48 Hours in London: The Ultimate Bucket List Itinerary
Many years ago, I toured around Great Britain with two of my daughters. We had a fantastic time and were able to experience a bucket list adventure that all of us vividly remember, even 10 or so years later. Travels with Bibi is very pleased to host Jackie Brimley, today’s guest writer, who shares her recent article titled 48 Hours in London: The Ultimate Bucket List Itinerary.
Author Bio: Jackie Brimley is an accomplished writer and travel enthusiast. She has traveled to 5 continents and 30 countries in her lifetime and is an expert in packing the bare minimums for her travels.
48 Hours in London: The Ultimate Bucket List Itinerary
A weekend in London is not nearly enough to do and see everything the city has to offer. So, the challenge was to cover as much ground as we could in London in a mere 48-hours. Check out this tiring, but ultimately unforgettable weekend itinerary in London.
Day 1:
Hop off at St. Paul’s Cathedral
(image: Trip Savvy)
St. Paul’s Cathedral offers tourists a short history lesson. St. Paul’s Cathedral boasts one of the largest cathedral domes in the world where three equally fascinating galleries can be found. You can take any of the several tours available in the cathedral to learn more about how the cathedral was built, but don’t take too long as this is only the beginning of the trip.
Take a scenic walk to Trafalgar Square
(image: Wikipedia)
From the cathedral, we took a 30-minute walk through the scenic Victoria Embankment route to Trafalgar Square. This public space is the core of many of London’s festivities and you may be lucky to catch some events along the way. The people who pass through here bring life to the square— it’s a true melting pot of cultures.
Spend the afternoon at the National Gallery
(image: Wikipedia)
There are some 250 museums galleries and art institutions in London and you can find one in Trafalgar Square. After grabbing some lunch, head to the massive National Gallery which houses some of the world’s most significant works of art. Even if you don’t recognize any of them, the architecture is already a work of art in its own right.
Catch a match at London Stadium
(image: London Stadium Facebook)
Soccer is the country’s most beloved sport. One of the best places to catch a soccer match is at London Stadium. Coral describes how the stadium is home to West Ham United located in London’s East side. It is also the former site of the 2012 Olympics where you can channel your inner Olympian and run a few laps around the oval (if you go on the stadium tour).
Day 2:
Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
(image: Unsplash)
After finding a good brunch spot, which is not hard to do in London, make your way to Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard at 11 AM. There are many things to see inside the palace and CNN’s helpful guide to the iconic Palace enumerates some of them. Make sure to look up for the beautiful chandeliers and ooh and aah at the collections of art, porcelain and the Renaissance-inspired ballroom. If you have time, Kensington Palace isn’t too far away.
Marvel at Westminster Abbey
(image: The Globe and Mail)
One of the most intriguing landmarks in London has got to be Westminster Abbey.
The Globe and Mail reveals that they Abbey holds many secrets and is the spot where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge declared their vows. In fact, an enchanting attic that hasn’t been visited by the public in 700 years has just recently been opened to the excitement of many Londoners and visitors alike.
Take a last look of London from Above
(image: Unsplash)
The perfect way to say goodbye to this wonderful city is to watch it from a bird’s eye view. If you aren’t afraid of heights, get your tickets to the London Eye. It’s a spectacular sight especially at night.
There’s still so much left to do in London but this jam-packed two-day itinerary is a pretty good start.
If have more than just 48 hours to spend, you might be interested in this 4 days in London itinterary!
Have you been to London? What did you love or enjoy doing the most? Share your experience in a comment below!
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That looks like my kind of weekend!
Mine too Pam! I saw some of the suggested things when I took my daughters to England, but we were mainly there for a backpacking trip to Bath and Wells.
What a beautifully written piece. Quite refreshing to read. As much as I live in the country, I have not been to many of these places so the article has inspired me to make a visit soon xxx
Agreed! Jackie did a wonderful job on this piece and has inspired me to return to London!
It has been many years since I visited London. It was a wonderful place. The activity I liked the most was watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
We got to experience that too Missy! Loved it!
Wow, Jackie is fortunate to have traveled so much! London is on my bucket list too – look forward to going there one day! Great informative post!
Thanks for sharing,
Amira at ASelfGuru
Yes, Jackie’s post is pretty awesome and super informative.
This is SOOOOO on my bucket list. I’ve been fascinated with the Tower of London since I was a kid. I will get there one day. Thanks for sharing the itinerary!
You’re welcome Kristi. I hope you make it there sooner rather than later. 🙂
Really awesome post! Looks like you had an amazing trip.
Jackie shared an awesome itinerary for sure!
It’s been so long since I’ve been to London (1997), I don’t think there was a London Eye back then! Clearly I need to get back. There is so much to see and do there.
I believe the London Eye was fairly new when I visited. We did not go on it, but now wish we had.
I want to go to there!!
Me too Stephanie, me too!
I went years ago and loved it! Can’t wait to go back. My favorite was taking the day trip out to see Windsor Castle.
Wow! What a great memory!
I went when I was sixteen so this list is a great reminder! Thanks!
My kids were sixteen and just turning 21 when we went. At one of our B&B’s, the hosts caught wind that it was my daughter’s 21’st birthday and they bought her a cake and some small gifts too. What a great time we had!
London is a great city and Jackie hit on all of the must see for sure. I hope she was able to get in a good meal at a traditional pub.
I hope she did too! Eating out in other countries is definitely part of the fun!