london city image with phone box, london bus and beg ben showing in the blue sky

2 Days in London Itinerary (With Kids) – How to See the Best of London in 48 Hours

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Are you planning a trip and wondering how to spend the perfect 2 days in London with kids without feeling overwhelmed?

This detailed 2 days in London itinerary (with kids) is exactly what we used when visiting the city as a family. And even if you only have 24 hours, you can easily follow “Day One” to see many of the main highlights. If you’re looking for a practical 2 day London itinerary for first timers, or wondering what to see in London in 2 days, this guide will help you make the most of your time.

London is iconic — from the famous skyline and Big Ben to the red double-decker buses and historic phone boxes. With world-class museums, royal landmarks, lively markets and endless attractions, it’s no surprise that a London weekend itinerary is high on so many bucket lists.

We created this realistic 48 hours in London itinerary for travellers who truly only have two days and want to experience the very best of the city — without rushing from one place to the next. You’ll tick off many of London’s must-see attractions, enjoy a proper West End show (yes, we squeezed in a pantomime!) and still have time to soak up the atmosphere.

And importantly — this is a family friendly London itinerary. We explored the city with our 7-year-old twins, (at time of travel) so every stop has been tested for real-life pacing, short legs and curious minds. On our Instagram account under the “London Highlights”, you can see snippets from our December visit and get a feel for what these two days actually looked like.

List of Contents

If you don’t have time to read and plan this trip now, just save it for later.

Why 2 Days in London is the Perfect Intro Trip

Because we travelled with children, we carefully planned our London trip to keep it manageable and exciting. Before visiting, we read a child-friendly book together explaining many of London’s most famous landmarks. It helped the kids understand what they were about to see — and it made them genuinely excited about places like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

Is two days enough to see London? Honestly — no, not everything. But you can absolutely experience the highlights. We managed to pack in some of the best places to visit in London in 2 days, including royal landmarks, cultural icons and a theatre show.

Yes, we used the London Underground quite a bit to move efficiently between areas — but it worked brilliantly and saved us valuable time.

This guide is designed to be practical, realistic and family-tested. At the end of this post, you’ll also find useful London travel tips to help you plan your visit smoothly — from transport advice to money-saving ideas. Don’t skip that section, it makes a difference.

sunset scene over river Thames with Big Ben in the background
Sunset scene with Big Ben – London landmarks – 2 Days in London itinerary

Best Time to Visit London (Seasonal Tips)

Is there really a best time to visit London? The honest answer — London is a city you can visit all year round and still have an incredible experience. But the right time depends on what you want from your trip.

If you’re planning your 2 days in London itinerary, think about what kind of atmosphere you’d love to experience. Are you dreaming of spring flower displays in the parks, summer evenings along the South Bank, autumn colours in Hyde Park, or festive markets and Christmas lights in winter?

Each season gives your London weekend itinerary a completely different feel.

Spring in London (March–May)

One of the prettiest times to visit. London’s parks are full of blossoms and gardens are in bloom. Temperatures are mild, and it’s ideal for walking-heavy sightseeing days.

London in Summer (June–August)

Long daylight hours mean you can see more in 48 hours. Expect busier attractions, but also lively outdoor markets, river walks and rooftop views. Perfect if you’re following a packed 48 hours in London itinerary.

Autumn in the City (September–November)

Fewer crowds and beautiful golden parks. A lovely time for museums and cosy cafés between sightseeing stops.

London Winter Magic (December–February)

London feels magical in winter. Christmas lights, festive markets and theatre shows add something special to your 2 day London itinerary with kids. We visited in December for a quick pre-Christmas trip and one of our main goals was to see a traditional Christmas pantomime.

If that’s on your London bucket list too, check what’s playing at the London Palladium or the beautiful Richmond Theatre, where we watched ours. Richmond Theatre is one of the oldest surviving theatres in London and gives a wonderfully classic theatre experience.

birds eye view over London City at sunset
London City at sunset – 2 Days in London Itinerary

Quick London Travel Tips Before You Go

Should You Get the London Pass?

If you’re planning a 2 days in London itinerary, you might be wondering: Is the London Pass worth it?

We personally didn’t use the London Pass during our two-day trip because we focused mainly on free attractions and outdoor highlights. London actually offers plenty of things to do without paying high entrance fees.

However, if you’re planning to visit multiple paid attractions — such as the Westminster Abbey , Tower of London, The Shard, or several museums — the London Pass can quickly become good value.

The key is to plan carefully. Group the more expensive attractions into one or two days and calculate in advance whether the pass saves you money. On their official website, you can compare ticket prices and see very quickly if it makes sense for your London itinerary.

Occasionally, the pass is available at a discount. We’ve also booked passes through GetYourGuide in the past when travelling and have always had a smooth experience.

If you’re unsure, take a few minutes to compare attraction prices — it’s worth checking before you book.

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How to Get to Central London from the Airport

Whether you’re arriving at Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted, getting to central London is surprisingly straightforward.

In most cases, the easiest and fastest way to reach the city centre is by train. Depending on the airport, you can reach central London in around 30–45 minutes.

From Heathrow Airport, you can take the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express.
From Gatwick Airport, direct trains run frequently to London Bridge and Victoria Station.

When we arrived, we took the train to London Bridge and then switched to the Underground to reach our hotel, Premier Inn London Southwark near Southwark Station.

There’s usually no need for a taxi — trains are efficient, well-signposted and much more cost-effective for a short London weekend trip.

And if your journey doesn’t go according to plan, it’s helpful to know your passenger rights — here’s what to do if your flight between the UK and Switzerland is cancelled and how to claim compensation.

How to Get Around London (Oyster Card, Tube Tips)

If you’re planning a 2 days in London itinerary, the best way to get around is by using the London Underground (the Tube). It’s fast, efficient and connects almost every major attraction you’ll want to see in 48 hours.

At first glance, the Underground map can look intimidating — especially if it’s your first time in London. But every station has large, clear maps showing each line and its end destination, so you simply follow the direction of the final stop on that line.

If possible, try to avoid rush hour (7–9am and 4–6:30pm). The difference is huge. Outside peak times, travelling is relaxed and easy. During rush hour, trains can get very crowded — especially with children.

Using the London Underground as a Tourist

The Tube is by far the fastest way to get around London in 2 days. Most major landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Tower Bridge and Covent Garden are within Zones 1–2 and well connected.

We used the Underground daily and found it simple once you understand the system

  • Tap in at the start of your journey
  • Tap out at the end
  • Follow colour-coded lines

That’s it.

Oyster Card vs Contactless – What’s Best?

To travel easily, you have two main options:

  1. Visitor Oyster Card (recommended for non-UK residents)
    A reusable smart card you top up with credit and use across the entire London transport system — Tube, buses, trams and trains.
  2. Contactless Debit/Credit Card
    If your card supports contactless payments, you can simply tap in and out directly — no Oyster card needed.

Both options are usually much cheaper than buying single paper tickets at machines.

How the Oyster Card Works

The Visitor Oyster Card has:

  • A one-time £5 purchase fee
  • A daily fare cap (Zone 1–2 cap applies)
  • Automatic cheapest fare calculation
    This means once you hit the daily cap, you won’t be charged more for additional journeys that day.

For a London weekend itinerary, loading around £15–£20 per person for two days is usually sufficient (Zone 1–2 travel). You can always top up if needed.

Children under 11 travel free with a paying adult.

You can order a Visitor Oyster Card online before your trip, or purchase one at major airports like Heathrow or Gatwick, or at Underground stations.

For official fare details and current price caps, visit Transport for London.

Helpful App: Citymapper

If you’re unsure which route to take, download the Citymapper app. It gives real-time route suggestions, platform information and alerts about delays — incredibly helpful when navigating London for the first time.


Where to Stay in London (for a 2 Days Itinerary)

Before we dive into the detailed 2 days in London itinerary, here’s where I recommend staying to make the most of your short city break.

If you only have 2 days in London, location really matters.

You don’t want to spend half your trip commuting across the city.

For a short London weekend itinerary, I would recommend staying in:

South Bank / Waterloo

Perfect for walking to Big Ben, the London Eye and Westminster. Great atmosphere, easy Underground connections and very central.

We stayed near Southwark Station and found it ideal for this 48 hours in London itinerary.

Covent Garden / West End

Brilliant if you want theatre, restaurants and lively evenings right outside your hotel door.

Westminster

Classic London location near Buckingham Palace and Parliament.

If you’re travelling as a family, we’ve had very good experiences with Premier Inn London Southwark— comfortable, reliable and good value for London standards.


2 Days in London Itinerary (with Kids)

These are our highlights. All points are in depth explained below.

Day 1: London Highlights – Step-By-Step

  • Big Ben & Westminster
  • Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
  • London Eye & South Bank
  • Evening in Covent Garden / West End Show

Day 2: London’s Cultural & Hidden Gems

  • London Bridge & Monument of Great Fire of London
  • Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross
  • ExCeL London (would change to the natural History Museum)
  • Airport

Map of London

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.

googel map of London with landmarks marked on a 2 days in London Itinerary
Click on the London Map to get full access and follow our 2 days in London Itinerary – with Kids

Day 1 – London Highlights – Step-By-Step

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

Big Ben & Westminster (Elizabeth Tower)

Nearest Underground Station: Westminster

From our London hotel near Southwark, we took the Underground to Westminster Station — one of the most dramatic Tube exits in London. The moment you step outside, you’re immediately greeted by the iconic silhouette of Big Ben.

For many first-time visitors following a 2 days in London itinerary, this is the classic starting point. It’s instantly recognisable, impressive in scale, and exactly what you imagine London to look like.

Fun fact: Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower. The tower itself is officially called Elizabeth Tower.

Right beside it stands the magnificent Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament. The Gothic architecture here is stunning, especially after its recent restoration.

You can combine a guided tour of Big Ben -Westminster Abbey

Best Photo Spot Around Westminster Bridge

For one of the most iconic views in London, walk across Westminster Bridge.

From the centre of the bridge, you get:

  • A full view of Elizabeth Tower
  • The stunning façade of the Palace of Westminster
  • The London Eye rising across the river
  • Classic red double-decker buses crossing the bridge

It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city and a must-stop on any 2 days in London itinerary.

If you continue across the bridge and head down the stairs on the right-hand side, you’ll reach the moving and powerful National Covid Memorial Wall.

Stretching along the River Thames, the wall is covered in thousands of red hearts — each heart representing a life lost during the Covid-19 pandemic. It may not be a traditional London bucket list attraction, but it’s incredibly impactful to see in person.

Just before reaching the wall, there’s another fantastic photography spot.

As you walk through the pedestrian tunnel under the bridge, look back before exiting — you’ll see Big Ben, Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament beautifully framed by the stone archway.

It’s one of those unexpected Instagram-worthy London photo spots that many visitors miss.

Optional Add-On: Westminster Abbey

Just a short walk away is Westminster Abbey.

If you’re planning to include it in your 48 hours in London itinerary, you can either visit independently or book a combined guided tour that includes Big Ben and the Abbey. It’s a great way to understand the royal and political history behind what you’re seeing.

 

Walk to Buckingham Palace & The Changing of the Guard

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

From Westminster Bridge, walk back towards Parliament Square as you make your way to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

This is one of the most iconic experiences to include in your 2 days in London itinerary.

Parliament Square Garden

As you cross Parliament Square Garden, take a moment to look around. Here you’ll find statues of important historical figures, including Winston Churchill standing prominently among them.

It’s a lovely open space and a natural transition point between Westminster and the royal route towards the Palace.

Classic London Photo Spot – Red Telephone Box

At the far end of Parliament Square, cross over and follow Birdcage Walk towards Buckingham Palace.

Here you’ll find one of the most photogenic red telephone boxes in London. With the right angle, you can capture:

  • The red phone box in the foreground
  • Elizabeth Tower in the background
  • And, if you’re patient, even a classic red London bus passing by

It’s one of those classic London photo spots that works beautifully for Instagram or a quick reel.

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, aim to arrive around 10:45am.

The ceremony takes place between Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace and usually lasts around an hour.

We first stopped near Wellington Barracks, where the soldiers are inspected and the band prepares before marching towards the Palace. You’ll notice the crowds building here already.

About 10–15 minutes before the ceremony officially begins, we walked over to Buckingham Palace to secure a good viewing spot.

Where to Stand

There isn’t one perfect viewing position, as parts of the ceremony also happen along The Mall.

We chose not to stand directly around the Victoria Memorial circle. Once you enter that inner area, you’re not allowed to leave until the ceremony is over — something to consider if you’re visiting with children.

Instead, we positioned ourselves slightly back, which allowed us to see the marching soldiers from multiple directions without being squeezed into the busiest section at the palace gates.

In our experience, there’s no need to push to the very front. You’ll still get a great view without standing shoulder to shoulder in the densest crowd.

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

google map of the location of Buckingham palace on a London itinerary
Location of viewing the Changing of the Guards / London itinerary

Walking Down The Mall

Before the ceremony begins, traffic is stopped and The Mall is cleared.

For a few minutes, the wide ceremonial avenue stands almost empty with Buckingham Palace as a backdrop — an impressive and surprisingly calm moment.

If you’re quick, you can step into the centre (when safe and permitted) for a fantastic photograph looking straight towards the Palace.

Later, you may also see the Horse Guards riding up The Mall as part of the ceremony.

Guided Tours

You can 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.

the english horse gallery in red uniforme riding up the road to the buckingham palace on a suny day
Changing of the Guards – London
the famous street in front of Buckingham palace the mall
The Mall – London Itinerary

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 green parrot like birds, 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.

Tower Bridge & The Tower of London

Nearest Underground Station: Tower Hill

From Tower Hill Station, walk down towards the River Thames and you’ll immediately feel the shift in atmosphere. The contrast between historic stone walls and modern glass buildings is striking.

Standing proudly along the river is the historic Tower of London, surrounded by the evolving London skyline. It’s one of the most significant landmarks to include in a 2 days in London itinerary if you have time, especially if it’s your first visit. We skipped the Tower of London this time. means we have to come back.

Instead we enjoying a short break in the sun while soaking up the atmosphere with a classic fish and chips.

Tower Bridge Views

Just a short walk away is the iconic Tower Bridge.

Crossing the upper glass walkway offers fantastic panoramic views across London and the Thames. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the bridge opening to let a ship pass through — which we experienced twice during our visit.

It’s one of those moments that makes London feel truly special.

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

Should You Visit the Tower of London?

If you have extra time in your 48 hours in London itinerary, consider visiting the Tower of London itself.

We skipped it this time because our first day was already full, but it’s high on our list for our next trip.

Inside, you can explore:

  • The Crown Jewels
  • Medieval towers and battlements
  • Royal history dating back nearly 1,000 years

If you want a more in-depth experience, guided options such as an early access Early Tower of London & Tower bridge tour or the Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition could be a great experience.

The London Eye & South Bank

London Underground: Tower Hill to Westminster

Without hesitation, riding the London Eye is one of the best things to do in London — especially if you’re following a 2 days in London itinerary and want to see the city from above.

I’m so glad we included it.

Yes, it’s a popular attraction. Yes, it’s busy. But it’s absolutely worth it.

We timed our visit for around 15:30 so that we would be up in the air during golden hour — and it worked perfectly. The light over the Thames, the rooftops, and the skyline was just beautiful. Seeing Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and even Tower Bridge from above gives you a completely different perspective of the city.

One full rotation takes about 30 minutes, and the capsules move slowly enough that you never feel rushed.

If you’re planning to include it in your 48 hours in London itinerary, I would definitely recommend pre-booking your tickets. It saves time and avoids disappointment, especially during weekends or school holidays.

on the london eye wheel by sunset looking down at big ben and the other london icons
Sunset ride on the London eye / London Itinerary

South Bank Promenade & Skatepark

Afterwards, we walked along the lively South Bank promenade.

This area has such a great atmosphere — street performers, riverside views, cafés, and families enjoying the space.

We made a quick stop at the famous Southbank Skatepark, tucked underneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall. It’s one of the oldest skateparks in the world and still very much alive.

It was a fun little break for the kids to watch the talented skateboarders and just pause before continuing our London adventure.

Sometimes those unplanned stops are what make a trip feel real.

Christmas lights at the south park in London by night

London Christmas Lights & Piccadilly Circus

London Underground: Westminster to Piccadilly Circus

Before our pantomime started, we had a little time to spare and made a spontaneous decision to hop on the Tube to Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End.

If you’ve ever been to Times Square, the atmosphere feels similar — bright lights, huge screens, constant movement.

If you’re visiting London in winter, this is where you can also admire the beautiful London Christmas lights along Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue.

The massive curved LED advertising screen dominates the square and is said to be Europe’s largest advertising display. The technology is impressive — at times it genuinely feels like animals or people are stepping out of the screen in 3D.

Is it an absolute must on a 2 days in London itinerary? Probably not.

But it’s fun to see, especially if you enjoy that buzzing big-city energy.

The best way to take it all in is by standing on the steps of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (often called the Eros statue) and simply watching London move around you.

Street performers entertain the crowds while red double-decker buses and taxis pass constantly from all directions.

You don’t need long here — 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough.

If you’re not visiting during Christmas, you could instead explore nearby Oxford Street, Leicester Square or simply wander the West End streets.

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

London Underground: Piccadilly Circus to Waterloo

It was then time to make our way to our evening show. We took the Tube to Waterloo Station to catch our train to Richmond.

Before boarding, we made a quick detour to Leake Street Tunnel — also known as the famous graffiti tunnel.

Hidden underneath the railway arches, this constantly changing street art space is full of colour and creativity. Bars and event venues line the tunnel, and when we visited, it was buzzing with private Christmas parties, adding to the atmosphere.

It’s a great quick stop if you have 15–20 minutes and want to see a different, more urban side of London.

Watch a Pantomime or London Stage Show

Train: Waterloo to Richmond

For our evening entertainment, we headed to Richmond Theatre to see a traditional British pantomime.

Only my husband knew what it really means to go and watch a pantomime during Christmas. Neither me nor the kids had ever experienced one before — and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our first day.

Within five minutes of the show starting, our son had tears running down his face from laughing so much. That pretty much said it all.

Popcorn in hand, comfortable seats, and a theatre full of energy — it was the perfect way to end a full day exploring London.

We returned to our hotel with two very tired but very happy children (and parents).

Good to know

These shows are selling out fast and well in advanced. Therefore if a visit to London during the Christmas time is on schedule, get your tickets well in advanced.

people standing on a stage in a london theatre
London Stage Show – Pantomime – London Itinerary

Day 2: London’s Cultural & Hidden Gems

Our second day in London looked quite different from the first.

One of the main reasons we travelled to London in December was to see a Jurassic Dinosaur show at the ExCeL. Honestly? It wasn’t really worth it for us.

The kids thought it was okay. Not amazing, not terrible — just okay.

Luckily, the rest of our 2 days in London itinerary had been such a success that this small disappointment didn’t matter too much.

If you’re following this itinerary, this is definitely the part I would change. Instead of the dinosaur show, I would recommend visiting the Natural History Museum in London, or even the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, if you have some Harry Potter fans in the family.

Walking Over London Bridge

London Underground: Southwark to London Bridge

After such a busy first day, we allowed ourselves a slow breakfast (which, by the way, I highly recommend adding if you’re staying at a Premier Inn).

When our son was younger, his favourite song was “London Bridge is Falling Down”. So naturally, he asked if we could walk across London Bridge.

It’s not a spectacular bridge, especially compared to Tower Bridge. But it’s pleasant enough for a short stroll — and it leads you directly towards your next stop.

family with winter clothes standing on the London bridge with the famous building the shard in the background
On the London Bridge with Shard view

Monument of the Great Fire of London

Just after crossing the bridge, continue walking towards Monument to the Great Fire of London, located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill.

For a small entrance fee, you can climb the 312 steps to the top. It’s a short but rewarding climb and offers great views across the City of London. Don’t miss this!

From the viewing platform, you can spot:

  • Sky Garden
  • The Shard
  • And several other London landmarks

It doesn’t take long and fits nicely into a 48 hours in London itinerary without slowing down your day too much.

A Little History

The monument stands exactly 61 metres from where the Great Fire of London started on Pudding Lane on 2 September 1666.

The fire lasted four days and destroyed around 86% of the medieval City of London.

Standing there makes the history feel surprisingly close.

Harry Potter Platform 9¾ – King’s Cross

London Underground: Monument to King’s Cross St Pancras

From Monument Station, take the Underground to King’s Cross station.

Years ago, when my husband and I first visited, Platform 9¾ was simply a trolley half stuck into a wall. Hardly anyone paid attention.

Today? Completely different story.

Be prepared for a very long queue if you want a photo at the famous Platform 9¾.

Is it worth it? Personally, not really — unless you are a huge Harry Potter fan.

I loved the books, but I wouldn’t queue that long.

Our kids had no interest in standing in line either… but they were very keen to explore the Harry Potter shop right next door. Of course.

Jurassic Dinosaur Show at ExCeL London

London Underground: King’s Cross to Custom House

Our final stop was ExCeL London for the Jurassic Dinosaur show.

There’s always something happening at ExCeL — exhibitions, shows, events. And with over 20 restaurants on site, it’s easy to grab food before a performance.

That said, if you’re planning your own London weekend itinerary, I wouldn’t prioritise this unless there’s a very specific event you’re excited about.

There are simply better ways to spend limited time in London.

If I were to adjust Day Two, I would swap it for:

After the show, it was time to head back to Gatwick Airport and fly home for Christmas — tired, happy, and already talking about our next trip.

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FAQ – 2 Days in London

Before you go — here are the quick answers people always ask.

Is 2 days enough in London?

  • Two days in London is enough to see the main highlights such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. While you won’t see everything, you can experience a great mix of royal landmarks, history and modern city life.

What is the best way to get around London in 2 days?

  • The fastest way to get around London is by using the London Underground (Tube). For short city breaks, staying within Zones 1–2 makes travelling quick and affordable.

Is the London Pass worth it for 2 days?

  • The London Pass can be worth it if you plan to visit several paid attractions in a short time. If you mainly focus on free landmarks and outdoor sightseeing, it may not be necessary.

Where should I stay for a 2 day London itinerary?

  • The best areas to stay are South Bank, Westminster or Covent Garden, as they offer easy access to major attractions and Underground connections.

Is London good to visit with kids?

  • Yes. London offers many family-friendly attractions including the London Eye, museums, parks, theatre shows and interactive experiences. With good planning, it works very well as a short city break with children.

Conclusion of This 2 Days in London Itinerary

Our first day in London was honestly fantastic and packed with highlights. Even though the Jurassic show on Day Two wasn’t quite what we had hoped for, it didn’t take away from the overall experience.

If I were to adjust this 2 days in London itinerary, I would replace the ExCeL show with something more classic — perhaps the Natural History Museum, a Thames river cruise, or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour for Harry Potter fans.

But that’s the beauty of London. You can shape the city around your interests.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and would absolutely recommend a short London city break — especially if you’re travelling as a family. Even in just 48 hours, you can see an incredible mix of royal landmarks, history, theatre, and modern city life.

Things We Didn’t Have Time For (Next Trip List)

Two days in London is enough to see the highlights — but not everything.

Here are a few attractions we’ll add next time:

  • National Gallery
  • Madame Tussauds London
  • St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Natural History Museum
  • Kew Gardens
  • A River Thames sightseeing cruise
  • A hop-on hop-off London bus tour

If you only have a few hours in London, a hop-on hop-off bus can actually be a practical way to see many major landmarks without navigating the Underground.

And if you prefer not to organise everything yourself, GetYourGuide offers full 1–2 day guided city tours.

London is one of those cities you can return to again and again — and still discover something new every time.


Other Other European City Breaks & Wold Travel Inspirations

If city exploring is your thing, you’ll also love our tried-and-tested walking tours in Lucerne, Bern and Zürich — all easy to follow and perfect for a day trip. ANd if you are already in Switzerland you may as well continuing your adventure and visit the most beautiful places in Switzerland.

For International travels we can always suggest a relaxed trip to the Maldives, or maybe a road trip in Iceland is more your cup of tea.

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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Hi, my name is Corina, a mum of twins, a wife and founder of Packed Again – a Swiss Family Travel & Adventure Blog. We live in the most amazing mountain valley in Switzerland, the Valais.

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