48 hours in London
Let’s be honest. Two days are definitely not enough to visit all of London. But you only have a weekend. So you need to find the perfect itinerary to explore the city in just 48 hours – and you might want to avoid the crowds of tourists.Sure, the Big Bang, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye are musts. But if you want to discover the true essence of the city and go beyond the hop-on hop-off red buses, this itinerary is for you.This is your complete guide to discover the city in 48 hours just like a Londoner.
Tips before starting your trip:1 – Download the Citymapper App. It will help you figure out the quickest way to get where you want, informing you on prices and any public transport delays.2 – Get your Oyster Card. You can buy it at the airport or at any tube station. It’s the cheapest and easiest way to travel. 3 – If you want to go to a particular restaurant, make sure you book a table. London is a very lively city, and if you have a spot in mind, it would be unfortunate to queue for an hour.4 – Take the tube instead of the bus. Since London is a busy city and you only have 48 hours, it would be a shame to waste time in traffic.
DAY 19.30 am: Start the day with breakfast in one of London’s most Instagrammable spots – Élan Café.
Address: 48 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1PR Website: http://www.elancafe.co.uk/
10.30 am: After a short walk from the café, you will reach Hyde Park, one of the largest Royal Parks in Central London. Weather permitting, rent a boat on the lake. Bring a book and enjoy one of the city’s most relaxing spots.
11.30 pm: Get to the Oxford Circus Tube station for a shopping spree on Oxford Street. Don’t forget to check out Carnaby Street and see Liberty’s iconic Tudor revival building. Selfridges is another must-see department store, located near Bond Street Station.
1 pm: For lunch, there are endless choices in the area. Our top pick is NAC, a bistro that offers healthy and tasty dishes. The ambiance is cosy, with a French bistro vibe.
2 pm: Walk down Regent Street until you reach Piccadilly Circus, where street artists, the iconic screens and red buses create a true London atmosphere.
Then, take Shaftesbury Avenue and walk through Leicester Square. You will come across China Town, where you can explore authentic shops and bakeries. Grab a Bubble Tea or a Bubble Wrap – you surely won’t regret it.
3 pm: If you keep walking down Shaftesbury Avenue, you will reach the famous Covent Garden. You can have a look at the Royal Opera House and the market. Just a moment’s walk until one of the world’s greatest museums: the British Museum. Showcasing almost 2000 years of human history, take a look at the permanent collection or the current exhibition.
In just 2 minutes you will find a hidden courtyard full of vibrant colours and murals: Neal’s Yard, a world away from the busy London life.
4.30 pm: If you are looking for a pretty café with delicious smoothies, opt for Kalifornia Kitchen.
Address: 19 Percy St, Bloomsbury, London W1T 1DY Website: https://www.kaliforniakitchen.co.uk/
5.30 pm: Take a bus to Camden Town to enjoy an over-ground journey. The crazy front shops, vintage stores and food stalls create a unique grungy atmosphere. Take a look at the famous Camden Lock before entering the Market. You can spend time wandering around the stalls and the food market.
8.00 pm: Get to Heddon Street and choose between a Japanese, Italian or Moroccan restaurant, amongst others. After dinner, enjoy a drink at the MoCafé, in a colourful setting with furnishings from a Moroccan souk.
Address: 25 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BE Website: https://www.momoresto.com/
DAY 210 am: Reach Notting Hill Gate station and you will get captivated by the area’s charm: colourful houses, Portobello Road and casual cafés.
For vintage designer lovers, Rellik is the place to go – and is also Kate Moss’ favourite. Address: 8 Golborne Gardens, London W10 5NW Website: http://relliklondon.co.uk/
11.30 am: Notting Hill is well known for its trendy brunch spots. Most of them don’t take reservations, so you might have to wait for a bit. Farm Girl is one of the best, with an all-day brunch menu.
Address: 59A Portobello Rd, London, W11 3DB Website: https://www.thefarmgirl.co.uk/location/notting-hill/
12.30pm: Take the tube to the other side of the city: Southwark Station. You will reach the Tate Modern in a few minutes, showcasing contemporary and modern masterpieces from all over the world.
3 pm: When you exit the museum, the Millennium Bridge will take you to the beautiful Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Enjoy one of the most breath-taking views of the city from the bridge.
Then, take a walk around Bankside neighbourhood, where you will find the most of the London trademarks: the Tower Bridge, the Big Bang and the Coca-Cola Eye. You can also have a look at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. If you want to relax and have a drink or something to eat, the Breakfast Club serves delicious all-day breakfast.
Address: 11 Southwark Street, SE1 1RQ Website: http://thebreakfastclubcafes.com/locations/london-bridge/
5 pm: Visit Borough Market, one of the oldest food markets in London. From there, the Shard – the iconic skyscraper – is just moments away.
8 pm: One of the nicest restaurants in the area is Coppa Club, with its famous igloos and stunning view.
Written by Virginia De Salvia
