How to visit London in 2 days? - Sightseeing plan

London is a city that can enchant from the first step. With its mix of history, modernity, culture and urban atmosphere, there is something for everyone. But is it possible to get to know the place in just two days? Yes - provided you plan your route well.

In this article you will find ready-made tour plan for 2 days - Day by day, step by step. We focus on the most important attractions, iconic points on the map, but we also leave a moment to walk around and make your own discoveries. This way you will not only see what you need to see, but also feel the real atmosphere of the city.

Here we go!

Day 1 - Classic symbols of London

1️⃣ Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard

Start your first day of sightseeing in London with one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch. It is a must-see on any visit to the capital.

The biggest attraction here is changing of the guard - A spectacular ceremony involving guardsmen in red uniforms and distinctive bearskin caps. It is usually held approximately 11:00 a.m. (But it's worth checking the schedule before visiting - it doesn't take place every day). To see everything properly, it is best to come a minimum of 30 minutes in advance And set up by the palace fence.

The palace itself can be admired from the outside - going inside is only possible at certain times of the year. It is also worth taking a look at the statue of Queen Victoria Standing opposite the main gate.

2️⃣ Walk through St. James's Park

After watching the changing of the guard, it is worth going through the St. James's Park - The oldest royal park in London and one of the most picturesque. It's the perfect place to relax for a while after the morning crowds outside the palace.

Wide avenues, a picturesque lake overlooking the London Eye and numerous species of birds (including the famous pelicans!) make a walk here a real pleasure. In the center of the park is a small cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a quick breakfast outdoors.

Walking through the park in an easterly direction will take you directly to the next key points of the tour - the following. Westminster Abbey i Big Ben.

3️⃣ Westminster Abbey

Upon exiting St. James's Park you find yourself directly under the majestic walls of the Westminster Abbey - one of the most important temples in Britain and all of Europe. It is here that since 1066 the coronations of British monarchs, as well as state ceremonies, weddings and funerals. The interior of the abbey impresses gothic architecture, sculptures, stained glass windows and richly decorated chapels.

Visitors are particularly impressed by the Poets' Corner., where they rest, among others. Chaucer, Dickens whether Tennyson, and tombstones of prominent scientists, such as Isaac Newton i Charles Darwin. It's worth booking tickets in advance via the internet, to avoid long waits - the place attracts tourists from all over the world.

For many, it's the highlight of the entire tour - the place where Britain's history lives and breathes In every detail.

4️⃣ Big Ben and Parliament

Just a few steps from the abbey grows before you Big Ben - the most recognizable clock tower in Britain, and perhaps the world. Although technically the name Big Ben refers to bell inside, rather than to the tower, it is under this name that the entire structure is known. Officially, the tower is called Elizabeth Tower, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.

The tower is particularly impressive when beats the full hour - The powerful sound of the bell carries through the neighborhood and is one of London's most distinctive "sonic landmarks."

Right next door stretches the massive and beautifully decorated Palace of Westminster, which is the headquarters of British Parliament (Houses of Parliament). The building delights neo-gothic architecture and facade details. Although the interiors are available for touring only on selected dates, the very view from the outside - especially from the side of the Westminster Bridge or the other bank of the Thames - is very impressive.

It's a place that perfectly demonstrates how London connects political power, tradition and aesthetics - In one monumental painting.

5️⃣ London Eye and city views

After immersing yourself in Britain's royal history and political heartland, it's time to look at London from above. Just a few minutes' walk through Westminster Bridge separates you from one of the city's most recognizable attractions - the London Eye.

This is a huge viewing wheel with a height of 135 meters, which offers panoramic views of all of London - from the Thames and Big Ben to The Shard and the City district. The ride in one capsule lasts about 30 minutes and allows you to see the city from a completely different perspective.

Tickets are worth buying in advance online, to avoid a long wait in line. You can also consider a combination ticket (e.g. London Eye + Madame Tussauds) if you plan to visit more attractions.

After the ride, you can take a stroll in the surrounding countryside Southbank waterfront promenade, full of cafes, food trucks and street performers.

👁️ If you want to see more than just a view from below And find out, What you should really know before you ride, be sure to watch our video!

6️⃣ Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery

After visiting the London Eye, it's worth heading to the Trafalgar Square - one of London's most famous and vibrant public spaces. This is where Nelson's famous column is located, surrounded by lions and fountains, while street artists, demonstrators, tourists and Londoners gather around.

At the square itself is located National Gallery - One of the most important art museums in Europe. Admission is free, and inside you can see works by such masters as Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, Caravaggio whether Leonardo da Vinci. Even if you're not a big fan of painting, it's worth a look at least for the atmosphere alone.

From the square you can easily walk to the Covent Garden district, which is a great place to end the day.

7️⃣ Dinner and evening in Soho or Chinatown

After a day of intense sightseeing, it's time for a well-deserved rest - preferably with good food and in a unique atmosphere. Just a few minutes' walk from Trafalgar Square, you'll find yourself in the heart of London's nightlife - at the Soho.

It's a vibrant neighborhood full of pubs, restaurants, clubs i theaters, perfect for an evening of relaxation. Here you will find cuisine from all over the world - from Italian and Thai, to trendy burgers and fusion street food.

If you're in the mood for something oriental, head to a nearby Chinatown - a colorful neighborhood with an impressive gate, red lanterns and smells that tempt from every direction. It's a great place for authentic Asian dishes at affordable prices.

You can end the evening with a leisurely stroll or... a drink in one of the atmospheric bars. Soho at night is a completely different London - more casual, artistic and surprising.

Day 2 - London by the Thames and modern attractions

1️⃣ Tower of London

Start your second day of sightseeing in London with one of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in the city. Tower of London. This place has served many functions over the centuries: it was fortress, prison, royal palace, as well as place of execution. Today it attracts crowds of tourists mainly because of the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels, stored in a specially protected room.

For sightseeing, it is worth spending 1.5 to 2 hours - The complex is extensive, and you will find, among other things. royal chambers, medieval towers, armory, as well as the famous ravens, which, according to legend, protect the British Kingdom from collapse.

Tip: it's best to buy tickets online in advance, to avoid queues - it is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

🏰 Tower of London is one of the most fascinating places in all of United Kingdom - full of legends, dark stories and royal glamour.
👑 If you want to see more than just a few photos and read trivia, be sure to watch our video, in which we show all the Tower's highlights: the White Tower, the Crown Jewels, the Ravenclaws, the Bloody Tower and much more. 📽️

2️⃣ Tower Bridge

Start your second day of sightseeing in London with one of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in the city. Tower of London. This place has served many functions over the centuries: it was fortress, prison, royal palace, as well as place of execution. Today it attracts crowds of tourists mainly because of the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels, stored in a specially protected room.

For sightseeing, it is worth spending 1.5 to 2 hours - The complex is extensive, and you will find, among other things. royal chambers, medieval towers, armory, as well as the famous ravens, which, according to legend, protect the British Kingdom from collapse.

Tip: it's best to buy tickets online in advance, to avoid queues - it is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

3️⃣ Walk along the Thames and Borough Market

From Tower Bridge, begin your walk along the south bank of the Thames toward the district of Southwark. On the way you pass a modern The Shard - Britain's tallest skyscraper (optionally, you can ride up to its observation deck, although this is quite expensive).

Right next door is the Borough Market - One of the most famous culinary fairs in Europe. A great place to lunch - Here you can find everything from fresh oysters and street food to vegan specialties and traditional British dishes. It's worth taking a moment here to grab a bite to eat either standing up or at one of the communal tables.

4️⃣ Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge

After lunch, it's worth heading to Tate Modern - one of the most important contemporary art galleries in Europe. It is housed in a former power station on the Thames River, whose austere interior is perfectly suited to exhibitions featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, Rothko whether Hockney. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free, which makes the place extremely affordable.

The upper floors also include overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the city - you can see the Thames, The Shard and Millennium Bridge, among others. It's a great place to relax for a while in a space full of art and inspiration.

From the gallery exit, one almost immediately enters the Millennium Bridge - A modern pedestrian bridge of steel and glass, made famous by the Harry Potter movie, among others. It leads directly to one of London's largest temples.

5️⃣ St. Paul's Cathedral

After crossing the Millennium Bridge, you will reach the impressive St. Paul's Cathedral (St. Paul's Cathedral). It is one of the most important churches in Britain, with a distinctive dome that towers over the City of London. The cathedral has been the site of many important events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The interior is very impressive - rich ornamentation, vast space, marble details. One of the biggest attractions is the possibility of entrances to the dome, from where you get one of the best views of all of central London. The effort of climbing several hundred stairs really pays off.

It's worth reserving some time for this place - even if you don't go up to the dome, just being inside gives you a sense of interacting with history and architectural masterwork.

🎥 In this video, you'll discover the secrets of St. Paul's Cathedral: how high its dome is, who rests there, what's in the Whispering Gallery and when the most famous royal wedding took place!

6️⃣ Sky Garden

At the end of the day, go to Sky Garden - garden and observation deck at the top of the skyscraper 20 Fenchurch Street, commonly referred to as a "Walkie-Talkie." It's a great alternative to the London Eye or The Shard - and most importantly: admission is free, you just need to book your ticket online in advance.

In addition to the views, you'll also find restaurants and bars - if you make a reservation for dinner, you don't need a separate admission ticket.

🔎 Want to know more about Free observation decks in London?
🎥 Watch our video to learn more 🌆

7️⃣ Evening in Shoreditch

At the end of the day, go to Shoreditch - a district known for creative atmosphere, street art and independent premises. The streets are full of murals, fashionable bars i restaurants With cuisine from around the world. It's a great place to dine in a casual setting, non-tourist atmosphere. In the evening there is a vibrant life here - there are activities clubs, pubs with live music And atmospheric cafes. The perfect end to a busy day seeing a more local, alternative face of London.

Summary

Two days in London It's an intense but doable adventure. You managed to see the city's greatest symbols - as of Buckingham Palace i Big Ben at Tower Bridge i Sky Garden. You have gone through royal parks, you visited museums, you admired London skyline from different heights and you got to know districts with completely different climates. Despite the busy schedule there was also time for good food And a moment's rest. It is a tour that gives comprehensive picture of the city - Its history, modernity and unique energy. Only one thing remains: come back here for more!

🎨 You think London Does it have to be expensive? Not at all! Watch our video and learn about 8 world-class museums, which you can visit absolutely free!
🏛️ From dinosaurs to artwork Van Gogh - Discover London's cultural treasures without spending a pound!