world round Waterloo Station. Areas across the West Finish, corresponding to Covent Backyard, are wonderful decisions as there are such a lot of close by sights, however this may come at a premium.
Resorts
Finances: The W14 Resort
Mid-range: Ibis Shoreditch
Luxurious: NYX Resort
Flats
Finances: Brick Lane Shoreditch Studio
Mid-range: Luxurious Studio – Wonderful Location
Luxurious: Loft in Mayfair
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in London
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on spending a weekend in London.
Is Two Days in London Sufficient Time?
Two days is the proper period of time to see a few of London’s high sights and expertise what town has to supply. With lots of the well-known landmarks in shut proximity and a improbable infrastructure, there’s no excuse to not see as a lot as attainable.
How Can I Spend a Weekend in London?
A weekend in London may be spent in virtually any approach you may think about. From eating on mouth-watering meals and visiting iconic websites, to exploring the various fascinating boroughs that make up this nice metropolis.
Getting across the metropolis is easy with transport such because the tube, buses, evening buses, taxis, water taxis, and extra. Don’t miss a few of the high London sights like Large Ben, Trafalgar Sq., Covent Backyard, and Soho. This expertise covers all the highlights.
All you want is your passport, a couple of kilos, and a way of journey to take pleasure in a weekend getaway in London.
Is London Price Visiting?
London is certainly a metropolis value visiting, (20 million individuals per yr can’t be flawed). With a historical past relationship again 1000’s of years and experiences like museums and world-class eating ready for you, unbelievable structure to see, and pleasant locals to satisfy, London actually ought to be on the bucket record of each traveller.
Get pleasure from Your Weekend Journey to London
Now you’re all set for the proper weekend in London. You’ll see iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and dine in a few of the metropolis’s favorite institutions. You’ll cross the Thames, discover quirky markets, and pattern London’s banging nightlife.
With a lot to do, and so many issues to see, I completely love spending the weekend in London, and I’m positive you’ll take pleasure in it simply as a lot as I do.
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