Embark on a whirlwind 2-day tour of London's most iconic landmarks with this carefully crafted itinerary. Begin your journey at The British Museum, a treasure trove of world history and art, where you'll spend a full day immersed in ancient and contemporary cultures. On day one, you'll also visit The National Gallery, spending two hours admiring masterpieces of European painting. Day two is a royal affair starting with Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official residence, followed by the spiritual allure of Westminster Abbey, both requiring an hour each. No visit to London is complete without hearing the chimes of Big Ben, which you'll experience along with a quick 30-minute rotation on the London Eye, offering panoramic views of the city. Conclude your trip with an hour at the iconic Tower Bridge, a symbol of London's enduring strength. This itinerary ensures you experience the essence of London's grandeur and charm in just two days.
Day 1: Discovering the Treasures of London
The British Museum
Kick off your London adventure with a day at The British Museum, a treasure trove of world history and culture. Located on Great Russell Street, this iconic institution is a must-visit for anyone interested in the human story. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, spend your day wandering through time and continents as you explore the extensive collections of artifacts. The museum offers a unique opportunity to see the world without leaving London, making it an enriching start to your two-day itinerary.
Attraction Info
- Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
- Open from 01/01-12/23,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/23,Fri,10:00am-8:30pm;Closed from 12/24-12/26;Open 10:00am-8:30pm on 12/27,Fri;Open from 12/28-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Closed during Christmas Eve,Christmas
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The National Gallery
Continue your cultural journey at The National Gallery, situated in the heart of Trafalgar Square. This art lover's paradise houses a vast collection of paintings from the mid-13th century to the 1900s. Allocate around two hours to immerse yourself in the works of masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Turner. The gallery's serene atmosphere and impressive exhibits provide a perfect contrast to the bustling city outside, making it an ideal spot to reflect and unwind after your day of exploration.
Attraction Info
- Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open from 01/01-12/31,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/31,Fri,10:00am-9:00pm,Closed 24–26 December and 1 January。
Day 2: Royal Splendor and Iconic Landmarks
Buckingham Palace
Kick off your second day with a visit to the majestic Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Spend an hour marveling at the grandeur of this iconic palace, which stands as a symbol of the British monarchy and serves as the venue for many state occasions and royal hospitality. Don't miss the chance to witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony if your timing aligns.
Attraction Info
- London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 11/10-02/26,Mon, Fri-Sun,11:00am-4:30pm;Closed from 11/10-02/26,Tue-Thu;Open from 03/01-05/27,Mon, Fri-Sun,10:30am-3:45pm;Closed from 03/01-05/27,Tue-Thu
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Westminster Abbey
Next, take a short stroll to the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey, a place of worship, celebration, and ceremony. Spend an hour immersed in the rich history of this Gothic church, which has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. Its stunning architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit.
Attraction Info
- Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open on Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Open on Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Closed on Sun
Big Ben
Continue your journey through London's historical tapestry with a visit to the iconic Big Ben, the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Although typically a brief stop, spending an hour here allows you to appreciate the intricate details of this emblematic structure and its clock tower, which has become a symbol of London and the United Kingdom.
Attraction Info
- London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 1-1.5 hour
- Open on Mon;Open on Tue-Sun,8:00am-8:00pm,Outside viewing is admitted for whole day.
London Eye
As the day progresses, elevate your London experience with a half-hour ride on the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline. The London Eye has become one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, known for its spectacular vistas and romantic ambiance.
Attraction Info
- Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
- Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
- Closed all day on 12/25;Open from 12/26-12/30,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-3:00pm on 12/31;Open from 01/01-01/07,Mon-Tue, Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 01/01-01/07,Wed-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 01/08-02/04;Open from 02/05-02/09,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/24-02/25,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/22,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/01-03/24,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/25-03/28,Mon-Thu,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/29-04/30,Mon-Tue,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 05/01-05/26,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/01-05/26,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 05/27-09/01,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 10/28-11/03,10:00am-8:45pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 12/20-12/23,Mon, Fri-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-5:30pm on 12/24
Tower Bridge
Conclude your London adventure with a visit to the historic Tower Bridge. Spend an hour exploring this combined bascule and suspension bridge, which has stood over the River Thames since 1894. It's not only an engineering marvel but also offers visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic views from its walkways and learn about the bridge's history in the exhibition housed within its towers.
Attraction Info
- Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 9:30am-6:00pm;Open from 10:00am-6:00pm during New Year's Day
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Top Things to Do in London-2024
·Admire the 19 magnificent palaces of Buckingham Palace under the auspices of royal members
·Visit the White Drawing Room, the Music Hall, and the Throne Room, andthe designated venue for the coronations of His Majesty the King and the Queen
· Head to the palace’s garden café to enjoy a variety of snacks and enjoy panoramic views of the lake on the lawn
△ During the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, one guard detachment takes over from another guard detachment and then becomes the King's Guard, marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace under the accompaniment of music.
△ At the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace, visitors can view ever-changing exhibitions of the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by old painting masters, rare furniture, decorative arts and a large collection of photography.
△ The Royal Mews is one of the most prestigious working stables in the world and is home to the Royal Coaches, Windsor Grays and Cleveland Seahorses.The stable is still responsible for travel transportation for the King and other members of the Royal Family nowadays.
The British Museum is one of the three greatest museums in the world. It features a rich collection of rare works. The museum was the first to display the Rosetta Stone in its Egyptian Hall. The stone stele is inscribed with a decree in three different languages, and was the invaluable key to understanding language and culture in ancient Egypt. In addition, there are more than 23,000 Chinese relics housed here, the likes of which are rare even in Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Enjoy the iconic panoramic views of the Tower of London, St Pauls and the Shard from the Tower Bridge.
Step onto the Glass Floors, which is 42metres above the River Thames, to feel the london life from a unique perspective.
Explore the historic Engine Rooms, and discover the stories of workers.
The London Tower Bridge is one of London's iconic landmark structures. It is a bascule and suspension bridge that crosses the mighty Thames. It is also a drawbridge, with two bascules that can lift to an angle of 86 degrees to let river traffic to pass.
△ The scenic Tower Bridge.
△ The thrilling Glass Floors.
△ The moment when the Bridge lifts is lauching.
• Visit the place on the north bank of the Thames where kings were crowned and royal family members held weddings
• Stroll through the British State Burial Mausoleum and visit the resting places of royal family members and legendary figures such as Newton, Darwin, and Churchill
• Explore the magnificent, solemn, and quiet representative of Gothic architecture, and experience the thousand-year history of the majestic church
Westminster Abbey situated on the north bank of the River Thames in London, next to the Houses of Parliament, is a magnificent Royal Catholic Cathedral in the Gothic style, a holy place in England, and prominent among the many churches in the country.
The coronation throne of Edward I is located behind the church altar. This dilapidated seat has witnessed the changes of the British royal family for hundreds of years.
·Take a ride on the 135-meter giant Ferris wheel and enjoy a panoramic view of London city scenery
·Enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Thames River, overlooking and photographing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
·Overlook St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard and other buildings in the distance, and feel the unique blend of classical and modern London
△ The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned fully enclosed cabins, each cabin can accommodate about 25 people. The operation speed is slow, which is convenient for tourists to enjoy the scenery. It takes about half an hour to complete a circle. The cabin is equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which are played when rotated to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive explanation equipment is also available.
△ If you choose to ride the London Eye at dusk, the romantic Thames sunset will definitely be unforgettable.
△ The London Eye at night is equipped with dreamy atmosphere. The illuminated Ferris wheel forms a huge blue halo, like a bright eye in the night sky.
△ If you come to the London Eye on New Year's Eve, although you can't ride on it, you can watch the gorgeous fireworks and the changing colors of the London Eye. The scene is extremely lively.
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