2 Days In London - What To Do In 48 Hours

Once you reach Big Ben, meander along the banks of the Thames and you’ll see more than a few of London’s skyline landmarks - not bad for an hour’s stroll. From Westminster, cross over the river either on Westminster or Jubilee Bridge for the best views of the London Eye and walk along the South Bank, a two mile long hive of cultural activity. The Southbank Centre includes the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery, the British Film Institute as well as a dizzying programme of festivals and free events, so there’s bound to be something to catch your eye.

Your lunch stop is Borough Market, a haven for foodies where street food traders, artisanal food and produce stands, established restaurants and a sprinkling of traditional fruit and veg stalls make up a diverse foodie community. The market celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 2014, making it London’s oldest food market. Graze your way around this food and drink cornucopia and sample bites of fresh paella or Ethiopian curries, nibble charcuterie and cheeses, feast on venison burgers or indulge your sweet tooth with handmade chocolates. Borough is adored by Londoners not only for the diversity of its cuisines and the quality of its produce, but for its community atmosphere and inclusivity. Absolutely stuffed, hop on the tube at Borough and enjoy a sit down (hopefully) before you emerge on the other side of the river at Liverpool Street. 

Once you’ve browsed the market, venture into Shoreditch and explore this creative neighborhood which is known for its gritty and artistic vibe. Industrial warehouses and disused factories have been repurposed into gallery spaces and every exposed brick wall, old railway carriage and back alley is emblazoned with inspiring street art from world renowned artists as well as home grown talent. Make your way to Brick Lane and meander along this buzzing street - you’ll find up and coming artists’ work at the Brick Lane Gallery, countless vintage stores to rummage through and pop ups and exhibitions to explore at the Old Truman Brewery. 

Luckily for you, you’re in one of the best neighborhoods in the city to enjoy a cocktail or two (or three). Shoreditch hosts a myriad of bars from subterranean cocktail dens to hidden speakeasies, whisky bars (one with an actual whisky river in the middle, honestly) to good old fashioned pubs. Craft beer lovers should set up camp in a booth at Brewdog, whilst cocktail aficionados should try unpretentious Happiness Forgets in Hoxton Square or Callooh Callay, which is where the local bartenders like to enjoy a tipple after their own cocktail crafting shift has come to an end.

From here, you’re ready to discover some of the best of London’s free museums. South Ken is known as the city’s museum quarter, unsurprising since you’ll find the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum sitting alongside one another on the same road. Peruse the permanent collections and marvel at the blue whale skeleton in the Natural History, discover wonders of geology, biology and evolution and then pop next door to the V&A to see beautiful art from all over the globe, historic artifacts and to be wowed by the building’s stunning architecture.

After lunch make your way to Hype Park, one of the city’s biggest Royal Parks for a dose of London’s parklife. If you’re lucky with the weather, take a jaunt on the Serpentine Boating Lake but if not, the Serpentine Galleries make for a perfect rainy day alternative. Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, either grab coffee and enjoy the park from the comfort of the grass at the Albert Memorial, or walk your way to Hyde Park Corner. Hop on the tube or meander along Piccadilly until you reach Green Park station, where you’ll take the Victoria Line south to Brixton to discover a completely different side of London.

Dinner can only mean feasting at Pop Brixton. This community initiative is a unique project which took a dis-used plot of land and a cluster of old shipping containers and turned them into a thriving space for local businesses to set up shop. Street food traders, bars, social enterprises, a tattoo parlor and even a community kitchen garden have all made their home here. With two narrow lanes packed with hole-in-the-wall style street food kitchens to choose from, the best thing to do is take your time, soak up the vibe and enjoy a few drinks as you nibble Japanese gyoza, jerk chicken and melting wheels of Raclette cheese straight from the Alps and Hong Kong style roast duck.