London in 48 Hours

A whirlwind itinerary packed with history, food, views, and a touch of theatre

Sunrise in London with view of The Shard - Shutterstock

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London is one of the world’s most exciting cities—packed with centuries of history, vibrant culture, and more things to see and do than you could fit into a lifetime. But if you’ve only got 48 hours, you can still get a real taste of what makes the city special. From royal landmarks and grand museums to food markets, theatre shows, and riverside walks, a short visit can feel surprisingly full. London is easy to get around thanks to its excellent public transport, and its top sights are often closer together than you'd think.

This fast-paced itinerary blends iconic must-sees with local gems. You'll stand where kings and queens once ruled, eat in markets buzzing with global flavours, and stroll streets that have inspired everything from Shakespeare to Harry Potter. With a little planning and a comfortable pair of shoes, you can enjoy sweeping views from a rooftop, dive into British culture, and wrap it all up with a West End show. It’s a crash course in what makes London unforgettable—and a perfect intro for first-time visitors.

In today’s email:-

• London in 48 Hours - You’ll be walking a lot, riding the Tube, and sticking to short visits—ideal for a first impression, not in-depth exploration. It’s doable, but fast-paced - comfortable walking shoes a prerequisite:-

  • Buckingham Palace

  • Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

  • Westminster Abbey

  • Tower of London

  • Tower Bridge

  • Borough Market

  • Covent Garden

  • Trafalgar Square

  • National Gallery

  • West End Theatre Show

  • Soho (dinner or drinks)

  • Millennium Bridge

  • The London Eye

  • Sky Garden

  • The Shard (viewpoint)

  • St Paul’s Cathedral

  • Camden Market (optional depending on time)

  • Tate Modern

  • A walk along the South Bank

London in 48 Hours:-

Realistically, you can see most of those highlights in 48 hours—but you’ll need to prioritise and accept that you won’t experience each place in full depth. Here's how it breaks down: