So you’re visiting London for the first time, but you’ve only got 2 days. No worries! Read ahead for my own personal itinerary for 48 hours in London and if you’re on a tight schedule!
I planned my ‘2 Days in London’ itinerary by the locations of these landmarks for the most convenient and efficient route.

 

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-DAY 1-

Stop #1: Tower of London

Someone told me that I must visit the Tower of London. The reason that enticed me the most was “Many famous people were executed here.” WONDERFUL! The film The Other Boleyn Girl got me extremely intrigued with the tale of Anne and Mary Boleyn. This is the exact spot Anne was beheaded on May 19th, 1536.

💡TIP: If you want to check out the inside of this historic sight. You can purchase tickets in advance online for £22.70. (Print it out at home for a quicker entry) 

Stop #2: Tower Bridge

After you’ve taken the time to check out the Tower of London, just walk towards the water and make a left. You’ll find the Tower Bridge right there waiting for you!

 

Last Stop: Notting Hill

 

Since it’s your first day in London, Consider taking things slow by ending it with a late afternoon stroll through Notting Hill. Notting Hill is made famous by the film of the same title and its colorful houses and charming streets. (come get your cute Instagram photos)

💡TIP: If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, we saw a great variety of restaurants ranging from super hipster looking to Asian fusion to more casual dining.

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-DAY 2-

Stop #1. Buckingham Palace

Perhaps the most popular landmark after the London Eye and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace is the London residence and headquarters of the Monarch of the UK. Get ready for crowds of visitors along side you as you try to snap a decent photo of this grand palace.

And don’t forget to get a photo by the Queen Victoria Memorial statue.

 

 

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Stop #2. The London Eye

We admired the London Eye from afar, but if you feel inclined to take a ride on this iconic structure, you can find ticket prices online for approx. £25.20 (10% off for buying online)

 

Stop #3. Big Ben

 

We were standing on the bridge admiring the London Eye, when we turned our heads to see the Big Ben. It was definitely not in its advertised glory. We did not know that it has been and is still going to be under construction for quite some time. (I’ve heard maybe years) So if you’re visiting London anytime soon, be prepared to feel slightly disappointed.

Here’s a photo of the Big Ben in its days of glory.

Stop #4.  Red Phone Box

 

Of course you cannot miss grabbing a photo in one of those famous red phone boxes scattered all over London. There were about 5 phone boxes consecutively placed near the Big Ben. There were also some in Leicester Square (which reminded me a lot of Broadway in NYC)

💡TIP: If you have a sensitive nose or gag reflex, don’t try to open the phone boxes to get a cute photo. They’re pretty much being used as public toilets and sure smells that way too. 

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Stop #5. Chinatown

 

Now at this point in my trip, I had already been missing and craving Asian food. Getting from the Big Ben to Chinatown takes about 14 minutes by train, not too bad if you ask me. I also learned that Londoners don’t use Yelp like us Americans do. So to make sure you find a good pick to have your lunch or dinner, try TripAdvisor instead.

 

 

-Bonus Places to See-

If you’re a geek like me, and have more time on your hands, definitely go check out these spots!

 

TARDIS!

I am a HUGE Doctor Who fan, so the Tardis was #1 on my list of places to see. Located right outside the Earls Court tube station. You can’t miss it! Unfortunately the door was locked, so my time traveling trip will have to wait.

A post shared by Dia (@diajin) on Apr 30, 2018 at 5:03am PDT

 

Platform 9 3/4

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter I’m sure this is already on your list. Sadly, we didn’t get to see it this time around. Located inside King’s Cross Station, all the Potter fans can give a go at running into the wall and hoping to get on the Hogwarts Express.

Check out these Harry Potter tours

 

Indian food

I’ve eaten at a few amazing Indian restaurants while living in Los Angeles. However, our dinner at this place tops them all! This place is located super close to the Ravenscourt Park tube station.  

INDIAN ZING
236 King Street
London W6 0R

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Where to stay in London?

Being in London in 2 days put a huge dent in my wallet. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world. We opted to stay at an Airbnb near Ravenscourt Park, situated between Hammersmith and Chiswick. It was within our budget and the location had easy access to the tube and not too far from city center.

OR

Find the best hostels in London by using Hostel World. I have used this site to find the best accommodations during my budget travel trips. I really trust it because the reviews give me an in-depth idea of what exactly to expect from each accommodation, and the prices are unbeatable.

 

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Check out my essential item list for a day in London:

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