A weekend in London must 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 buying, eating places, and extra. On this London 2 day itinerary you’ll learn how finest to spend a enjoyable weekend in London.
Spend your days strolling round a few of London’s most iconic landmarks and uncover town’s many parks and inexperienced areas, some with spectacular views of the London skyline.
After you’ve completed feeding your senses, make sure 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 positive to remain glad on a visit to this vibrant metropolis.
I’ve misplaced depend of the variety of weekends I’ve spent in London, however I can actually inform you all about the very best spots to go to, from the highest bars and eating places, to a number of 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 take a look at methods to spend a weekend in London.
Day 1 in London
The easiest way to begin your weekend in London is to dive into an honest breakfast. Most of the main London points of interest 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), brief 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 make sure to see some fascinating locations alongside the best way.
Morning
Begin your day in historic Westminster, the place lots of London’s high points of interest will 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 exhausting pushed to seek out cheaper anyplace within the UK. Veggie choices are additionally out there on the menu.
The situation of the Regency Cafe is only a five-minute stroll to Large Ben, the Homes of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
You possibly can wander round one of the iconic elements of London by yourself, however to actually get a really feel for the place, and be taught a number of the historical past, take into account taking a strolling 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 a little bit later, there are additionally choices to start at 1:00pm or 3:00pm. The price is £16.00 per individual.
Must you wish to head off by yourself, you may also wander right down to the River Thames, Westminster Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and St James Park, as they’re all inside simple strolling distance.
The Tate Britain is just some steps from the Regency and is a superb attraction for artwork lovers. For the James Bond followers amongst you, it’s only a brief 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 many of the route is alongside the banks of the Thames.
If you happen to’re not feeling peckish simply but I extremely suggest 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 relation to lunch choices – I personally suggest 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 often do), or wander right down to the river.
After lunch, you’re properly positioned for a few of London’s hottest points of interest round London Bridge. Followers of the macabre will pay a go to to the London Dungeon and be taught all concerning the metropolis’s darkish previous. This nice combo deal for the Dungeon and London Eye will prevent cash on these high London points of interest.
You gained’t miss out on the Shard towering above London Bridge station like a large piece of glass. The Shard comprises a collection of bars and eating places inside, in addition to a viewing platform on the 72nd ground, providing unparalleled views of town.
Night
London actually begins to return alive after the solar goes down and top-of-the-line locations to spend the night is within the West Finish. Right here you’ll discover every part from exhibits to buying, and a number of the finest eating places within the metropolis.
From London Bridge station take the Northern Line 5 stops to Kings Cross. Right here you’ll want to alter 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 positive eating to avenue snacks, there’s one thing to swimsuit each style and finances.
For first-time guests I suggest 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 finest 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 bounce on the tube, (two stops on the Piccadilly line). Nonetheless strolling solely takes ten minutes and also you’ll go by one other London landmark, Trafalgar Sq., which is buzzing at evening.
Lastly, end up the evening in stylish Soho, one among London’s finest evening spots. You possibly can take a tour of Soho’s bars, however I may also suggest Garlic and Pictures which is my favorite Soho hangout.
If you happen to’re concerned about whiskey, don’t miss this journey which takes you to five pubs with a Scotsman.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest 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 a little bit extra cultured – excellent for those who’re spending a romantic weekend in London.
Morning
Begin the day with a little bit 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 world, 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 methods to make breakfast, and the menu additionally has an awesome collection of croissants, cereals, fruits, and cooked breakfasts.
If you wish to stick with a British theme, then you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with the grilled kippers, (herring).
After breakfast, stretch your legs at London’s well-known royal Hyde Park. It’s only a brief stroll alongside Piccadilly and previous the Ritz. Upon getting into the park you’ll be forgiven for pondering you’ve left 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 bounce 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 Pure Historical past Museum is a brief stroll from Hyde Park and is one among London’s most well-loved points of interest. This unbelievable assortment of pure wonders is free to enter, so for those who’re in search of an inexpensive weekend in London, hitting town’s museums is a superb possibility.
Afternoon
Anybody spending two days in London ought to make sure to take a look at Camden; one of many metropolis’s most vibrant areas. From Hyde Park Nook you’ll be able to bounce on the Piccadilly line and bounce 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 glorious tour units sail from Little Venice and finally ends up proper subsequent to the market at Camden lock.
For lunch, I like to recommend attempting one of many many fascinating eateries across the station. Right here you’ll discover an enormous vary of cuisines from African and Center Japanese, to European, and extra. My private favorite spot for a light-weight lunch is King of Falafel immediately 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.
Make 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 dwelling to a few of London’s most well-known pubs. I like to recommend trying out the Hawley Arms which was Amy Winehouse’s native. They’ve a pleasant rooftop terrace overlooking Camden – excellent for people-watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Night
To high off your 2 days in London, head to hip Shoreditch, one of many metropolis’s most up-and-coming areas. You possibly can take the tube, however it’ll contain a number of modifications, so I like to recommend taking a taxi or Uber to make issues simpler, (the value might be round £25.00).
For dinner, Dishoom is a superb possibility and you may pattern one other of Britain’s most cherished cuisines, curry, (although they’ve a large and diversified menu). Dishoom serves Indian meals with an Iranian twist in a classy Parsi-themed cafe that’s vastly well-liked 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 gentle, purple gentle. 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 a number of the trendiest bars, pubs and golf equipment on the town. This nice expertise is simply £20 and consists of free entry to 5 institutions, plus 5 free photographs.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to London
Listed here are a number of tricks to make your journey to London much more gratifying.
- Get Round London on Foot
Get monetary savings 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 aren’t 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 high museums are free. If you happen to’re in search of an inexpensive 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 simple attain of town.
5. Have a Picnic
Get monetary savings on costly eating places by shopping for meals in supermarkets or at market stalls and consuming in one among London’s many lovely and free entry parks.
Learn how to Get to London
There are a number of methods to get to town. Listed here are the most well-liked.
London has glorious connections to the remainder of Europe and past with three main airports all inside simple attain. Plus, the Eurostar makes attending to central London from mainland Europe a chunk of cake.
By Air
Europe’s largest finances 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 doubtless fly into Heathrow or Gatwick, each of that are reachable from 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 providers to lots of the UK’s main cities similar to Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.
By Bus
If coming from the continent, Flixbus has providers to London from many locations together with France, Germany, Italy and Spain. For home routes, Nationwide Categorical 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, nevertheless remember that there’s a congestion cost for driving in central London and parking will be exhausting 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 finances lodging choices out there for these staying for 2 days in London.
A number of the finest neighbourhoods to remain in London embody Shoreditch, Islington, and the world round Waterloo Station. Areas across the West Finish, similar to Covent Backyard, are glorious decisions as there are such a lot of close by points of interest, however this may come at a premium.
Motels
Price range: The W14 Lodge
Mid-range: Ibis Shoreditch
Luxurious: NYX Lodge
Residences
Price range: Brick Lane Shoreditch Studio
Mid-range: Luxurious Studio – Glorious Location
Luxurious: Loft in Mayfair
FAQs A couple of 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 high points of interest and expertise what town has to supply. With lots of the well-known landmarks in shut proximity and a incredible infrastructure, there’s no excuse to not see as a lot as attainable.
How Can I Spend a Weekend in London?
A weekend in London will be spent in virtually any approach you’ll be able to think about. From eating on mouth-watering meals and visiting iconic websites, to exploring the various fascinating boroughs that make up this nice metropolis.
Getting across the metropolis is easy with transport such because the tube, buses, evening buses, taxis, water taxis, and extra. Don’t miss a number of the high London points of interest like Large Ben, Trafalgar Sq., Covent Backyard, and Soho. This expertise covers the entire highlights.
All you want is your passport, a number of kilos, and a way of journey to get pleasure from a weekend getaway in London.
Is London Value Visiting?
London is unquestionably a metropolis price visiting, (20 million folks per yr can’t be incorrect). With a historical past courting again hundreds of years and experiences like museums and world-class eating ready for you, unbelievable structure to see, and pleasant locals to satisfy, London actually must be on the bucket record of each traveller.
Get pleasure from 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 a number of 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 positive you’ll get pleasure from it simply as a lot as I do.
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The put up Weekend in London: The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary appeared first on Goats On The Highway.
