2 Days in London Itinerary: Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems
I first visited London on a total whim. My friend and I found cheap flights and just sent it! That weekend turned into an obsession. I ended up studying abroad there, and I’ve been back a few times since. I refined my 2 days in London itinerary so whether you’re here for the first time or coming back for more, this guide will help you make the most of your trip without feeling rushed.
London is the ultimate city for a short but unforgettable getaway– perfect for busy professionals looking to make the most of their time. With efficient public transport, world-class food, and a mix of history and modern vibes, you can pack a LOT into just two days here.
TL;DR 2 Days in London Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Markets, Museums & Iconic London Sights
- Walk along the Southbank Promenade in the morning.
- Grab pastries at Borough Market and explore Bankside.
- Visit the Tate Modern for a late morning/afternoon museum trip.
- Enjoy lunch at Anchor Pub or back at Borough Market.
- Browse vintage finds at Portobello Road Market.
- End your day at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (seasonal) or Kensington Gardens.
- Explore the London nightlife and late night eats.
Day 2: Hidden Gems, Canal Walks & Camden Culture
- Check out the National Portrait Gallery.
- Indulge in a hidden tea room experience.
- Shop and eat your way through Camden Market.
- Relax at Primrose Hill with panoramic views.
- End the trip with nightlife in Shoreditch or Soho.
Day 1: Seeing the Bird’s-Eye View of the City
Morning: Walk Along the Southbank Promenade
The first day is great to explore the more popular areas for tourists. Namely, seeing the main sights along the river!
Start your day with a leisurely walk along Southbank Promenade. It’s a gorgeous area on the water that I always went back to when I lived here. It’s perfect to start the morning; it’s calm, scenic, and packed with landmarks. You’ll see:
- The London Eye (take a ride if you want skyline views!)
- Big Ben & Westminster Bridge
- Shakespeare’s Globe
It’s the perfect way to ease into your trip to soak in the city before diving into the food scene.
Late Morning: Breakfast & Borough Market
After you get the morning views, head to Borough Market for breakfast. It’s one of the most famous markets of the city, and it has absolutely phenomenal bits and treats.
Whenever I go, the first place I stop is Bread Ahead. I literally go to the market just to grab the custard-filled and chocolate-filled donuts. When you go, don’t get just one!
After you get your sweet treat, wander through the market stalls—you’ll find fresh seafood, incredible pastries, and more for a proper lunch. I liked the risotto, amongst many of the different dishes available.
Pro Tip: Bring cash when you go. Even though most stalls accept credit card via tap, there will be a few stalls that only accept cash like Bread Ahead.
This market is definitely one of the biggest highlights of your 2 day London itinerary.
After fueling up, take a scenic walk along Bankside toward Tate Modern. Not only will it help you walk off the food, but it’ll give you even more scenic views of the Thames.
Midday: Tate Modern & Riverside Lunch
When I lived in London for a few months, I visited the Tate Modern many times. Even if you’re not a huge art person, it’s a great place to hang out. They continuously update their installations, it’s a great hideout from the rain, and it’s free! Plus, it’s home to some of the world’s best contemporary exhibits. Even just walking through the turbine hall is a unique experience.
After the museum, I’d recommend grabbing food along the Thames. The Anchor Pub is a great place to stop for a drink if you need more time to build an appetite, plus it has some good traditional English food. Plus, it’s a historical landmark. It was one of my first stops when I came by; I grabbed a pint and some fish and chips for the true English experience.
If you aren’t feeling pub food, you can stop by another restaurant or even head back to Borough Market to grub.
Pro Tip: If you want another walk after grabbing an afternoon pint, you can walk across the river on the Millennium Bridge (right near the Tate Modern). It has a stunning view of St. Paul’s Cathedral on the walk over!
Afternoon: Vintage Shopping at Portobello Road Market
If you’ve got energy left, hop on the Tube to Portobello Road Market. It’s one of the best places for vintage finds, second-hand designer pieces, and antiques. (AKA, a great place for souvenirs). I went there a few times myself, and had a great time exploring the market as well as the neighborhood itself!
The Notting Hill area is stunning, so even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s a beautiful place to walk through. It’s pretty reflective of the movie with the same name, and a great place to take some pictures of the colorful houses. Not to mention, they have great coffee shops to refuel and refresh.
Evening: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or Kensington Gardens
Once you’ve gotten a moment of rest from the day’s activities, get ready to explore London after dark.
If looking for something wholesome and you’re visiting during winter, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is pure magic. Think holiday markets, amusement park rides, and mulled wine. Just be sure to come bundled up because it can be freezing!
Otherwise, I recommend hitting up a few unique bars or clubs if you’re interested in that. You can find a list of unique bars in my foodie blog here.
Nightlife Tip: There’s often covers, sometimes even for bars, so come prepared with some cash. You can often pay by card, but cash makes the experience faster! Also, depending on where you go, be prepared to stand in lines.
Day 2: Local and Unique London Experiences
Morning: Canal Stroll in Little Venice
Start your day with a peaceful walk in Little Venice. It’s a beautiful, underrated spot with narrowboats, waterside cafés, and a completely different feel from central London. Perfect for recharging before another packed day.
It’s a little out of the way from the city and not as often recommended, but I personally think that’s what makes this area so special. When I lived here, I loved coming here to reset and recenter. It was the perfect place to feel the quieter, more peaceful side of the city
Pro Tip: Grab a coffee or tea before your walk for an even more relaxing experience!
Late Morning: Hidden Tea Room Experience
Instead of a traditional afternoon tea, go for a hidden tea room experience. I once visited a spot where you had to ask the bartender for entry—it felt like something out of a movie. It was like a speakeasy but for afternoon tea, where we had to ask them and then go up a secret entrance behind the bar.
It’s the perfect blend of a modern experience for the entrance with a traditional English tea. London has plenty of hidden tea rooms, many tucked behind regular cafés or bars. The one I visited was called Soho’s Secret Tea Room, but it’s since shut down. You can likely find one similar to it here.
Out of all activities, I’d recommend prioritizing it in your 2 day London itinerary because it’s such a twist on a British classic.
Afternoon: Explore Camden Market
Because the first half of the day was pretty relaxing, another market is perfect for the afternoon to get the energy up! Camden Market is a wild mix of street food, indie fashion, and live music. I went there more times than I could count when I lived in London, because there was just so much to do!
Things I love doing here:
- Grabbing different international bites at the food stalls
- Trinket and jewelry shopping inside – there’s also a tea stall that I absolutely loved
- Walking along the shops to shop the other various items
- Exploring the neighborhood and main street afterwards
Camden is a very hipster neighborhood and the market represents just that. If you have more time here than just this 2 day London itinerary, I recommend spending more time in the neighborhood itself too!
Late Afternoon: Primrose Hill for Skyline Views
Before heading home, stop by Primrose Hill. It’s a huge park that isn’t too far from Camden where a ton of locals go to have picnics and hang out over the weekends. Plus, it has one of the best views of the London skyline.
I personally discovered this park on a random whim and felt like it was a gem that most tourists didn’t know about. It’s a great local addition to the 2 day London Itinerary. I only wish I had discovered it sooner while there!
Take a walk, sit and enjoy the view, or just visit for a quick picture. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on an amazing weekend.
Evening: End with London Nightlife
For a fun last night, head to Shoreditch or Soho:
- Ballie Ballerson for a crazy night (yes, it’s an adult ball pit).
- Boxpark Shoreditch for drinks and live music.
- O’Neills Soho for a classic London pub experience.
O’Neills is a great place to go dancing after dark, as well as a few other clubs like XOYO or Tiger Tiger.
If you’re looking for a more cocktail bar vibe, I’d try the Alchemist. If you’re going for a pub… try really any pub. Most of them are worth a visit just for the experience.
Conclusion
I hope that you find value in these packed 2 days. My hope is that it helps everyone trying to maximize their time off and fit the most they can in their trip. London is the perfect city for this, because whether it’s your first time or a return visit, it always has something new to offer.
If you’d like more recommendations on things to do and places to eat, check out my other blogs here.
