Tourists come from all around the world to experience the City of London—and for good reason. Here, there is history around every corner, delightful restaurants, markets, and bars, and even nightlife that will blow your socks off if you know where to find it.
City of London attractions are there for everyone to enjoy, too. You can find free destinations to visit, paid experiences, and any number of seasonal activities over the course of the year. Festivals, markets, shows—every season brings in new excitement and possibilities for tourists and locals alike.
Is it Worth Visiting the City of London for Only 48 Hours?
The City of London is home to some of the best historic locations, tourist attractions, and free adventures—and definitely worth visiting. Any 48 hours in London can be magical and memorable, as long as you plan ahead and know what to expect, whether it’s for an anniversary, a graduation weekend, or a business trip.
If you are visiting during the winter, Christmas markets, ice skating, festive West End shows, and illuminations are on the cards. If you visit in the summer, river walks, rooftop bars, and festivals are fun options to consider.
What Are Some Important Tips to Remember When Visiting the City of London?
Top tips when visiting the City of London include booking tickets in advance (and therefore doing research on what is on when you are visiting—this changes throughout the year!), planning for bad weather, and keeping your budget in mind. While there are plenty of things to do in London on a budget, it helps to make a plan ahead of time to help you stick to it, because London can get expensive very quickly.
A City of London itinerary should include a City walking tour, a few stops at some incredible restaurants, visiting different districts, and soaking in the history of the city. What you want to focus on depends on you—but we have some suggestions.
How Do You Spend Day One in the City of London?
Day one of your City of London trip, you can head to a nearby brunch spot for coffee and some delicious food, and head to some of the free museums and galleries in the area. Depending on the weather, you may want to save a trip to the park for another day—or, you can brave it with your trusty umbrella.
Here’s what you could get up to on your first day in the City of London:
- Find a great brunch or coffee spot near your accommodation
- Head to a free museum or gallery to start your day
- Visit a nearby historical spot (and join a tour if you can—remember to get tickets if needed!)
- Weather permitting, explore one of the beautiful parks around the city (or visit the Barbican Centre)
- Enjoy a quality meal at one of the restaurants we recommend
- Have a peaceful night’s sleep in one of our hotels
When to Do on the Second Day of Your City of London Trip
On day two of your trip, there will still be plenty to explore. Depending on how much you wish to spend, you can keep checking out the numerous free museums and galleries and explore parks, or you can book tickets for a variety of things.
We recommend enjoying one of the longer walks that the city has to offer if the weather permits, and spending time at some of the more iconic London sites in the morning before the crowds swarm in. Enjoy a brunch or dig into some street food at one of the nearby markets and indulge in some retail therapy before visiting more of the must-see locations we’ve listed below.
What Are the Best Places to Eat and Drink in the City of London?
If you are looking for the top spots to eat and drink in the City of London, you are definitely spoiled for choice. In this small area, you can find some of the top restaurants and bars for any occasion. Visit Duck & Waffle for a 24-hour experience, get cocktails at The Drift, enjoy the view from Sky Garden, big into quality steaks at Blacklock City, or head to SUSHISAMBA London for a high-end evening
For those who want to get their hands on some of London’s best street food, make sure to visit markets and food courts to try a selection. From Seven Dials Market to Leadenhall and Spitalfields just over the border, the City of London has a wonderful collection of flavours to try from all over the world.
Is It Easy to Explore the City of London on Foot?
Exploring the City of London on foot is incredibly easy. The actual City of London (also called the Square Mile) has an area of 1.12 square miles, making it easy to access and get around to where you need to be. From one end to the other, you could easily walk from place to place and soak in the history and sights without even breaking a sweat—just how we like it.
What Is Public Transport Like in the City of London?
Transport in the City of London is easy, accessible, and quick—perfect to help you get around the city in no time at all. Whether you want to hire a bicycle for a few hours to get somewhere, book a cab or Uber (including a boat Uber), catch a bus, or hop on a train to get from A to B, there are options for everyone, and you will not be limited.
We encourage you to stay up-to-date and use resources like TfL and the various apps available to book rides and hire transport where possible. If you are planning to travel by train, make sure that you have everything you need to make your trip smooth and easy.
What Are Must-See City of London Historic Sights?
Some of the must-see historic sites in the City of London (and the nearby surrounding area) include St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, the monument to the Great Fire of London, the Church of St. Bartholomew the Great, and so many more
Some historic sites every visitor should try to see when visiting London for 48 hours include:
- The Monument to the Great Fire of London
- Buckingham Palace
- Church of St. Bartholomew the Great
- Guildhall
- Middle Temple Hall
- London’s Roman Amphitheatre
- London Wall
- Cutler’s Hall
- Tower of London
Looking for Free Spots to Visit? London Has Plenty
The City of London is full of wonder and free locations to visit. From Trafalgar Square and Downing Street, to the collection of incredible museums, galleries, parks, and other historical locations, there is more than enough to keep you occupied for a 48-hour visit.
Some of the best free museums and galleries to visit across London include:
- The National Gallery
- British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Science Museum
- Tate Modern
- Guildhall Art Gallery
- The Wallace Collection
- The National Portrait Gallery
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and relax among the trees and grass for a moment, there are plenty of beautiful parks across London to visit, too. Some are further out than others, but are well worth experiencing if you find yourself with enough time. Stop by locations like Richmond Park or Crystal Palace Park, or relax for a moment in Battersea Park, the beautiful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, Regent’s Park, or Hyde Park — sometimes, you just need a breather.
For anyone who is happy to get a glimpse of something incredible for free, but isn’t ready to get tickets to the full experience, locations like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Westminster Abbey are great locations for a quick stop off.
Make sure to see the following locations for free, or get tickets for a full experience the next time you are in London:
- Tower Bridge
- Big Ben
- The London Eye
- Houses of Parliament/Palace of Westminster
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Westminster Abbey
Stay With Crown Group of Hotels to Make the Most of your Short Trip to the City of London
If you want to make the most out of your short trip to the city, you need to be where the action is. Accessibility is key, and thanks to our hotels dotted across the City of London, you can easily explore the wider area from the moment you step foot outside our doors. Whether you want to enjoy a quick walk to your location, or use public transport, our hotels are perfectly situated for adventure.
Make the most of your 48 hours in the City of London with Crown Group of Hotels — perfectly located for sightseeing, dining and effortless travel around historic and modern attractions. Book your stay today and enjoy exclusive local tips, travel support and direct access to the best of London.
Stay at Great St. Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel Hotel Cavendish, Arran House Hotel or Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, , and the City of London will be right on your doorstep, ready to be experienced. Before booking, please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
