48 hours in London: what to do and see

London’s diverse culture and unique historical landmarks are what make it one of the world’s most iconic cities and why millions of tourists flock to the city every year. This guide will provide insight into some of the best ways to spend 48 hours in London.  Perhaps you’ll catch an exhibition at the V&A, soak up a West End Show, engage in a bit of royal history at the Tower of London or simply hit the shops. You can find inspiration on some of the best things to see and do, as well as tips on where to stay and what to eat.

Thanks to Transport for London (TfL), Central London and its surrounding boroughs are well-connected by high-speed transport links, allowing you to cram as much into your two-day holiday as possible. TfL is undoubtedly known for the London Underground, famously known as the Tube. Spanning 11 lines and 272 stations, the tube handles approximately three million passengers per day and is as reliable as the day is long (most of the time). TfL also oversees London’s iconic red double-decker buses, the Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Tramlink as well as various river services along the Thames.

If the thought of navigating London’s colourful transport map feels daunting, do not fret. There are many apps that provide the most efficient routes for your journeys across the city. TfL also makes use of Oyster and tap-in, tap-out card systems, meaning you can avoid the hassle of ticket machines or searching for change. But, if all else fails, you can always jump in one of London’s traditional black cabs, hire a car or simply choose to walk. In comparison to many other world cities, London is extremely walkable, with plenty of scenic routes passing by landmarks and unique architectural sites.

Morning

London’s royal landmarks are one of the city’s biggest draws for both international and domestic tourists. So, what better way to begin your 2 day London itinerary than by rising early and heading to the Tower of London. Constructed in 1078, the tower is home to the Crown Jewels – a collection of over 100 regal objects, including crowns, sceptres and jewellery. Guided tours of the Tower of London are offered by the tower’s ceremonial guardians, the Beefeaters, in which you can learn grisly tales of the tower’s past. See the White Tower’s Royal Armouries and visit the Traitor’s Gate – the haunting drop-off point for many a Tudor prisoner. 

After exploring the tower, you can grab a coffee and take a stroll or bike along the picturesque banks of the Thames. A one-hour walk will take you past some of the Smoke’s most iconic architectural landmarks, including the City of London, the Shard and Tower Bridge. If you’re feeling peckish, stop by Borough Market for some street food and a warm drink, before continuing along the Thames Path. From here, you are within walking distance of Shakespeare’s Globe, the exhibitions of the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge, from which you can find the best views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Afternoon

From St Paul’s, take a 15-minute Tube journey on the Central and Piccadilly lines towards South Kensington – an area home to many of London’s best museums, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A. Although these museums and galleries are free to enter, expect additional charges for temporary exhibitions and long queues during school holidays. The museums are also within walking distance of Hyde Park, great for picnics in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Returning visitors to London who’ve checked off these museums already can head to Bloomsbury’s British Museum or explore some of the city’s more offbeat museums. The Huntarian is a great place to learn about the history of surgery from ancient times to the present day. Nearby, you’ll find many of London’s best places to stay and eat, including The Lincoln Suites in Covent Garden.

Evening

After a long day of wandering the Thames Path and visiting museums, you may have clocked up a fair few miles and it might be a good idea to return to your hotel, rest and freshen up. If you only have 48 hours in London, one way to spend your first night is by visiting the West End – the city’s historic entertainment district. Here, you can find plenty of restaurants serving a range of global cuisines, with Hawksmoor Steakhouse being an ideal spot to fill your belly before catching a show. There are plenty of different shows available and it’s always a good idea to book in advance if you’re planning on seeing the latest. The West End also features many theatres, all hosting real, dramatic reimaginings of works by history’s greatest playwrights, often featuring performances by household names and Hollywood stars. Post-show, wander into Soho – London’s LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife spot, and enjoy some of its traditional English pubs and cocktail bars.

Morning

After a good night's sleep, check out of your holiday home and kick-start day two of your 48-hour London itinerary. Your second day should begin with a trip to Buckingham Palace – London’s primary royal landmark, located near Green Park Station. Make sure to arrive before 10:45 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday to catch the Changing of the Guard – a 45-minute ceremony exemplary of Britain’s appreciation of tradition. 

Buckingham Palace is also only a 15-minute walk from Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, as well as being close to St James’s Park, the Mall and the Imperial War Rooms. One of the best spots to view Westminster Abbey is from Westminster Bridge, where you’ll find many hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tours taking you to other famous London landmarks. These tours can be a great way to learn more about the city in a short period of time and provide visitors with the flexibility to visit the attractions of their choosing.

Afternoon

Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, take a walk along the Strand towards Fortnum and Mason – an esteemed 18th-century department store where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. After tea, you can explore some of London’s best shopping spots. Begin with a bit of window shopping on Bond Street, before continuing on to Oxford and Regent Street – two of London’s most famous shopping streets. 

Here, you can find flagship stores from some of the world’s most popular retail brands. At Christmas, these streets are illuminated with picturesque festive lighting but can become extremely busy. Other popular shopping spots in London include Soho’s Carnaby Street and Battersea Power Station – the latter, a converted power station-cum-department store with a viewing tower located at the summit of one of its four iconic funnels. For those interested in vintage shopping, the best deals can be found in the charity shops of Marylebone High Street or Portobello Road, notable for second-hand gems donated by residents.

Evening

So there we have it, we’ve reached the final leg of our 48 hours in London itinerary. By now, you’ll have probably gained some confidence using the Tube and transport systems and may feel like you’d like to branch out and explore some of the city’s trendy boroughs. While first-time visitors may feel they’re spoilt for choice with things to do in Central London, some of the city’s best food spots and accommodation options can be found in the boroughs, most of which are located only 15–20 minutes away. 

From Liverpool Street Station, one of London’s main transport hubs, you’ll find yourself within walking distance to Shoreditch – an area renowned for its vintage shopping and cool restaurants. Further north, Camden and Hackney are ideal for budget-friendly homestyle places to stay, like Camden Town Apartments. Southbound, trains can be caught from London Bridge Station towards areas like Peckham and Brixton, where you can end your London visit with some vibrant music and authentic Caribbean cuisine.