2-days Summer London Itinerary

Planning a trip to London and only have two days? Don’t worry – with the right itinerary you can explore the city’s highlights, enjoy local food, and soak in iconic views. This summer London itinerary for 2 days includes markets, Harry Potter filming locations, free viewpoints, beautiful parks, and plenty of pubs and restaurants to taste the real London.

Day 1 – Markets, Views & Sunset in Greenwich

Morning: Borough Market or Maltby Street Market

Start your day with food at Borough Market, London’s most famous street food market. Grab a coffee at Monmouth Coffee Company or a doughnut at Bread Ahead Bakery. If it’s the weekend, consider the smaller but trendier Maltby Street Market.

👉 Lunch tip nearby: Padella (fresh pasta, hugely popular – arrive early).

Late Morning: Leadenhall Market & Harry Potter Magic

Next, head to Leadenhall Market, a covered Victorian market where Harry Potter scenes were filmed. On weekdays, city workers gather here for coffee or a pint – stop at Lamb Tavern or Broker’s Wine Bar.

Midday: Free Views of London

Book a free ticket to Sky Garden, Horizon 22, or the Garden at 120. All offer spectacular skyline views.

• Darwin Brasserie (inside Sky Garden) → stylish lunch with a view.
• Coq d’Argent → chic rooftop French restaurant near Bank.

Afternoon: Parks to Relax

Spend the afternoon unwinding in one of London’s famous green spaces:

• Hyde Park → central and iconic
• St. James’s Park → royal gardens with pelicans
• Richmond Park → home to wild deer (further out, but worth it)

Grab a snack at Gail’s Bakery before your next stop.

Sunset: Greenwich or Hampstead Heath

For sunset, take the Uber Boat to Greenwich and walk up to Greenwich Observatory for sweeping city views. Alternatively, enjoy the sunset from Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill at Hampstead Heath.

Evening: Pub Like a Local

End your day with a pint. Some of the best options:

• The Grenadier → hidden, historic pub near Hyde Park
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese → one of London’s oldest pubs
• Or simply stay around Leadenhall Market on a weekday, where the atmosphere is lively with office workers spilling onto the streets.
  

Day 2 – Notting Hill, Canals & West End Dining

Morning: Notting Hill & Portobello Market

Start in Notting Hill with breakfast at Farm Girl Café or Granger & Co.. Then stroll along Portobello Road Market – it’s more touristic than it used to be, but still iconic. Stop by the Notting Hill Bookshop, inspired by the movie Notting Hill.

Late Morning: Little Venice to Camden Walk

Head to Little Venice, grab coffee at Café Laville, and follow the Regent’s Canal all the way to Camden Market. The walk takes about an hour and passes Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park.

At Camden Market, try KERB street food stalls – Only Jerkin’ (Caribbean fried chicken) or Baba G’s Biryani are local favorites.

Optional Stop: Regent’s Park or London Zoo

If you have time, take a short detour to Regent’s Park or visit London Zoo, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Afternoon: King’s Cross & British Library

From Camden, head to King’s Cross Station for a photo at Platform 9¾ (Harry Potter shop next door). Then visit the nearby British Library, home to treasures like the Magna Carta.

If you’re a museum lover, the British Museum is another must – entry is free, but plan to spend at least a few hours here.

Dinner: Chinatown, Soho, or Carnaby Street

For dinner, you have three great neighborhoods:

• Chinatown
  • Four Seasons (famous roast duck)
  • BaoziInn (colorful dim sum)
  • Wong Kei (budget classic)

• Soho
  • Dishoom Carnaby (Bombay-style Indian)
  • Kiln (modern Thai, Michelin Bib Gourmand)
• Kingly Court, Carnaby Street
  • Flat Iron (excellent steaks)
  • Pastaio (casual Italian)
  • Le Bab (gourmet kebabs)
    

Evening Drinks: End Your Trip in Style

Finish your 2 days in London with a drink:

• Bar Termini → intimate, Italian-style bar with amazing Negronis
• Swift → award-winning cocktails in Soho
• Or simply enjoy a pint in the buzzing pubs around Carnaby Street.

Final Tips for Spending 2 Days in London