2 Days in London: The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary
London is massive, but 48 hours is enough to catch its energy if you keep moving. This plan skips the long museum lines in favor of walking, seeing, and experiencing the city's pulse. It's fast-paced, covering the royal highlights and the gritty cool of the East End.
Day-by-Day Snapshot
Royals & The River
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Southbank walk, and Borough Market for lunch.
Culture & Shopping
British Museum (highlights only), Covent Garden, and an evening in Soho.
- •Underestimating travel time between neighborhoods (the Tube is deep).
- •Staying in a hotel too far outside Zone 1 to save money (you lose time).
- •Forgetting an umbrella (seriously).
- •Paying for the view from the Shard (Sky Garden is free).
Late Spring or Early Autumn.
God's Own Junkyard for a neon wonderland.
- Covent Garden: Central, bustling, and great for first-timers.
- Shoreditch: Cool, artsy, and great nightlife.
Getting Around
Get an Oyster Card (£7 deposit) or use contactless. Day cap is £8.10 for Zones 1-2. Heathrow to center: Piccadilly Line is cheapest (£5.50), Heathrow Express is fastest (£25).
Where to Eat
Pub lunches are good value. Pret isn't authentic but it's reliable. Borough Market is worth it if you go hungry. Dishoom for Indian, Honest Burgers for... burgers. Avoid chain restaurants in Leicester Square.
Common Questions
Is 2 days enough?
For highlights, yes. For depth, no. But it's a solid weekend.
How much will I spend?
Budget £100/day minimum (transport, entry, food). London is expensive.
Should I book tickets?
Only for Westminster Abbey and the Tower. Most museums are free.
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