Spending a weekend in London? Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, 48 hours in London is enough time to experience iconic landmarks, world-class museums, charming neighborhoods, and incredible food.
From the historic sights of Westminster to the bustling streets of Soho, this itinerary will help you maximize your time and see the best of London in just two days. Whether you’re into history, shopping, food, or culture, this guide has something for every traveler.
In this ultimate weekend in London guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Must-see attractions & famous landmarks 🏛️
✅ Hidden gems & local favorites 🎭
✅ Best food spots & afternoon tea recommendations 🍽️
✅ Tips for getting around & making the most of your time 🚇
Ready to explore one of the world’s greatest cities? Let’s dive in
1. Best Time to Visit London for a Weekend ⏳
London is a year-round destination, but for the best experience:
✔️ Spring (March – May): 🌸 Beautiful parks, mild weather, and fewer crowds.
✔️ Summer (June – August): ☀️ Longer daylight hours, outdoor festivals, and rooftop bars.
✔️ Fall (September – November): 🍂 Fewer tourists, colorful autumn leaves, and cozy pubs.
✔️ Winter (December – February): ❄️ Christmas markets, festive lights, and ice skating.
💡 Tip: September & October are great for good weather and fewer crowds!
2. Where to Stay for a Weekend in London 🏨
For a short trip, stay centrally to maximize sightseeing.
Best Areas to Stay
✔️ Covent Garden – Close to theaters, markets & restaurants.
✔️ Soho – Vibrant nightlife & food scene.
✔️ Westminster – Near Big Ben, Buckingham Palace & the River Thames.
✔️ South Bank – Walkable to major attractions & has scenic river views.
💡 Tip: Book accommodation early, especially on weekends when prices rise.
3. Day 1: Classic Landmarks & Royal London 🏛️
Morning: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
✔️ Breakfast at The Wolseley – A classic London café.
✔️ Buckingham Palace (9:30 AM – 11 AM) – Watch the Changing of the Guard (11 AM, on select days).
✔️ St. James’s Park – Walk through one of London’s most beautiful parks.
✔️ Big Ben & Houses of Parliament – Snap a photo of London’s most famous clock.
✔️ Westminster Abbey (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM) – Explore this historic coronation church.
💡 Tip: Buy Westminster Abbey tickets online to skip the long queue.
Afternoon: South Bank & London Eye
✔️ Lunch at Borough Market (1 PM – 2 PM) – Try fish & chips, sausage rolls, or gourmet street food.
✔️ Walk along the River Thames (2 PM – 3 PM) – Enjoy views of Shakespeare’s Globe, Millennium Bridge & St. Paul’s Cathedral.
✔️ Ride the London Eye (3:30 PM – 4 PM) – The best panoramic view of London.
💡 Tip: Book a fast-track London Eye ticket to skip the long lines.
Evening: Covent Garden & Soho
✔️ Covent Garden (5 PM – 6 PM) – Explore the lively market & street performers.
✔️ Dinner in Soho (7 PM – 8:30 PM) – Try Dishoom (Indian food) or Flat Iron (steak).
✔️ West End Show (8:30 PM – 10:30 PM) – Watch a Broadway-level play or musical.
💡 Tip: Book West End show tickets in advance—popular plays sell out fast!
4. Day 2: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Morning: Notting Hill & Kensington
✔️ Breakfast at Granger & Co (8:30 AM) – Try avocado toast & fluffy pancakes.
✔️ Explore Portobello Road Market (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM) – Famous for antiques, vintage shops & colorful houses.
✔️ Visit Kensington Palace & Gardens (11 AM – 12 PM) – See where Prince William & Kate live.
💡 Tip: Notting Hill is less crowded early in the morning—perfect for photos!
Afternoon: British Museum & Camden Town
✔️ British Museum (12:30 PM – 2 PM) – See the Rosetta Stone & Egyptian Mummies (Free Entry!).
✔️ Lunch in Camden Market (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM) – Try Halloumi fries, bao buns, or falafel wraps.
✔️ Explore Camden Town (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM) – A punk-rock, artsy neighborhood with vintage shops & street art.
💡 Tip: Camden Lock’s canal area is great for a relaxed walk.
Evening: Tower Bridge & Pub Experience
✔️ Visit Tower Bridge (5 PM – 5:45 PM) – Walk across London’s most famous bridge.
✔️ Explore the Tower of London (Optional, 6 PM – 7 PM) – Home of the Crown Jewels.
✔️ Dinner & Drinks in a Historic Pub (7:30 PM – 9 PM) – Try The Prospect of Whitby or The Churchill Arms.
💡 Tip: Try a classic British pub meal like fish & chips or steak & ale pie.
5. Best Free Things to Do in London 💰
✔️ Explore Hyde Park – Perfect for a morning walk.
✔️ Visit the British Museum – One of the best free museums in the world.
✔️ Walk along the South Bank – Enjoy the views of the River Thames.
✔️ Explore Leadenhall Market – A beautiful covered Victorian market (Harry Potter filming location).
✔️ Watch Street Performers at Covent Garden – Free entertainment!
💡 Tip: Most London museums are free—a great budget-friendly option!
6. Transportation: Getting Around London 🚇
✔️ Use the London Underground (Tube) – The fastest way to travel.
✔️ Walk as much as possible – Many landmarks are close together.
✔️ Use an Oyster Card or Contactless Payment – The cheapest way to ride the Tube & buses.
✔️ Avoid rush hour (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM & 5 PM – 7 PM) – The Tube is packed with commuters.
💡 Tip: Download the Citymapper app for the best travel routes.
7. Where to Eat & Drink in London 🍽️
✔️ Breakfast/Brunch: The Wolseley, Dishoom, Granger & Co.
✔️ Lunch: Borough Market, Dishoom, Flat Iron, Franco Manca.
✔️ Dinner: Duck & Waffle (skyline views), Hawksmoor (steakhouse), Sketch (Instagram-worthy).
✔️ Classic British Pubs: The Churchill Arms, The Mayflower, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.
💡 Tip: Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially for dinner!
FAQs
1. Is London a walkable city?
🚶♂️ Yes! Many major attractions are close together, and walking is the best way to explore.
2. How many days do I need in London?
📆 2-3 days is great for highlights, but 5+ days allows deeper exploration.
3. What’s the best way to get around London?
🚇 Use the Tube & buses. Walking is great, and Uber/taxis are available.
4. Is London expensive?
💰 Yes, but there are ways to save—free museums, walking tours, and street food markets.
5. Can I visit London on a budget?
✅ Yes! Use the Tube, eat at markets, and explore free museums & parks.
6. What’s the best time of year to visit London?
☀️ Spring (April-June) & Fall (September-October) for mild weather & fewer tourists.
7. Can I use contactless payments on public transport?
💳 Yes! Use contactless debit/credit cards or Oyster Cards for the Tube & buses.
8. What are the best free things to do in London?
🏛️ British Museum, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, South Bank Walk & street performers.
9. Do I need to tip in London restaurants?
💷 Not always—check if service is included. If not, leave 10-12%.
10. What’s the best way to see London in 48 hours?
🚀 Follow this itinerary! Stay central, use the Tube & walk as much as possible.