2 Day London Itinerary - Weekend Trips for Families, Budget & Solo Travelers

Two days in London is just enough time to get a taste of the city—but with so much to see, you’ll need to be strategic. You could easily fill a week exploring world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, but for a weekend trip, it’s all about balance. It’s tempting to overload your itinerary with one type of experience (like free museums or historic sites), but the best trips mix must-see sights, unique attractions, and a bit of everyday London life.

That’s why we created Let’s Plan a Trip to London, a deck of 54 attraction cards that help you visualize your itinerary like never before. Each card represents a top London destination with key details like popularity, cost, and visit times—so you can shuffle, swap, and build the perfect plan for your trip.

Using this system, we’ve put together three curated 2-day London itineraries—one for families, one for budget travelers, and one for solo adventurers. Let’s dive in!

Family – 2 Day London Itinerary

This two day London itinerary is going to wipe your family out. Keep it all in here if you want to check London off the bucket list in a single weekend, but feel free to cut things if it makes your life easier and keeps you sane. This itinerary assumes your kids are old enough to walk around and enjoy the traditional sights. If they’re not you might consider a hop-on-hop off bus tour and a much more free-wheeling gentle pace.

Day 1: Iconic Sights by Thames

Walk the ramparts of the Tower of London and step inside a real castle with over 1,000 years of history. Imagine the lives of kings, queens, and prisoners who once walked these grounds. Don’t miss the eerie Torture Exhibit for a glimpse into medieval justice, and of course, the dazzling Crown Jewels—one of the most impressive royal collections in the world.
Stop at Tower Bridge, where you can snap the classic London photo or walk across the glass-floored walkway for a thrilling view of the Thames below.
Grab lunch at Borough Market, a favorite among both locals and tourists. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet sandwich, fresh oysters, or a warm doughnut, this is London’s best spot for a foodie delight.
Hop on a Thames Cruise, the most relaxing way to see the city’s famous skyline. You’ll drift past Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the ultra-modern City Hall, and finally the towering London Eye, all while learning a bit of history along the way.
Step off near Parliament and Big Ben, because no London trip feels complete without seeing this iconic duo. The towering Gothic architecture is breathtaking, but unless you’re a die-hard politics fan, a full tour isn’t necessary—just soak in the view and grab a classic red phone box photo nearby.
Take a stroll to Buckingham Palace, where you might catch the Changing of the Guard (check the schedule in advance). If you need a breather, St. James’s Park is the perfect place to decompress. Pick up a snack, sit in the grass, and watch the resident pelicans glide across the lake.
Wander through Trafalgar Square, where street performers, giant lion statues, and the towering Nelson’s Column make for a lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to stop and people-watch before heading inside your next destination.
Set a game plan before entering The National Gallery—this museum is massive, and time flies once you’re inside. Either pick a few must-see paintings in advance (Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, and da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks are good bets) or set a time limit to avoid getting lost in its vast collection.
Wrap up the day with dinner in Leicester Square or Chinatown. If you’re in the mood for something lively, grab dumplings, roast duck, or a hot pot feast in Chinatown. If you prefer classic British comfort food, head to one of Leicester Square’s pubs, or if you want something more sophisticated a short walk takes you to Soho. Either way, you’ll end the night in the heart of London’s entertainment district, surrounded by neon lights and buzzing energy.

Day 2: Markets, Shopping & A Night at the Theatre

Start your morning with a visit to either Camden Market or Notting Hill, depending on your vibe. If you love street art, quirky fashion, and alternative culture, Camden Market is your place—browse vintage shops, grab a bite from one of the countless food stalls, and soak in the punk-meets-goth-meets-indie atmosphere. If you prefer pastel-colored townhouses, charming bookshops, and a slower-paced morning, head to Notting Hill. Wander down Portobello Road, home to one of London’s most famous markets, where you’ll find antiques, boutique stores, and cozy cafés perfect for a relaxed start to the day.
Spend the late morning at London Zoo, the perfect stop if you have kids (or just love animals). If you started in Camden, take the scenic route through Primrose Hill, where you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of London. The zoo itself is one of the oldest in the world and home to everything from majestic lions to playful penguins.
After a slower-paced morning, pick up the energy with a visit to Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping street. If you have teens in your group, they’ll love browsing the flagship stores of brands like Nike, Zara, and H&M. But for something truly special, step inside Selfridges, an iconic department store where shopping feels more like an experience.
Spend the afternoon exploring The British Museum, a treasure trove of history spanning civilizations from ancient Egypt to Rome and beyond. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies, but honestly, every corner of this place is fascinating.
As the sun sets, head to Covent Garden Market for dinner, live street performances, and a final chance to pick up a meaningful souvenir from your trip. Whether it’s a hand-crafted item from one of the boutique stalls or something uniquely British (hello, tea and biscuits!), it’s the perfect way to round out your London experience.
End your London adventure with a West End show, where world-class theatre caters to every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a blockbuster musical (Les Misérables, The Lion King), a thrilling play (The Mousetrap), or something cutting-edge, London’s theatre scene rivals Broadway at every turn.

Plan Your Trip with Real Cards

The best itinerary is a custom one

Shop – Let’s Plan a Trip to London

SOLO – 2 Day London Itinerary

If you like the family itinerary above, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it solo. That’s the thing about planning an itinerary – it should be customized to you and you tastes. To make that point, this Solo itinerary is going to cover London in two days without seeing ANY of the same classic sights from the family itinerary. To get your 2 day / weekend trip right though, you gotta mix and match.

Day 1: Royalty, Culture & River Views

Start your morning at Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana and current residence of Prince William and Kate. Wander through its elegant State Apartments, learn about Queen Victoria’s early life, and take a moment in the beautiful Sunken Garden, one of London’s hidden gems.
Take a short walk to Hyde Park, one of London’s most famous green spaces. Stroll along the Serpentine, watch locals ride horses at Rotten Row, or grab a coffee and enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of the city.
Explore world-class art, fashion, and design at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). With collections ranging from Renaissance sculptures to Alexander McQueen’s haute couture, this museum always surprises. If you’re short on time, make a beeline for the stunning Cast Courts or the Jewelry Gallery.
Head to Harrods, the world-famous luxury department store, even if just to browse. Whether you’re shopping for designer goods, sampling world-class chocolates in the Food Halls, or just admiring the grandeur, it’s an essential London experience.
Travel into central London to visit Westminster Abbey, the breathtaking Gothic church that has hosted royal coronations, weddings, and burials for centuries. Highlights include Poets’ Corner, where legends like Shakespeare and Dickens are laid to rest, and the magnificent Coronation Chair, used for every monarch since 1308.
Take a breather with a ride on The London Eye, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city. As you slowly rotate, spot iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the winding Thames below.
End the night at The National Theatre, one of the best places in the world for cutting-edge drama and bold performances. Before your show, enjoy dinner at one of the fine dining options nearby, such as Skylon for modern British cuisine with Thames views, Oxo Tower Restaurant for gourmet dining with a skyline backdrop, or Sea Containers for a stylish riverside experience.

Day 2: Magic, Skyline Views & a Cultural Finale

Start your day with an unforgettable visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Step behind the scenes of the beloved films as you explore iconic sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9¾. See original props and costumes, learn about the movie magic that brought Hogwarts to life, and even try a Butterbeer along the way.
Return to London in the afternoon and head to The Shard for a late lunch with a view. Whether you opt for a meal at Aqua Shard, Oblix, or Hutong, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas of the city from one of London’s tallest buildings.
Walk along the South Bank, one of the most scenic stretches of the Thames, and make your way to The Tate Modern. Housed in a former power station, this world-class contemporary art museum features striking exhibitions and the massive Turbine Hall, which frequently hosts immersive installations.
As you leave, take a short detour to walk across the Millennium Bridge, the futuristic pedestrian crossing that offers a perfect view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
End the day with more theater at Shakespeare’s Globe, where you can experience the Bard’s work as it was meant to be seen—under an open-air, candle-lit setting in a near-perfect replica of the original Elizabethan playhouse.
Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for nightlife, head to Soho, one of London’s most vibrant districts. Whether you want to grab cocktails in a speakeasy, dance in a legendary club, or simply bar-hop and people-watch, this is the perfect place to see where the night takes you!

The game that started it all

WHERE TO NEXT?

Tired of the same trips? Let’s Pick Our Next Trip makes choosing your next adventure fun!

Pick between the top 54 global destinations for US travellers.
At-a-glance cost, popularity and best time of year to travel.
Decide as a group for better trips and happier travelers.

LEARN MORE

BUDGET – 2 Day London Itinerary

So far so good. Three totally unique 2 day London itineraries. For our last trick… I mean Itinerary, we’re going to be combining some of the destinations we’ve already seen, along with some new ones, to create the cheapest London experience for those of you on a tight budget. The good news is you can still totally see the best of London in two days without spending a lot of money. The difference is that you’ll be looking at the outside of more stuff than the inside, you’ll be taking full advantage of London’s free (and amazing) galleries, and you’ll be browsing the markets and stores rather than buying.

Day 1: Iconic London on a Budget

Start your day at Tate Britain, a free and often overlooked gallery showcasing world-class British art. Wander through stunning works by Turner, Constable, and the Pre-Raphaelites, and enjoy the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to its modern counterpart, Tate Modern.
Walk toward Westminster Abbey, one of the most breathtaking churches in the world. While a full tour is pricey, you can still admire its stunning Gothic exterior and the surrounding historic architecture.
Snap a classic selfie at Parliament and Big Ben—no London trip is complete without it. Find a red telephone box nearby for the ultimate tourist photo. On your way to the next stop, keep an eye out for 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence.
Take a break in Trafalgar Square, where you can sit by the fountains, people-watch, and (if you’re feeling nostalgic) feed the pigeons like in Mary Poppins.
Step inside The National Gallery, one of the greatest free art museums in the world. Marvel at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Monet’s Water Lilies, and other masterpieces without spending a penny.
Get a feel for London’s famous shopping scene by browsing Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Liberty. You don’t need to buy anything to soak up the atmosphere—Regent Street is home to iconic flagship stores, Carnaby Street offers trendy boutiques, and Liberty, set in a stunning Tudor-style building, is a window-shopper’s dream.
End the day at Piccadilly Circus, where neon lights and billboards give off Times Square vibes. From here, explore Soho, Chinatown, or Leicester Square, depending on your mood. Soho is great for lively pubs, Chinatown offers affordable dumplings and street food, and Leicester Square is perfect for watching street performers or catching a last-minute discount theater ticket.

Day 2: A Day in Greenwich & More Free London Gems

Start your morning by heading to Greenwich, a charming riverside town that feels like a peaceful escape from central London. (Yes, it’s the setting for Ted Lasso!). Wander along the high street, lined with independent shops, cozy cafés, and a bustling market selling everything from street food to antiques.
Visit the National Maritime Museum, which, like many of London’s best museums, is free to enter. It’s home to fascinating exhibits on Britain’s naval history, including artifacts from the Titanic.
Stroll through Greenwich Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, offering stunning views over the city from the top of the hill.
Explore the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the Prime Meridian, the exact line dividing the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. While there’s a fee to enter the observatory, you can still admire the historic buildings and take in the panoramic views for free.
Head back to central London for an afternoon at the Natural History Museum, one of the most impressive free museums in the city. Stand beneath the enormous blue whale skeleton in the main hall, explore the world-famous dinosaur fossils, and check out the stunning gemstone collection.
Take a break in Hyde Park, where you can relax by the Serpentine Lake, visit the Diana Memorial Fountain, or simply stretch out on the grass and soak in the atmosphere.
Spend the rest of your afternoon at the free British Museum—or, if you’re a true history buff, you could easily spend the whole day here. With treasures like the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and ancient artifacts from around the world, it’s an absolute must-see.
End your trip in Covent Garden Market, where you can watch free street performances while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Treat yourself to a beer on the Punch & Judy rooftop, the perfect spot to relax and reflect on an incredible (and budget-friendly) trip.

London’s Top Itinerary Destinations Mapped

HOW IT WORKS

TURN ITINERARY BUILDING INTO A GAME

There’s no funner way to plan a trip than with a deck of cards representing all the top destinations

Rank Destinations

Flip cards and vote on destinations with a 👍 or 👎

Build Your Dream Itinerary

Take turns to move highly ranked cards into your itinerary 🗓️

Optimize Travel

Minimize travel times by matching colors ✈️

Let’s Plan a Trip to London

$16.99

Let’s Plan a Trip to London is a collaborative game that helps families, friends, and travel groups create the ultimate itinerary based on their personal preferences—all while making planning fun and easy.

Out of stock

Category: Europe