A weekend in London needs to be on everybody’s bucket record as Britain’s capital is packed filled with fascinating issues to do. From cultural and historic websites, to world-class procuring, eating places, and extra. On this London 2 day itinerary you’ll learn how greatest to spend a enjoyable weekend in London.
Spend your days strolling round a few of London’s most iconic landmarks and uncover the town’s many parks and inexperienced areas, some with spectacular views of the London skyline.
After you’ve completed feeding your senses, you’ll want to feed your self at any variety of London eateries.
Whether or not you’re craving conventional fish and chips, otherwise you’d relatively pattern one thing from one of many many different cuisines represented, you’re certain 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 actually let you know all about the most effective spots to go to, from the highest bars and eating places, to among 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 find out how to 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. Most 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 best way to go.
Many individuals take the tube, (subway), quick distances, however it may be fairly nice to stroll one or two stops between stations; take into account getting off early and strolling between as an alternative. You’ll be glad you probably did as you’ll you’ll want to see some fascinating locations alongside the best way.
Morning
Begin your day in historic Westminster, the place lots of London’s prime sights might 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 laborious pushed to seek out cheaper anyplace within the UK. Veggie choices are additionally out there on the menu.
The placement of the Regency Cafe is only a five-minute stroll to Huge Ben, the Homes of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
You’ll be able to wander round one of the iconic components of London by yourself, however to essentially get a really feel for the place, and be taught among the historical past, take into account taking a walking tour.
The above tour is ideal as there’s a morning possibility from 10:00am – 1:00pm, which means you’ll be able to end your breakfast at leisure earlier than being proven over 20 of London’s most well-known and historic landmarks by an actual Londoner.
If you happen to fancy doing the tour slightly later, there are additionally choices to start at 1:00pm or 3:00pm. The fee is £16.00 per individual.
Do you have to wish to head off by yourself, you may also wander all the way down to the River Thames, Westminster Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and St James Park, as they’re all inside straightforward strolling distance.
The Tate Britain is only a few steps from the Regency and is a good attraction for artwork lovers. For the James Bond followers amongst you, it’s only a quick stroll to the MI5 constructing on the river financial institution, (shh, it’s a secret), however for apparent causes, you’ll be able to’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. If you happen to’re feeling energetic, it may be walked in underneath an hour, and a lot of the route is alongside the banks of the Thames.
If you happen to’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 nice fireplace 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 the case of lunch choices – I personally advocate the venison burger.
There are many sit-down cafes inside the market providing a variety 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 normally do), or wander all the way down to the river.
After lunch, you’re nicely 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 in regards to the metropolis’s darkish previous. This nice combo deal for the Dungeon and London Eye will prevent cash on these prime London sights.
You gained’t fail to see the Shard towering above London Bridge station like an enormous piece of glass. The Shard incorporates a collection of bars and eating places inside, in addition to a viewing platform on the 72nd flooring, providing unparalleled views of the town.
Night
London actually begins to come back alive after the solar goes down and among the finest locations to spend the night is within the West Finish. Right here you’ll discover every part from reveals to procuring, and among 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 gained’t have an issue discovering someplace for dinner in Covent Backyard because it’s famend for its foodie scene. From superb eating to avenue snacks, there’s one thing to swimsuit each style and funds.
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 most effective 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. If you happen to’re feeling full, then you’ll be able to soar on the tube, (two stops on the Piccadilly line). Nonetheless strolling solely takes ten minutes and also you’ll move via one other London landmark, Trafalgar Sq., which is buzzing at night time.
Lastly, end up the night time in fashionable Soho, certainly one of London’s greatest night time spots. You’ll be able to take a tour of Soho’s bars, however I can even advocate Garlic and Shots which is my favorite Soho hangout.
If you happen to’re curious about whiskey, don’t miss this trip which takes you to five pubs with a Scotsman.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest 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 an alternative for one thing slightly extra cultured – excellent should you’re taking a look at spending a romantic weekend in London.
Morning
Begin the day with slightly bit of sophistication at the Wolseley in London’s plush Mayfair district. Their legendary eggs benedict gained’t break the financial institution at simply £9.75, which contemplating the realm, 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 find out how to make breakfast, and the menu additionally has an excellent collection of croissants, cereals, fruits, and cooked breakfasts.
If you wish to follow a British theme, then you’ll be able to’t go improper with the grilled kippers, (herring).
After breakfast, stretch your legs at London’s well-known royal Hyde Park. It’s only a quick stroll alongside Piccadilly and previous the Ritz. Upon getting into the park you’ll be forgiven for pondering you’ve left the 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’ll be able to even soar 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’ll be able to pop in for a espresso or snack and luxuriate in one of many metropolis’s extra peaceable spots.
The Natural History Museum is a brief stroll from Hyde Park and is certainly one of London’s most well-loved sights. This unimaginable assortment of pure wonders is free to enter, so should you’re searching for an affordable weekend in London, hitting the town’s museums is a good possibility.
Afternoon
Anybody spending two days in London ought to you’ll want to take a look at Camden; one of many metropolis’s most vibrant areas. From Hyde Park Nook you’ll be able to soar on the Piccadilly line and soar 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 excellent 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 light-weight lunch is King of Falafel straight reverse the tube station.
After lunch head to the well-known Camden Lock Market and take a look across the stalls promoting every part from arts and crafts, to native produce, garments, and jewelry.
Be sure you check out one of many distinctive ice lotions from Chin Chin Labs; a London establishment, and sit on the canal to get pleasure from your candy deal with.
Camden is house to a few of London’s most well-known pubs. I like to recommend testing the Hawley Arms which was once Amy Winehouse’s native. They’ve a pleasant rooftop terrace overlooking Camden – excellent for people-watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Night
To prime off your 2 days in London, head to hip Shoreditch, one of many metropolis’s most up-and-coming areas. You’ll be able to 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 worth will likely be round £25.00).
For dinner, Dishoom is a good possibility and you’ll pattern one other of Britain’s most liked cuisines, curry, (although they’ve a large and different menu). Dishoom serves Indian meals with an Iranian twist in a stylish Parsi-themed cafe that’s massively standard with locals and vacationers alike.
Spend the night discovering Shoreditch’s huge collection of quirky bars. From speakeasies to gin palaces, and every part 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 mushy, purple mild. Take a look at SINK the place you’ll be able to play a variety of video games like ping pong or beer pong while sipping your drink beneath some fairly superior avenue artwork.
If you happen to actually wish to expertise Shoreditch’s legendary nightlife, then take a look at this Shoreditch pub crawl. You’ll hit among the trendiest bars, pubs and golf equipment on the town. This nice expertise is simply £20 and contains free entry to 5 institutions, plus 5 free pictures.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to London
Listed here are just a few tricks to make your journey to London much more fulfilling.
- Get Round London on Foot
Lower your expenses and expertise extra by strolling as an alternative of taking the tube or a taxi. You’ll discover that many stations are shut collectively and the distances should not drastic.
2. Go Contactless
In days passed by guests wanted an Oyster card to save cash on transport, however the introduction of contactless fee playing cards means you’ll be able to get pleasure from the identical charges as locals by tapping your financial institution card out and in while touring.
3. Take a look at London for Free
Lots of London’s prime museums are free. If you happen to’re searching for an affordable 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 relatively than the central vacationer areas. Locations like Stratford are nice and inside straightforward attain of the 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 just a few methods to get to the town. Listed here are the preferred.
London has wonderful connections to the remainder of Europe and past with three main airports all inside straightforward attain. Plus, the Eurostar makes attending to central London from mainland Europe a chunk of cake.
By Air
Europe’s largest funds 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 prepare taking simply 50 minutes, and a number of hourly buses taking round 90 minutes.
If you happen to’re coming from additional afield, you’ll possible fly into Heathrow or Gatwick, each of that are reachable from the town inside an hour by shuttle bus or prepare.
By Practice
It takes simply 2 hours and 17 minutes to achieve London from Paris through the Eurostar. What’s extra, the prepare 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 prepare companies to most of the UK’s main cities equivalent to Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.
By Bus
If coming from the continent, Flixbus has companies to London from many locations together with France, Germany, Italy and Spain. For home routes, National Express has buses to London’s Victoria Coach Station from cities throughout the nation.
By Automotive
London is well reachable from cities throughout the UK by automotive, nonetheless remember that there’s a congestion charge for driving in central London and parking might be laborious to seek out, (and costly). With this in thoughts, it’s in all probability 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 actually funds lodging choices out there for these staying for 2 days in London.
A number of the greatest neighbourhoods to remain in London embody Shoreditch, Islington, and the realm round Waterloo Station. Areas across the West Finish, equivalent to Covent Backyard, are wonderful selections as there are such a lot of close by sights, however this can come at a premium.
Lodges
Funds: The W14 Hotel
Mid-range: Ibis Shoreditch
Luxurious: NYX Hotel
Residences
Funds: Brick Lane Shoreditch Studio
Mid-range: Luxurious Studio – Excellent 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 prime sights and expertise what the town has to supply. With most of the well-known landmarks in shut proximity and a incredible infrastructure, there’s no excuse to not see as a lot as potential.
How Can I Spend a Weekend in London?
A weekend in London might be spent in nearly any approach you’ll be able to think about. From eating on mouth-watering meals and visiting iconic websites, to exploring the numerous fascinating boroughs that make up this nice metropolis.
Getting across the metropolis is easy with transport such because the tube, buses, night time buses, taxis, water taxis, and extra. Don’t miss among the prime London sights like Huge Ben, Trafalgar Sq., Covent Backyard, and Soho. This experience covers the entire highlights.
All you want is your passport, just a few kilos, and a way of journey to get pleasure from a weekend getaway in London.
Is London Value Visiting?
London is certainly a metropolis value visiting, (20 million people per 12 months can’t be improper). With a historical past courting again 1000’s of years and experiences like museums and world-class eating ready for you, unimaginable structure to see, and pleasant locals to satisfy, London actually needs to be on the bucket record of each traveller.
Take pleasure in 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 among 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 certain you’ll get pleasure from it simply as a lot as I do.
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