Your guide to London / Things to do if you only have 24/48 hours in London
Things to do if you only have 24/48 hours in London
You could easily fill a lengthy trip to London with entertaining attractions and delicious dining and never run out of things to do. If you are short on time, you can plan your trip around the best destinations in the city. Whether you spend your day trying London's best food or relaxing at a spa, there are many things you can do if you only have 24–48 hours in London.
Explore the Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, South Kensington
The Natural History Museum is a great place to start your short trip to London. This free museum has four separate zones with entertaining exhibits that are perfect for the whole family. Explore dinosaurs, animals, treasures, volcanoes and earthquakes, all while expanding your knowledge of the planet and encouraging the curiosity of your children. Don't forget to check out the gift shop to buy a memorable souvenir.
Take the Original Guided Tour
The Original London Visitor Centre
London has many attractions that are worth visiting, and you could easily spend hours in just one of the historical museums. If time is tight, the Original Tour is a great way to see more of the city at a faster speed. This open-air London double-decker bus tour takes you to some of the best attractions in the city, including central London, shopping districts and iconic museums.
You can purchase a 24-hour or a 48-hour ticket and hop on and off the bus as you please. Also, when you buy a ticket for the tour bus, you get three walking tours and a free Thames river cruise ticket as a bonus.
Go Shopping at Covent Garden
You can't miss the upscale and fashionable shopping in London. Covent Garden is located in London's West End and has some of the best shopping and dining around. Spend the morning exploring shops like Mulberry and Bucherer as you follow the cobbled piazza walkway. Grab a bite to eat at one of the patio eateries, or stop and enjoy a street performance show.
Cruise the Thames River
Gate One: The London Eye Millenium Pier
You have already explored London on foot, the next thing to do is to explore it by riverboat. The Thames River is the second-longest river in the UK and includes over 80 islands. It also offers a different view of the city and some of the city's best attractions including the Tower of London, the Canary Wharf and Big Ben.
Many of the Thames River cruises also allow you to hop off and back on with a 24-hour pass if you want to explore some of the attractions in-depth. If you are looking for an adrenaline-producing experience, try the Thames Rockets. The comedic guide will show you the best of London with a 630-horsepower twin-turbo engine rocket boat, promising you an experience you will not soon forget.
Get Afternoon Tea at Palm Court in the Kimpton Fitzroy
You haven't experienced London until you've had afternoon tea. Tea Time at the beautiful Kimpton Fitzroy is a great choice. With an extravagant glass ceiling and a comfortable, modern-designed dining room, afternoon tea is sure to be a memorable experience. Try one of the vegetarian or vegan-friendly teas or choose a herb-infused cocktail. The menu also offers sandwiches, sweets and scones.
Take a Break at Cowshed
Before your day in London transitions to an evening full of the best nightlife, you will want to take a break. Cowshed is a great choice with a complete spa experience. They offer facials, CBD treatments, body massages and foot massages for your aching feet. You will find five locations around London so you can squeeze in a quick massage wherever you are.
Many of the spas also encourage you to indulge in sweets including hot chocolate and coffee while their specialists pamper you. The spa also sells lotions, oils and other spa treatments so you can extend your relaxation, even when you are back at home.
Grab a Drink at Hotel Indigo Leicester Square Rooftop Bar
Whether you're staying in the hotel or just in the area, you can take in the view of London while you enjoy a drink at the Indigo Rooftop Bar. The rooftop bar offers stunning views of Soho from the ninth floor of the hotel. Their cocktail list features a drink called "Nothing Rhymes with Purple" that includes ingredients such as beetroot, chili, vodka and lime.
Take in a Show in London's West End
London's West End has an abundance of performance venues in the area. There are over 40 venues, each playing unique and entertaining shows nightly. Whether you enjoy history, music, drama, circus entertainment or traditional Shakespeare, you are sure to find a show you will enjoy in this London location.Enjoy a delectable pre-theatre dining experience at the Hotel Indigo Paddington in the London Street Brasserie. This modern British restaurant serves a menu designed with fresh and local ingredients and has won numerous awards. Try the Mediterranean king prawns or the roasted heritage beetroot. Complete your meal with a cup of tea or crème brûlée.
End the Night at The London Cabaret Club
Victoria House in Bloomsbury Square
The London Cabaret Club is the perfect way to end your 48-hour trip to London. This high-end experience will take you through a history of British pop with three different acts leading you from the 1960s to the 2000s. You can enjoy music from The Beatles, Duran Duran and Adele with dancers in glittery outfits performing memorable choreographed routines. Pair your cabaret experience with a VIP five-course gourmet menu and a half bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne.
Get a Good Night of Sleep at London's Best Hotels
After your brief tour of London, you are going to be tired. Make sure you finish off the night at one of the best and most accommodating London hotels.
Whether you have 24 or 48 hours in London, you can fill it with the best attractions and experiences that the city has to offer. From a traditional tea experience to a historical pub tour, you can fill an entire day with activities.