2 Days in London: The Essential Itinerary

London, United Kingdom

Two days is enough to see London's biggest icons without sprinting between them. This plan splits the city into a royal and riverside day, then a historic and museum day, so you get the landmarks, one great museum, and time to actually enjoy them.

Day 1: Royal London and the Thames

Start the morning at Buckingham Palace, timing your visit for the Changing of the Guard if it's running that day. From there walk through St James's Park toward Big Ben & Houses of Parliament, then continue on to Westminster Abbey for a look inside one of the country's grandest churches. In the afternoon head east along the river to the London Eye for skyline views, then cross toward the Tower of London to explore the castle and crown jewels before the day winds down. Finish at Tower Bridge, especially striking when it's lit up at dusk.

Day 2: The City, St Paul's, and a Great Museum

Devote the morning to the British Museum, giving yourself a couple of hours to take in its most famous galleries without rushing. Afterward walk south to St Paul's Cathedral, whose dome is worth climbing for the view over the City. Cross the Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern for an hour among contemporary art, then head up to The Shard for a final panoramic look at London from above before the light fades.

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