Here’s the Best Way to See London In 48 Hours
Traveling is one of my biggest passions–there's no better way to expand your mind, free your soul and inspire your thoughts and creativity.
I recently got to go on the opportunity of a lifetime, a trip across the pond to one of my fave cities in the world, London, England.
Burberry–the iconic British designer brand known for their trench coats and plaid prints–flew me out to London to get an up-close look at their newest Spring 2017 runway show along with a makeup tutorial from the lead makeup artist from the runway. We were only there for 48 hours, which is very short considering the flight alone is about 10 hours each way from Los Angeles, California, so I knew I had to make the most out of my time there.
As a seasoned traveler and a bit of a Anglophile, I compiled my hit list of all the best things to see, do and eat in London in two days!
DAY 1:
We landed in London around 10 a.m. (which was 1 a.m. L.A. time.) Make sure you check the time it is in London when you take off, and try and adapt to that time on the plane and sleep when it's nighttime in London so you can feel as fresh as possible when you get there. Make sure to keep a change of clothes for your first day of exploration in your carry-on bag because chances are your room won't be ready. And TBH, London is so cute you'll want to change and have a fresh outfit on for pictures.
First stop? Camden Market! Camden Market, also known as Camden Lock, is an eclectic crafts store that has a gritty, punk feel that is so inherently British. This particular market has been around since the beginning of the 20th century, and it's a great place to pick up souvenirs for your friends and fam. I like going here first to get the shopping out of the way while you're still adjusting to the time. They also have a pretty awesome international food court if you need a snack! Personally, I like going into all of the funky vintage stores here—they have some great, affordable finds.
All that walking around is sure to work up an appetite. Head over to ever-so-quaint Notting Hill for lunch. Trust, you will feel major Julia Roberts vibes the second you get there. My favorite spot,Granger and Co., has affordable and interesting cuisine that's perfect for a lengthy lunch to refuel your energy. If you're up to walk through another market, take a quick stroll through Portobello Market, where you can find antiques and fresh fruits. This street is so cute, so I highly recommend if you have the time!
Next: Time to see all those famous British landmarks! And no better way to see them than by foot on the Westminster Walk. This 45-minute loop takes you past all of London's most important royal and political tourist spots including Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, The Mall, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey…where Kate Middleton got married—major! I love seeing a city by foot so you can take your time and appreciate a city's architecture. Also, don't forget to take a picture in a red phone booth!
If you're able to pre-plan, definitely make a reservation for a ride around the London Eye at sunset at around 5 p.m. or so. The Westminster Walk will take you there! The London Eye is a gigantic ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, and gives you insane views of the entire city. The ferris wheel itself takes 30 minutes, but the line to get on can be crazy. Definitely worth it though!
Let's talk dinner. England is famous for their delicious Indian restaurants, which have been touted as some of the best in the world outside of India. Indian restaurants have populated England for centuries, and if you're a fan of spice and curry, you should most definitely hit up an Indian restaurant. My favorite is Dishoom. I'm salivating as I write this, so good!
Day 2:
Wake up early and get a head start on the day! Start by visiting St. Paul's Cathedral, which is magnificent. Then, head over to the Tower of London, which is Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress where the Crown Jewels are kept. If you're into jewels, pop in and take a look. After, walk across the Tower Bridge to get to the other side of the bank where you will get to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. If museums are your thing, then definitely check out the Tate.
For a quintessential fish and chips lunch, head to the Punch Bowl in Mayfair, one of the fanciest neighborhoods in England, for a delicious meal in a quaint, posh pub. And stop and look around at the insanely expensive homes. At this point, you'll be near Hyde Park, so definitely check that out even if just for a second.
If shopping is your thing (like it is mine), grab a quick cab and head to Harrods, one of the world's most iconic and expensive department stores. Peruse the store and don't forget to check out the insane desserts—perhaps even sit down for high tea.
I saved the best for last. For dinner, make sure you check out Sketch London. Famous on Instagram for its out-of-this-world egg bathrooms and pink dining hall, it's worth a look, if only for a picture. But I highly suggest making a reservation and winding down here after a marvelous 48 hours in Londontown!
Still craving more? Click HERE to find out if you're an American Anglophile.