2 Days in London – The Ultimate London Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to London but don’t know really where to start?

Well, here you will find a great 2 day London itinerary. And even if you only have 24 hours in London, use day one for your trip, which covers a lot of the London highlights.

London, the famous city with its iconic skyline, the red double decker busses and red phone boxes. World-class museums along with many other popular tourist attractions, makes London simply a place everyone should visit at least once.

We have put together this 48 hours in London itinerary for travellers who really only have 2 days in London and want to see the most they can.

You will have the best experience whilst ticking off many London must see tourist attractions.

We even made sure to fit in a pantomime (or London stage show) into this ultimate London trip itinerary.

So, let’s enjoy London together. Oh, and before I forget this London Itinerary is with families in mind. On our Instagram account under the “London Highlights” you can get a virtual feel of our visit to London in December.

2 Days in London – The ultimate London Itinerary

About this 2 Day in London Itinerary

As we travelled with our kids, we needed to make sure that our London travel plans are suitable for a family that travels with 7-year-old twins.

Therefore, before visiting London as a family we invested some time in reading a great child friendly book, explaining a lot about the must-see places in London. This has given us and the kids a great idea on what we must see in London, and places we could add on to the London bucket list. Also, by reading this book, the kids were super excited about the whole trip.

I agree that to see London in 2 days is not a lot of time, but we managed to really pack in many amazing London attractions and places, including the pantomime.

Yes, we needed to use the London Underground tube trains to go backwards and forwards, but it all worked super well.

Keep in mind that this is a family friendly London itinerary.

Also, at the end of this London itinerary you find useful information which is good to know before you visit London. Make sure to check it out as well. Or jump straight there

2 Days London Itinerary – Day One

 Below you have an estimated time frame so you can plan your day. During this first day in London, we had four fixed timings we needed to hold.

The Changing of the Guards, the visit to Tower Bridge, riding the London Eye and the theatre. Everything else on our itinerary fitted in between.

9:00 – 10:45, Big Ben – Elizabeth Tower , Westminster Bridge, Covid Memorial Wall, Red Phone Box, Parliament Square Garden.

10:45 to 12:00 Changing of the Guards – Wellington Barracks, Buckingham Palace & The Mall, St. James’s Park

13:30 Visit Tower Bridge  

15:30 Ride the London Eye, Skateboarding – South Bank, Christmas Lights – Piccadilly Circus, Graffiti Tunnel Leak Street – Waterloo station, 

19:00 Pantomime at Richmond Theatre

The London map

We got to London the night before, so our first day was a full day exploring London.

The map shows you all London attractions we visited and how we walked. Click on the London map to get full access.

Big Ben (or its real name, Elizabeth Tower)

London Underground Station – Westminster

From our London Hotel we walked to the underground station at Southwark , and took the short ride to Westminster station. As you walk out, there it is right in front of you. The famous and beautiful Big Ben. Did you know it’s real name is actually Elizabeth Tower?

Tours of the tower are currently suspended due to renovations (January 2023).

Walk over Westminster Bridge

To get a good view of the super clean and restored tower, walk over Westminster Bridge which is right next to Big Ben.

Not only will you have a great view of Big Ben from the centre of the bridge, but also of the Houses Of Parliament, the London Eye and many more London attractions.

Covid Memorial Wall

On the other side of Westminster Bridge, turn right down the stairs and you will reach the Covid Memorial Wall. This might not be a London bucket list attraction, but it was quite impressive and moving to actually see the wall stretching along the bank of the River Thames covered in red hearts, each heart representing a person who lost their life to Covid 19.

Just before arriving at the wall you will find a great London photo spot.

Before exiting the foot tunnel, you will see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge framed by an archway.

Definitely Instagram worthy and a contender for the great photography spots in London list.

Parliament Square Garden

Walk back over Westminster bridge towards Buckingham palace. It is time to head for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

You will be walking across Parliament Square Garden where the Statue of Churchill can be found amongst many other important figures from English history.

Photospot by an iconic English red telephone box

At the end of the Square Garden on the right you need to cross over and walk along Birdcage Walk to get to Buckingham Palace.

It is here where one of the most photogenic English red telephone boxes is located. Take time for a quick photo or Instagram reel. You will get Big Ben / Elizabeth Tower in your photo and with some luck and patience even a red London bus. 

London- Changing of the Guards

The next few points all go together and combine the ceremony of the changing of the guards.

At around 1045 am you should try to arrive at Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace. It is here where the changing of the guards takes place.

There are many places where you can observe the ceremony. You could also join a guided walking tour of the Changing of the Guards. Get Your Guide has great value tours.

For us it was enough to experience it on our own.

On the map below I tried to mark down what we did and where is best to stand.

This will take you a good hour if not more.

Wellington Barracks

As you approach Wellington Barracks you will start to see the crowds.

It is here were the soldiers are inspected, including the band before marching to Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace – Changing of the Guards

About 10-15 minutes before it all kicks off, we walked over to Buckingham Palace, to find a good spot from where we could see as much as possible of the parade.

I don’t know if there is a perfect place, as there are also soldiers marching up the Mall.

We did not want to be on the circle of the Victoria memorial, because once you are there, you are not allowed off the circle until the whole ceremony is finished.

On the photo below I marked the place we found which would have been the best place to see most of the Changing of the Guards from all directions.

One thing was clear to us, there is no reason to squeeze amongst hundreds of people around the gates of Buckingham Palace where it was very crowded.

If you wish to see into the courtyard of the palace it maybe better to visit the area when there is no ceremony underway.

Walking down The Mall

The incredible wide street with Buckingham Palace as the backdrop is impressive. Just before the ceremony starts the street is empty as nobody is allowed to cross it again and the traffic is stopped.

A quick step in to the middle will give you this amazing photo below.

The horse artillery will also ride up the Mall a little later.

Relax at St. James’s Park

Right next to Buckingham Palace is the beautiful St. James’s Park. And as we needed to get back to Westminster Underground station, we took the great option to walk through.

It feels far from being in a city. The St. James’s Park Lake offers such a great tranquil atmosphere and beautiful nature. If you are lucky, you can see the black swans. Apparently, there are two on the lake.

Different birds, including these green ones come and eat out of your hands if you have peanuts. And if the birds don’t eat them the squirrels will. Never have I seen such big and fat squirrels.

Right by the blue bridge is a coffee shop ideal to warm up or just relax.

Visit Tower Bridge & Tower of London

London Underground tube – Westminster to Tower Hill

After the Changing of the Guards, we walked back to Westminster Underground station.

From there take the tube to Tower Hill station.

We booked our tickets to visit Tower bridge in advance. You can do the same with GetYourGuide.

From the station you walk down to the River Thames. A great atmosphere around this area. The Tower of London shows so much history amongst these new modern buildings which surrounds the walls.

It is also here where there are some delicious fish & chips to be savoured in the sun whilst enjoying the atmosphere.

Tower Bridge is fun to visit. When you are crossing the top walkway, you can experience some great views over London. We were lucky the bridge opened up whilst we were at the top.

This happened again later on to let a boat pass through.

Optional, and if you have time, you could also visit the Tower of London. We skipped this London activity this time but will definitely add it for our next visit.

Because our first day in London itinerary was already so full. A very interesting tour if you have time would be the Early Tower of London & Tower bridge tour or the Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition

The London Eye – South Bank

London Underground tube –Tower Hill to Westminster

One of the best things to do in London without any hesitation. So glad we added the visit to the London Eye onto our two days in London Itinerary.

It’s worth it, because it is super beautiful. We made sure that we could board the cabin at around 15:30 to be up in the air during golden hours, and this worked perfectly.

To ride the London Eye, you need 30 minutes. Best to pre book your tickets which prevents long waits or disappointment if it is sold out.

South Bank Skatepark

After the wonderful experience in the London Eye we walked along the south bank promenade and even stopped at the famous South Bank skatepark. A great quick stop to admire the young talented skateboarders.

London Christmas Lights & Piccadilly Circus

London Underground Tube – Westminster to Piccadilly Circus

We had some time before our Pantomime started and decided on a last-minute decision to head to London’s West End at Piccadilly Circus on the tube.

If you have been to New York City, this spot is similar to Times Square.

Not only can you see the sparkling and beautiful London Christmas lights on Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue (if you travel to London at Christmas), but also Europe’s biggest advertising display. The incredible technology features screening in 3D believing animals and persons are actually walking out of the screen.

Great to have seen, yet this is not an absolute must of London.

If the London Christmas lights are not on, then the Piccadilly Circus showcases enormous neon signs, double decker red buses and cars which flow continually from all sides.

Best to experience this buzzing place is by standing on the steps of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (with the statue of Anteros) and watch London in action.

Talented street artists entertain the crowds amongst all this crazy movement.

You don’t need long here, maybe 30 minutes or so. Of course, if your visit to London is not during the Christmas time, you could explore the famous shopping streets of Regent Street and Oxford Street or take a stroll through Leicester Square. 

Leak Street, Graffiti Tunnel

London Underground tube – Piccadilly Circus to Waterloo and train to Richmond

It was time to make our way to see a London stage show. We chose to see a Pantomime in Richmond, as the kids and I never saw one, and it was a great choice.

We needed to get to Waterloo station to board the train and head to Richmond.

And while we were there, we quickly walked to Leak Street to see the famous Graffiti Tunnel. Amongst the incredible art work this is also a place where bars, night clubs and corporate venues are located.

It was quite busy with many private Christmas parties, which added to the unique atmosphere of the place.

Great to visit if you have the time.

Watch a Pantomime or London Stage show

London Trains – Waterloo to Richmond

 We finally had our popcorn, comfortable seats and were ready to experience our first London Pantomime show.

Within 5 minutes of starting, our son already had tears in his eyes because he was laughing so much. Result, we could not have wished for more. We all loved it and had an amazing first day in London.

Back to our London hotel came two very tired but also very content children, and parents.

2 Days London Itinerary – Day Two

One of our main reasons why we came to London during Christmas time, was to see the Jurassic Dinosaur show at the Excel.

Well, honestly this was not worth it, but luckily all other London activities were such a success that we kind of ignored the disappointment of the Jurassic Dinosaur show.

Having said this, the kids found it ok. Not amazing but ok.

If you are following our 2 days London Itinerary, then this would be the point to change. Maybe go and see the Natural History Museum in London. Or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, if you have some Harry Potter fans in the family.

Our London day two Itinerary

 London Bridge, Monument of the Great Fire of London , Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾, Jurassic Dinosaur Show at the ExCel, Back Home to Switzerland

Walking over London Bridge

London Underground tube – Southwark to London bridge Station

After such a busy first day, needless to say, we had an easy start to the second day and enjoyed a slow breakfast, which by the way we can only recommend to add to your booking if staying at a Premier Inn.

When our son was little his favourite song was London Bridge is falling down. It is because of this he asked to walk over it.

It is not a spectacular bridge at all, but nice enough to walk over it. And it has surprisingly brought us to our next attraction in London.

Monument of the Great Fire of London

Once you have crossed London bridge carry on walking and you will come to the Monument of the Great Fire of London. The exact location is at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill.

A great piece of history standing in the middle of London.

For only a few British pounds you can climb up the 312 steps to the top which will give you a great view of London.

Admire the Sky Garden, and even the Shard will be in your sight together with many other London landmarks.

This London activity will not take you too long and it is on our way to the next attraction.

Facts about the Monument

It was on the 2^nd of September 1666, when a fire started on Pudding Lane. The devastating fire lasted four days, and burned 86% of London to the ground.

The tower stands exactly 61 metres from where the Great Fire of London started.

Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross

London Underground tube – Monument to Kings Cross Station

After the Monument walk up to the underground station (Monument) from where you are heading to Kings Cross station.

Well, what can I say about this place. Quite a few years back when my husband and I came here, it was literally just a trolley in the wall.

Everyone just walked straight past it.

Today it is a different story. Be prepared to stand in a massive line if you would like to take your photo by the famous Platform 9 ¾ from where Harry Potter and his wizarding friends depart for Hogwarts.

Is it worth going to see the Platform 9 ¾? No, not in my opinion. I loved the books but am not such a big Harry Potter fan.

Thankfully, our kids did not want to stand in this horrendously long queue to have their photo taken but have demanded to enter the Harry Potter gift shop!

Which was of course adjacent to the Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4.

Jurassic Dinosaur Show at the ExCel

What’s on at the ExCel? Well, there is always something on. We came here for the Jurassic Dinosaur Show which played in December 2022.

Whichever show or event you will be visiting at the London ExCel, you may want to know that there are over 20 restaurants offering mouthwatering food.

So the perfect place for a bite before your show.

Of course, if you do not come here to see a show, don’t bother including this in to your 2 days London Itinerary. There are much better things to see. For example, replace it with a nice Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames.

After our disappointing visit it was time to make our way back to Gatwick Airport and home for Christmas.

Conclusion of this 2 Days London Itinerary

Our first day was epic and totally made up for the rather disappointing second day.

It would have been more value to our second day if we joined a Guided British Museum Tour  or had gone to the Harry Potter – Warner Bros Studio Tour  rather than bother with the Jurassic Show at the ExCel.

But we did not know that the show was disappointing.

Bottom line we had a very nice time in London and definitely recommend going.

London Itinerary – Things we missed out

• London National Gallery
• Madame Tussauds London
• St.Paul’s Cathedral
• British Natural History Museum
• Kew Gardens
• River Thames Cruise
• The experience on the Hop-on_off Bus

On another note, if you really only have a few hours in London check out any of these quick Hopon-Hopoff tours. They normally pass by the most famous landmarks and must dos in London. This also gives you a super flexible time schedule  and you can organise your itinerary.

If you have more time and don’t want to organise your own London Itinerary there is also a longer  1-2 days hop-on hop-off London city tour bus you could join.

London Itinerary – Good to know before you go!

Make sure you’re reading this section before you are travelling to London. This will help you to have a better London experience.

Travelling on the London Underground

Riding the London Underground is a super easy way of traveling from A to B in a short time. But if this will be your first time using such a transport system it can be a bit overwhelming.

However, you will find at every station a large map, showing you which line to take. The end points of each line indicate the direction you need to take depending on the place you wish to reach.

If anyhow possible try to avoid using the underground system during rush hours. These times are from 7-9am and 4-6:30pm.

It is an incredible difference. The empty, quite pleasant underground space when traveling in between the rush hour compared to the peak times.

Riding the tube during rush hour can get a bit unpleasant, particular if you’re new to public transit.

Citymapper App

If you are in London for several days and using the Underground tubes a lot, it might be useful to download the Citymapper app.

It’s great for finding the best public transit routes from point A to B. And it’s updated in real time, so you won’t get caught by delays or closures.

Getting the Visitors Oyster Card

To make your trip to London as comfortable and easy as possible we recommend you get yourself a Visitor Oyster Card. (for Non-UK residents only).

The Oyster Card is a smartcard that you use to pay for any transportation in London. This includes tube, trams, buses and others. These contactless cards make exploring super easy.

Or if you have an English credit/debit card you can use this directly when entering and exiting the transport.

If you’re planning on using the London Undergrund system during your London itinerary, it is the easiest and fastest way to travel around.

A simple “tap” with your card at the beginning of your journey lets you through the gate fast and cheap. It is important to tap out when you depart the station.

If every time you use the London Underground you have to get a ticket at the ticket machine, this will become super expensive.

We have not found out why they make the ticket machine tickets so much more expensive over the credit card usage or Oyster Cards, but it is.

Before you travel to London, purchase an Oyster card online and have it shipped to your home address.

Alternatively, if there is no more time to have it shipped, you can buy an Oyster Card at Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport. Even direct at the Underground stations.

How does the Oyster Card Work?

The card itself has a onetime fee of £ 5.- (English Pounds).

It is simple, you load money on to the card, either when you purchase the Oyster card online or direct at a station.

Every time you use the London transport system, you touch in and out of your journey at the gate.

Oyster cards have a daily price cap, I believe it is at around £8 (pounds).

This means, once you reach the daily limit, you won’t pay for any additional journeys anymore.

So, no matter how many times you travel on public transport using your Oyster card in London’s zones 1 and 2, you will never be charged more than the daily price cap.

For a two day stay in London a good start is £15.- to £20.-. If you stay four days in London start with £30.-. You can always reload the card again.

Note, that each adult needs a Visitors Oyster card. Children under the age of 11, travel free of charge with a paying adult.

To order your Visitors Oyster Card and get some more information on the above-mentioned points, please visit their website. 

Should you get The London Pass?

We did not used The London Pass for our 2-day London itinerary, because we selected a lot of free things to do in London attractions.

However, you might want to change a few things around, go and visit more museum whilst in London or simply stay longer.

In this case the London Pass might be a great value for you, as it gets quickly expensive paying all these entry tickets.

If you do get one, plan your trip to London carefully and visit the most expensive attractions together or spread over two days. On their website you can calculate and plan this carefully and you see quickly whether a London pass is well worth it or not.

On some months the pass is sold with a discount. You can also find great value London Passes with GetYourGuide. We use them a lot when we travel and have never been disappointed.

Find out more on how to get your London pass and whether it is worth it on their website.

How to get to Central London from any airport in London?

The easiest way to reach central London is by train. It will only take you 30 min to London Bridge for example.

This is where we changed to the London Underground to get to our hotel Premier Inn London Southwark near Southwark Station.

No need to take a cab/taxi as this is super easy and cost effective.

Where to Stay in London?

For once we believe when visiting any city, the accommodation is secondary importance. You will be spending your time outside, walking around and visiting the most beautiful and popular attractions in London.

Therefore, all you need from your Hotel in London for this trip is a comfortable bed, in a great location close to an underground station and a good breakfast.

We chose the Premier Inn London Southwark.

It was perfect for the 4 of us and we paid in December 2022 £ 445.- for two nights including breakfast. (Chf 500.-)

Probably one of the better breakfasts we have had in any hotel, it was superb.

If this hotel in London is not free on your travel dates check out the map below and choose a great location in London for your stay.

Booking.com

When is the best time to visit London?

Is there a best time to visit London? Really, London is an amazing city that can be visited any time of the year to have a guaranteed great time.

Better you have to ask yourself what you like to see. Do you want to experience London’s’ beautiful flower gardens? Or maybe, you want to find where the best Christmas lights in London are.

These will determine your time of the year to visit London.

We travelled to London in December for a quick pre-Christmas in London experience. One of our main goals was to see a Christmas Pantomime show. If this would also be on your London itinerary check out what is on at the London Palladium theatre or the smaller Richmond Theatre which is where we went. The theatre is one of the oldest surviving theatres in London.

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I hope that this post was useful and helps you plan your 2 days London Itinerary. Should you have any more questions, please do ask them below in the comments.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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