What to do in London in one weekend

Day 1: Touring London's must-sees on a sightseeing bus

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

Begin your tour of London with the Buckingham Palace, an iconic symbol of the British monarchy. Witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, an impressive ritual where the soldiers hand over their duties in a perfectly choreographed display, accompanied by a military band. After this unique experience, wander round St James's Park, a green haven ideal for snapping photos and enjoying a peaceful moment in the heart of the city.

For an easy way to get to Buckingham Palace, climb on board one of our hop-on hop-off buses and get off at stop 19: Buckingham Palace on the blue line. You can then hop back on the bus to get to the next stops on your itinerary for the day.

Lunch in Covent Garden

For lunch, head to Covent Garden, famous for its traditional cafés, gourmet restaurants, artisan shops and street performers. This vibrant area is perfect for soaking up an authentic London atmosphere.

Get there easily by hopping off at stop 39: Wyndham's Theatre on the green line.

Afternoon: British Museum, National Gallery and Trafalgar Square

Soak up some culture with a visit to the British Museum or the National Gallery, two free London museums housing impressive collections, ranging from ancient Egypt to European masterpieces. While you're at it, don't miss Trafalgar Square, one of the most iconic squares in London, overlooked by Nelson's Column and featuring fountains, statues and public events.

You can visit these places by hopping off at stop 46: Wyndham's Theatre on the green line.

Evening: dinner and a show

End your first day with dinner in a traditional London pub. To find the best one, take a look at our article The Oldest Pubs in London and discover historic establishments that deliver on both food and atmosphere. For a quintessential and memorable London experience, book tickets to a musical for afterwards and get lost in the magic of the theatre.

Day 2: Quirky areas and local experiences

Morning: Borough Market, Camden Market and Shoreditch

Start your day by exploring some of the city's markets, real London institutions. Borough Market, located near London Bridge, is a historic market where you can taste fresh produce, local specialities and international dishes while enjoying a friendly atmosphere.

For something more alternative, head to Camden Market, famous for its unique shops and street food stands. Then, explore Shoreditch, a creative area known for its street art, unique cafés and independent shops. A stroll along its streets will show you a modern and artistic side of London.

To visit Borough Market, hop off at stop 34: London Bridge on the yellow line.

Lunch in a local café

After roaming the markets, take some time out for lunch in a local café or small restaurant. Enjoy British classics like fish and chips, a gourmet burger or traditional cakes. The perfect way to satisfy your taste buds and refuel for the afternoon.

Afternoon: Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Next, make your way to the Tower of London, the historic castle where the famous Crown Jewels are kept. Discover the fascinating history of the English monarchs, their famous prisoners and the royal guards known as Beefeaters. Then, cross Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London, and admire spectacular views of the Thames and the city from its walkways. To continue the experience, combine a London sightseeing bus tour with a cruise on the Thames and get a whole new view of the city from the water.

Evening: rooftops and nightlife

Finish off your weekend with a drink in a rooftop bar like the Sky Garden, with its garden in the sky and sweeping panorama, or The Shard, the city's highest skyscraper offering 360° views.

To get to the Sky Garden, get off at stop 34: London Bridge on the yellow line. For The Shard, hop off at stop 35: Tooley Street, on the same line.

To round off your evening, immerse yourself in the buzz of Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, two iconic areas packed with theatres, cinemas, restaurants and nightlife. A perfect taste of the capital's vibrant energy.

Even if you've only got two days, it's still possible to see the best spots in London: historical monuments, lively markets, free museums and rooftops with breathtaking views.

Make the most of your weekend and book your London hop-on hop-off bus ticket for a simple and memorable way to explore the city.