How to Spend 48 Hours in London- The Adventuring Millennial

This wasn’t an easy guide for me to make.

I love London. I know it’s a cliche choice, but it’s my favorite city in the world. It holds so many memories for me.

I studied abroad in London in 2013. I spent 6 months exploring and getting to know this city. And it made a huge impact on my life. I learned so much about myself during the process. London is where I truly discovered my passion for traveling. After studying abroad, I knew I couldn’t sit still. I had to keep traveling and discovering more about the world.

In London, I also got engaged to my husband. (No, I didn’t meet him over there). We are actually high school sweethearts. And he came to visit me (and propose) while I studied abroad.

Anyways, enough rambling about my love for London. I just wanted to explain why it was so hard to make this guide. Yes, I LOVE London. And I’ve spent a lot of time there. So trying to decide what to put in 48-hour guide was tough. How can you cut anything out? There are so many incredible things to see and do in this city.

Well, I thought and thought. I made lists and agonized over what to keep and what to cut. In the end, I decided to make a first timers guide. This itinerary hits the London highlights. It covers the essentials. Later, I will share other London guides (geared towards those of us who’ve been to the city before.)

But for now, we need to start at the beginning. So welcome to my 48 Hours in London (for First Timers) Guide.

Where to Stay

Let’s face it, London can get expensive. So be prepared for pricey hotel rooms. But there are some affordable options, you just need to know where to look.

Staying in central London is ideal. This keeps you close to the main tourist attractions. But of course, this desirable location is going to come with a higher price tag.

On my most recent trip, I stayed at the LES Northumberland House. This was affordable and in a great location (very close to the Jubilee Bridge). The catch? This is student housing. Trust me, I know that sounds strange. But they actually have a great system worked out. When the London School of Economics students are on holiday, they rent out the dorms as hotel rooms. So, you can’t always count on this option, but check the website to see if your trip lines us with an LES holiday.

If you can’t stay at the Northumberland House, consider staying in a hostel. Sure, they aren’t glamourous. But hostels can be a way to stay in Central London at an affordable rate.

How to Get Here

Depending on where you are coming from, you have a lot of options for getting to London.

Fly

If you are flying into London, there are 4 airports you can choose from.

Heathrow- This is the main International airport in London. You can easily take the Tube into the city from this airport.
Stansted- Stansted is about 40 miles north of London. You can take the Stansted Express train into London.
Luton- Luton is about 25 miles north of London. With a shuttle bus and the Tube, you can get to London from this airport.
Gatwick- Gatwick is about 30 miles south of London. After Heathrow, it is the second-busiest airport in the UK. You can take the Gatwick Expres train from the airport to the city.

Heads up: Budget airlines usually fly in and out of Stansted, Luton, and Gatwick (not Heathrow).

Take a Train

If you are coming from another part of Europe, you could take a train (like National Rail or Eurostar) into London. Kings Cross (major Harry Potter vibes), St. Pancras, Victoria, Waterloo, and Paddington are some of London’s main train stations.

Take a Bus

Another option is to take a bus. Megabus and National Express are two of the main bus companies that service London. The Victoria Coach Station is the main bus station in the city.

Drive

Although I have no personal experience with this, you could drive into London. But like any major city, be prepared to struggle to find parking. When parking is available, it is often extremely expensive.

Transportation in the City

London offers one of the world’s greatest public transportation systems.

When you visit London, you need to purchase an Oyster Card. You can use this card to pay for Tube and bus rides. It is easiest to buy an Oyster from a kiosk in a Tube station. Top-it-up (add money) when you run low.

Tube

The Tube is London’s underground system. (Fun Fact, it opened in 1863 and is the world’s first underground system). Think of this like NYC’s subway (but so much better-sorry New York). The Tube is clean, reliable, and convenient. You can take it almost anywhere you need to go around London.

The Tube map is arranged in Zones. Zone 1 covers central London. Rings around Zone 1 (Zones 2-6) reach farther out from the city center. Fares are calculated by peak times and how many zones you cross. But, you can expect a normal trip in Zones 1 or 2 to cost about £2.90.

By the way, you need to tap in and out when you enter the Tube. So don’t forget to have your Oyster card ready when you want to leave the Tube station.

And yes, its ok to smile (and freak out a bit) when you first hear “Mind the Gap.” If you don’t know, this phrase refers to the gap between the platform and the train. An announcement is made at almost every Tube stop and this phrase has been embraced as a quintessential London saying.

Buses

Speaking of quintessential London, does it get any more British than a red double-decker bus?

Yes, you can actually ride double-decker buses in London. They are part of the normal bus fleet. But you will also encounter single-level buses.

Your Oyster card works on the buses. Just wait at a bus stop, board the bus, and tap your Oyster to the card reader to pay. The bus system covers central London and most of the surrounding areas.

Overground

In addition to National Rail and Eurostar, you can take an overground train in and around London.

Again, pay with your Oyster to board an overground train. These lines mostly service the areas surrounding London.

Walking

London is a very pedestrian friendly city. The sidewalks are similar to New York City, both are filled with people rushing to their destinations. Luckily, you can easily walk to many different sites in central London. But pay attention to street signs and lights: cars drive on the left side of the road and this can be confusing for some tourists. Don’t worry, most crosswalks are painted with “look left” or “look right” to help you figure out where to look. But to be safe, look both ways (just like your mom always told you).

Quick Tip

Although England is in Europe, they don’t use Euros as their currency. They even kept the Pound Sterling when they were part of the European Union. So be prepared to convert any euros you may have into pounds.

Also, cars in England drive on the left side of the road. So be smart and safe when you cross the road.

Day 1

Alright, we have a full itinerary. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Duck and Waffle

Let’s start with a view.

Our day starts with breakfast in the Financial District. If you are like me and book a 6:30 AM reservation, the neighborhood will seem pretty empty when you arrive.

Duck and Waffle is a 24/7 restaurant located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate. The dining room is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy an incredible view of the city as you eat.

Although every table offers a nice view, I recommend asking for a table by the side facing the Gerkhin. These tables offer an up-close view of this impressive building, as well as the Thames and Tower Bridge.

And just a heads up, you must make a reservation for this restaurant. And you will have to put a credit card to reserve your table (you will be charged if you don’t show up.) Also, you can only reserve your table for 1 hour. After your hour is up, you are invited to move to the bar (and you can stay here as long as you want).

The breakfast menu was pretty good. You can try their signature Duck and Waffles.

My picks: Duck and Waffles, Cheddar and Buttermilk Scone, Mocha

After breakfast, make your way to the Westminster neighborhood.

Westminster Walking Tour

As some of you probably know, I’m a sucker for a good walking tour.

I especially love self-guided walking tours. There is just something so nice about exploring a city at your own pace while learning about its history and culture.

So, I created a self-guided walking tour for the Westminster neighborhood. This guide takes you from The Parliament Building to the Royal Mews. Along the way, we will stop at Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace and more.

You can find the walking tour guide here.

(Oh, and to get to the start, take the tube to the Westminster station).

Lunch at a Pub

Feeling a bit peckish?

Well, let’s fix that with a classic British lunch.

Since we only have 48 hours in London, we need to maximize every meal. So I think this is the perfect time to stop by a pub!

There’s only one problem…

you are going to have to decide between fish and chips and a meat pie. I know, its a really tough choice. But don’t worry, we are going to stop by a pub tomorrow too.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any pub you find in Central London. Look for a sign that has the words crown, lion, or arms in the name and you should be fine.

( P.S. it’s totally ok if you want to enjoy a pint with your meal.)

A few of my pub recommendations:

The Porcupine

The Red Lion

Saint James Tavern

My Picks: Fish & Chips, Steak & Ale Pie, any type of fruity cider (Rekorderlig is my favorite!)

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is much more than a tower. Since 1066, this building has served as a castle, prison, fortress, mint, and a museum. Today, you can tour the tower to learn more about London’s history and to see the Crown Jewels.

Yes, the Crown Jewels of England (think crowns, swords, scepters, and rings) are on display at the Tower. For me, this is a can’t miss attraction for a first-timers visit to London.

But be aware, the Tower is said to be haunted. Henry VIII infamously imprisoned his second wife, Anne Boleyn, at the Tower of London. She was beheaded and it is said that her ghost roams the Tower’s halls.

As part of your admission ticket, you can enjoy a tour with a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater). These are the ‘Royal Bodyguards’ and they provide a fascinating look at this Tower’s history.

To skip the queue (and save a little money), be sure to purchase a ticket online in advance.

Tower Bridge

You probably already saw the iconic bridge before entering the Tower, but we need to spend more time appreciating it.

And let’s get one thing straight, I’m talking about the TOWER Bridge, not the LONDON Bridge. (I know, it is a bit confusing). But the London Bridge isn’t as grand or iconic as the Tower Bridge. And often, when people say London Bridge, they are actually referring to the Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge was built between 1886-1894. Today, pedestrians and cars can both cross the bridge. You can walk across the pedestrian walkway for free. This is a fun experience and offers a great view of the city. Or, for a small fee, you can walk across the glass walkway (if you want a slightly terrifying experience).

Also, check the website for lift times. Occasionally, the bridge opens to let tall boats pass. Watching this iconic bridge open up is a pretty special opportunity.

Enjoy your time on and around the bridge. Next up, we are heading to dinner.

Dinner at Dishoom

You are going to need to travel a bit. And you may encounter a wait at the restaurant. But I promise Dishoom is worth it.

Dishoom is a take on the classic Irani Cafes of old Bombay. In this cafes, all were welcome. Rich, poor, young, and old gathered for delicious food and great company at these cafes. Bombay was once home to over 400 of these cafes. Today, less than 30 remains. So, Dishoom was created to pay homage to these cafes.

There are a few different Dishoom locations around London. And most don’t take reservations. Try to arrive early (if you can). If not, wait it out.

Once you get seated, take your time looking over the menu. This is meant to be an experience. There is no need to rush.

If you are overwhelmed by options, as your server for recommendations. Our server was incredibly helpful and patient. She explained the entire menu and offered suggestions. Dishoom offers a shareable small plate menu. So order food for the table and share with everyone.

My picks: House Black Daal, Garlic Naan, Okra Fries

West End Show

The West End is essentially London’s Broadway.

Here, you can see world-class musicals and plays. Many famous shows premiered in the West End, like Mary Poppins and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Of course, these tickets can get pricey. But if you are interested, check out TodayTix for some deals.

After the show (or if you want to skip a show entirely), end the night at a pub.

Drinks at Sherlock Holmes

You are in London, so it’s totally acceptable to visit two pubs in one day.

When you visit a pub tonight, it will likely be a very different experience than you had at lunch. You may have trouble finding a spot. But that’s ok, join the Londoners and enjoy your pint.

Again, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a quality pub in Central London. But if you want a recommendation, check out Sherlock Holmes. This pub is especially convenient if you are saying at the Northumberland House.

This is a classic British pub with a twist, it is completely themed to Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy the Sherlock Holmes memorabilia as you sip your drink. And don’t forget to head upstairs to see the recreated study of Holmes and Watson.

Ok, I hope you enjoyed our first (and very full) day. Get some rest and get ready for day 2!

Day 2

Good morning. Ready for another full day? Let’s fuel up with some coffee first.

Notes Coffee

Alright, we are starting our day at Notes Coffee. This roaster is actually a coffee bar by day and an alcohol bar by night. But for now, we are sticking with the coffee.

I suggest the Trafalgar Square location. If possible, grab a seat facing the window. That way, you can people watch as you slowly savor your drink.

My picks: Liege Waffles & Maple Syrup, Granola & Yoghurt, Mocha

Take your time, we are not in a huge rush. In fact, our next stop doesn’t open until 10 am.

Trafalgar Square & Museums

If you are an early bird (like me) and finish breakfast before 10 am, take some time to explore Trafalgar Square. This is a major gathering point in the city. Holiday festivals and demonstrations frequently occur in the square.

At 10 am, you can visit one of the museums located in Trafalgar Square. Both the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery can be found in this square. As a bonus, they are both free to visit. So maybe you want to check them both out.

The National Gallery is filled with European art, including pieces by Seurat, Monet, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. The National Portrait Gallery showcases an impressive collection of British portraits. Expect to see some very recognizable faces (including royalty and Shakespeare).

Next up, we are heading to Camden for lunch.

Lunch at Camden Market

There are many food markets you could visit in London. But on this itinerary, I’m highlighting my favorite one: Camden Market.

This market opens every day at 10 am, so it is the perfect place to grab lunch. And you have a variety of options here. Stroll past boots offering pasta, pizza, fish & chips, curry, and more. Take your time to explore the options. When you are ready, you should be able to find an open table or a spot facing the canal.

In addition to the food stalls, Camden is filled with boutiques, bars, and quirky shops. Camden is a unique and grungy area. It offers a very different feel that the rest of London. The late singer, Amy Winehouse, lived and spent a lot of time in Camden. A statue of Winehouse was placed outside the Stables Market in Camden to commemorate the 3-year anniversary of her death.

However you spend your time in Camden, don’t skip the Dutch Pancake stall. These fluffy, golden brown mini-pancakes are pure heaven.

My picks: Cheese Wheel and Dutch Pancakes

Regent’s Park

A 15-minute walk from the Camden Market will take you to Regent’s Park. I recommend spending the rest of your afternoon in this Royal Park.

You can simply stroll the park grounds. This expansive green space offers a break from the faced-paced vibe of Central London.

One of my favorite spots to relax in the park in Primrose Hill. Yes, you will have to trek to the top of a hill. But once you make it, sit and stay awhile. You will be treated to a view of London’s skyline.

If you are up for it, Regent’s Park is home to the London Zoo. This zoo opened in 1828 and is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Harry Potter fans might be especially interested in visiting this zoo. It is home to the Reptile House that was featured in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Dinner at a Pub

I know, original right?

But trust me, when you are in London, you want to eat a more than one pub. There are just too many delicious options to squeeze into one meal.

So, refer to my pub list earlier in this post. Or, as I’ve mentioned, you won’t have any trouble finding one on your own. Pubs are everywhere. And you really don’t need to worry too much about waiting for a table. So depending on where you plan to spend the evening, you will likely find a pub in that area.

My Picks: Fish & Chips, Steak & Ale Pie, any fruity cider drink

Evening Walking Tour

For your last night in London, I recommend taking a guided walking tour. London is filled with history and culture. And there are walking tours that cover every aspect of London. So find one that interests you and spend the evening diving deeper into the city.

I especially recommend Free Tours by Foot. This company offers free tours all over the world. You are still expected to tip the guide, but this is a great deal for a walking tour.

Check their website for updates. A few of their tours that I am interested in include:

Jack the Ripper
London Night Tour
Dark Side of London Ghost Tour
Harry Potter Tour

Late-Night Dessert

Look, if you want to hit up another pub, I’m not going to judge. This is your last night in London after all.

But if you want something a little different, I suggest capping off your London trip with some fro-yo. Specifically, fro-yo served out of a double-decker bus.

The Southbank Snog sits on the, well, south bank of the Thames. And this cute fro-yo shop really is a converted double-decker bus. Order your treat from the window, then make your way to the upstairs seating area. I especially love this location because you get a great view of the Thames at night. You can see the London Eye and other iconic buildings with their evening lights.