London in 2 days: a full itinerary with museums
Quick answer
For 2 days in London, spend the first on Westminster, Buckingham, Trafalgar Square with the National Gallery and the South Bank, and the second on the British Museum, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Book the Tower online; both museums are free to enter.
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Day 1: Westminster, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank
A day on foot through monumental London, with the National Gallery as a free art stop.
- 1
09:00 · Westminster
Big Ben and Parliament
The classic photo from Westminster Bridge.
- 2
10:00 · Parliament Square
Westminster Abbey
A visit of 1 to 1.5 hours with a booked ticket. Closed to visitors on Sundays.
- 3
12:00 · St James's Park
Buckingham Palace and St James's Park
A walk through the park to Buckingham Palace.
- 4
13:30 · Covent Garden
Lunch in Covent Garden
Pubs and markets ten minutes away.
- 5
15:00 · Trafalgar Square
National Gallery
A free 90-minute visit. With AnyArt, point at any painting you don't know.
- 6
17:00 · South Bank
South Bank at sunset
A riverside walk to Tate Modern and its panoramic terrace.
- 7
19:30 · South Bank or Borough
Dinner
Dine by the river or at Borough Market.
Day 2: museums, the City and the Tower
A day for the British Museum and historic London. Enter at 10:00 and pick your galleries so you don't burn out.
- 1
10:00 · Bloomsbury · Great Russell Street
British Museum
The Rosetta Stone, Parthenon marbles and Egyptian mummies. Give the essentials 2 hours.
- 2
12:30 · Bloomsbury
Lunch near the museum
Pubs and cafés in the neighbouring streets.
- 3
14:00 · Ludgate Hill
St Paul's Cathedral
Paid entry with the dome climb if you're up for the steps. Otherwise admire it from the Millennium Bridge.
- 4
15:30 · Tower of London · Tower Hill station
Tower of London
The Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the Yeoman Warder tour. Allow 2 to 3 hours with a booked ticket.
- 5
18:30 · Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge at dusk
Cross the bridge and stroll the south bank with views of the lit-up Tower.
- 6
20:00 · Borough Market
Dinner
Dine at Borough Market or a historic City pub.
Tips for planning the 2 days
- Book the Tower of London in advance: it's the critical reservation of the trip.
- Use contactless for transport; the daily cap applies automatically.
- Free museums accept donations and some open late one evening a week.
- If day 2 is rainy, stretch the British Museum and move the Tower to the morning.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for London?
For the essentials, yes: one day for Westminster and the South Bank, another for museums and the Tower. With 3 days you can add Greenwich or the Natural History Museum.
Which day is best for Westminster Abbey?
Monday to Saturday. It doesn't admit sightseers on Sundays.
How much do tickets cost over these 2 days?
The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are paid, at roughly £30 to £37 each; the museums on the route are free. Confirm fees on the official sites.
Is the British Museum worth it?
Yes, and it's free. Plan 2 hours for the main galleries rather than trying to see everything.
Where is the best area to stay?
Near Westminster, Covent Garden or the South Bank, with good Tube links.