How To See Historic London In 48 Hours.
Day 1:
Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Queen’s Walk, Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, London Eye
Day 2:
Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Leicester Square, China Town, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Street, Bond Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus
Located in south-east England, London is one of the most exciting and historic cities in the world. Whether you’re traveling from oversees seeing London for the first time or from England simply looking for a few days out – London has an immense amount of famous history, culture and tradition to offer and admire, from double-decker buses to telephone booths, Big Ben, The London Eye, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and so much more.
It’s easy to find yourself stuck in the everyday hustle of life – especially in the busy centre of London – take a minute, or 48 hours ;), to look up and contemplate how much has lived before your time to get you here.
Whether you’re on a time crunch or you have a whole week to fulfill this itinerary, this is your guide to discovering the famous historic must-see sites London, England has to offer in a mere 48 hours:
Transportation
First things first, how do you see all of London in 48 hours?! Walking is of course an option. This does make for a nice tour of the entire city and extensive views. On the other hand, if you have children or are looking for a quicker option, I would recommend using the Underground tube system. If you are not used to big city tube systems it can be a little overwhelming at first but by the second day you’ll feel just like one of the locals running to work in London. The Underground system is great for getting to each site in a short period of time. I would highly recommend using the maps and asking around for help. Although they may seem intimidating, most locals are more than happy to offer directions for platforms or tube lines if you ask.
*This guide will give both walking and tube directions.
Day 1
Start your day off with a visit to the Tower of London.
Built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the Tower of London has an immense amount of history to offer. The very fact that it used to be a prison where Kings and Queens would imprison their enemies is just one of its many intriguing aspects. The fortress now stands as a visitor attraction where tourists can tour the tower.
Transportation (by tube): Find the nearest station to your accommodation and exit at Tower Hill Underground Station. As soon as you walk out of the exit, the Tower of London is directly in front of you.
Transportation (walking): This is dependant on accommodation of course. If accommodation is close to any of these train stations: Tower Hill Underground Station (5 minute walk), Monument Underground Station (10-15 minute walk), London Bridge Station (10-15 minute walk), Liverpool Street Station (20 minute walk), or London Charing Cross Station (25 minute walk), you are well within walking distance.
From there, walk the 5 minutes along River Thames to Tower Bridge.
Tower Bridge is an extremely iconic sight and if you have time, I would highly suggest seeing Tower Bridge during the day as well as at night. As you can see above, the lit up bridge makes for a marvellous scene. With construction starting in 1886 and extending over an eight-year period, Tower Bridge was finally open in 1894 for use. The bridge extends over the famous River Thames where the center lifts to allow large boats through approximately 800 times a year.
Transportation (by tube): Find the nearest station to your accommodation and depart at Tower Hill Underground Station. As soon as you walk out of the exit, head to the right, to walk a very short distance past the Tower of London and along the river.
Transportation (walking): From the Tower of London, it is a mere 5 minute walk at most with the River Thames on your right.
Trek across Tower Bridge, walk along the Queen’s Walk, and grab a bite to eat.
You can see Tower Bridge from both sides and even walk across it! It is completely free to walk across; it is just like any other bridge. When on the other side, marvel at all you just saw from the other side of the river, where there are several options for restaurants and coffee shops: a perfect place to grab a bite to eat!
Continue the walk or hop on a tube to Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster
Take another tube or walk further to the extremely famous Big Ben attached to the Parliament Buildings. Big Ben is the name of the clocktower located in the Palace of Westminster in London. Opened in 1859, Big Ben is one of London’s must-see attractions. It is beautiful both during the day and at night, although I personally like it during the day as you can see the beautiful, recently refurbished, golden accents around the clock. The Parliament Buildings, otherwise known as the Palace of Westminster, is the workplace for the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The best view for both the Parliament buildings and Big Ben are from standing on Westminster bridge.
Transportation (by tube): From Tower Hill Underground Station, take the District Line to Westminster Station. When exiting the Underground, you will come up across the street from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. If you walk to the left you will be on the correct side of the bridge to get the best view of the clocktower.
Transportation (walking): From Tower Bridge, continue along the Queen’s Walk with the River Thames on your right to reach Westminster Bridge. The walk is about a 2 hour walk along the river, though you will be able to see lots along the way.
To end the day, turn around to witness The London Eye
Located just on the other side of River Thames is the London Eye. Personally, I like to see this landmark completely lit up at night, but either way, it makes for a tick off the bucket list.
A great alternative is to see a few of these sites through guided tours. Click on links below to see my favourite tours.
Guided Tours of London:
2) London In One Day Tour with Changing of the Guard with London Eye Option
3) Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
Day 2
Start your second day off beautifully with a coffee in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the most exciting in London. It was designed in 1830 to commemorate the British victory against the Spanish and French in the Battle of Trafalgar. It is now home to the Landseer Lions; four lions that surround Nelson’s Column. The column is a tribute statue to Admiral Nelson to commemorate the victory.
Transportation (by tube): Find the nearest station to your accommodation and use either the Bakerloo or Northern lines to get to Charing Cross Station where you will exit. Also within a few minutes walk are Leicester Square Station on Northern and Piccadilly lines, as well as Piccadilly Circus Station on Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines.
Transportation (walking): This is dependant on accommodation of course. If accommodation is close to any of these train stations: Charing Cross Station (3 minute walk), Leicester Square Station (6 minute walk), Covent Garden Station (11 minute walk), Oxford Circus Station (21 minute walk), London Victoria Station (29 minute walk), you are well within walking distance.
From there, Walk 15 minutes to the extraordinary Buckingham Palace
This cultural landmark is one of many royal residences in England. The late Queen Elizabeth II spent the majority of her life living in Buckingham Palace where the majority of state occasions occur. The newly appointed King Charles III lives just down the street at Clarence House (you will walk past it when heading to Buckingham Palace from Trafalgar Square). The golden accents on the gates, the guards, and the beautiful Queen Victoria memorial in front of the palace are all breathtaking and worth the visit.
Transportation (walking): It is a mere 15 minute walk from Trafalgar Square along The Mall road, marked with United Kingdom flags and used for pedestrian access only. (Unless the Royals are driving in or there is an event).
Transportation (by tube): If you are not planning on going to Trafalgar Square, get on the tube to either Saint James’s Park Station (8 minute walk), or London Victoria Station (11 minute walk).
Take a photo with Paddington Bear and the Film Statues in Leicester Square
Leicester Square is home to several daytime shops, dining and theatres. Take a gander in and out of the shops and at the beautiful buildings and restaurants. Here, you can also take pictures with several film statues located in the park in the middle of the square. These include Paddington Bear, Mr Bean, Wonder Woman, Batman, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, and many more.
Transportation (walking): Just takes 20 minutes from Buckingham Palace. Head back on The Mall road back through Trafalgar Square and head North.
Transportation (by tube): Hop on the tube at Saint James’s Park Station and hop off at Leicester Square station.
Grab Lunch in authentic China Town
China Town is full of amazing whole-in-the-wall type restaurants with the most incredible authentic and delicious Chinese food. Talk a walk through, look at all the menu’s along the pedestrian street and take your pick – you cannot go wrong.
Transportation (walking): Walk 5 minutes from Leicester Square north along Leicester Street. It is simply one street over from Leicester Square.
From there, head to my favourite place: Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a spectacular and magical place with shopping, restaurants, street markets, and the best street entertainment in the country. With cobble-stone streets, simply take a walk around, pop in and out of shops, and don’t be afraid to watch a street act or two!
Transportation (walking): It is a 10 minute walk to Covent Garden from China Town. Simply head back through the Theatre District until you reach Covent Garden.
Transportation (by tube): From China Town, head back to Leicester Square Station and take the 1 minute tube ride on the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden Station.
Continue your window shopping spree or make your next favourite purchase along Piccadilly Street, Bond Street and Regent Street.
Piccadilly Street, Bond Street and Regent Street are all known for their luxurious and magnificent stores. From luxury to everyday wear, they’re worth the visit simply to admire the buildings.
Transportation (walking): Walk 15 minutes from Covent Garden to Piccadilly Circus. From there, you can head to either Piccadilly Street or Regent Street. To reach Bond Street from Piccadilly Street, you can take your third right if coming from Piccadilly Circus. To reach Bond Street from Regent Street head through Burlington Arcade for access.
Transportation (by tube): From Covent Garden Station, it is a 2-minute tube ride to Piccadilly Circus Station on the Piccadilly or Bakerloo lines.
Finish your day with dinner in Piccadilly Circus
There are several restaurants and pubs in the Piccadilly Circus area! I would recommend making a reservation or checking out restaurants halfway through your shopping to request a table – it can be very busy!
Find Yourself With An Extra Day or Two?
If you would like to see more of England’s historic sites, I would recommend visiting the Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath. These can be seen either by car rental or extremely credited tours!
Click on links below for my top recommendations for Tours of Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath.
Guided Tours of Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath:
1) Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath From London
2) Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock
3) Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London
A great alternative is to get in a car. Take as much time as you desire for you or your family. My top recommendation in finding your car rental is Discover Cars. Click here or below to find your car rental:
Want More Info On London?
Check out my favourite and the best travel guides:
Best Overall: Lonely Planet London
For Preparation: London Travel Guide: Top 20 & Things to Know Before You Go
The Best For Budget Travellers: Super Cheap London Travel Guide 2023
For Children: Kids’ Travel Guide London
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